Alabama's Latrell Wrightsell day-to-day ahead of Sweet 16 vs. North Carolina
For the third time in four years, Alabama is in the Sweet Sixteen under Nate Oats. However, they have yet to advance past the first game of the second weekend, hoping the trend changes on Thursday against North Carolina. Having Latrell Wrightsell on the court would be a huge boost but as of Wednesday, his official status is unknown.
When speaking to the media in Los Angeles, Oats said Wrightsell is being re-evaluated by the medical staff after suffering a head injury during the second-round win against Grand Canyon. For now, the best update Oats can provide is calling Wrightsell day-to-day.
“Latrell’s being re-evaluated by the medical staff every day, and he’s basically on a day-to-day basis,” Oats said. “I’m not sure if he’s gonna be available tomorrow.”
During Wednesday’s practice, Wrightsell was seen in the building but did not participate in any drills.
Wrightsell played in 11 minutes against Grand Canyon, scoring two points on four shot attempts. He’s usually one of Alabama’s best shot-makers, especially from deep. Not having him out there made Oats play some guards more minutes than desired and at times, go deeper into his bench when the foul trouble began to pile on.
Immediately following the Grand Canyon Game, Oats claimed Wrightsell would be able to play. Something must have changed though, as Oats’ tune about the injury is different.
“Wrightsell will be able to play with us Thursday,” Oats said on Sunday. “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.”
Wrightsell was quickly ruled out of the Grand Canyon game and was seen in street clothes outside the locker room before halftime.
Oats mentioned the back luck recently, referencing Wrightsell missing some time during the regular season. A head injury kept him out there too for four games, two of which resulted in an Alabama loss. Even when Wrightsell got back on the court on March 5 vs. Florida, he only played eight minutes.
If Wrightsell is good to go against North Carolina, the Crimson Tide will be a completely different team on both sides of the court. Not only is Wrightsell shooting over 44% from three on the season but he is also one of the better defenders on the roster — an area Alabama struggled with until Sunday.