Alabama basketball forward Derrion Reid’s availability for the Crimson Tide‘s upcoming game against Vanderbilt remains uncertain, according to UA coach Nate Oats. Reid, a freshman, has missed two consecutive games with a lower-body injury.
“He’s doing more and more every day. He’s still not doing everything in practice,” Oats said. “He’s probably questionable, we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow. This is one of those injuries that if you bring him back too fast, it could be season-long lingering, never 100 percent. And with the way he plays, he’s got to be explosive, athletic, and attacking the rim.”
The Crimson Tide (15-3, 4-1 SEC) will tip off against the Commodores on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT (SEC Network). Vanderbilt just notched its most impressive win of the season with a 76-75 win over rival Tennessee, which previously had been ranked No. 6 in the nation in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Reid was unavailable for Alabama’s 74-64 home loss to Ole Miss last week, and also missed UA’s 102-97 win over Kentucky on Saturday. In 15 games this season, he’s averaged 17.7 minutes, 8.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He scored a season-high 12 in a home win over Creighton on Dec. 14, and 11 in his last game prior to being injured, against Texas A&M.
It’s a crowded frontcourt, but Oats has played his big men more extensively this season, in part due to a season-ending injury to guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. Oats also has cited the need for more consistent play in his guard rotation.
Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nate Oats reveals injury status of Alabama basketball’s Derrion Reid
