Alabama basketball introduced a new weapon to its arsenal Saturday against Creighton. After sitting out for the season so far recovering from ankle surgery, Chris Youngblood made his debut in a Crimso n Tide jersey.

Youngblood is a Tuscaloosa native. He first played for Kennesaw State in college before he transferred to South Florida. There, he won AAC co-player of the year during the 2023-24 season. Youngblood is a 6-4, 223-pound graduate student guard.

According to Alabama head coach Nate Oats however, Youngblood is near a return from injury, and could even make his Alabama debut as early as this upcoming Saturday against Creighton. “Chris has practiced in still a limited role,” Oats said. “We haven’t had him do everything, but I would anticipated him getting some minutes.”

The No. 7 Alabama basketball team returns home for the first time in a month to face the final opponent in it's brutal seven-game stretch of non-conference action. The Crimson Tide will welcome Creighton after defeating North Carolina in Chapel Hill last week and will look to get the programs first win over the Bluejays after going 0-3 all time.

Alabama basketball guard Chris Youngblood has officially made his debut in the Crimson and White. Youngblood entered the game in the first period with 15:37 to halftime and made his first 3-pointer for UA (7-2) at the 13-minute mark for a 16-7 lead over Creighton.

This weekend won't be the first time that Alabama basketball guard Chris Youngblood, who was cleared to play on Friday, meets Creighton.

Youngblood has yet to suit up for Alabama due to a preseason ankle injury. He started his career at Kennesaw State, where he played three seasons for the late Amir Abdul-Rahim. When Abdul-Rahim got the USF job, Youngblood followed his coach to Tampa, where he played one season before heading to Tuscaloosa.

After an 83-81 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.

The Alabama Basketball Team during player introductions against University of North Carolina Asheville at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL on Monday, Nov 4, 2024.By WVUA23 Sports Reporter Brooks Norpel Alabama basketball is happy to be the “home team” once again for Saturday nights clash with Creighton.