Alabama basketball loses major piece with Latrell Wrightsell's season-ending injury

Alabama basketball graduate senior guard Latrell Wrightsell suffered a ruptured Achilles in the Crimson Tide's loss to Oregon on Saturday night, head coach Nate Oats announced on Tuesday.

Wrightsell was in his second season with Alabama after spending the three previous years with Cal State Fullerton. Last season, Wrightsell was one of the best shooters in the country, connecting on just under 45% of his three-point attempts and 100% of his free throws.

So far this season through eight games, Wrightsell was shooting 42% from three and 85% from the free throw line.

Wrightsell was a starter in the Tide's backcourt. Alabama's typical starting lineup this season included Wrightsell with Mark Sears and Labaron Philon in the backcourt.

There's no gentle way to put it, Wrightsell's injury is a big loss for the Crimson Tide. He was Alabama's most consistent shooter this season with Sears struggling through the season's first eight games. The Tide was also close to getting back to full strength prior to Wrightsell's injury.

Alabama is set to get back USF transfer Chris Youngblood, who has yet to play this season after suffering an ankle injury during the preseason.

Until Youngblood gets back, Alabama will be down to nine scholarship rotation players now with Wrightsell out. Oats mentioned today that there has been some thought given to removing the redshirt given to senior Houston Mallette.

Mallette graciously accepted the redshirt with an eye toward being a big contributor next season. He has given great energy and leadership from the bench and would likely agree to jump in and help the team moving forward from here.

A decision will likely be made in the next 24 hours before Alabama's road matchup in Chapel Hill with North Carolina on Wednesday night.