Crimson Tide hoops star Latrell Wrightsell granted extra year of eligibility due to injury

Michael Brauner

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June 24, 2025

The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team got tremendous news on Tuesday when they found out one of their most important players will be returning for the upcoming season.

After tearing his achilles, Alabama star sharpshooter Latrell Wrightsell Jr. has been granted a medical waiver by the NCAA and awarded a sixth season of eligibility.

The news was first reported by Alabama’s NIL collective, Yea Alabama.

NEWS: Latrell Wrightsell Jr. has been granted a medical redshirt year for the 2025-26 season.@AlabamaMBB https://t.co/zxcCfxU5K2 pic.twitter.com/6TvSfvq3lB

— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) June 23, 2025

Wrightsell’s injury occurred just eight games into last season, and his absence was a huge part of the reason Alabama ultimately fell short of its goals going into the year. During those eight games, he averaged 11.5 points and was a major factor in the Crimson Tide getting off to a strong start.

Wrightsell is expected to be fully recovered and ready for the start of next season as he continues to take steps towards getting back on the court.

Now that Nate Oats knows he has his star back, the real team-building process can begin before the season starts in November.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.