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Was it year 2 maybe when Oats reassigned the staff during the season and he took over coaching the defense (or something like that?). But yes, at some point this is on him. Like it was with Saban when Tosh couldn't handle it on the football side. But this is shaping up (as of now anyway) to be a big ass learning experience for Oats this season, and I'd expect a big overhaul on and off the court after the season.
Think it was actually the Final Four year. Ryan Pannone was coaching the defense (which was odd, considering he had an offensive mind) and he switched it up. Austin Claunch moved to a defensive position.

It didn't help the defense much since Pringle was our 5 and Grant played out of position. But the offense was that good.

In Oats' second season, the team was having issues with guys just not buying in. Lost to WKU at home and lot of questions started speculating whether Oats could even get it done. It wasn't until the big run against TN on the road that it showed Alabama had something special. Primo, Ellis, Herb, Bruner (when he was healthy), and Petty all started playing fantastic on both ends. Then made the S16. Charlie Henry was the defensive coach, but Hodgson challenged that team just as much as he did. Great staff.
 
Think it was actually the Final Four year. Ryan Pannone was coaching the defense (which was odd, considering he had an offensive mind) and he switched it up. Austin Claunch moved to a defensive position.

It didn't help the defense much since Pringle was our 5 and Grant played out of position. But the offense was that good.

Yeah, I think that's right... for some reason it seems forever ago.
 
I think most of my frustration is that there have been plenty of other guards (Holloway, Philon, Mallette, and Wrightsell) who all have struggled defensively and had questionable shot selection.
Philon has the highest rating for defense out of those guys. Strangely enough, his defensive production drops and steps up depending on who he is on the court with at the time. I see the makings of a strong defense on the perimeter when Philon and Jeminson are in at the same time. Put him with Holloway and Mallette and he seems to disappear.

It leads me to think they need a little shuffle on lineups. But, I'm just a spectator, ya know?
 

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