Alabama’s Backcourt Gets Major Boost as Latrell Wrightsell Secures Medical Redshirt, Returns Stronger for Final Season in Tuscaloosa
When Latrell Wrightsell Jr. arrived in Tuscaloosa, he was expected to be a key piece in Alabama’s 2023-24 basketball campaign. A seasoned transfer from Cal State Fullerton, Wrightsell brought experience, perimeter shooting, and backcourt depth to a program on the rise under head coach Nate Oats. But a string of injuries derailed his season, sidelining him for the stretch run and leaving fans to wonder what could have been had he stayed healthy. Now, after being officially granted a medical redshirt, Wrightsell is set to return to Alabama for a final season—bringing leadership, maturity, and unfinished business with him.
Wrightsell’s redshirt comes at a crucial time for the Crimson Tide. Following another deep NCAA Tournament run that saw Alabama reach the Final Four, Oats is reloading the roster with elite talent and experienced returners. The return of Wrightsell, who was limited to 21 appearances last season due to a nagging head injury, significantly stabilizes the guard rotation and injects the team with a steady veteran presence.
When healthy, Wrightsell showed flashes of being exactly what Alabama needed in its dynamic, fast-paced offensive system. Known for his three-point shooting and defensive tenacity, Wrightsell averaged 8.9 points per game while shooting over 44% from beyond the arc in the games he played. His perimeter accuracy stretched defenses, and his ability to play both on and off the ball provided Oats with vital flexibility. Unfortunately, his concussion symptoms lingered into the critical late-season stretch, preventing him from contributing during the Tide’s historic NCAA Tournament run.
Now fully cleared and training at full speed, Wrightsell is eager to make up for lost time. In offseason workouts and summer practices, he’s already displaying the leadership that made him a target in the transfer portal a year ago. Younger players are gravitating toward him, and his voice is increasingly prominent both on the court and in team huddles. The experience of sitting on the sidelines during key moments has lit a fire under him—a sense of urgency that could benefit the entire program.
For Alabama, the return of Wrightsell couldn’t come at a better time. With the departure of star guard Mark Sears to the NBA and Aaron Estrada exhausting his eligibility, there’s a clear need for veteran stability in the backcourt. While incoming freshmen and transfers will certainly compete for minutes, Wrightsell’s familiarity with the system, coupled with his high basketball IQ, gives him a distinct edge heading into the season.
Head coach Nate Oats has emphasized the importance of continuity in recent seasons. While Alabama is known for its up-tempo offense and NBA-style spacing, the system relies heavily on guards who can shoot, defend, and make quick decisions in transition. Wrightsell checks all those boxes. His defensive instincts, in particular, fit seamlessly into Oats’ switch-heavy schemes, and his ability to communicate effectively on the floor will help organize what should be a young but talented defensive unit.
In an interview following the redshirt announcement, Wrightsell reflected on the difficulty of the past year. “It was tough, man. You want to be out there battling with your brothers, especially when the lights are the brightest. But I used that time to grow—mentally, spiritually, physically. And now I feel stronger than ever, more focused than ever.”
The strength and focus he mentions are already evident in practice. Teammates describe Wrightsell as “locked in” and “on a mission,” noting that he’s often the last one to leave the gym and the first to offer advice to newcomers. His commitment has not gone unnoticed by Oats, who praised Wrightsell’s resilience and called his return “a major win for our locker room.”
The timing of the redshirt decision also gives Alabama a unique advantage. Unlike players returning from long-term injuries without clarity, Wrightsell now has a full offseason to prepare, knowing that he’ll be a focal point in the 2025-26 game plan. He’s not rehabbing anymore—he’s training, competing, and leading.
Wrightsell’s shooting touch is one of the Tide’s most valuable returning assets. His 44.8% three-point shooting in 2023-24 would have ranked among the best in the SEC had he played enough games to qualify. In a system that generates a high volume of threes, having a sharpshooter who can hit at that rate is invaluable. But Wrightsell isn’t just a catch-and-shoot threat—he can put the ball on the floor, create off the dribble, and finish through contact.
That offensive versatility will be crucial as Alabama retools. With a likely top-10 recruiting class and several transfers entering the fold, Oats will need players who can adapt to different roles, whether as starters or stabilizing forces off the bench. Wrightsell offers that versatility. He’s comfortable playing point guard in stretches, defending multiple positions, and acting as an extension of the coaching staff on the floor.
Beyond the stats and skill set, Wrightsell’s presence brings something else: accountability. He’s been through adversity, both at Cal State Fullerton and now at Alabama. He understands the value of each possession, the grind of SEC play, and the razor-thin margins in March Madness. In a program that continues to chase its first-ever national championship, having players who understand the stakes is essential.
Alabama’s roster for the upcoming season is loaded with promise. Talented newcomers like five-star guard Jeremiah Holloway and elite wings from the portal will attract national attention. But it’s players like Wrightsell—steady, proven, battle-tested—who often make the difference in March. In the pressure cooker of the NCAA Tournament, when every possession matters, coaches turn to experience. And few will be more prepared than Wrightsell, who has waited a year for this shot at redemption.
As fans anticipate Alabama’s 2025-26 campaign, there’s plenty of excitement about what Wrightsell’s return means for the Crimson Tide. He provides a bridge between eras—a player who knows what the program has accomplished and what it still hopes to achieve. His leadership could be especially vital early in the season as younger players adjust to the pace and physicality of high-level college basketball.
Oats is already beginning to experiment with lineups that feature Wrightsell as a secondary ball handler, paired with scoring guards and slashing wings. The versatility of those groupings makes Alabama difficult to guard. Wrightsell’s unselfishness, quick decision-making, and floor spacing allow others to shine, even when he’s not scoring.
Off the court, Wrightsell is also taking a more prominent role in mentoring freshmen. He’s spoken at team meetings about the importance of health, sleep, and mental preparation. His words carry weight, not just because of his age, but because of what he’s endured. There’s a quiet confidence to him now—a sense of purpose that comes only from surviving the kind of setbacks that might have derailed a lesser player.
With SEC media days approaching and preseason rankings soon to follow, Alabama will likely be in the national conversation once again. And when the analysts list key contributors and breakout candidates, don’t be surprised if Wrightsell’s name appears high on that list. His journey from injury to impact is the kind of story fans rally behind, and the kind of presence coaches depend on when games hang in the balance.
In a college basketball world dominated by constant movement—transfers, early draft entries, coaching changes—Wrightsell’s decision to stay, recover, and return is refreshing. It’s a testament to resilience, patience, and the belief that unfinished stories are worth seeing through. For Alabama, that belief could translate into wins. For Wrightsell, it’s a chance to leave a legacy.
As the season draws near, Wrightsell isn’t focused on accolades or headlines. He’s focused on helping Alabama hang a banner. “I didn’t come back just to play,” he said. “I came back to win. Let’s go finish what we started.”
