Alabama Basketball transfer guard Chris Youngblood suffered an ankle injury in practice that required surgery, according to head coach Nate Oats.
Nate Oats on injuries:
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 26, 2024
- Chris Youngblood has an ankle injury. Oats expects him to be 100 percent by conference play.
- Derrion Reid has a hand injury. He's more week-to-week, should be back by the Wake exhibition.
- Naas Cunningham has a groin injury and is more day-to-day.
Younblood transferred to Alabama from South Florida, where he was the AAC's Co-player of the year. Youngblood averaged a little over 15 points-per-game and shot 41% from three-point range for the Bulls last season.
Youngblood was expected to play a big role for the Crimson Tide, one of six players on the roster who are graduates. He was projected as a starter.
Fortunately, Alabama has a lot of depth, and with the emergence of true freshman Labaron Philon and Auburn transfer guard Aden Holloway, they should be able to shoulder the extra minutes while Youngblood recovers.
According to Oats, Youngblood should be 100% by the start of SEC play, pending any setbacks.
Oats also provided injury news on freshmen Derrion Reid and Naas Cunningham. Reid has a hand injury but should be back for the first exhibition against Wake Forest. Cunningham is day-to-day with a groin issue.