Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is still dealing with a concussion and his status will be firmed up prior to Thursday’s Sweet 16 game against No. 1 seed North Carolina, Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said Wednesday.
Wrightsell was injured during the first half of Sunday’s 72-61 victory over Grand Canyon in an West Region second-round game.
“Latrell is being re-evaluated by the medical staff every day, and he’s basically on a day-to-day basis now,” Oats said during a press conference in Los Angeles. “I’m not sure if he’ll be available or not. They’ll let us know tomorrow. Other than that, we’re healthy.”
This is the second recent head injury Wrightsell has sustained. He also missed four games late in the season due to a concussion.
Wrightsell is a key component of the Alabama offense that leads the nation in scoring at 90.7 points per game. He is averaging 9.0 points and shooting 44.3 percent from 3-point range (66 of 149) in 30 games (12 starts).
Alabama forward Nick Pringle said the No. 5 seed Crimson Tide (23-11) will be fine no matter what is decided Thursday.
“I honestly think Latrell will be fine,” Pringle said. “I think we’ll still have a great game plan, if he plays or not. I think he will definitely play. But I think we’ll still have a great game plan. We have a lot of great players and a lot of great coaches that can make adjustments and be able to make it happen.”
Wrightsell played three seasons at Cal State Fullerton before transferring to Alabama after last season.
–Field Level Media