Oats has been widely regarded as a top coach in all of college basketball throughout his time in Tuscaloosa. Oats will serve as the assistant to former Alabama and current Dayton head coach Anthony Grant on USA\u2019s junior national team, as Oats will more than likely play a crucial role in the teams\u2019 success.<\/p>\n
Oats recently took a moment to share his thoughts<\/a> on being named to the USA Basketball junior team\u2019s coaching staff and working alongside Grant prior to the Mississippi State game, as the Alabama head coach spoke about his excitement in taking on the new role.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m super excited to work with USA Basketball,” Oats said. \u201cTo get to work with USA Basketball, beyond blessed. Who would have thought of that 11-12 years ago when I was a high school coach?”<\/p>\n “Thankful that Anthony was able to let me be an assistant. I know Anthony a little bit. I\u2019m very interested to get to know him. Everybody I’ve talk to that knows him says he\u2019s one of the best human beings. He\u2019s done an unbelievable job at Dayton.\u201d<\/p>\n Grant served as the Crimson Tide<\/a>\u2019s head coach for six seasons from 2009-15. Both Grant and Oats could quickly begin to thrive on the same coaching staff, as each head coach will have a plethora of talent to work with on USA Basketball\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Oats is expected to join Grant as the assistant coach on the USA Basketball junior team\u2019s coaching staff this summer, as the Alabama head coach continues to make a name for himself outside of the college basketball world.<\/p>\n Contact\/Follow us\u00a0@RollTideWire<\/a>\u00a0on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of\u00a0Alabama<\/a>\u00a0news, notes and opinion.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772214500_686_77923186007-15-101347.jpeg\")