Injury updates on Latrell Wrightsell, others before Tennessee game

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The most important thing for Alabama basketball during its bye week was getting healthy, according to head coach Nate Oats, and he believes the Crimson Tide did just that ahead of its home game against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, Jan. 24.

“I feel like we’ve gotten a lot healthier,” Oats said. “Taylor (Bol Bowen) looks a lot better. He had a hand injury, but man, it feels like him taking the time off with his hand, his legs have gotten better. I feel like he’s gotten better. London (Jemison)’s gotten healthier. Labaron (Philon) wasn’t 100%, and he looks a lot better. (Latrell Wrightsell)’s looking a lot better. He practiced today in most of the stuff. As long as he still feels great tomorrow, I anticipate him being able to go.

“So, we’re getting the guys we need to play healthy. Keitenn (Bristow), Davion (Hannah) and Collins (Onyejiaka), obviously, those three will be out. Everybody else, we’re gonna anticipate them playing against Tennessee. We’re gonna need them, because they’re a good team, and we gotta play well tomorrow.”

Latrell Wrightsell (leg) has missed Alabama’s last three games, and eight overall this season, after returning from an Achilles injury he suffered in late 2024. The sixth-year senior is averaging 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 32.8% from the field.

Keitenn Bristow (leg) missed the past two games, popping up on the availability report before the Mississippi State game. Like Wrightsell, Bristow has missed eight games in his first year at Alabama and is averaging 3.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 36.4%.

Davion Hannah hasn’t played since December 17, while Collins Onyejiaka has only appeared in two games this season due to a heart condition and will likely redshirt. Being down a center is one of the reasons why Alabama brought back Charles Bediako, who was ruled eligible to play for the Crimson Tide and is expected to suit up against Tennessee this weekend.

“We’ve got a need for it,” Oats said. “We assumed Collins was going to be able to play this year. He’s had the heart condition all year. Doesn’t look like he’s going to be able to play this year. Keitenn has been playing backup five, some four. He’s come across injuries. I don’t know when he’ll be able to play again. Taylor’s been in and out. We were thin in the front court when Collins went out to begin with.”

Saturday’s Alabama-Tennessee game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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