Some players just seem to have terrible injury luck, and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is no exception. I’ve lost count of how many concussions, head bumps, and lingering injuries he’s dealt with.
This season started off the same way, and by the time Trelly finally got on the court, Alabama was still figuring out its rotation and building chemistry. As a result, he had a slower start than you’d typically expect from a senior.
However, just as he found his rhythm and secured his spot as Alabama’s third-leading scorer, disaster struck once again. This time, a season-ending “lower body injury”—a torn Achilles—required surgery. Like Houston Mallette, he had only managed to play a few games before being forced to the sidelines.
It looks like his career won’t end on that disappointing note after all. Coach Nate Oats has confirmed that Wrightsell will return after applying for a medical redshirt.
By the rules, Trelly should have no trouble being granted a hardship year.
Alabama will be without Youngblood, Sears, and Philon in the rotation next season, leaving a backcourt that includes Cunningham and possibly Reid on the wings—depending on his NBA plans—along with Holloway at shooting/point guard and Mallette filling a SG/SF role. Incoming freshman standout Amari Allen will add scoring firepower, but as of now, Alabama remains dangerously thin at the guard position.
And that’s assuming there are no unexpected transfers and the roster stays fully healthy.
For Trelly, though, this means much more—it’s an opportunity to finally put everything together for one last standout season. Hopefully, this time, it’s a healthy one.
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