The Alabama Crimson Tide are coming into the 2024-25 college basketball season among the favorites to cut down the nets at the conclusion of March Madness and the NCAA Tournament.
Nate Oats did reveal some unfortunate news about his team on Thursday though, stating that South Florida transfer guard Chris Youngblood had surgery on his ankle and will miss the start of the season.
Oats believes Youngblood will be back and at 100% health by the time conference play begins, which for Alabama starts on January 4th when the Tide host new SEC opponent Oklahoma.
The 6’4 sharpshooter is expected to play a big role for ‘Bama after averaging 15.3 points on 41.6% three point shooting last year at South Florida – his fourth straight college season averaging in double figures.
Chris Youngblood had ankle surgery. "We expect him to be 100% by conference play," Nate Oats said
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) September 26, 2024
Oats once again built his roster around outside shooters, and the return of veteran guard Mark Sears, stretch four Grant Nelson, and guard Latrell Wrightstell gives this team plenty of continuity as they look to build on last year’s run to the Final Four.
Youngblood was one of many high profile additions Oats made via the transfer portal this offseason, including Pepperdine guard Houston Mallette, Auburn guard Aden Holloway, and Rutgers center Cliff Omoruyi.
Not having the 6’4 super senior to start the year is not ideal for the Crimson Tide, but his healthy return to the floor in January could jumpstart this season to another strong finish and deep run in the NCAA Tournament.