By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Tyler Waldrep)

In a conference call on Monday, coach Avery Johnson said
Shannon Hale will return to practice Monday afternoon.

Hale missed the last two games with what Johnson referred to
as a private medical situation, but his return to practice does not mean Alabama
can expect him to contribute when the Crimson Tide hosts Jacksonville State
Tuesday night.

Johnson said he will be day-to-day until he is cleared to
return to action, and Hale is not expected to return to the starting lineup
immediately.

“I could see him coming off the bench and begin on
restricted minutes,” Johnson said.

Michael Kessens will likely continue to start in his place
until Hale can resume his normal responsibilities. Kessens shot 3-7 from the field and grabbed
seven rebounds in his two starts this season.

If Hale does not participate in Tuesday’s game, Norfolk
State’s trip to Tuscaloosa on Saturday will be his last opportunity to get back
out on the court before SEC play starts.  The Crimson Tide travels to Oxford,
Mississippi on Jan. 7 to take on Ole Miss.

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Source:: The Crimson White Sports