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Message: [QUOTE="Scrutineer, post: 4943225, member: 8240"] Not sure why you singled me out for a comment on Oates when NJ Hoops would surely have the insights you're after. All I can offer is observations and intuition. For example, Oates appears to be recruiting well but may be grabbing the shiny objects and not necessarily the mix of players you need to win. Dan Hurley seems to be better at roster construction and player development. Can't comment on his coaching staff construction but it would be hard to beat what Dan Hurley has done. Finally, culture. We know Dan Hurley has built an unbelievable culture. He brings in players that work hard, are team players and care about each other, the team and the team's goals. That's rare and a couple things happened during the post game interview of Sears and Oates last night that raise questions. While talking with Sears the interviewer praised the barrage of three's Sears made to put the game out of reach and followed up, when Oates joined them, by asking Oates what he thought of Sears' shooting. Oates seemed taken aback and groped for a response, finally saying something along the lines of "he" struggled earlier but shot well in the second half". Hardly a ringing endorsement and curious to say the least. And Oates didn't say Mark, he said "he". Then there was the awkward hug Oates gave Sears. Sort of like you'd give your uncle you see once a year. No way close to the level of comfort you see in all the interactions between Dan Hurley and his players. There's no way to know how much the Alabama players respect their coaches nor how much the coaches really care about the players but I would bet Dan Hurley cares more about his players and will do more to advance them in their careers and they know it and will run through brick walls for him. Oates? All I have is conjecture based on the awkward interaction between Coach and Point Guard. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach