Good Things Happen When Latrell Wrightsell Jr. Doesn't Pass Up 3-Pointers
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Latrell Wrightsell Jr. transferred to Alabama and was expected to have a significant role as a shooter for an already star-studded group of 3-point scorers.
Through the early non-conference portion of the season, Wrightsell hasn’t had much of an impact.
That changed Saturday at the C.M. Newton Classic at Legacy Arena at the Bimingham Jefferson Convention Complex.
Wrightsell, a Cal State Fullerton transfer, went off for a season high 19 points on 5 of 7 shooting from 3-point range to help the Crimson Tide down Liberty, 101-56.
He accounted for one-third of the Crimson Tide’s 3-point baskets.
“I think Coach (Nate) Oats believing in me has given me a lot of confidence,” Wrightsell said. “He never tells me to pass on an open three. I get yelled at in practice a lot for passing on open threes. I was able to come in here confidently and get some open looks today and I didn’t pass on them. It felt good.”
Wrightsell’s previous season high point total was nine. He did that twice, and both times all nine points came on 3-pointers (3 of 6 shooting). Wrightsell’s taken 63 shots this season, 46 from 3-point range. He’s made 21 of those shots from 3-point range, and he’s also a perfect 12-for-12 at the free throw line.
So what does all this mean for the 6-foot-3 senior moving forward?
“It felt really good today,” Wrightsell said. “I’m going to keep building on that.”
At Cal State Fullerton, Wrightsell averaged a team-high 16.3 points per game with 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists last season. He shot 42.4% from the field, 38.3% from 3-point range and earned first team All-Big West honors. He was also named to the 2023 Big West All-Tournament team.
Aaron Estrada was two assists shy of a triple-double (13 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists).
Oats had good things to say about his backcourt as Alabama turns the calendar to 2024 and SEC play.
“With these guys, along with Rylen (Griffen) and (Mark) Sears, we could have the best backcourt in the league, which is what we need to have,” Oats said. “They share the ball well and any one of these guys can go for 20 points on any night. The balance is good and it’s nice to have a group of guys that want to play for each other.”
