Nate Oats updates Latrell Wrightsell's status ahead of Kentucky game

Alabama was without forward Latrell Wrightsell for its 98-93 overtime victory over Florida on Wednesday due to a head injury suffered during practice earlier in the week.

Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats revealed the latest on Wrightsell, including whether or not he might be ready to suit up in time for Saturday’s road trip to Kentucky.

“Hopefully, we’re able to get (Latrell) Wrightsell back quick,” Oats said postgame. “He’s got a head injury. He’s being evaluated on a day-to-day basis. We’ll kind of see when he starts to feel a little better. Hopefully, we get him back here soon, though.”

Before the Crimson Tide’s last matchup, Wrightsell had played in every game for Alabama this season. He’s averaging 9.0 points per game this season, but bumped that average up to 18.5 per game over the last two games before his injury, including knocking down 10 3-point baskets.

Without him, Alabama is missing out on a 44.5 percent 3-point shooter — which ranks fifth in the SEC heading into Saturday. He’s scored in double figures eight times this season and the Crimson Tide are 8-0 in those games.

Meanwhile, freshman forward Jarin Stevenson made his first start of his college career but finished the game with no points after 17 minutes. Instead, freshman Sam Walters recorded one of his best performances of his season scoring 14 points off the bench including a career-high four made 3-pointers during the contest. Still, Oats is high on Stevenson despite his poor showing on the stat sheet.

“Rotation-wise, we were trying to give Jarin a boost,” Oats said of Stevenson. “We need him to start playing confident, strong. I thought he had some good plays in there tonight. He’s a way better shooter than what he’s shown. We need to get him going. I think he can really help us down the stretch. We’ve got to get him going. We thought this might help get him going. He’s a great kid. We’re going to keep going to him.”

Whether Wrightsell is back in time for Saturday’s tip against Kentucky, or if Stevenson and Walters receive inflated minutes once again remains to be seen.

Regardless of who’s on the court, Alabama sees this as a must-win game to help keep its one-game lead alone atop the SEC standings. The opening tip is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET live on CBS, and the Wildcats are 2.5-point favorites over the Crimson Tide at home, per FanDuel Sportsbook.