BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama Head Coach Kristy Curry, joined by veterans Brittany Davis and Jada Rice, took to the stage at SEC Tipoff 23′ ahead of a season filled with shakeups and high expectations.

March Focused

 

There certainly are expectations behind Kristy Curry’s program this year. With a team that returns 95% of its scoring and all five starters, that should be expected.

 

Opinions are split on this Alabama team. While they ranked 10th in the preseason SEC poll released just minutes before Curry took the stage, they also received a handful of votes for the preseason AP Poll, something unheard of for this team as of late.

 

But the goal for the 10th-year head coach, in her mind, is absolutely clear.

 

“That’s our goal. March,” Curry said.

 

Alabama has been to the NCAA Tournament just a single time in Curry’s tenure, during the 2020-21 season.

 

Fans won’t have to wait long to see if this year’s team has what it takes. The Crimson Tide play seven of their first 10 games on the road.

 

“It’s gonna be a challenge for us, but I think it will prepare us for January,” Curry said.

 

Curry said that the schedule was designed with the NCAA Tournament in mind, and to test the veteran lineup’s toughness.

 

“It was put in place for a reason.”

 

Added Depth

 

Alabama’s Achilles heel a year ago was their dependence on their starting lineup.

 

Alabama had 4 players play more than 30 minutes per game last season. In the postseason, especially in their WNIT run, the starters played mostly the entire game.

 

Needless to say, adding depth was a major priority for Curry in the offseason.

 

Nine of the 13 players now on the Crimson Tide’s roster started in D1 last season.

 

Even the lone freshman Curry added to the roster in Karly Weathers won Ms. Tennessee Basketball.

 

Some shakeups throughout the lineup could certainly be coming for the Tide.

 

“If you asked today me who our starting lineup is, it’s interesting because I think we have a lot of different lineups based on our opponents,” Curry said.

 

One reporter asked Curry if the depth was challenging to deal with.

 

It certainly could be. There is only one ball after all, and this is a team that returned almost all of its scoring.

 

She didn’t seem too worried.

 

”I don’t think it’s been a challenge. It’s just made practices really competitive,” Curry said.

 

First Up

 

Crimson Tide fans won’t have to wait long to get their first glimpse of the newly constructed roster.

 

Alabama will begin its season at home against Alabama A&M on Nov. 7 at Coleman Coliseum. The tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.

 

Follow Nicholas Pursley on Twitter @nicholaspursley for 24/7 coverage of Alabama Women’s Basketball.