Charles Barkley is upset with the Alabama Crimson Tide coach’s indifferent treatment of Grant N. during March Madness 2025.

March Madness is a time of excitement, drama, and unpredictable outcomes, but it also has a way of bringing the emotional and personal aspects of college basketball into sharp focus. This year, amidst the thrilling matchups, there has been an unexpected point of contention: Charles Barkley, the Hall of Fame NBA player and outspoken commentator, has publicly voiced concerns over the treatment of Grant N., a star player for the Alabama Crimson Tide, by head coach Nate Oats during the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Barkley’s criticisms, which have sparked conversations across sports media and social media platforms, focus on what he perceives as an “indifferent” approach by Oats toward Grant N., especially during critical moments of Alabama’s tournament run. Barkley, known for his blunt and often candid assessments, was particularly vocal about the coach’s handling of the young star, who was integral to Alabama’s success during the regular season but seemed to struggle in March Madness due to what Barkley described as a lack of proper guidance and emotional support from the coaching staff.

This article dives deep into the situation, examining the background of the controversy, Charles Barkley’s perspective on the issue, and the broader implications for both the Alabama basketball program and Grant N. moving forward. We’ll also explore the dynamics of coach-player relationships in high-pressure environments like March Madness and the fine line between tough love and neglect.

The Background: Grant N.’s Journey and Importance to Alabama’s Success

Grant N. was a breakout star for the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024-2025 season. As a freshman, he quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s high-octane offense and a key player in their defensive schemes. Known for his athleticism, court vision, and ability to make clutch plays, Grant N. had the potential to be one of the best young players in college basketball.

Under the guidance of head coach Nate Oats, Alabama had a remarkable regular season, capturing the SEC title and earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Grant N. was widely considered one of the most talented players in the country, with NBA scouts keeping a close eye on his development. His strong performances during the regular season and the SEC Tournament earned him a place as one of the premier freshmen in college basketball.

However, despite his talent, Grant N. was not given the same level of support during the high-stakes moments of March Madness. As Alabama faced off against tough competition in the first rounds of the tournament, Grant N. seemed to struggle. His usual explosiveness on offense was tempered, and his defense appeared to lack the same intensity that had defined his regular-season performances. To many, the difference in his play was not entirely due to his own shortcomings but rather a result of the coaching and management style employed by Oats.

Charles Barkley’s Criticism of Coach Nate Oats

Charles Barkley, known for his candid and often controversial opinions, has been a vocal critic of Alabama’s approach to coaching throughout the tournament. Barkley’s focus, however, has been particularly directed at Nate Oats and his treatment of Grant N., especially in crucial games where the pressure of the NCAA Tournament was at its highest.

Barkley’s comments were first made during an appearance on TNT’s pre-game coverage of the NCAA Tournament. As the Alabama Crimson Tide advanced through the tournament, Barkley noticed a shift in Grant N.’s performance — from a confident, dynamic playmaker to a tentative, passive player. It was clear to Barkley that something had changed, and he wasn’t afraid to voice his concerns about the root cause of this decline.

“I’ve been watching Grant N. all year, and I’ve seen the kid play with fire,” Barkley said, his voice filled with frustration. “But when you look at him now, in the tournament, it’s like he’s lost his confidence. And I gotta tell you, I blame the coach for that. Nate Oats, as a coach, has to be a support system for his players, especially young guys like Grant N. You can’t just let them flounder under the pressure of March Madness. He’s not giving the kid the emotional backing he needs.”

Barkley further explained that a lack of direct communication and guidance from Oats had led to the 18-year-old freshman feeling isolated and unsure of himself on the court. “There are times when you see a kid just out there, trying to figure it out on his own, with no one to give him the push or reassurance he needs. And that’s when you lose confidence,” Barkley stated. “You can’t tell me that Grant N. isn’t good enough to play in these big games. He’s proven it all season. But something’s not clicking with him right now, and I think it’s the lack of coaching — the lack of care and attention from Nate Oats.”

Barkley’s criticism quickly made headlines and sparked widespread discussion across sports media. Fans, analysts, and former players alike took to social media and other platforms to weigh in on Barkley’s comments. Some supported the Hall of Famer’s assertions, while others defended Oats, arguing that the pressures of the tournament were simply getting to the young star.

