re: Tide Hoops | Offseason

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Alabama’s growing track record has it in the mix for Fland
It’s no secret that the new era of Alabama basketball under Oats can get players to the next level. Six former Crimson Tide players have been selected in the NBA Draft under the HC, including guards JD Davison, Josh Primo and Kira Lewis Jr.

“I think it fits him a lot,” Fland’s father, Johnuel, told BamaOnLine. “As a player, you want to be able to play free and not stand there. Alabama gives their players — especially guards — freedom to play their game, but also play smart. Boogie adapts to any type of environment, but where he stands out is playing free.”

The OV in September was Fland’s first time in Tuscaloosa. While Alabama may not have as rich of a basketball heritage as Indiana or Kentucky, there’s no denying the positive trajectory that Oats has the Tide on entering his fifth season as head coach.

“Overall, it was a great visit. We had a good time,” Johnuel Fland said. “I like the fact that Nate Oats is very analytical. He looks at all the numbers and percentages. Tries to make sure his players are efficient, but also knows how they’re doing on the court with their stress levels, workouts, shooting percentage, etc…

“He broke down things for Boogie in a way I’ve never seen another school do it. They broke down pieces of EYBL games and knew that he did not do one pump fake throughout all the sessions. That, to me, shows they pay attention.”

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