Burning Houston Mallette's redshirt "on the table" following Wrightsell's injury

Nate Oats announced on Tuesday afternoon that graduate senior guard Latrell Wrightsell ruptured his Achilles tendon. For the time being, that leaves Alabama basketball with just nine healthy scholarship players as Chris Youngblood is still working back from his preseason ankle injury.

To boost the team's depth, Alabama is considering burning the redshirt of senior wing Houston Mallette. The Pepperdine transfer was the first portal addition for the Crimson Tide for 2024-25, committing to Alabama before the beginning of the NCAA Tournament.

Mallette graciously accepted a redshirt for this season with a deep and talented Crimson Tide roster likely relegating him to a small role in his final year of eligibility. Mallette has been very energetic on the bench this season hyping up his teammates each game.

“We’ve talked about it. Talked to him and his dad, it’s still on the table,” Oats said. “You don’t want to mess up what’s best for the kid. In my history of coaching, I always try to do what’s best for the player. Most of the time what’s best for the player is what’s best for the program, we’re trying to figure out if there will be enough minutes to make it worthwhile. That’s definitely on the table, though."

Based on Oats' above quote, my guess is that they are leaving the decision up to Mallette. Mallette's attitude and demeanor on the bench makes me believe he's going to ultimately do what is best for the team.

Wrightsell's injury is a big blow for Alabama, particularly from a shooting perspective. After shooting nearly 45% from three last season, Wrightsell was shooting 42% through eight games this season.

Last season at Pepperdine, Mallette averaged 14.7 PPG and shot 41.5% from three. He played in both of Alabama's exhibition games and knocked down 6-of-11 from three-point range against Wake Forest and Memphis.

Mallette could be a shot in the arm for a team that has struggled shooting from deep this season. Mallette was one of the best shooters in the country in transition last season, and with Alabama's pace, it is easy to see why Oats and the staff viewed him as such an intriguing piece.

With the Crimson Tide heading to Chapel Hill to play North Carolina on Wednesday night, we'll likely have an answer on Mallette's decision soon.