Alabama is really, really tough at home. If Oates gets them to play at close to that level on the road they will be a tourney team this year. They are still a couple of recruiting classes away from competing for the SEC title but it took Pearl a few seasons to get Auburn to where they are. Anyone that follows basketball recruiting knows you don't normally get the recruits Auburn is getting if you aren't one of basketball's elite programs. No, Auburn isn't elite yet , but Pearl is recruiting like they are. Oates will need to hold his own in that department but he has clearly shown he can motivate and coach the x's and o's.