Alabama Guard Expected to Make Season Debut Vs. Creighton

As Alabama looks to earn another win to their season this weekend, a key Crimson Tide transfer is likely to be on the hard floor for Nate Oats.

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Senior transfer guard Chris Youngblood is set to make his debut for Alabama after missing some time with an ankle injury.

Earlier today head coach Nate Oats hosted a press conference for their matchup with Creighton this weekend.

Oats discussed Youngblood's expected minutes against Creighton.

"Chris has practiced, still a limited role. We haven't had him do everything. I would anticipate him playing some minutes. As long as... it's not whether his ankle's right. He hasn't gone hard. His whole body has got to get ready to play. He had a little bit of a hiccup. He was able to go some today. As long as he recovers from tonight, I would anticipate him playing limited minutes tomorrow," said Oats.

Youngblood, a Tuscaloosa native, joined Alabama this offseason after three seasons at Kennesaw State and one at South Florida. Last season, he was named Co-American Conference Player of the Year at South Florida, averaging 15.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

With the injury to Latrell Wrightsell Jr., who ruptured his Achilles tendon during Alabama's loss to Oregon in the Players Era tournament championship, Youngblood’s return provides a much-needed boost. In that game, Labaron Philon led Alabama with 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Jarin Stevenson, Aden Holloway, and Mark Sears each added 11 points.

Oats highlighted Youngblood’s role and importance as the season progresses.

"It will be great to actually get him some reps. Hopefully this game and then the next three before SEC play starts, he will be comfortable enough in those four games to be full go by the time we set to SEC play, which is really the original plan," said Oats.

This weekend at 7:30 p.m. CT, head coach Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide aim to reverse their fortunes against Creighton in a home game. Fans can catch the game live on Tide 100.9 FM and 1230 AM WTBC.

Chase Brumfield is the morning producer and writer for Tide 100.9. He is currently a senior studying communications at Mississippi State University. Follow Chase for more Alabama content on X at @cb3864.