Alabama men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats will be part of the coaching staff for the 2026 USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team, serving as an assistant coach.

Alabama men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats has earned another prestigious national honor, as he has been named to the coaching staff for the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team ahead of the 2026 international cycle. Oats will serve as an assistant coach, joining an elite group of basketball minds tasked with developing the next generation of American stars on the global stage.

The appointment is a significant recognition of Oats’ growing reputation beyond college basketball. Known for his modern offensive philosophy, analytical approach, and relentless tempo, Oats has transformed the Alabama Crimson Tide into a national powerhouse. His ability to adapt, teach, and maximize player strengths made him a natural fit for a USA Basketball program focused on both winning and long-term development.

For USA Basketball, Oats brings invaluable experience working with young, high-ceiling talent. The U18 level is often the first exposure elite prospects have to international competition, where spacing, physicality, and tactical discipline differ sharply from the American game. Oats’ emphasis on pace, decision-making, and defensive versatility aligns perfectly with the demands of FIBA-style play.

From Alabama’s perspective, the move further elevates the program’s national profile. Having its head coach represented on a USA Basketball staff reinforces the Crimson Tide’s standing as a destination for elite recruits. It also strengthens Alabama’s ties to the national basketball pipeline, giving the program increased visibility among top prospects and influential decision-makers.

Oats’ presence on the U18 staff is also expected to be a learning opportunity in both directions. While he will help shape young national team players, he will also gain firsthand insight into the next wave of elite talent and international trends—knowledge that can translate directly back to Tuscaloosa. That cross-pollination has long been a hallmark of successful college coaches with USA Basketball experience.

As the 2026 cycle approaches, Nate Oats’ role with the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team underscores how far his coaching stock has risen. Once again, Alabama finds itself represented on the sport’s biggest developmental stage, with Oats continuing to build a résumé that now spans conference dominance, national relevance, and international trust.