The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has imposed a suspension on junior forward Mohamed Wague of Alabama Basketball, rendering him unavailable for the upcoming game against the Kentucky Wildcats. This disciplinary action stems from Wague’s actions during Alabama’s recent victory over the Florida Gators, where he was found guilty of elbowing Florida forward Alex Condon in the head, an incident deemed unrelated to the sport and driven by heightened emotions during the game.
Acknowledging the gravity of Wague’s actions, even supporters of Alabama Basketball, including Coach Nate Oats, recognize the necessity of the suspension. While Oats publicly concurred with the decision, there are no indications of him imposing further disciplinary measures.
Wague, who transferred from West Virginia, has showcased his value as a supplementary player at times but has faced challenges throughout the season. Despite featuring in 24 out of 26 games for Alabama, starting in eight, he has maintained averages of 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.
During the non-conference phase of the season, Wague provided significant contributions, particularly when fellow big man Nick Pringle encountered difficulties both on and off the court. Prior to the holiday period, Wague delivered double-digit scoring performances in three separate games, including a notable display against Purdue’s Zach Edey. Furthermore, his defensive prowess was evident, with multiple games featuring two or more blocks and steals.
However, Wague’s propensity for fouls has been a persistent issue, resulting in disqualification from four games this season despite limited playing time averaging under 10 minutes per game.
As the season progressed into the spring semester and SEC play intensified, Coach Oats streamlined his player rotation, consequently reducing Wague’s minutes and contributions.
The incident against Florida serves as a stark reminder of Wague’s misstep, for which he will face consequences. It is hoped that this setback will prompt him to refocus on his performance. Wague has previously demonstrated his capability to positively influence games, and as the season progresses towards the postseason, the Crimson Tide may rely on him to elevate his performance when called upon.
