Since the program was first announced last year, Crimson Tide Coach Nate Oats has been creating a practice and training facility for Alabama basketball.
Oats traditionally said to the next round in the region: “They got me involved a lot in the whole thing.”
Architects and construction workers may hope this is not the case after Oats returned from Boston last summer. After being with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula for less than a week, Oats returned to Tuscaloosa, where he hid some new ideas in his suitcase.
Oatmeal said, “I’m back and blowing up the plan.”
Oatmeal said: "Literally, we've reached the end and I'm like I'm not, we're doing something different."
The newsletter has been with UA track and field director Greg Byrne and President Stuart Bell, who agreed to the Oats’ request.
"I think it's going to be a unique facility. The people who designed it said they put these ideas to people and they didn't really buy EMs," Oatmeal said.
Nate Oats talks about a blueprint of Alabama basketball training and practice facilities
"It will be very integrated," Oatmeal explained. "It will be much easier to build a relationship with the player, and I think it's very important in the zero-day transfer portal."
Oatmeal says there will be no player lounge or staff lounge, but "a big shared space."
The Oat Office is currently at the Coleman Coliseum, and he is on the other end of the practice of the player, so he struggles to know when to shoot when to shoot, or who can have a quick conversation before a volunteer workout.
Oatmeal explained that his office neighbors on the practice floor offer three more for the crimson tidal assistants, all standing across from the weight room that will connect to the training room.
Oats laid blueprints of the facilities with his hands, indicating that his office will be closest to the stairs, which will lead to the second floor, which will host a common area for support staff and everyone involved in the program.
How much has the yard of oats added so excited?
Oats are one of the latest members to approve the facility when Oats lifted up the yard, noting that he has one at home and often finds himself keen to work outside.
In February, when the Alabama System Board voted in favor of the facility to include a separate courtyard for men and women’s teams, the program’s budget increased by $500,000, which will serve as a public area for players and enrollment recruits. Two months later, the trustees voted to cut $115,000 from the budget previously allocated to “beautify the environment.”
"I hate being locked in the office," Oatmeal said.
A rule for oats? “No bird wash.”
When will Alabama basketball move into a new home?
According to Oatmeal, the facility is expected to be completed “next summer.” According to this estimate, everything should be said and done by May 2026.
Byrne told Tuscaloosa News in December that the facility will provide "the latest technology", adding that Alabama's "first step" is undergoing a Coleman renovation starting with the practice facility.
Oatmeal said, "I'm very excited. I can't wait."
Nate Oats Talk about the status of Alabama basketball roster
Nate Oats said Alabama basketball is currently the roster for the summer.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and crimson tidal track and field for Tuscaloosa News. Her can be contacted by email esmarr@gannett.com.