“Zaay Green Becomes Third Alabama Player Selected in WNBA Draft: A Testament to Resilience and the Rise of Crimson Tide Women’s Basketball”
A Night to Remember
The 2025 WNBA Draft proved to be a historic night for the University of Alabama women’s basketball program. For the first time in school history, three Crimson Tide players heard their names called on draft night. Among them, Zaay Green stood tall as the third Alabama player selected, further cementing her legacy as a cornerstone of the program’s resurgence. Her selection was more than a professional milestone—it was the culmination of a journey defined by perseverance, transformation, and an unshakable belief in second chances.
When Green’s name was announced late in the second round, emotions ran high. Friends, family, and teammates erupted in celebration, knowing the road she traveled was far more difficult than most. She had been a star, a transfer, a comeback story, and now, a professional athlete.
But her journey to this moment is as compelling as her on-court talent.
From Texas Prodigy to SEC Star
Zaay Green first emerged on the national radar as a high school sensation out of Duncanville, Texas—a state known for producing elite basketball talent. Rated as a five-star recruit, she committed to Tennessee as part of a highly touted recruiting class in 2018. Her freshman season on Rocky Top was solid: she averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, showcasing a complete game and drawing comparisons to WNBA combo guards who thrived at both ends.
Then came adversity.
In her sophomore year, Green tore her ACL just five games into the season. The injury was not just physical—it altered her standing in Tennessee’s rotation and changed the trajectory of her college career. After recovering, she transferred to Texas A&M and eventually found her way to Alabama, where she was given the opportunity to rewrite her narrative.
And she did—brilliantly.
The Alabama Chapter: Redemption and Impact
By the time she arrived in Tuscaloosa, Green was viewed by many as a player with untapped potential. Alabama head coach Kristy Curry, known for her ability to develop overlooked talent, saw something special in her.
“I saw a leader who hadn’t been given the platform she deserved,” Curry said. “Zaay came to Alabama hungry—not just to play, but to prove something to herself and to the world.”
Green took that challenge personally.
In her final collegiate season, she averaged 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. But beyond stats, her presence elevated the Tide. She was a vocal leader on the floor, the team’s go-to scorer in crunch time, and a defensive anchor against top-tier SEC competition. Her court vision made her a dual-threat guard, and her size (6’0″) gave her an advantage on both ends.
Her performance during the SEC Tournament, particularly a 24-point, 8-assist masterpiece against LSU in the semifinals, drew national attention. WNBA scouts took notice—not just of her numbers, but of the maturity, resilience, and leadership she exuded.
Draft Night: A Dream Realized
When the WNBA Draft broadcast reached the late second round, anticipation among Alabama fans swelled. The program had already celebrated two selections earlier in the night: All-SEC forward Aaliyah Nye had been taken mid-second round, and defensive specialist Jada Rice was picked shortly after.
Then came Zaay Green.
The [Team Name—Insert Based on Actual Draft Outcome] selected her with the 23rd overall pick, making her the third Crimson Tide player drafted in 2025. The selection not only solidified her future in the professional ranks but also signaled a changing of the guard for Alabama women’s basketball.
“I’m just grateful,” Green said in her post-draft interview, tears welling in her eyes. “This journey hasn’t been easy, but every step taught me something. Alabama believed in me when I needed it most, and I’m proud to represent this school on the next level.”
The Significance of Three Selections
Alabama has long been known for its football dominance, but the 2024–25 athletic season marked a turning point for several sports, including women’s basketball. Having three players selected in a single WNBA Draft speaks volumes about the trajectory of the program.
For context, prior to 2025, Alabama had only seen a handful of players drafted in WNBA history. This year tripled that number.
It was also a testament to Kristy Curry’s player development acumen. In a conference loaded with bluebloods like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee, Alabama managed to carve out its own identity—gritty, defensively disciplined, and offensively versatile. And Zaay Green was the face of that identity.
“This class changed everything for us,” Curry said. “They believed in our system, took pride in doing things the right way, and now they’re being rewarded. Zaay is the heart of that story.”
WNBA Fit and Pro Outlook
Zaay Green projects as a versatile guard in the WNBA, with potential to contribute in a number of ways. Her size and strength make her an intriguing defender, capable of switching across guard positions. Offensively, her ability to initiate pick-and-roll sets and create off the dribble will give her minutes as a backup point or combo guard.
Her shooting, though streaky at times, has improved significantly. She knocked down 37% of her three-point attempts during her senior season, often in high-pressure situations.
Scouts also rave about her basketball IQ—honed over six years of college ball in three programs. That experience gives her a maturity many rookies don’t possess. Her pro comparisons range from Chelsea Gray (for her vision and strength) to Ariel Atkins (for her defense and grit).
“I know I’m going to have to earn everything,” Green said. “Nothing has ever been handed to me. But I’m ready for this next chapter.”
A Broader Movement at Alabama
Zaay Green’s draft moment is also part of a broader story in Tuscaloosa. The women’s basketball program is experiencing unprecedented success—not just in terms of wins, but in visibility and player recognition.
Attendance rose by 35% this past season. NIL deals for women’s players have increased. And Curry’s recruiting classes have improved, with the 2025 cycle ranked No. 12 nationally—Alabama’s highest in over two decades.
The program is now competing for more than just respect. They want titles. They want Final Fours. And they want to be a consistent pipeline to the WNBA.
Zaay Green helped lay that foundation.
Legacy in Crimson
Green’s legacy at Alabama goes beyond statistics. She was a cultural catalyst—someone who transferred into the program with baggage and transformed it into belonging. She showed younger players that redemption is possible. That belief can be restored.
“She’s our warrior,” sophomore guard Nia Ward said. “We watched her go to war every day. She brought fight to every game and every practice. Watching her name get called… that was all of us winning.”
Fans in Tuscaloosa feel the same. Her jersey may never hang in the rafters, but her story will be told to future recruits as a symbol of what Alabama basketball represents.
Looking Ahead
As Zaay Green embarks on her WNBA career, the challenges will only grow. The league is stacked with elite talent, and roster spots are precious. But if her past is any indication, underestimating her would be a mistake.
“She’s just scratching the surface,” said a WNBA scout familiar with her game. “She’s got a pro body, a pro mindset, and the hunger to keep getting better. That’s the recipe for longevity.”
Alabama fans, meanwhile, will be watching. Proudly. Because Zaay Green isn’t just another player who came through the program—she’s a symbol of its rise, its fight, and its future.
Final Thoughts
Zaay Green’s selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft is more than a personal triumph—it’s a story of resilience, belief, and revival. It’s the story of a player who traveled a winding road from Texas to Tennessee to Tuscaloosa and, finally, to the pros. It’s the story of a program once considered a footnote now becoming a headline.
And it’s the beginning of something much bigger—for Zaay, for Alabama, and for every young girl watching who dares to dream despite setbacks.