Charles Barkley jokes that praise of Nate Oats 'doesn't count' in Alabama-Auburn rivalry

Thanks to a unique broadcasting combination, Indiana and Kentucky fans had the opportunity to get some special insight into the sport. Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale teamed up on the call, previewing a broadcast booth that will call one of this year’s First Four matchups for CBS and TNT.

As only they can do, the two dished on the sport during the call. At times, the commentary proved more interesting than the game itself.

Like one segment when they began talking about Alabama. Charles Barkley, a very famous Auburn alumnus, opened up.

“Coach (Nate) Oats does a great job,” Barkley said. “Trust me, I hate giving Alabama any compliment. But coach Oats does a fantastic job.”

Without missing a beat, Vitale chimed in. He knew that statement would be mighty unpopular in certain corners.

“The people don’t want to hear you praising Alabama, Charles,” Vitale said. Barkley would retort quickly.

“I know,” he said. “I guess it doesn’t count in basketball though.”

The praise for Oats from Charles Barkley is certainly deserved, though. In six seasons (including a COVID-19 shortened one) in Tuscaloosa, Oats has reached the NCAA Tournament all five times possible.

He reached the Final Four in 2023-24 for the first time in program history. He also reached the Elite Eight last season, while making the Sweet 16 in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

Bottom line: He’s been remarkably successful. And others have come calling. Oats hasn’t budged, likely much to the chagrin of Charles Barkley.

Nate Oats on entertaining an NBA job offer

That said, Nate Oats wouldn’t rule out coaching in the NBA one day. The Alabama basketball coach hasn’t been approached, and likely isn’t looking to move anytime soon, but the allure of the pros is something he’d consider down the line.

“Yeah, maybe, if the opportunity came up,” Oats said on Inside College Basketball Now. “It’s not like I’ve turned down an NBA job. They’ve never been offered to me. So I don’t want to act like, I’m not Dan Hurley. I didn’t get an NBA offer. I got a win at a higher level here, but the travel in the NBA, I don’t know if that’s conducive to raising my kids at the age they’re at right now. So I love it here.”

Oats conceded the thrill of competition would attract him to the NBA. Being able to coach the best players in the world on the biggest stage around the globe is tantalizing, should you get there.

But so is coaching in the SEC right now. It’s a unique challenge, Oats said.

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this report.