Due to a suspension for behavior that was detrimental to the team, Alabama center Nick Pringle was unable to travel to Athens for Wednesday’s game versus Georgia. This information was first reported during the SEC Network broadcast and was later verified by coach Nate Oats. He and freshman guard Davin Cosby (flu) were the two Alabama players who did not go.
Oats stated, “He’s suspended right now.” He must choose whether or not he wants to participate in this program based on some of his choices and behavior. Nothing negative off the court or anything of the sort; we’ll just see how things go in games and practice. When I return, we’ll get together.
The Crimson Tide(15-6,7-1) defeated Georgia and kept exclusive possession of the top spot in the SEC rankings after overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit. With 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists, guard Mark Sears topped all scorers. Center Grant Nelson scored 20 points, including 14 in the second half.
Pringle, a senior, has been suspended for behavior that is harmful to the team twice this season. On December 4, Alabama defeated Arkansas State 89-65. He didn’t play in that game; however, on December 9, he played against Purdue.
Pringle, who averages 15.8 minutes, 5.2 points, and 4.1 rebounds per game, started the season as the starting center but has since fluctuated in and out of the starting lineup. He didn’t join the game until the second half of Alabama’s victory over LSU on Saturday, playing just eight minutes of the match.
After the game, Oats remarked, “I played the guys we felt gave us the best chance to win the game at the appropriate times in the game.” Nick thus provided us with a few really strong minutes in the second half.
Alabama’s next games are scheduled for this Saturday at home against Mississippi State; on February 7 and February 10, the team will travel to Auburn.