Kentucky Job opening up raises massive concerns for Alabama Basketball

Just over a day removed from losing in the Final Four, the Alabama Basketball program faces a new foe in the Kentucky Wildcats. Despite Kentucky deciding to hold onto John Calipari, the coach decided to take the Arkansas job which opened because of Eric Musselman's departure to USC. Nate Oats' name has been rumored in every massive job opening however, none have been as big as Kentucky.

The Wildcats will rule this coaching search like Alabama Football ruled its coaching search having the ability to lure any coach from any program. Nate Oats will certainly be at or near the top of the list for Kentucky, especially after a run to the final four.

Greg Bryne planned for this moment giving Nate Oats an insane $18 million buyout which would keep most schools away from hiring him, except Kentucky is the rare school that would easily pony up the money.

Losing Oats would be devastating for Alabama Basketball, especially as a program on the rise. The coach is 117-54 and 62-28 in the SEC with 15 losses coming in year one ten of which were in conference. Oats also has what could be his best recruiting class yet, with two McDonald's All-Americans and a third four-star recruit.

The next few days will be a massive test for Greg Byrne as Kentucky will inevitably come knocking for Oats. Whether it takes another pay raise, an increase in NIL spending, or finally building a new basketball arena, the program must do something to keep the best coach in program history in Tuscaloosa.

Make a statement Greg Byrne

This is the perfect time for Greg Byrne to make a statement not only to college athletics but, also to the boosters. Keeping Oats in Tuscaloosa would send the message that not only is Alabama a football school but a major power in every sport. Losing Oats would be a disaster as many of the nation's top coaches have come off the board making Oats the most important issue at hand.