Nate Oats Compares 'Spoiled' Kentucky Basketball Fans to Alabama Football Fans
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — During his Friday press conference, Alabama Crimson Tide basketball coach Nate Oats was asked if this year's Kentucky team was different than what he's used to seeing.
His answer didn't disappoint.
The No. 7 Crimson Tide will take on the Wildcats at Noon CT on Saturday (ESPN). While Alabama has gotten off to a solid 12-2 start including a 2-0 record in SEC play, Kentucky fans have been slightly concerned with the Wildcats' 8-4 start. In the latest polls, Kentucky fell out of both the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll on Monday after losing in lopsided fashion at Missouri.
Kentucky is still one of the best teams in the country, regardless of rank. However, the drop from the rankings has had an impact on Wildcats fans — many of whom are even calling for head coach John Calipari to be released from his lifetime contract.
When asked about the disappointed Kentucky fan base, Oats said that high expectations are to be expected.
"It's part of being Kentucky, I think," Oats said. "If they're not No. 1 in the country, I think the fans get a little restless. [...] I think they were upset that they didn't have enough shooting before and now they're leading the SEC in 3-point percentage."
Oats then equated Kentucky basketball fans to Alabama football fans, stating that both teams' success year-in and year-out has led to high expectations.
"They're spoiled," Oats said. "It's probably like Alabama football fans, to be honest with you. Like, we're not in the College Football Playoffs and everybody's upset and acts like this is a bad year. Shoot, I don't know what the final football polls were but after I watched those two games previous it looked like we might be in the top three or four teams in the country still and people are upset around here.
"Well, if Kentucky's not in the top three or four, people are probably pretty upset there. They're a really good team, though."
Alabama football finished the final CFP ranking at No. 5 and was selected to participate in the Sugar Bowl. Last Saturday, the Crimson Tide won its bowl over Kansas State 45-20. With both No. 1 Georgia struggling against Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan losing to No. 3 TCU, the question of whether or not Alabama was indeed a top-four team has gained traction.
Regardless, the Crimson Tide missed the playoff and led to disappointment for many fans. With Kentucky not playing up to the level that Big Blue Nation is used to, Oats believes that the two fan bases might have more in common that one might think.
See Also:
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