Alabama Guard Latrell Wrightsell to Miss Elite Eight Game Against Clemson

Wrightsell will miss his second straight game after leaving Alabama's Round of 32 game with a head injury.

Mar 22, 2024; Spokane, WA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (12) reacts after | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES — Alabama basketball will be shorthanded again in the Elite Eight, as guard Latrell Wrightsell will miss the game due to a head injury, per a UA spokesperson.

It will be the second consecutive game this NCAA Tournament that Wrightsell has missed. He missed Alabama's Sweet 16 game against North Carolina after exiting in the first half of its Round of 32 game against Grand Canyon with a head injury.

This is the second head injury that Wrightsell has had to deal with in the latter portion of the season. He suffered his initial head injury in practice on Feb. 19, and was forced to miss four straight games towards the end of the regular season, and had his minutes restricted in the fifth.

Typically, Alabama has struggled without Wrightsell, going 2-3 in the 5-game regular season stretch where he either missed or was limited. But that wasn't the case against North Carolina, as Alabama upset the 1-seed in the West Region off the backs of monster performances from Grant Nelson, Rylan Griffen, and Aaron Estrada.

With Wrightsell out, it is assumed that Nick Pringle will take his spot in the starting lineup as he did during Thursday's game.

Wrightsell's good performances have been synonymous with Alabama's success all season long. He averages nine points per game and shoots just below 45 percent from beyond the arc. Alabama hoolds an undefeated record this season when he scores at least 10 points.

Tipoff between 4-seed Alabama and 6-seed Clemson in the Elite Eight is set for 7:49 p.m. CT, and the game will air on TBS.