After missing four straight games, Latrell Wrightsell returned on Sunday for Alabama's home matchup against UTSA. The senior guard couldn't find the range from three, connecting on just 2-of-14 attempts.
That continued what has been an early-season shooting slump for Wrightsell, who shot 42% or higher from three in both of his previous seasons in Tuscaloosa. In four games this year, Wrightsell is only at 25% from three.
That percentage is of no concern to Nate Oats.
"I'm not worried about it," Oats said of Wrightsell's shooting. "He's one of the best shooters I've ever coached."
Saturday against Arizona is the perfect time for Latrell Wrightsell to break out
There's no reason to be concerned about Wrightsell's early struggles. He's a proven collegiate shooter. He hit just under 45% from three in the 2023-24 season at Alabama. He was hitting 42% from three last year through eight games before the injury. He also hit 38% from three at Cal State Fullerton in 2022-23 before transferring to Alabama.
It was always going to take Wrightsell some time this year to get back to form. He tore his Achilles during the Players Era Festival last year in Las Vegas, which cost him the remainder of the season. He recovered in time to return to action in the Crimson Tide's second game of the season against St. John's at Madison Square Garden.
A nagging injury caused him to miss four games, all three in Las Vegas and last week's ACC/SEC Challenge against Clemson. He's struggled to find a rhythm as a result.
That's why getting him back for Sunday's win over UTSA was huge, even if he struggled from the field. His performance wasn't as important as knocking off the rust was. That should allow him to play at a high level on Saturday in Birmingham against Arizona.
The Wildcats are ranked No. 1, providing the Crimson Tide a major opportunity to earn another resume-boosting win during the non-conference.
To do so, getting the Wrightsell who shot over 40% from three during his time in Tuscaloosa before this season will be pivotal. Arizona will try to bludgeon Alabama in the paint. Oats and his team will have to respond by running and gunning and hitting a high percentage from three-point range.
If Aden Holloway can play, this will be the first time all year that Alabama has had its full complement of guards. Jalil Bethea made his debut last week and looked every bit like the former 5-star recruit during Sunday's win over UTSA. Labaron Philon has been among the best players in the country, and both Holloway and Wrightsell are among the best shooters in college basketball.
A breakout for Wrightsell couldn't come at a better time tomorrow night.