One of the most intriguing - and important - storylines of the offseason for Alabama basketball is the recovery of senior guard Latrell Wrightsell, who is working his way back from a torn Achilles that he suffered in a November loss to Oregon last year.
Wrightsell has consistently seemed ahead in his recovery, and continues to trend toward being ready for Alabama's season opener on November 3rd against North Dakota.
On Wednesday night, in an appearance on "Hey Coach," Alabama assistant coach - and former Crimson Tide star - Erwin Dudley provided another positive update on Wrightsell.
Dudley stated that Wrightsell has returned to 5-on-5 work and has been looking "really, really good."
Erwin Dudley said on "Hey Coach" that Latrell Wrightsell has been playing 5-on-5 in practice as he returns from his Achilles injury. "He's been looking really, really good."
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) September 18, 2025
That's another huge step in the right direction, as two weeks ago, Jon Rothstein reported that Wrightsell had been cleared for "non-contact work." His return to 5-on-5 practice is evidence that he's now been cleared for contact, paving the way for his immediate return to the court at the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
Latrell Wrightsell is trending toward being ready for Alabama's season opener
Nate Oats will be cautious with Wrightsell upon his return. His health is vital for the Crimson Tide's ability to reach its ceiling this season. He's one of the best shooters in the country, connecting on 44.7% of his three-point attempts during Alabama's Final Four season of 2023-24, and then knocking down 42.2% of his threes in eight games last year before going down with the injury at the Players Era Festival.
Alabama has a much deeper backcourt this season, even without Mark Sears. Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway return, and the Crimson Tide added former 5-star recruit Jalil Bethea out of the Transfer Portal.
But it's clear that Wrightsell will be a key piece to the puzzle. Wrightsell, Holloway, and Houston Mallette are proven 40%+ three-point shooters on high volume at this level. Versatile forward Taylor Bol Bowen connected on over 40% of his threes last year at Florida State. Bethea has the pedigree as a shooter, and Philon, while he only hit 31% of his attempts last year, connected on 38.8% of his threes over the final 14 games of last season.
Oats has put together a versatile team that could be one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country this season. Wrightsell will be a huge part of that, and getting him back right away will provide a massive boost with his play and his leadership on the court.