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Nate Oats fires back at Auburn fans chiding Aden Holloway, Charles Bediako: 'They were quiet when we left'

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh02/08/26griffin_mcveigh

Under normal circumstances, Aden Holloway would be public enemy No. 1 inside Neville Arena. Folks in Auburn do not forget Holloway leaving the program and going across the state. But when Alabama rolled into town on Saturday, most of the attention was placed on Charles Bediako. His ongoing court case to gain eligibility has taken college basketball by storm.

When asked about the situation during his postgame press conference, Alabama head coach Nate Oats noted how Auburn fans were “quiet” following the game. Of course, the Crimson Tide emerged victorious. Both Holloway and Bediako played huge roles in the result despite hearing it all night from the fans.

“Charles took a little bit off him today,” Oats said of Holloway. “So, good teammates. I think he’s fine, I’ve talked to him the night before both of these games here. He’s not bothered by it, he knew it was coming. That’s what they do. But they were pretty quiet when we left today. Best way to quiet them is to win on the scoreboard. So, hey were quiet last year, they were quiet this year. He’s 2-0 coming back here. So, pretty good record for him coming back into Neville.”

Holloway played 31 minutes for Alabama, putting together an important 15-point performance. Six of those stand out more than others, with four being in one possession. A three-point shot from the corner went in after being fouled, extending an Alabama lead at the time. Not too long after, Holloway made a circus floater with his weaker left hand for a tough too. Certainly moments he will remember inside his old arena for a long time.

Bediako produced as well, recording 12 points and three rebounds off the bench. Auburn head coach Steven Pearl did not lie in his own postgame press conference, saying Bediako’s impact for Alabama is massive.

“He played great,” Pearl said. “He makes that team better. With him, their ceiling is a hell of a lot higher than without him.”

One more game between Alabama and Auburn remains on the schedule, at least for now. Holloway (and Bediako, if he is still eligible) will have a nicer crowd waiting for them, though. Tuscaloosa and Coleman Coliseum will host on March 7, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. Oats will have to believe a similar type of performance would mean Alabama could wind up sweeping the season series.