Who must step up if Latrell Wrightsell can't play vs UNC? Look to these 4 Alabama players
LOS ANGELES — Latrell Wrightsell's latest head injury has his availability in question for the Alabama basketball game against UNC. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said Wednesday he's not sure if Wrightsell will be available, calling him "day-to-day."
If Wrightsell can't play vs UNC in the Sweet 16 on Thursday (8:40 p.m. CT approximately, CBS), Alabama will need to call on other players to have a shot against UNC.
No Wrightsell didn't go well for Alabama at the end of the regular season. The Crimson Tide lost to Kentucky and Tennessee when Wrightsell was out with a head injury in late February/early March. Overall, the level of play wasn't as good even in wins against Florida and Ole Miss.
And it makes sense there would be a dip without Wrightsell. He's one of the most efficient and important players on the team. Wrightsell is ranked No. 6 nationally in offensive efficiency, per KenPom. He also leads Alabama in 3-point shooting percentage (44.3%) and is perfect from the free-throw line.
So if Wrightsell can't go, it's a considerable loss. Alabama will have to find a way to play without him, though, if it wants to have a shot at beating No. 1 seed UNC.
To whom can Alabama turn?
The Crimson Tide's guard depth has been somewhat depleted. Davin Cosby remains out with a broken foot and might not play again this season. That leaves Alabama with Mark Sears, Aaron Estrada and Rylan Griffen at guard, but Griffen is more of a wing. There's Kris Parker on the roster, but he's redshirting this season.
Griffen, already a regular with playing time, might have to shoulder more of the offensive and defensive load. He did some against Grand Canyon, scoring 13 points and playing 30 minutes. His shooting and playmaking ability will be even more important if Wrightsell can't play.
Sam Walters is also an option for more minutes. He's sort of a guard/forward hybrid. But position aside, Walters will need to step up from beyond the arc if Wrightsell can't play.
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Walters is third on the team in 3-point field goal percentage with 40%, behind Wrightsell and Sears (43.5%). Without Wrightsell, someone needs to be able to drain triples outside of Sears, and Walters could be the perfect option. When he gets hot from beyond the arc, he is tough to stop.
"As soon as I get that first one, I feel really good," Walters said. "I feel like the rim gets bigger. Usually, if I make one, I'm probably going to make the next one."
Jarin Stevenson is another option to get more minutes if Wrightsell can't play or is limited. He's a different type of player, but he's someone who can provide some added offense as another shooting option if need be.
A player who could be helpful defensively without Wrightsell is Mo Dioubate. He is also a different type of player but he has value defensively. And with the way he played late against Grand Canyon, he has earned more minutes. If Wrightsell isn't available, Dioubate could play an important role in stopping UNC's offense.
"I think I've got to try to get as many deflections as I can," Dioubate said. "Steals, blocks, try to guard the best players. I think that will be my job if so."
Ideally, Alabama won't have to figure out how to play without Wrightsell if he plays. He's the biggest difference maker outside of Sears. But if he can't play, Walters, Stevenson, Griffen and Dioubate will all be key in different ways if Alabama wants to have a shot against the Tar Heels.
Nick Kelly is the Alabama beat writer for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network, and he covers Alabama football and men's basketball. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama vs UNC: Who must step up if Latrell Wrightsell can't play?
