Alabama basketball still has high expectations of Chris Youngblood.
The transfer guard from USF has polished off nicely while recovering from an offseason ankle injury. However, the state of SEC hoops suggests Alabama (11-2) might need to shake off the rust a little quicker.
Head coach Nate Oats, however, is confident that the sought-after sharpshooter will be released sooner rather than later. The same goes for Youngblood’s Crimson Tide teammates.
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“He (Youngblood) has proven himself, I’m pretty sure, throughout his career,” Oats told reporters Friday.
Youngblood’s resume includes making Kennesaw State its first-ever NCAA Tournament while averaging 14.7 points per game in 2023, as well as shooting 41.6 percent with USF in 2024 to lead the Bulls to a historic conference title in the regular season.
Chris Youngblood touted as Alabama basketball’s ‘greatest leader’ ahead of SEC game
Starting guard Mark Sears and sophomore Mo Dioubaté both touted Youngblood as an excellent shooter and versatile player, but initially praised his leadership.
Since returning to his hometown of Tuscaloosa in April, Youngblood has flourished coming off the bench and recovering as one of the team’s top leaders.
“I think Chris is probably our biggest leader on the team,” Dioubaté said. “He holds everyone accountable.”
In the four games he played for the Crimson Tide, Youngblood shot 25% from three-point range (6-for-24) at an average of seven points per game.
“I think with each day that goes by, he’s getting a little more comfortable. He’s got a little more confidence in his ankle and his foot, more confidence in his fitness,” Oats said.
This breeds more confidence for Alabama’s struggling three-point efforts, with a 31.7 percent success rate on the season, compared to OU’s 36.7 percent, led by Duke Miles with 25 field goals. aim.
OU’s efficiency from deep is a threat on offense, but not quite like the Sooner defense that is holding opponents on just 27.1 percent of 3-point attempts.
“I think the guys who have done the work need to continue to do that work,” Oats said.
Until the shots start falling like they did for Youngblood at USF and Kennesaw State, Oats will grab the steals and rebounds.
“Clearly it drives about 70 percent,” Oats said. “You just have to get back to it.”
According to Oats, the staff hoped Youngblood would be 100 percent by the start of the conference.
“He’s not there yet, but I don’t think he’s far away,” Oats said.
No. 6 Alabama and No. 10 Oklahoma will tip off in the SEC opener at 5:00 p.m. CT Saturday at Coleman Coliseum.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached by email at esmarr@gannett.com.
This article was originally published on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Chris Youngblood is Alabama basketball’s ‘greatest leader’ as SEC play begins
