Alabama's latest 5-star visit could finally end the one criticism of Nate Oats

Alabama fans have not had much to complain about under Nate Oats. In his seven years on the bench, Oats has taken the program to unprecedented heights. Four straight trips to the Sweet 16, two trips to the Elite Eight, and the 2024 Final Four, the first in program history.

Oats has consistently shattered the glass ceiling that has long hovered above this program.

If there has been one criticism of Oats, it has been that the Crimson Tide has rarely been able to recruit and land a dominant big man. That's partially by design because Oats' system is not conducive to a back-to-the-basket big, and most paint touches come from lob passes and offensive rebounds.

But Oats is clearly working to flip that narrative after Alabama has been consistently bullied on the interior in recent seasons. It was the biggest priority for the Crimson Tide in the Transfer Portal this offseason, and Alabama brought in three bigs: Brandon Garrison (Kentucky), Jamarion Davis-Fleming (Mississippi State), and Drew Fielder (Boise State).

Alabama recently landed a commitment from an 18-year-old Canadian 7-footer named TJ St. Louis, who is expected to join the roster immediately. Getting bigger has been a major point of emphasis for Oats.

Now, he's getting an early start on the 2028 class and a potentially game-changing addition.

5-star center Dylan Betts, who stands at 7-foot-3, has scheduled an upcoming visit to Tuscaloosa for this fall:

Alabama to host 5-star center Dylan Betts on an unofficial visit in October

Betts plays high school ball for IMG Academy and is originally from Englewood, Colorado. Alabama extended an offer to him a month ago. It was able to secure a coveted visit spot this fall as they look to position themselves at the forefront of his recruitment.

Betts is a consensus 5-star recruit and is ranked as the No. 13 overall player in the 2028 class, according to the 247 composite.

The obvious intrigue with Betts is in his size and physical ability. He moves well at 7-foot-3, showing good fluidity in his feet and the potential to be an elite-level rim protector. He also has a smooth left-handed jumper, one that you can easily believe will stretch out toward the three-point line to make him a threat from distance at the college level.

The one thing missing from Oats' player development resume has been a real center. The closest comparison was Noah Clowney, whom he turned into a one-and-done at Alabama and into a first-rounder, but he's more of a natural stretch four than a five.

Betts could change that overnight. There's obviously a long way to go before any 2028 prospect puts pen to paper, but it's just another signal that Oats has fully understood what has held the Crimson Tide back from being a legitimate national title contender and is working hard to fix it.

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