Redshirting Alabama Guard Joining Team in New Jersey

Newark, N.J. - Alabama senior guard Houston Mallette as not with the team in Cleveland, Ohio for the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament. According to head coach Nate Oats, Mallette is back with the team in New Jersey for the Sweet 16 and possibly beyond.

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Mallette, who was tabbed to get a medical redshirt, has not played for Alabama since January 8 against South Carolina, and he only played three minutes in the Tide's 88-68 victory over the Gamecocks.

In his six appearances this season, Mallette shot 58.3 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three-point range.

Oats explained Mallette's absence in Cleveland, stating the senior guard suffered a 'non-basketball injury.'

"He was unable to travel with us for the first two rounds," coach Nate Oats said Wednesday. "We got here Monday, he got here Monday, as well. He took a commercial flight.

"He's one of the best kids I've ever coached in my life. I want him with the program. He wanted to be with us. He just health-wise wasn't able to make the first two rounds. Although he's back with us, he'll be on the bench with us. He's obviously not playing; he's redshirted this year. But he's back with the program."

Mallette told On3 Sports in the locker room on Wednesday that he suffered 'significant' injuries to his face, neck, and shoulders at home two weeks ago.

Mallette, who transferred to Alabama from Pepperdine last spring, agreed to redshirt before the start of the 2024-2025 men's basketball season. After Latrell Wrightsell got injured in November, Mallette burned his redshirt and played for Alabama.

However, after participating in six games, Alabama decided to pursue a medical redshirt for Mallette. He is suffering from knee injuries dating back to last summer.

Since Mallette has played in less than 30 percent of games this season, and none in the second half of the year, he is expected to be granted a medical redshirt and be eligible to play in the 2025-2026 men's basketball season.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.