Why ‘selfless’ Houston Mallette burned his redshirt for Alabama basketball

Houston Mallette was not expected to play this season.

He, his family and the Alabama men’s basketball coaching staff talked before the season and came to the decision that Mallette would redshirt in 2024-25. Minutes would be difficult to come by, plus Mallette didn’t have a full offseason after transferring from Pepperdine. Some knee problems limited him.

Then Latrell Wrightsell Jr. ruptured his Achilles tendon against Oregon on Saturday. Alabama coach Nate Oats ruled him out for the season on Tuesday.

With Wrightsell’s departure, the Crimson Tide not only lost a starter, but also one of their best shooters.

The staff decided to approach Mallette to get him to burn his red shirt. A decision that ultimately rested with him.

Fast forward to Wednesday night in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Mallette was not only in uniform, but also making his debut in a game against No. 10 Alabama, which went on to win 94-79 over No. 20 UNC.

Redshirt burnt.

“In my opinion, we often have the best interests at heart in society,” Mallette said after the game. “But I feel like what’s best for me in my life is also what’s best for the team. And I’m willing to do whatever I can to influence people and the team. That’s how the decision came about.”

Mallette played nine minutes efficiently, scoring six points, hitting both three-pointers while grabbing three rebounds and two steals.

“Houston, selfless enough to take off his red shirt and come in,” Oats said. “…made some great defensive plays. rebounds. Had a tip that kept an offensive rebound alive. We got a dunk on that play. He was great.”

Mallette offers a veteran option in what is now his final season as a collegiate player. As much talent and depth as Alabama has, it can still use a reliable shooter like Mallette. A season ago at Pepperdine, he finished 41.5% from deep. Consider Mallette a top contender to replace Wrightsell’s production.

Wrightsell shot 44.7% from deep last season and is shooting 42.2% this season.

“Obviously my prayers are out there with Latrell,” Mallette said. “He’s a big part of this team…Obviously I didn’t want to play like that. If I had it, I would have loved to play Latrell.”

Instead, Mallette will try to do what’s best for the team.

Nick Kelly is a beat writer from Alabama AL.com and Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X And Instagram.