The Struggles of Grant N. in March Madness

To understand Barkley’s concerns, it’s important to take a closer look at Grant N.’s performance during March Madness. In Alabama’s first-round game against Robert Morris, Grant N. struggled to find his rhythm, registering only 8 points and 3 assists in a hard-fought win. While Alabama eventually advanced to the next round, the game highlighted some worrying trends for Grant N. — most notably, his inability to create for himself and his teammates, a stark contrast to his play during the regular season.

The issue became even more evident in the second-round matchup against Iowa State, where Grant N. played fewer minutes than usual and was noticeably absent from key moments of the game. His lack of confidence and assertiveness were clear, and the Alabama offense seemed to stall whenever he was on the floor. In a game that Alabama barely won, 72-69, many questioned whether the coaching staff had done enough to address Grant N.’s struggles, especially when his talents could have made a difference in a game that came down to the wire.

In interviews following the game, Nate Oats remained relatively composed, sticking to his usual coaching rhetoric. “Grant’s a young player, and he’s going through the learning curve of the tournament,” Oats explained. “We’re just trying to keep him focused on the task at hand.”

However, it was clear to many that Grant N. was feeling the weight of the moment — and perhaps struggling with Oats’ more businesslike, no-nonsense approach. The absence of a more personal or emotional connection between the coach and player raised alarms, and Barkley was quick to address it.

Barkley’s Point: The Importance of Emotional Support in Coaching

Barkley’s criticism was not just about tactics or strategy. It was about the human element of coaching — the mentorship, the emotional support, and the understanding that a coach has to offer a young player. In Barkley’s eyes, Nate Oats, for all his success as a strategist, was failing to connect with his star player on a deeper level.

“As a coach, it’s not just about X’s and O’s,” Barkley said. “It’s about making sure your players are mentally and emotionally prepared. Grant N. has the talent to be one of the best players in the country, but if you’re not there for him when he’s struggling, how can you expect him to perform? I’ve seen it time and time again — great players lose their confidence when they feel abandoned by their coach. Oats has to do more to help Grant get through this mental block.”

Barkley’s comments underscore a key issue that often gets overlooked in the world of elite college basketball: the emotional well-being of players. The tournament is high-stress, and young athletes are under immense pressure. Without proper coaching support and guidance, it’s easy for players to lose focus and falter in key moments.

The Broader Implications for Alabama and Nate Oats

Barkley’s comments are significant because they touch on broader issues that can impact a team’s success — not just in terms of X’s and O’s but in terms of player development and mental fortitude. Oats is a coach who has had significant success at Alabama, but as his team continues to make deeper runs in March Madness, the stakes become higher, and the pressure on his players increases. How well he manages the emotional and psychological side of coaching will be a defining factor in whether Alabama can continue to perform at a high level.

For Grant N., the fallout from this controversy could be both positive and negative. On one hand, the public attention could serve as a wake-up call for Oats to re-evaluate his approach to coaching and provide more emotional guidance to his players. On the other hand, the added pressure could exacerbate Grant N.’s struggles and affect his confidence moving forward.

Moving Forward: What Needs to Change?

As Alabama prepares for the next round of the tournament, the team will have to address the issue of Grant N.’s mental and emotional state. Whether or not Oats heeds Barkley’s advice, it’s clear that the team will need to provide more support for their star player — not just as an athlete but as a young person navigating the intense pressures of March Madness.

For Grant N., the challenge will be to rediscover his confidence and trust in his abilities. With the right coaching and emotional support, he has the potential to return to the form that made him one of

the most exciting players in college basketball.

For Coach Oats, the question becomes whether he can adapt his coaching style to meet the needs of his players, especially in high-pressure situations. If Alabama is to make a deep run in March Madness, they’ll need all of their key players, including Grant N., firing on all cylinders. Whether or not Oats can find a way to nurture the mental side of his players’ development will determine if the Crimson Tide can live up to their full potential.

The ongoing saga of Alabama’s tournament run, and the relationship between Oats and Grant N., will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched stories of March Madness 2025. Whether Barkley’s criticisms will inspire change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: emotions and mental preparation will play a significant role in determining the outcome of Alabama’s season.