The Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament game between Alabama basketball and North Carolina on Thursday may be without one of the team’s best scorers. After UA defeated Grand Canyon in the round of 32, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. had a head injury. Nate Oats stated on Wednesday that his availability to play is uncertain.
Wrightsell is among the best three-point shooters for UA, and the Tar Heels may really miss his scoring ability.
Guard Aaron Estrada of Alabama told AL.com that UA will have a “kind of just next man mentality” if Wrightsell is unable to play. “Men will most likely play more. We simply need to be prepared for the fact that guys will likely receive more shots.
Moving forward Nick Pringle thought Wrightsell had a good chance of playing. Still, he was optimistic about Alabama’s chances in the absence of the guard.
Pringle complimented UA’s flexibility.
Pringle remarked, “I think we’ll still have a great game plan.” “We can make adjustments and make it happen because we have a lot of great coaches and players.”
Moving forward According to Grant Nelson, Alabama has the depth to withstand what Wrightsell is unable to endure. Sam Walters was the guy he indicated might have to step up in that situation.
Walters can shoot well, but this season he has had defensive lapses. Although he has developed over his first season, he has not contributed as much as Wrightsell.
Walters remarked, “Latrell is obviously a really good player.” “But whatever happens with him, he obviously helps out a lot, but I think we have a lot of guys that can make shots and do a lot of things.”
Because Kris Parker is a redshirt and Davin Cosby is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury, Alabama lacks a true guard to step in for Wrightsell. Mo Dioubate and Jarin Stevenson are strikers who could play more minutes than Walters, who is considerably taller and more of a hybrid player.
Without Wrightsell, Alabama’s strategy would be different, regardless of how things work out. Still, the Crimson Tide maintained their optimism.
Mo Wague stated, “I’m not aware of his current circumstances, but everyone is prepared to leave.” “…We will be prepared.”
At Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, Alabama and North Carolina are slated to tip off following Thursday’s Clemson-Arizona showdown. The game, which will air on CBS, is expected to start at approximately 8:30 p.m. CT.
