Part 3/7:
In a landscape where the SEC has seen six teams in the top 25, Oats identifies the infusion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities as a significant turning point. Although he admits that the SEC is traditionally a football-dominant league, the inclusion of NIL has catalyzed a transformation that allows basketball to shine. Notably, Alabama had already begun its ascent prior to the NIL era, capturing championships before these changes took effect. He stresses the importance of adapting and modernizing gameplay across the SEC consistently.