WATCH: Footage from first Tide basketball practice, Nate Oats speaks to media

Tony Tsoukalas at BamaInsider has a nice report on Alabama’s first men’s basketball practice, and Coach Nate Oats’ comments to reporters afterward.

There are more details at the link above, but some key bullets:

• They are still awaiting word on Jahvon Quinerly’s waiver to play this season.
• James “Beetle” Bolden had offseason shoulder surgery and won’t be cleared to practice for a couple of weeks.
• Oats seems particularly high on true freshman Jaden Shackelford. He lauded the lefty marksman for being in “great shape” but did mention that he needs to focus on shot selection.
• Most interestingly, when asked about the absence of James Rojas, he mentioned various potential combinations but was careful to talk about his affinity for “going small.” Don’t be surprised to see Bolden, Kira Lewis Jr., John Petty, Herbert Jones, and Alex Reese all on the floor together at times. They will certainly sacrifice frontcourt defense in that instance, but there will be much running and gunning. I have a feeling we see quite a few scores in the 80s and 90s this season.

The video below is worth your time and includes some footage from practice.

Roll Tide.