Alabama Faces Former Player Nick Pringle in SEC Showdown Against South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-2, 1-0 SEC) will face a familiar opponent Wednesday night when they take on South Carolina (10-4, 0-1) at Colonial Life Arena. Former Alabama forward Nick Pringle, who transferred to South Carolina this past offseason, will be a key player for the Gamecocks in the 6 p.m. CT matchup, broadcast on SEC Network.

Pringle, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound graduate forward, spent two seasons with Alabama before joining South Carolina. He is now averaging 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, a significant increase from his 6.8 points per game last season with the Crimson Tide. Alabama head coach Nate Oats acknowledged Pringle’s growth, particularly in his offensive role. “He’s just getting a lot more post touches,” Oats said. “He was playing more on the perimeter for us. Now he’s actually getting fed and expected to score in the post.”

This marks the third time Alabama has faced a former player this season, having previously matched up against Davin Cosby Jr. (Wake Forest) and Mo Wague (Oklahoma). Oats noted that Pringle’s familiarity with Alabama’s system could provide an edge for South Carolina. “Nick’s a smart player,” Oats said. “He’s going to know our play calls. I’m sure he’s going to alert them to it.”

Alabama enters the game as a 10.5-point favorite, coming off a dominant 85-50 win over Oklahoma in their SEC opener. South Carolina, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a disappointing 85-50 loss to Mississippi State. Despite the lopsided score, Oats expects a competitive Gamecocks team. “This is a team that has beaten Clemson at home,” Oats said. “I think we should expect a team more like what played Clemson than what played Mississippi State.”

Key players to watch include Alabama’s Mark Sears, who leads the team with 18.3 points per game, and South Carolina’s Meechie Johnson, averaging 12.6 points. The Crimson Tide will also rely on Grant Nelson, who recorded his fourth double-double of the season against Oklahoma, and freshman standout Labaron Philon, who earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors for the third time this season.

South Carolina will be without starter Stue, who has started all 14 games this season but is sidelined for Wednesday’s matchup. His absence could open opportunities for Zachary Davis or Morris Ugusuk to step into the lineup.

Alabama’s high-powered offense, which has scored 100 or more points in 14 games since the start of last season, will test South Carolina’s defense. The Gamecocks, however, have shown resilience at home, boasting an 11-1 record when shooting 50% or better under head coach Lamont Paris.

Wednesday’s game will be a critical early test for both teams as they navigate the competitive SEC landscape. For Alabama, it’s a chance to prove their road readiness, while South Carolina aims to bounce back and secure their first conference win of the season.