From High School to the National Stage: Nate Oats’ Journey

Twelve years ago, Nate Oats was a high school basketball coach with a vision. Today, he’s one of the top names in college basketball, leading the Alabama Crimson Tide with a philosophy built on hard work, innovation, and smart training. His journey from humble beginnings to the national stage is nothing short of remarkable.

Building the Foundation at Romulus High School

At Romulus High in Michigan, Oats’ coaching career took a major step forward when he began fundraising to equip his program with six Shoot-A-Way “Guns”, giving his players every opportunity to maximize their time in the gym. But for Oats, The Gun was more than just a tool, it represented a philosophy of dedication and repetition. The countless early mornings and late nights spent in the gym helped push the Eagles to five Final Fours and ultimately a State Championship in 2013.

Oats’ journey is a testament to how hard work and the right tools can take a team to the top.

The Buffalo Era

In 2013, Nate Oats joined the University of Buffalo’s basketball program, first as an assistant and later as head coach. From day one, he brought a fresh approach that mixed relentless hard work with smart technology. Building on what worked in his high school coaching days, Oats upgraded Buffalo’s Shoot-A-Way Guns and made them a key part of the team’s shooting development strategy.

The results spoke for themselves. Under his leadership, the Bulls won three MAC Championships and made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. For Oats, the formula for winning was never just about talent—it was about refining that talent. It was about making The Gun an essential part of training and inspiring players to embrace both hard work and smart work every step of the way.

Transition to Alabama:

When Nate Oats took the helm at Alabama in 2019, he brought with him the lessons and philosophies that had served him well in the past. The emphasis on shooting remained, with Shoot-A-Way’s Basketball Shooting Machines once again playing a crucial role in the team’s training as Coach Oats immediately added multiple Basketball Shooting Guns to their program. Under Oats’ guidance, Alabama quickly became known for its dynamic offense and relentless shooting, traits that have made the team a formidable opponent and solidified Oats’ reputation as a coach who can develop elite talent. In just a few short years, Coach Oats and Alabama have secured 2 SEC Championships, and in 2024, they made the program’s first-ever trip to the Final Four, aiming to capitalize on the hard work that brought them this far.

 

The Impact of Shoot-A-Way:

Nate Oats’ coaching journey proves one thing: with the right tools, relentless work, and a focus on fundamentals, teams can achieve greatness. From high school to the collegiate level, the consistent use of Shoot-A-Way “The Gun has been central to his philosophy. It’s not just a machine, it’s a tool that helps create game-like shooting reps, tracks player progress with advanced analytics, and builds confident, skilled shooters in a competitive, supportive environment.

Oats’ approach underscores a simple truth: the best players aren’t always the most naturally gifted—they’re the ones who work the hardest. By instilling a culture of hard work and constant improvement, he’s helped individual players elevate their game while driving team success.

The Shoot-A-Way machines have been a cornerstone of that success, shaping players into elite shooters and reinforcing Oats’ belief that repetition and dedication win games. As he continues to build his legacy at Alabama, his story is a reminder that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about how you develop it and apply it every day on the court.

Click here to see all of Coach Nate Oats’ drills on The Gun at Alabama