Alabama Basketball's Josh Primo Out for SEC Semifinal Game Against Tennessee

The Crimson Tide demolished Mississippi State on Friday but lost a key piece in the process

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Alabama basketball freshman guard Josh Primo will not be on the court in Saturday's SEC Tournament semifinal game between the Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers.

On Saturday morning, it was reported that Primo will be out of Saturday's game with a left MCL sprain, but has the potential to return this season.

The news was first reported by Tuscaloosa News.

With 12 minutes left in Friday's 85-48 quarterfinal win over Mississippi State, Primo went down with a left knee injury with just 12 minutes remaining in the game. As it happened, he went down on the floor screaming in excruciating pain. 

Trainer Clarke Holter and walk-on Tyler Barnes helped him off the court and carried him into the tunnel, leading into the locker room.

"It's something with the knee, but that's all we know," Alabama coach Nate Oats said in an interview with ESPN immediately following Friday's game. "I think they're taking him to Vanderbilt..."

Primo had scored eight points on 3 of 5 shooting and grabbed four rebounds to go along with one block before he exited. The native Canadian was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team on Tuesday.

On the year, Primo is averaging 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and one assist. He is shooting 42. 1 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three-point range. Primo has started in 19 of the Crimson Tide's 28 games.

Alabama will face Tennessee in the semifinals on Saturday at noon, which will be televised on ESPN.

"We were real concerned at first with what happened with Primo but we know he's going to be alright," Alabama senior guard John Petty Jr. said postgame. "We're going to pray for him and we will get the job done for him if he's not able to go over the weekend.

"Hopefully we get some good news."

Primo arrived to Bridgestone Arena prior to Saturday's game using a crutch and sporting a hard brace on his left leg.