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Alabama basketball could have another piece of the rotation back for the SEC/ACC Challenge on Wednesday.
After an 83-80 loss to undefeated Oregon (8-0) in the Players Era Festival championship, UA coach Nate Oats told media network The Field of 68 that guard Chris Youngblood might see his debut for the Crimson Tide at UNC this week.
Ahead of the season, the South Florida transfer suffered an ankle injury during practice that required surgery, leaving him out for exhibitions against Wake Forest and Memphis, as well as regular season showdowns like Alabama’s 100-54 opener against UNC-Asheville, the loss at No. 12 Purdue and UA’s first overtime appearance on Tuesday to upset a top-ranked Houston defense.
Basketball analyst Jeff Goodman noted that while Oats said a return in Chapel Hill is possible for Youngblood, it’s “more likely” he comes back on Dec. 14 when Alabama (6-2) plays Creighton at home in Coleman Coliseum.
Oats’ announcement comes after returning Final Four guard Latrell Wrightsell, Jr. exited the Oregon game, coming out of halftime with an apparent leg injury.
Mar 16, 2024; Fort Worth, TX, USA; South Florida Bulls guard Chris Youngblood (3) drives to the basket and is fouled by UAB Blazers guard Eric Gaines (4) during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports
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The last time Alabama and UNC faced off in March, the then-No. 4 Crimson Tide edged a top-ranked UNC out of the NCAA Tournament with an 89-87 final.
With Wrightsell, Youngblood is one of six grads on Alabama’s roster and was projected to be one of the starting five before falling injured. In his final season at South Florida, Youngblood led the 25-8 Bulls to a historic regular season conference title, secured by a 16-2 record in the AAC.
He played in all 33 games on the schedule, leading…
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Author : The Tuscaloosa News
Publish date : 2024-12-01 15:26:00
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