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Latrell Wrightsell injury update: Nate Oats reveals severity of issue holding Alabama guard out of Players Era Tournament

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh4 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
LatrellWrightsellASU
Nov 8, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (3) drives down the court during the first half against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Just ahead of tip-off in Las Vegas, unfortunate news emerged on Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell. He is going to miss the entire Players Era Festival, beginning on Monday night against Gonzaga. A big blow for head coach Nate Oats, working through a tough field without one of the program’s top players.

If there is any positive news regarding the situation, Wrightsell is not expected to be out long-term. While not the news anyone in Tuscaloosa wanted in the near future, possibly a huge sigh of relief.

“Not only is he going to be out tonight but Wrightsell is going to be out the entire Players Era tournament because he’s got a [right] leg injury,” TNT sideline reporter Jared Greenberg said. “That’s the bad news but the good news is… it’s not a serious injury. The trainers are just being extra cautious for him. He’s had a history of injuries, including a right leg, which, last year, he missed 10 months after rupturing his left Achilles. For this tournament, with this injury, longest-tenured player for Alabama, out for the tournament.”

Wrightsell tore his Achilles in this event last season. He wound up missing the entire season and eventually got a medical redshirt to return for 2025-2026. Oats spoke highly of Alabama’s ability to shoot the ball coming into the season, largely because of Wrightsell.

As for what’s in front of the Crimson Tide, Alabama is guaranteed to play in three games while at the Players Era Festival. Tuesday night brings matchup No. 2, facing UNLV as the nightcap. Right now, the Wednesday opponent is not yet known as it depends on results. Of course, Alabama is hoping they are in the championship game, as they were just after Thanksgiving 2024.

More on Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell, potential return back

Wrightsell spent some time getting back into a rhythm in his first game action. But as usual with Oats, there was little room to do so, as the nonconference schedule has been brutal. Alabama is playing its fourth major opponent of the year, three of which have been away from Coleman Coliseum.

In three games played, Wrightsell is averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. If there is a date you can speculate over a return, it might be Dec. 3. Alabama is hosting Clemson for the SEC/ACC Challenge, another meeting between the two programs in a massive spot.