Alabama updates guard Latrell Wrightsell’s status for NCAA Round of 32
Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. didn’t practice with the Tide on Saturday.
While his teammates were in Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena ahead of the NCAA Tournament Round of 32, Wrigthsell was back in the team hotel after catching an elbow to the nose in the first-round game against Charleston. UA head coach Nate Oats addressed Wrightsell’s availability to start his news conference:
“Latrell, if you saw how much he was bleeding with the nose injury, we’re kinda letting him rest in the hotel rather than do a shootaround just to try to get some of the swelling to go down,” Oats said. “I think he should be good to go for tomorrow.”
Four-seed Alabama was the healthiest it’s been in at least a month before it scored 109 points against the 13-seeded Cougars. Wrightsell, who missed four games with a concussion, and Rylan Griffen (calf) were fully healed and played without a minute restriction.
Wrightsell starred with 17 points and went 5-for-6 on 3-point attempts. Wrightsell missed the last five minutes of the first half after sprinting off the court and into the locker room with his head tilted back following a scramble for a loose ball.
Oats has called Wrightsell one of the best 3-point shooters he’s ever coached. He’s shooting 44.9% from range and 45.1% overall. He’s averaging 9.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game this season.
Alabama and No. 12 Grand Canyon will tip off at 6:10 p.m. Central on Sunday.
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].