Alabama's Nate Oats Provides Critical Health Update Before Top-10 Matchup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elijah Hamilton | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 4:57 PM ET

Alabama basketball will be without several key players during their matchup against Florida.

Freshman Forward Derrion Reid will miss the Crimson Tide matchup against the Gators, head coach Nate Oats confirmed.

"Derrion's starting back doing basketball workouts," Oats said via AL.com "He’s still week-to-week. He won't be playing tomorrow.”Reid has been out for five games due to a lingering hamstring injury, the same injury that bothered him earlier in the season.

It's a tough blow for the Crimson Tide; Reid was putting together a solid freshman campaign before the injuries. He was averaging 7.1 points and 3.2 rebounds on 43.6% shooting.

However, the team would likely miss presence on the court. Oats also provided an update on Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and shooting guard Houston Mallette, who missed time this season due to devastating injuries.

Wrightsell suffered a ruptured Achilles Tendon during Alabama's loss against Oregon last year, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. While Mallete, a senior who transferred from Pepperdine and was initially redshirted this season, has dealt with nagging knee issues.

Alabama faces a tough matchup in their final home game of the season when No.5 Florida rolls in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday. The Gators serve as the lone SEC team the Crimson Tide has not faced this season and are one of the best in the nation.

Both clubs are tied for second place in the SEC Standings at 12-4, and beating the Gators will clinch a double bye in the tournament.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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