The Alabama women's basketball program was lost in the wilderness for a long time before Kristy Curry took over the program. The expectations for the program were low and the journey to turn the program around has been a long process.
Since arriving as the coach in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has seen 4 NCAA tournament appearances and 4 NIT invites. Being in the SEC is a gauntlet every year but now this program is much more ready to compete with the big names both in the conference and around the country. Getting a win over LSU in Tuscaloosa near the end of the regular season and being on the verge of a Sweet 16 appearance for the first time since 1998.
Yesterday's loss to Maryland in double overtime was a painful loss, because this team was so close to reaching the second weekend of the women's tournament. Despite the loss, we got to witness one of the greatest performances in tournament history with Sarah Ashlee Barker's 45 points, including three clutch free throws to send the game to a second overtime.
It's a shame both Aalyiah Nye and Zaay Green fouled out before overtime, or this team would be heading home to play South Carolina this weekend. I get there are no what ifs in sports or no moral victories but this shows the program is headed in the right direction.
The standard set by Coach Curry and this year's team is soon going to lead to heights most never imagined possible. A second weekend appearance in the NCAA tournament is right around the corner, and the program in general, will start to gain national prominence. There is still a gap between Alabama and the top programs like South Carolina or Texas, but the gap is shortening. This season showed that the Lady Crimson Tide can compete with the likes of LSU, Tennessee, and Maryland.
Most importantly, this does help greatly in the recruiting world and, most importantly, in the transfer portal. Seeing the success both Barker and Aaliyah Nye found in Tuscaloosa after transferring in shows others what is possible.
There seems to be an excitement around the women's program, similar to what was seen when Nate Oats began his turnaround of the men's program. The SEC is a gauntlet, and nothing is ever guaranteed, but the foundation has been set, and the gap between Alabama and the supposed big names of the conference is shortening.
The reality is that Alabama can better compete against the South Carolinas of the world and being a team to make the second weekend of the NCAA tournament is right on the horizon. Soon, anything less than a Sweet 16 appearance will be considered unacceptable as this is a program on the rise despite the long journey.