Alabama continues slide in USA TODAY Sports Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll

The Alabama women’s basketball team has long been a competitive force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and has consistently performed at a high level on the national stage. Under the guidance of head coach Kristy Curry, the program has made significant strides in recent years, establishing itself as a team to watch in the NCAA Tournament. However, the 2024-2025 season has presented some challenges for the Crimson Tide, as they continue to experience a slide in the USA TODAY Sports Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

This decline in the rankings has raised several questions about the state of Alabama women’s basketball, particularly in terms of its ability to maintain consistent play and continue its trajectory of improvement. As one of the most respected programs in the SEC, Alabama’s performance in the Coaches Poll is a reflection not only of their on-court results but also of the larger picture involving the team’s roster, coaching strategies, and overall program development.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the factors contributing to Alabama’s current slide in the Coaches Poll, analyze how the team has performed this season, and consider the broader implications for the program’s future in women’s college basketball.

Alabama’s Historical Success and Reputation

Before diving into the current challenges, it is essential to recognize the historical context of Alabama women’s basketball. The program has been a staple in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in women’s basketball, and has made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances over the years. While Alabama may not have won a national championship in women’s basketball, they’ve maintained a strong reputation for competing at the highest level.

Coach Kristy Curry took over the Alabama women’s basketball program in 2013, and under her leadership, the team gradually began to improve, making the NCAA Tournament in several seasons. Curry’s recruiting efforts and ability to develop players have elevated the program, bringing in talent capable of competing with the best teams in the country.

However, this year’s slide in the Coaches Poll suggests that the program is facing some roadblocks that have hindered its ability to remain among the elite teams in women’s basketball. After a promising 2023 season, where the team showcased significant potential, many expected Alabama to continue to climb in the rankings. Unfortunately, the team has faced challenges that have caused them to lose momentum.

The Current Slide in the Coaches Poll: Analyzing the Drop

The USA TODAY Sports Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll is one of the most prestigious rankings in the sport, reflecting the collective opinions of coaches from across the country. A team’s ranking in this poll is typically indicative of its performance over the course of the season and its standing in comparison to other top-tier programs.

Alabama’s drop in the rankings is a noticeable one. After appearing in the top 10 at the beginning of the season, they have slid down significantly, indicating that something has gone awry. Several factors are contributing to this slide, and it’s important to break them down to understand why the team has faltered.

1. Injuries to Key Players

One of the most significant reasons for Alabama’s drop in the Coaches Poll is the impact of injuries to key players. Throughout the season, the Crimson Tide has had to contend with the absence of several key contributors, which has affected the team’s overall depth and consistency.

Injuries are a reality in every sport, but they can have an outsized impact in college basketball, where rosters are smaller and teams rely heavily on a few star players. For Alabama, losing critical players has affected the team’s ability to execute both offensively and defensively. As a result, the team has struggled to find its rhythm, leading to a series of disappointing losses and a decline in their ranking.

2. Inconsistent Play on Offense

Another factor that has contributed to Alabama’s slide in the Coaches Poll is inconsistent offensive play. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance on offense, they have also had stretches where they’ve struggled to score efficiently. In today’s fast-paced and high-scoring women’s basketball landscape, offensive efficiency is a key indicator of success. Teams that are unable to consistently put points on the board tend to fall behind, especially in competitive conferences like the SEC.

Alabama’s offensive struggles have been particularly evident in high-pressure games, where the team has been unable to close out opponents or execute in the clutch. This inconsistency on the offensive end has been a major hurdle in maintaining their position in the Coaches Poll. Whether it’s poor shooting percentages, turnovers, or a lack of movement in the half-court offense, Alabama has not been able to find sustained success offensively.

3. Defensive Deficiencies

While Alabama’s defense has historically been a strong point for the team, the current season has seen some defensive lapses that have contributed to their slide. In women’s basketball, a team’s ability to get stops and control the tempo is just as important as its offensive execution. Unfortunately for Alabama, they’ve faced challenges in locking down opponents on the defensive end.

In particular, the team has struggled with defending the perimeter, allowing opponents to hit crucial three-pointers and stretch the floor. Additionally, Alabama has been inconsistent in its transition defense, leading to easy fast-break points for opposing teams. The combination of these defensive struggles has allowed teams to outscore the Crimson Tide, especially in high-stakes matchups.

4. Tough Competition in the SEC

The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball, and Alabama’s slide in the Coaches Poll can also be attributed to the strength of their competition. The conference features several top-tier programs, including South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee, all of which have had successful seasons.

As Alabama has faced these highly ranked opponents, they’ve struggled to keep up with their level of play, especially on the road. The intensity of SEC play has exposed weaknesses in Alabama’s game that may not have been as apparent earlier in the season. The Crimson Tide’s inability to consistently beat these top-ranked teams has led to losses that have caused their slide in the rankings.

5. Lack of Depth and Experience

Alabama’s roster this season has been relatively young, with several players still adjusting to the rigors of college basketball at the highest level. The lack of depth and experience has contributed to the team’s struggles, particularly when key players have been injured or have had off nights.

While Alabama has talented individual players, the team has lacked the depth necessary to compete with the best teams in the country on a consistent basis. Depth is crucial in women’s basketball, as teams often rely on a deep bench to maintain energy and execute their game plan over the course of a full 40-minute game. Alabama has not been able to rely on a consistent group of players to step up in every situation, which has hurt their performance.

Key Players Who Can Lead Alabama Out of the Slide

Despite their recent struggles, Alabama has several talented players who can help the team regain its footing and start climbing the rankings once again. These key players will need to step up and lead the charge for the Crimson Tide as they look to turn their season around.

1. Marnelle Garraud (Guard)

Marnelle Garraud is one of Alabama’s top players, and her leadership and playmaking ability will be essential to the team’s success moving forward. As a talented guard, Garraud has the ability to take over games and create scoring opportunities for her teammates. If she can stay healthy and find a consistent rhythm on offense, she can help Alabama become a more dynamic team.

2. Brittany Davis (Forward)

Brittany Davis has been a standout player for Alabama, providing both scoring and rebounding presence in the frontcourt. As one of the team’s most experienced players, Davis will be called upon to anchor the defense and contribute offensively. Her ability to dominate in the post and stretch the floor will be key as Alabama looks to regain its competitive edge.

3. Jada Rice (Center)

Jada Rice has shown promise in the paint, providing Alabama with a strong presence on both ends of the floor. Her rebounding and shot-blocking ability are critical for the team’s defense, and her offensive improvement will help Alabama become more balanced. Rice’s development will be key to Alabama’s success in the coming weeks.

The Road Ahead: Can Alabama Recover?

Despite the recent slide, Alabama still has plenty of opportunities to turn their season around. With a talented roster and the experience of head coach Kristy Curry, the Crimson Tide can bounce back from this dip in form. The team will need to focus on improving offensively, becoming more consistent on defense, and staying healthy as they push toward the postseason.

In the competitive SEC, every game is an opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament. With several key matchups remaining, Alabama can still build momentum and climb back up the rankings if they can fix their offensive and defensive issues.