Alabama vs Texas A&M: Phil Steele Thinks The Tide Will Roll Big by Chris Hale

Alabama basketball head coach Anthony Grant announced on Friday that senior graduate transfer guard Christophe Varidel will be unable to play in 2014–2015 due to injury.

“Since arriving on campus last May, Christophe has battled pre-existing injuries that have prevented him from participating in any individual workouts or team related activities,” Grant said. “After several months of seeking medical assistance from multiple physicians and being unable to reach a solution to his issues. Christophe and I both feel it is in the best interest of his long-term health and well-being for him to step away from basketball at this time. This will allow him to focus on getting healthy while continuing to pursue his master’s degree from Alabama.”

Varidel, one of the nation’s best shooters, was expected to add some much needed depth at the guard position for the Crimson Tide.

Although he only played five games due to injury during his senior season at Chaminade, he averaged 21.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

Varidel entered into the national spotlight during Florida Gulf Coast’s run to the Sweet 16 during his junior season.

“I am disappointed to end my college career this way, but I have to accept the situation,” Varidel said. “I would have loved to challenge myself at such a high-level of basketball and help the team reach its goals.”

Varidel went on to thank Anthony Grant and the rest of the Alabama coaching staff for giving him the opportunity to play in Tuscaloosa.

The Crimson Tide will now look to fellow transfer Ricky Tarrant and freshman Justin Coleman to add depth at the guard position along with veterans Levi Randolph and Retin Obasohan.