The 2024-2025 season of Alabama women’s basketball was a testament to resilience, growth, and strategic brilliance. Head Coach Kristy Curry, now in her tenth season at the helm, guided the Crimson Tide through one of the most thrilling and competitive seasons in program history. By April 8, 2025, Alabama found itself ranked in the Top 25 of the Final Women’s Basketball Rankings, solidifying its place as one of the nation’s premier teams.
This final ranking represents the culmination of a season that saw Alabama build on previous successes while overcoming challenges to establish itself as a formidable contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. With a combination of dynamic offensive play, stifling defense, and leadership from veteran players, the team’s progress was undeniable.
The Season at a Glance
The 2024-25 season was characterized by thrilling wins, heart-wrenching losses, and monumental upsets. Alabama finished with a record of 27-8 (14-4 in SEC play), securing a strong position both in the conference standings and nationally. Their season included several signature wins over top-tier teams, including victories over top 10 opponents in both the SEC and out-of-conference matchups.
The Crimson Tide’s play was electrifying from the start of the season, with a high-octane offense led by sharpshooters and an aggressive defense that stymied opposing offenses. The squad’s ability to adapt in big moments, whether coming back from a double-digit deficit or staving off late-game surges, was crucial in securing their high ranking.
Key Wins:
- A dramatic 83-80 victory over Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament semifinals, which helped to solidify their spot in the NCAA Tournament and pushed them into the final rankings.
- A crucial 73-68 win against LSU, which showcased Alabama’s ability to compete with one of the top programs in the country.
- A thrilling 61-59 victory over Baylor during a mid-season non-conference matchup, which demonstrated their potential to compete with traditional basketball powerhouses.
These wins, combined with consistent performances in conference play, led to the Crimson Tide finishing as one of the top teams in the nation, securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament where they made a deep run.
Team Chemistry and Leadership
At the heart of Alabama’s rise to national prominence was the incredible leadership both on and off the court. Seniors like Jade Moore and Maya Harris, who were instrumental in leading the team through tough stretches, exemplified the program’s resilience and determination. The growth of the younger players, including rising stars like Kennedy Harris and Avery Price, allowed Alabama to build a balanced team capable of excelling in all facets of the game.
Jade Moore was one of the team’s leaders, contributing significantly both as a scorer and a defensive anchor. Moore’s ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting, along with her scrappy defense, earned her SEC All-Conference honors. Her veteran presence on the court helped the team stay composed in critical moments, particularly during late-game situations.
Maya Harris, the team’s point guard, was a vital piece of the puzzle, facilitating Alabama’s up-tempo offense and providing leadership on the floor. Her court vision, coupled with her defensive prowess, made her one of the best all-around players in the SEC. Harris’s ability to score, pass, and defend made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
On the other end of the spectrum, Kennedy Harris emerged as one of the nation’s most exciting young players. The freshman forward displayed a rare combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ that allowed her to thrive in the fast-paced system Alabama employed. Her ability to finish at the rim and grab crucial rebounds made her an immediate impact player, earning her SEC All-Freshman honors.
Avery Price, a sophomore guard, also showed tremendous growth throughout the season. Known for her three-point shooting and defensive intensity, Price’s development allowed Alabama to have multiple weapons on the floor at all times. Her deep shooting range became a key part of the offense, especially in tight games where every possession mattered.
Coaching: A Season of Strategy and Growth
Under the leadership of Coach Kristy Curry, Alabama women’s basketball reached new heights in the 2024-25 season. Curry, who has become one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball, has been instrumental in instilling a culture of excellence within the program. Her ability to balance offensive freedom with defensive discipline allowed Alabama to play an exciting, high-paced style of basketball that was both entertaining and effective.
Throughout the season, Curry’s game plans were lauded for their creativity and attention to detail. She implemented an offense that was focused on pace, ball movement, and spacing, allowing players like Moore, Price, and Harris to thrive. Defensively, Curry placed emphasis on aggressive perimeter defense and pressure on the ball, which resulted in forcing turnovers and limiting the number of clean looks opposing teams had.
One of the hallmarks of Curry’s coaching was her ability to adjust throughout the course of the season. Whether it was making in-game adjustments to counter an opposing team’s momentum or tweaking her starting lineup to maximize player strengths, Curry’s decision-making proved critical in several of Alabama’s close wins.
Key Players: Standouts and Breakouts
As mentioned earlier, the leadership of seniors like Jade Moore and Maya Harris was integral to Alabama’s success, but the 2024-25 team was also defined by breakout performances from key contributors.
Jade Moore: Moore averaged 16.5 points per game, showcasing her offensive versatility with an ability to score both inside and on the perimeter. On the defensive end, she averaged 1.5 steals per game and was a key player in Alabama’s defensive schemes. Moore was instrumental in leading the Crimson Tide to several important victories throughout the season.
Maya Harris: Harris’s all-around game was critical to Alabama’s success. She averaged 12.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, demonstrating her value as a playmaker. Her ability to create for others and her steady hand in late-game situations made her an invaluable asset to the team.
Kennedy Harris: The freshman forward became an immediate star, averaging 10.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Her length and athleticism made her a nightmare for opposing defenses, and her ability to crash the boards and finish around the rim gave Alabama a much-needed presence in the paint.
Avery Price: Price developed into one of Alabama’s most dangerous shooters, particularly from beyond the arc. She averaged 11.1 points per game, and her ability to hit timely three-pointers in clutch moments helped propel Alabama to several key wins.
Jasmine Lee, another key contributor, was a defensive dynamo who averaged 8.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Lee’s ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes made her a key piece of Alabama’s defensive system.
The SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament Journey
The SEC Tournament was a defining moment in Alabama’s season. After earning a strong regular-season finish in the conference, Alabama entered the tournament with high expectations. They breezed through the first few rounds, defeating Missouri and Auburn before facing off against Texas A&M in a thrilling semifinal matchup.
In a back-and-forth game, Alabama edged out Texas A&M 83-80 in a thrilling overtime win. Moore was pivotal, scoring a career-high 28 points, while Harris had a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. The victory solidified Alabama’s position as one of the top teams in the country and confirmed their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
In the NCAA Tournament, Alabama entered as a #4 seed and advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to a dominant UConn team. Despite the loss, Alabama’s run was historic, and the Crimson Tide gained national recognition for its talent and tenacity.
National Ranking and Implications
By the time the final rankings were released on April 8, 2025, Alabama had solidified its spot in the Top 15, finishing at #13 in the final AP Poll. This ranking reflects the team’s consistent performance throughout the season, their high level of competition in the SEC, and their strong NCAA Tournament run.
The Crimson Tide’s final standing in the rankings had significant implications for the program’s future. Alabama had reasserted itself as one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball, and the future looked bright with a talented core of returning players and an influx of recruits eager to build on the team’s success. Coach Kristy Curry’s recruiting efforts were also bolstered by the team’s deep postseason run and high ranking, making Alabama an increasingly attractive destination for top-tier talent.
A Bright Future for Alabama Women’s Basketball
The 2024-25 season was a defining year for Alabama women’s basketball, and their final ranking of #13 in the country serves as a testament to the hard work, determination, and talent of the players and coaching staff. With a combination of experienced leadership, emerging stars, and a strong strategic approach, Alabama’s program is poised for continued success in the years to come.
As the Crimson Tide look ahead to the next season, the excitement
