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NASHVILLE, Tennessee — The Alabama basketball team has answered some tough questions this season, including a 15-point away comeback against Houston and a tough four-overtime win against North Carolina.
But Tuesday night had an entirely different kind of challenge.
Forward Darius Miles was arrested Sunday afternoon and charged with murder after victim Jamea Jonay Harris died early Sunday morning. Miles was quickly dropped as a member of the Alabama men’s basketball team.
Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oates has admitted that his team is in a healing process following the news.
“There were a lot of hugs last night,” Oates told media on Monday. We are utilizing them through our sports medicine against.”
Alabama was rolling around the court going into Tuesday’s game against Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide have won six in a row and double-digit wins. But suddenly it felt like the momentum had stopped. Because I felt basketball wasn’t important.
“There weren’t a lot of pre-game emotions,” Oates said after the game. “The players thought they were stuck and ready. It was like, ‘Let’s use basketball as a little release,’ if that makes sense.”
Alabama’s play reflected an assessment of Oates’ mental state before the game.
The Crimson Tide won 78-66 and was headlined by freshman star Brandon Miller, who scored 30 points in the match.
After leading by 10 at halftime, Alabama also led by 20 in the second half. There have been times when Vanderbilt has attempted a comeback, but each time Crimson’s Tide has responded and found a way to keep the Admiral within arm’s reach.
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When the clock struck zero three times and Alabama left the court with a 12-point victory, things looked very different in the locker room.
“I saw some people get injured after the game,” Oates said. “I think they were packing something. […] It’s almost like a huge relief. The game is over and you can breathe a sigh of relief. “
While the team’s performance in the game and response to the events of the week are admirable, Oates understands that the healing process doesn’t happen overnight.
“I think the players still need time. They’re going to need a lot of time,” Oates said. “Everyone has used resources with schools and counselors. I think more people will see counselors tomorrow. It’s a difficult situation for them to go through.”
If there’s one thing that’s certain about the 2022-23 Alabama basketball team, it’s that it’s packed with mentally tough players.
“We have a mentally tough group. They’re young, but they’re pretty mentally tough,” Oates said. . […] I thought that he was showing mental strength even though he was a freshman. They take things seriously and study the game. I think that shows. “
Even after unprecedented and unparalleled stones were thrown at this team, the players once again answered what could have been the toughest challenge yet.
However, I will not give up on the challenge. Next, Alabama travels to Columbia to face Missouri at her arena. This is where the Crimson Tide have yet to win since Oates took over in 2019.
“They’ve been through a lot emotionally, mentally, and psychologically,” Oates said.
Tip-off between No. 4 Alabama and Missouri is set for Saturday at 5:00 p.m. CT and will air on the SEC network.
See also
Miller, No. 4 Alabama beat Ugly at Vanderbilt
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