Tarleton State transfer forward Keitenn Bristow is getting closer to making his Alabama basketball debut. Bristow has missed the Crimson Tide's first three games after rolling his ankle in practice before the season-opener against North Dakota.
According to Oats, Bristow has returned to practice in a "limited capacity" and will be a game-time decision for Wednesday night's game in Chicago against No. 8 Illinois.
“Keitenn Bristow’s practiced in a limited capacity the last three days, gradually gotten a little better,” Oats said. "He’ll be a game-time decision. He’s at least back in the mix and doing some stuff in practice.”
Keitenn Bristow is a game-time decision against Illinois
Bristow joined the Crimson Tide in the Transfer Portal after winning WAC freshman of the year at Tarleton State last season. Bristow averaged 11.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while hitting 33% of his attempts from three.
Bristow started one of Alabama's two exhibition games and got significant minutes in both. At a listed 6-foot-10, he's a big body the Crimson Tide has sorely been missing, particularly in the loss against Purdue when Alabama was outrebounded by the Boilermakers 52-28. Bristow would have been useful in that game, and he will be useful against Illinois if he's able to play tomorrow night.
Through four games, Illinois is one of the best rebounding teams in the country. Per KenPom, the Illini rank 11th in offensive rebounding percentage and 3rd in defensive rebounding.
Alabama will have to do a better job on the glass to have a shot at winning on the road. Bristow could certainly help in that department, as his effort on the glass and overall energy on the court have drawn consistent praise from Oats.
Oats also mentioned on Tuesday that freshman wing Davion Hannah should be good to go against Illinois. Hannah played sparingly in the loss to Purdue last Thursday after injuring his tailbone on a nasty fall against St. John's.
Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea and freshman Collins Onyejiaka will remain out. There remains no timetable for the return of either player.