Injuries have been a major problem for Alabama this season. 15 games into the season, only Noah Williamson and Houston Mallette have appeared in every single game.
After seeing star guard Labaron Philon leave the game against Vanderbilt on Wednesday with full-body cramps, Alabama is likely going to be down a different guard against Texas on Saturday. While Philon was listed as "probable" on the official availability report for tomorrow's matchup, senior Latrell Wrightsell is doubtful.
That designation doesn't come as a major surprise after Nate Oats spoke extensively about all the things Wrightsell has been dealing with this season after returning from the torn Achilles suffered in Las Vegas a year ago.
“He just hasn’t been able to get in a groove," Oats said about Wrightsell's struggles this season. "Even when he’s played in games, a lot of those games he hasn’t practiced at all. He’s coming back from the Achilles, he missed all offseason. Then he has the other Achilles, maybe an overcompensation or whatever. He’s got the finger, he’s got a groin deal, it’s just been one thing after the other."
Latrell Wrightsell is unlikely to play against Texas
Wrightsell has had numerous minor injuries this year after recovering from the season-ending injury a year ago. He's struggled to find a groove, and the once elite collegiate shooter has not been able to find the range this season.
After shooting 42% or higher in his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa, Wrightsell has only hit 27% of his threes this year.
It's been a frustrating season, though he's still been a valuable player. He's one of Alabama's best on-ball defenders, which is what will be missed the most against the Longhorns.
Offensively, Alabama has plenty of depth at guard to compensate for Wrightsell's expected absence. With Philon and Aden Holloway starting, Alabama will also get minutes at guard from Houston Mallette, Amari Allen, and Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea. Mallette and Allen have had consistent roles, but this could be an opportunity for Bethea to earn more minutes.
Hopefully, Wrightsell can rest and get healthy. Alabama will need him down the stretch and into the NCAA Tournament.