Welcome to the weekend, SEC fans! Before we get to a loaded SEC basketball slate later today, let’s take a look back at some of the biggest headlines from across the conference Friday.
Texas and Oklahoma unlikely to join SEC in 2024
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, it is unlikely that Texas and Oklahoma will join the SEC in 2024, and will instead officially become part of the conference in 2025. According to Thamel, negotiation talks reportedly stalled between the two schools, the Big 12, and a pair of networks, ESPN and FOX.
Alabama extends head coach Nate Oats
Alabama announced Friday afternoon that head coach Nate Oats has been extended through the 2028-29 season.
𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑻 𝑬𝑿𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑫𝑬𝑫 🖊️
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) February 3, 2023
Alabama and Nate Oats have agreed to a contract extension, keeping him in charge of the Crimson Tide basketball program through 2029!#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/jdGAoGjQOl
Since taking over in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide own a combined 80-39 record under Oats, and have made two NCAA Tournament appearances on top of winning the 2020-21 SEC title. Alabama is also ranked No. 4 nationally so far this season, sitting at 19-3 overall, as well as 9-0 in the SEC.
4-star PG Labaron Philon commits to Auburn
Only days after landing a commitment from five-star point guard Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn has added another big name to their 2024 class in Labaron Philon. Philon, a four-star point guard, is considered as Alabama’s top prospect in the 2024 class where he attends Baker High School, and is currently averaging 36.3 PPG as a junior.
4-star QB Walker White commits to Auburn
Auburn landed a commitment Friday from Walker White, a four-star quarterback out of Little Rock Christian Academy in Arkansas. White, who announced his commitment to the Tigers over Baylor and Clemson, is rated as Arkansas’ top player in the 2024 class.
Alabama reportedly hiring Notre Dame OC Tommy Rees
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Alabama is reportedly hiring Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees for the same position. Rees has been the offensive coordinator at Notre Dame since 2020, with the Fighting Irish offense ranking No. 42 nationally this past season with 31.8 PPG.