What Nate Oats, Alabama basketball players see in Chris Youngblood as SEC play begins

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Alabama basketball still has high expectations for Chris Youngblood.

The USF guard transfer has been polishing up nicely while working his way back from an offseason ankle injury. However, the state of SEC hoops suggests Alabama (11-2) might need the rust knocked off a little faster.

Head coach Nate Oats is confident that the sought-after sharp-shooter is going to come out sooner than later, though. So are Youngblood’s Crimson Tide teammates.

Dec 14, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama guard Chris Youngblood (8) takes a three point shot against Creighton at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama defeated Creighton 83-75. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

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“He’s (Youngblood) been proven, I’m pretty sure, his entire career,” Oats told reporters on Friday.

Youngblood’s résumé includes seeing Kennesaw State to its first-ever NCAA Tournament with an average 14.7 points per game in 2023, as well as shooting 41.6% with USF in 2024 to lead the Bulls to a historic regular season conference title.

Chris Youngblood billed as Alabama basketball’s ‘biggest leader’ before SEC play

Starting guard Mark Sears and sophomore Mo Dioubate both heralded Youngblood as a great shot maker and all-around player, but commended his leadership first.

Since returning to his hometown of Tuscaloosa in April, Youngblood has blossomed off the bench in recovery as one of the team’s top leaders.

“I think Chris, he’s probably our biggest leader on the team,” Dioubate said. “He holds everyone accountable.”

In the four games he’s played for the Crimson Tide, Youngblood has shot 25% from three-point range (6-for-24) to average seven points per game.

“I think every day that goes by, he gets a bit more comfortable. He gets a little bit more confidence in his ankle and foot, more confidence in his conditioning,” Oats said.

That breeds…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nate-oats-alabama-basketball-players-210026433.html

Author : The Tuscaloosa News

Publish date : 2025-01-03 21:00:00

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