Alabama players explain how they rallied to overcome Latrell Wrightsell injury in Round of 32
The Alabama Crimson Tide managed to get a win in the Round of 32 over Grand Canyon, despite losing Latrell Wrightsell with a head injury during the game. With that win, Alabama has moved on to the Sweet 16 for the third time in four seasons.
After the game, several Alabama players explained how they rallied following Wrightsell’s injury and were able to overcome it to get the win.
“Once we came in at halftime he was there dapping us up and when we were in the locker room,” Mark Sears said. “We said, we’re going to win this game for him so we can play on Thursday,’ and that’s what we did.”
Rylan Griffen added to that, sharing his tight connection to Latrell Wrightsell that made it more personal.
“That’s my brother, for real. He came from the West Coast. That’s where he was at last year, so he got some friends and family out there. So I came in the team, and I was like, there’s no way that was his last game for the season,” Griffen said. “So just made sure we had to get through — for me, personally, I know he wants to play. I know he didn’t want to get hurt today. He went out there and gave everything for us for the time he did play. So I was just like, let’s make sure we make sure Trelly has a chance to play again for us this season.”
Latrell Wrightsell ultimately only played 11 minutes of the game due to that injury. So, Alabama was forced to play an extended time without him, and like Mouhamed Dioubate added, throughout that time they knew they were playing to give Wrightsell another game to play in.
“We play for each other every game,” Dioubate said. “We know how much Trelly wanted to play in L.A., and so we seen how hurt he was once went out game, so we just tried to do everything we can for him.”
Alabama is set to take on North Carolina in their Sweet 16 matchup.
Latrell Wrightsell injury update
While getting ready for North Carolina, Alabama head coach Nate Oats shared an injury update on Latrell Wrightsell.
“Wrightsell will be able to play with us Thursday,” Oats said.
“He got elbowed in the head, had a head injury. He’s had some real bad luck here lately, but we’re going to be playing again and he can play with us again on Thursday.”