Alabama basketball forward sounds off on lack of playing time

Alex Tchikou, a former three-star recruit, hasn’t played competitive basketball since his high school days despite being on the Alabama roster for nearly two years. He took a moment to voice his frustrations on social media Monday, but noted that whatever happens, it will be God’s will.

“Damn I ain’t play in a real basketball game in more than 2 years. I’ll keep being patient for what GOD got for me,” Tchikou wrote on Twitter.

The 6-foot-11 redshirt freshman fractured his Achilles tendon prior to the start of the 2020-21 season and was forced to sit out the year as a medical redshirt. Over one year later and is still yet to play in a game for the Crimson Tide.

Head coach Nate Oats updated Tchikou’s status in late January, noting that he was getting better. The chances of a comeback for tournament time are slim to none, but barring any setbacks, Tchikou should be ready for his redshirt sophomore season later this year.

Nate Oats updates status of Jusaun Holt ahead of SEC tournament

A talk this weekend seems to have cleared up any lingering issues for Alabama freshman Jusaun Holt and Nate Oats. Holt is practicing with the team and will travel to Florida for the SEC tournament.

“I met with him yesterday, it was his birthday,” Oats told the media on Monday. “We had a good meeting, he’s back in practice. He’ll be making the trip to Tampa with us. I thought he was really good today.”

Holt did not play in Saturday’s 80-77 road loss against LSU. He also wasn’t with the team on the bench either. The 6-foot-6 guard has seen spot minutes on and off all season, but his future for the postseason seemed in doubt.

During his postgame press conference, Oats spoke about the developing off-the-court situation.

“Me and him are going to meet this weekend and figure out his status with the team moving forward,” said Oats as the audio cut in and out. “Internal issue. No, just, team issue.”