WATCH: Nick Saban, Herb Jones take in Alabama's home game against Georgia
Coleman Coliseum got to take in the No. 1 team in the country on Saturday. Alabama was playing host to the Georgia Bulldogs and is currently en route to another blowout win against an SEC opponent. Head coach Nate Oats had his team ready to play following a loss to Tennessee.
A few special guests were in attendance, with Nick Saban making an appearance. He was accompanied by his wife Terry for their second basketball game of the season. A noted supporter of the program, there might not have been a bigger name in the crowd.
The great Herb Jones made his way back to Tuscaloosa as well. Currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, the NBA is paused at the moment for the All-Star break. No better way to spend some time off than coming home to catch a game with Mom.
The accolades of Saban while at Alabama are well documented. No matter how good of a roll Oats has his own program on, when Saban is in the building, eyes will be on the football head coach.
As for Jones, he is part of what was considered one of Alabama’s all-time teams. A winner of an SEC regular season and tournament championship, Jones led the Crimson Tide to a Sweet Sixteen in 2020-2021.
Nate Oats explains how Nick Saban helps basketball program out
When football and basketball programs are rolling at the same time, energy can be fed off each other. Saban seemingly is a huge fan of the work Oats has done, even if it’s from afar. After all, there might not be a bigger celebrity in the state.
“Coach Saban is a big basketball fan,” Oats said. “He doesn’t get to come to too many games. I think he’s made the point if he actually physically shows up, he can’t watch the game very much. Has to take too many pictures and sign too many autographs.
“He was able to make one earlier this year and make some in the past. He tells me he watches every game, he’s a big basketball fan.”
Saban takes things even one step further, giving out an assist in the recruiting game. Oats will bring prospects to Bryant Denny Stadium and have them meet with Saban. The best recruiter in college football does well with basketball too apparently.
“He’s great with our recruits,” Oats said. “Kind of just talks about winning and what it takes to be special and how he coaches his guys. He’s really great with the recruits.”