Alabama Crimson Tide Women’s Basketball: A 17-3 Start and the Climb in the Coaches’ Poll
The Alabama Crimson Tide women’s basketball team has been one of the standout stories in the 2024-2025 NCAA season. With an impressive 17-3 record, the team has quickly risen through the ranks and garnered national attention. This rapid ascent has been reflected in their recent placement at No. 19 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches’ Poll. Head coach Kristy Curry and her players have not only exceeded expectations but have also showcased the potential to challenge the elite teams in the country.
A Promising Start: Setting Expectations High
At the beginning of the 2024-2025 season, Alabama was viewed as a team with potential but not one expected to be a top contender immediately. While the Crimson Tide was ranked No. 24 in the AP Preseason Poll, they were left off the Coaches’ Poll, signaling some uncertainty about the program’s growth under Coach Curry’s leadership. The season, however, began with optimism and a sense of determination. The team’s performance in the early stages quickly silenced doubters, as they went on to deliver a string of victories that have put them firmly in the national conversation.
The 17-3 start is a clear indication that Alabama has made major strides as a program. After struggling to make deep runs in the SEC in recent years, this season marks a turning point, where they are no longer just participants but serious contenders in the college basketball landscape.
The Impact of Leadership and Coaching
A key factor in Alabama’s success has been the leadership of head coach Kristy Curry. Curry, who has been at the helm of Alabama since 2013, is no stranger to building programs from the ground up. This season, her experience and coaching prowess have been on full display. Under her guidance, the team has improved in virtually every area — offensive efficiency, defensive schemes, and overall team chemistry.
Curry’s coaching style is centered around discipline, hard work, and maximizing the strengths of her players. The result has been a well-rounded team that can compete on both sides of the ball. Her ability to adjust strategies depending on the opponent has allowed Alabama to find success against both ranked and unranked teams alike. Curry’s knack for player development has been another key element of the team’s rapid rise, with players taking on more responsibility and growing into their roles throughout the season.
Key Players Fueling the Success
Alabama’s rise to a 17-3 record has been driven by standout individual performances from a number of players. At the forefront is senior guard Hannah Barber, whose leadership on the floor has been a constant for Alabama. Barber, known for her scoring ability and ball-handling, has been the engine behind the team’s offensive sets, consistently finding ways to create opportunities for her teammates. She’s also played a key role on defense, guarding opposing players and creating turnovers that turn into fast-break opportunities.
Another key figure has been Zaay Green, who transferred to Alabama from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. In a statement game against Arkansas, Green posted 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing her all-around skills and versatility. Her performance on both sides of the court has been crucial, adding an extra dimension to Alabama’s offense and making them more unpredictable for opposing teams.
The Crimson Tide’s success hasn’t just been dependent on individual stars, though. A number of players have made significant contributions to the team’s overall success. The bench has been a valuable asset, providing depth and fresh legs during key stretches of games. This team-first mentality has made Alabama tough to beat, as their ability to rotate players while maintaining a high level of play has been key in the long run of a grueling college basketball season.
Defensive Resilience: Alabama’s Defensive Mastery
One of the most impressive aspects of Alabama’s 17-3 start has been their ability to stifle opposing offenses. Alabama has built its success around a tough and aggressive defense. Head coach Curry has emphasized defensive fundamentals, including positioning, closing out on shooters, and creating turnovers. The result is a team that is difficult to break down, forcing opponents to play at an uncomfortable pace.
Alabama has ranked highly in multiple defensive categories, including opponent field-goal percentage and forced turnovers. The team’s defense has been particularly effective in late-game situations, where they have been able to clamp down and secure victories in tight games. Alabama’s defensive prowess has been one of the primary reasons they’ve been able to remain competitive against top-tier opponents in the SEC and nationally.
The Role of Depth and Versatility in the Team’s Success
Alabama’s depth has been another factor that has played a significant role in their 17-3 start. With a deeper roster than in previous seasons, Alabama has been able to rotate players without sacrificing quality on the floor. Coach Curry has used her depth to exploit matchups, ensuring that players stay fresh and ready for the demands of the SEC schedule.
This depth also allows Alabama to be versatile in their playing style. Whether they need to grind out a defensive win or execute a high-paced, offensive game, the Crimson Tide has the tools to adapt. The ability to change gears and adjust tactics depending on the opponent has made them a challenging team to predict. This versatility has been especially important in the SEC, where teams like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee are consistently among the best in the country.
The Climb in the Coaches’ Poll
After such a strong start, Alabama’s position in the Coaches’ Poll has risen steadily. Their 17-3 record and impressive victories over ranked opponents have earned them the recognition they deserve. As of January 22, 2025, Alabama sits at No. 19 in the Coaches’ Poll, a testament to their growth as a program and the respect they have gained across the country.
Being ranked in the Coaches’ Poll is significant for several reasons. First, it signals that the Crimson Tide are now regarded as one of the top programs in the nation. Secondly, it gives Alabama the credibility to attract top recruits and raises the profile of the program as a whole. Most importantly, the ranking fuels the confidence of the players and coaching staff, knowing that their hard work is being recognized by those who are most knowledgeable about the game.
Alabama’s Standing in the SEC and National Landscape
Alabama’s rise has not just been about their individual success; it has also been a part of a broader shift in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Historically, SEC women’s basketball has been dominated by powerhouse programs such as South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee. However, Alabama’s emergence as a top team this season has added another layer of competitiveness to the conference.
South Carolina, currently a dominant force in women’s basketball, remains a primary rival for Alabama. However, Alabama’s early season performances have shown that they are capable of challenging even the best. Their ascent in the Coaches’ Poll is indicative of the parity that is growing in the SEC, where multiple teams now have a legitimate chance of reaching the NCAA Tournament’s later rounds.
Nationally, Alabama has found itself in the conversation as one of the most improved teams in the country. While they are still a few steps behind the likes of Stanford, South Carolina, and UConn, their 17-3 record and strong showing in the Coaches’ Poll indicate that they are on the right path. If Alabama can continue to build on its early success and maintain its level of play, they will be a team to watch closely as the NCAA Tournament approaches.
What’s Next for Alabama?
Despite their strong start, the season is far from over. Alabama still has tough SEC matchups ahead, and the road to the NCAA Tournament will be challenging. To continue their success, the team must remain focused on their defensive identity and continue to develop their offensive versatility. Additionally, the coaching staff will need to ensure that players stay healthy and fresh throughout the demanding remainder of the season.
With the Coaches’ Poll ranking them at No. 19, Alabama has the opportunity to continue their climb toward even greater heights. If they can continue to build on their current momentum, there’s no telling how far they can go in the 2024-2025 season.
Conclusion: The Future Is Bright
The Alabama Crimson Tide women’s basketball team’s 17-3 start is a testament to the hard work, coaching, and player development that has gone into this season. With a strong defense, solid leadership, and a deep, versatile roster, Alabama has become one of the most exciting teams to watch in college basketball. As they continue to rise in the Coaches’ Poll and make their mark on the national stage, the future looks incredibly bright for this program.
The Alabama Crimson Tide is a team on the rise, and their 17-3 start is just the beginning of what could be a historic season.