Mark Pope learned the hard way just how dangerous Alabama can be under Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide combining for 297 points for an average of 99 points per contest in three wins against the Wildcats in his first season coaching in Lexington. It was quite the combination of outcomes, too, starting with a shootout, followed by a double-digit comeback, then the blowout of all blowouts in the SEC Tournament — none favoring the blue and white.
It led to a roster rebuild featuring Pope stealing away one of the players who beat him three times with the Tide, along with some others to prioritize toughness, physicality and depth.