Alabama Basketball has confirmed that Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is cleared to practice and will continue to be evaluated following each practice session. Nate Oats hopes Wrightsell will be available to play against UConn on Saturday night.
As Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News wrote Thursday afternoon, Wrightsell is more optimistic. Speaking with Kelly, Wrightsell stated, “I’ll be able to play.” It is unclear how much contact he will be able to make during Friday’s practice session, but Wrightsell is expected to be at or near full pace. Alabama’s medical and conditioning team has been cautious, implementing conservative recovery times for both of his head injuries this season. Wrightsell also twisted his knee during the Crimson Tide’s second game against Florida.
Wrightsell’s head injuries caused him to miss four regular-season games and two NCAA Tournament games. The second head injury occurred during the first half of the Crimson Tide’s Second Round game versus Grand Canyon. As a result, Wrightsell played only 11 minutes.
Latrell Wrightsell Jr. was on a roll two games before sustaining his first injury. He scored 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in an away victory over LSU. The following game, the Crimson Tide defeated Texas A&M 100-75 at home. In 24 minutes against the Aggies, Wrightsell had 16 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Wrightsell scored 20 points against Arkansas on his first return from injury, and 17 points against Charleston in the NCAA Tournament opener.
How important is Wrightsell to Alabama’s victory vs Connecticut?
According to both statistics and Nate Oats’ endorsement, Wrightsell is the Crimson Tide’s best three-point shooter. Wrightsell is only barely ahead of Mark Sears at 43.4%, and both will need to perform well in the National Semi-Final.
After losing Wrightsell to injury in February, Alabama’s three-point shooting dropped to 29% until the NCAA Tournament. Alabama won the Second Round against Grand Canyon despite shooting only 25.8% on threes. Alabama’s outside shooting percentages in the other three NCAA Tournament games were 57%, 42%, and 44%, respectively.
UConn defends three-pointers well, and the Crimson Tide will likely need to shoot at or above 40% to beat the Huskies. Having Latrell Wrightsell Jr. on the court will help the Tide’s prospects.
Note: Sports Reference provides player and team statistics.
