One of the most underrated returning players for Alabama basketball this season is Latrell Wrightsell, who will be back in Tuscaloosa for a sixth year of eligibility after being granted a medical redshirt. Wrightsell tore his Achilles Tendon in Alabama's eighth game of the season in 2024-25, costing him the remainder of the season.
Prior to the injury, Wrightsell was once again one of the nation's best shooters. He was averaging 11.5 points per game and leading the Tide in three-point shooting percentage at 42.2%. When the national media discusses the 2025-26 Crimson Tide, Wrightsell has been more of an afterthought. In reality, Wrightsell could once again be one of the most important players for Nate Oats.
In a new YouTube series, Wrightsell is detailing his road to recovery since his injury against Oregon last season in Las Vegas.
Wrightsell discusses in the video how he initially considered walking away from the game of basketball, but Alabama athletic trainer Clarke Holter mapped out a plan to get Wrightsell back on the court. He was extremely complimentary of Holter and the entire team who helped in his recovery.
Wrightsell detailed how his game is different now. He said the injury forced him to work more on his off-hand. He seems to be more confident in his ability as a ball-handler, which will be helpful for Alabama even after the return of Labaron Philon.
Latrell Wrightsell looks ready for the season already
The biggest takeaway from the video is that Wrightsell looks like he's in game shape and could play a game tomorrow. He's running, cutting, jumping, shooting, and doing everything with seemingly no restrictions. Whether he's been medically cleared for a full return to the court isn't known, but he looks extremely close.
We're still three months away from Alabama's season opener, and it seems likely that Wrightsell will be 100% and ready to play for that.
Alabama has good backcourt depth this season, which could allow Oats to bring Wrightsell along slowly. With Philon and Aden Holloway returning, along with the addition of Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea, there's no need to rush.
But Wrightsell will be a key piece to this team. Not only with his leadership, but he's one of the best shooters in the country and is a good on-ball defender. Whether he'll start or operate more in an off-the-bench role is not yet known, but he'll have a significant role for Alabama next season.
You can watch the full video, which is just part one of the series, below: