Alabama’s Derrion Reid Trending Toward Return for No. 1 vs. No. 2 Showdown vs. Auburn
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama freshman Derrion Reid is inching closer to a return just in time for Saturday’s massive No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown against rival Auburn. Head coach Nate Oats confirmed to Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman that Reid is expected to be available, pending a final check before tipoff.
Reid, who has been dealing with a lingering leg injury since Feb. 1, has missed the past two weeks. Despite his absence, the freshman has been a steady presence for Alabama this season, averaging 7.2 points and 3.4 rebounds while logging 16.9 minutes per game.
“We’ll see how he looks tomorrow morning,” Oats said on Friday, via BamaOnline’s Charlie Potter. “I’m sure he’ll be a game-time decision, but he looks a lot better than he has at any point in the last month or so.”
Reid’s Impact & Alabama’s Patient Approach
Reid has started three games this season and has hit double-digit scoring six times, providing Alabama with much-needed depth. His return would be critical against an Auburn squad that dominates the paint, and Oats emphasized that the program prioritized his long-term health over rushing him back.
“Derrion had a little bit of discomfort following the Georgia game,” Oats explained last week. “We had him out, brought him back, continued to increase his basketball workload. But, since we anticipate him having a long and successful basketball career well after he’s done playing in college, we didn’t want to jeopardize any of his long-term health.”
“We’re trying to make decisions that benefit him both in the short term and long term, and we don’t want to try to use anybody just to win games. … He’ll be game-to-game moving forward until he’s able to go through a full practice and not experience any type of significant discomfort.”
Historic Matchup Set for Saturday
With No. 2 Alabama (21-3, 10-1 SEC) set to host No. 1 Auburn (22-2, 10-1 SEC) at 4 PM ET in Coleman Coliseum, all eyes will be on Tuscaloosa for one of the biggest games in SEC basketball history.
This marks the 11th meeting between Oats and longtime Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, with Oats holding a narrow 6-5 edge in the Iron Bowl of basketball rivalry over the past five seasons.
Expect an electric atmosphere, and if Reid is cleared to go, Alabama will have one more weapon in its arsenal against its biggest rival.
