The Oklahoma City Thunder has announced the signing of guard Chris Youngblood to a two-way contract, a strategic move following his impactful display in the Summer League and preseason. Youngblood, who was not selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased remarkable talent, particularly with a 25-point performance against the Indiana Pacers, which proved pivotal in earning him this developmental opportunity with one of the league's youngest teams. His journey through college basketball saw him evolve into a formidable player, leaving a lasting impression at each program he attended.
Basketball Standout Chris Youngblood Joins Oklahoma City Thunder on Two-Way Deal
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma City Thunder has officially secured the services of guard Chris Youngblood through a two-way contract. This significant agreement, first reported by NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, marks a new chapter for the promising athlete who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Youngblood's path to the NBA has been paved with consistent effort and standout performances. His tenure with the Thunder during the Summer League and subsequent preseason games highlighted his potential, with a memorable 25-point outing against Indiana serving as a testament to his scoring prowess and composure on the court. This impressive showing ultimately solidified his position within the organization's developmental framework.
A 23-year-old guard, Youngblood boasts a distinguished collegiate career spanning four institutions. He first gained widespread recognition at Kennesaw State, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Owls to their inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023, earning First-Team All-ASUN honors along the way. His exceptional skills then led him to South Florida, where under the guidance of coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, he continued to excel. During his time with the Bulls, Youngblood averaged 15.3 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, demonstrating impressive efficiency from beyond the arc with a 41.6% shooting clip. His contributions were instrumental in the Bulls clinching the conference regular-season title, and he was deservingly named AAC co-Player of the Year.
For his final collegiate season, the Alabama native returned to his home state, joining Nate Oats' program at Alabama. There, he maintained his strong offensive output, averaging 10.3 points per game and remaining one of the team's most reliable perimeter shooters. Throughout his 150-game college career, Youngblood averaged 13.5 points, shooting 39.3% from three-point range and over 80% from the free-throw line, showcasing remarkable consistency and scoring versatility.
During the 2025–26 NBA preseason, Youngblood participated in six games, where he averaged 11.3 points in limited minutes. His performances underscored his inherent confidence in shooting and his composed demeanor, even under pressure.
Under the terms of the NBA's two-way contract system, Youngblood will divide his playing time between the Oklahoma City Thunder's main roster and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. This arrangement will provide him with valuable opportunities for development and on-court experience as he transitions into the professional basketball landscape.
The signing of Chris Youngblood by the Oklahoma City Thunder is a testament to the organization's commitment to nurturing emerging talent and providing opportunities for players who demonstrate potential and dedication. Youngblood's journey, from being an undrafted prospect to securing a two-way contract, exemplifies the importance of perseverance and seizing every opportunity presented. His consistent improvement throughout his college career and impressive preseason displays suggest a bright future, offering an inspiring narrative for aspiring athletes. This move not only strengthens the Thunder's roster depth but also highlights the value of the two-way contract in bridging the gap between collegiate and professional basketball, allowing young players to hone their skills while remaining connected to an NBA franchise.
