One of Alabama basketball's most important players is senior guard Latrell Wrightsell, who returns for his sixth season of collegiate eligibility. Wrightsell is one of the best shooters in the country, connecting on 38% or better from three in each of the last three seasons, and 42% or better in the last two.
Wrightsell was well on his way to a terrific final season in Tuscaloosa a year ago before he tore his Achilles in a loss to Oregon in Las Vegas. Wrightsell received a medical redshirt, but it has remained cloudy on how quickly he would be able to return to the court.
According to the latest update from college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Wrightsell's recovery is coming along nicely. He has recently been cleared for non-contact work and is back to doing some basic basketball activities
Alabama’s Latrell Wrightsell (achilles) has been cleared for non-contact work and is “doing some basic basketball activities”, per Nate Oats.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) September 2, 2025
Averaged 11.5 PPG in eight games last season prior to injury.
Wrightsell still isn't cleared to return to full-contact, 5-on-5, but he is obviously progressing nicely. If he's back to doing basic basketball activities already in early September, that bodes well for him being ready for Alabama season's opener in two months.
Latrell Wrightsell will be key for Nate Oats and Alabama in 2025-26
Even with a deep and talented backcourt, Wrightsell will bring a calming, veteran presence to Alabama next season.
Alabama returns Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway in the backcourt, and added Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea and 4-star Davion Hannah. With those four, along with Wrightsell, Alabama is not only deeper in the backcourt than they were last year, but also a lot more lengthy and versatile.
Wrightsell is the last remaining player from the Crimson Tide's Final Four team. He's reliable, an elite shooter, and a good perimeter defender. He'll be key for Oats and his team to accomplish their goal of making it back to the Final Four and eventually breaking through and winning the program's first National Championship.
During Alabama's Final Four run, Wrightsell averaged 8.9 points per game while shooting 44.7% from three-point range. Prior to the Achilles tear, he was averaging 11.5 points per game and shooting 42.2% from three-point range.
Alabama finished 95th in the country in three-point shooting a season ago, connecting on 35.3% of their attempts. Wrightsell's elite shooting should help that number creep upward, which, with an improved defense, could help Alabama get over the Elite Eight hump and into the Final Four for the second time in three seasons.