Alabama's win over Kentucky on Saturday didn't come without a price. Star big man Aiden Sherrell suffered a knee injury during the first half, and he didn't return. He was limited to just nine minutes overall, but thanks in part to Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson stepping up, Alabama was still able to take down the Wildcats 89-74 in Coleman Coliseum to open up SEC play.
The concern over Sherrell's injury brought a dark cloud to an otherwise sunny afternoon for the Crimson Tide. But according to Nate Oats, there's optimism that Sherell's injury isn't serious and that he will be back on the floor on Wednesday in Nashville when Alabama takes on undefeated Vanderbilt.
"We just didn't wanna risk it," Oats said about the decision to keep Sherrell on the bench. "He’s gonna get tests tomorrow. It’s his knee, but they don’t think it’s anything serious. We’re thinking he’s gonna be able to play against Vandy, but we want to make sure he got more tests on an off day tomorrow before we make a decision on his availability moving forward next week.”
Nate Oats is optimistic that Aiden Sherrell's injury isn't serious
As impressive as Williamson was, Alabama needs Sherrell back as soon as possible. The sophomore is in the midst of a breakout second season in Tuscaloosa. He has morphed into one of the better shot blockers in college basketball. After blocking only seven shots a season ago, Sherrell is averaging just shy of three per game this year.
Alabama's frontcourt was limited against Kentucky. Along with Sherrell's injury during the game, Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen tweaked his ankle in practice and was held out of the game against the Wildcats.
That makes it all the more impressive that Alabama was able to hold up against an athletic and talented Kentucky frontcourt. Without Sherrell and Bol Bowen, the Crimson Tide still managed to finish +4 on the glass.
It was an impressive showing considering rebounding had been Alabama's biggest weakness in the non-conference schedule. If the Crimson Tide can get healthy on the interior and the uptick in rebounding continues, that's certainly a positive development moving forward.