Alabama Crimson Tide’s ranking in the women’s basketball coaches’ poll following a 17-3 start

As the 2025 college basketball season progresses, the Alabama Crimson Tide women’s basketball team has emerged as one of the most impressive and exciting teams in the country. With a stellar 17-3 record and a series of noteworthy victories over ranked opponents, Alabama has captured the attention of the college basketball world. The Crimson Tide’s remarkable start to the season has helped them climb the rankings in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll, and as the team pushes toward the latter stages of the regular season, their place among the elite teams in the nation is solidifying.

Following Alabama’s hot start, they entered the week of January 22, 2025, ranked No. 10 in the latest Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll. This ranking represents a significant milestone for the program, marking the highest they’ve been ranked in recent years. Alabama’s rise in the rankings has been driven by a combination of factors, including an outstanding team performance, strong individual contributions, and a blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent. As they continue their quest for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Crimson Tide are positioned as one of the leading teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and a major contender on the national stage.

The Path to the Top 10

Alabama’s ascent to the top 10 in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll has been anything but coincidental. The team’s impressive start to the season can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the leadership of head coach Kristy Curry, the team’s unselfish ball movement, and the standout performances of players like senior guard Jasmine Walker, junior forward Reniya Kelly, and freshman center Deja Williams.

Coaching Leadership and Philosophy

At the helm of the Crimson Tide is head coach Kristy Curry, who has been at the forefront of Alabama’s rise in women’s basketball. Curry has been instrumental in developing a culture of resilience, hard work, and competitive spirit. In her tenure, she has fostered a team-oriented approach, prioritizing defense, unselfish ball movement, and efficient offensive execution.

Curry’s philosophy emphasizes a fast-paced, transition-heavy style of play that capitalizes on Alabama’s athleticism and depth. This strategy has been evident in Alabama’s early-season success, as they have thrived in up-tempo games and have been able to impose their will on opponents. Under Curry’s guidance, Alabama has been able to successfully blend experience with youth, creating a team that plays well together while developing individual stars.

Tough Scheduling and Quality Wins

Alabama’s strong ranking is also a result of their tough non-conference schedule, which prepared them for the challenges of SEC play. The Crimson Tide took on several top-tier programs in non-conference matchups, which helped them build momentum and credibility heading into SEC competition. Alabama’s victories over high-ranking teams not only boosted their confidence but also earned them significant respect in the Coaches Poll.

Some of the key wins that helped propel Alabama into the top 10 include victories over teams like Iowa State, Arizona, and Texas A&M. Each of these wins highlighted different aspects of Alabama’s strengths: their ability to hit clutch shots in tight games, their dominance in the paint, and their ability to outpace opponents in transition.

In addition to the impressive non-conference wins, Alabama’s solid performance in the SEC has been crucial to their ranking. The SEC is home to several powerhouse teams, including South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee, and being able to hold their own in such a competitive conference has firmly established Alabama as one of the top teams in the country.

Balanced and High-Powered Offense

One of the biggest contributors to Alabama’s early-season success has been their explosive and balanced offense. The Crimson Tide’s ability to score from multiple positions on the floor has made them a difficult team to defend, and this offensive balance has allowed them to defeat a variety of different opponents.

At the heart of this offensive attack is senior guard Jasmine Walker, who has been the team’s leading scorer and one of the top players in the country. Walker’s ability to score both inside and on the perimeter has made her a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. With an impressive mix of post moves, shooting touch, and basketball IQ, Walker has led Alabama in numerous games and consistently delivered clutch performances.

Alongside Walker is junior guard Reniya Kelly, who has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the SEC. Kelly, known for her ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, has developed into a key playmaker for Alabama. She has also showcased an improved shooting touch from beyond the arc, giving the Crimson Tide another reliable scoring option.

The emergence of freshman center Deja Williams has further fueled Alabama’s offensive surge. Williams, a highly touted recruit, has made an immediate impact with her ability to score in the post, grab rebounds, and alter shots on defense. Her size and athleticism have allowed her to make an immediate contribution to the Crimson Tide’s frontcourt, giving the team a much-needed presence in the paint. Her growth as a player has added another dimension to Alabama’s offense, making them even more difficult to defend.

Defensive Prowess and Depth

While Alabama’s offense has been impressive, their defense has been just as important to their success. The Crimson Tide have established themselves as one of the most disruptive defensive teams in the country, using their length, athleticism, and tenacity to create turnovers and force opponents out of their comfort zones.

Alabama’s defense is built on a high-pressure, full-court style that seeks to force turnovers and turn them into fast-break opportunities. This defensive strategy has allowed Alabama to control the tempo of games and put constant pressure on opposing offenses. Additionally, Alabama’s ability to guard the perimeter and contest shots has made it difficult for teams to get easy looks.

The depth of Alabama’s roster is another key factor in their success on defense. The Crimson Tide have been able to rotate fresh players in and out of the game, keeping their defensive intensity high and wearing down opponents. With multiple players capable of contributing defensively, Alabama has been able to limit the effectiveness of opposing stars and stifle high-powered offenses.

The SEC: A Gauntlet of Competition

Alabama’s position in the Coaches Poll is also a reflection of the level of competition they face within the SEC. The SEC is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in women’s college basketball, and every game within the conference presents a new challenge. Alabama’s ability to remain competitive in such a loaded conference speaks volumes about the team’s talent and coaching.

With teams like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee all regularly ranked among the top 10 in the country, the Crimson Tide’s position in the Coaches Poll reflects their ability to perform against elite competition. In addition to their success in the SEC, Alabama has also proven capable of defeating non-conference powerhouses, making their top-10 ranking even more impressive.

The Road Ahead: NCAA Tournament Aspirations

Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025 season, Alabama’s positioning in the Coaches Poll places them firmly in the conversation for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. With a 17-3 record, including notable victories over ranked opponents, the Crimson Tide are positioned to make a deep run in March.

To maintain their ranking and improve their positioning heading into the postseason, Alabama will need to continue playing at a high level in both conference and non-conference games. The Crimson Tide will face additional tests in the SEC, but they have shown the ability to rise to the occasion and compete against the best. With Walker, Kelly, and Williams leading the way, Alabama has a potent mix of scoring, defense, and depth that should serve them well in the tournament.

Moreover, Alabama’s success has ignited excitement among their fan base and the larger college basketball community. With a strong roster, a proven coaching staff, and a reputation for success, the Crimson Tide are poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Their top-10 ranking serves as a testament to their hard work and dedication, and with continued success, Alabama could find themselves in the conversation for a national championship.