Alabama women’s basketball has gotten off to a hot start, going undefeated in its first six games. Here are four takeaways from the No. 24-ranked Crimson Tide’s performance this season.
Aaliyah Nye continues to get better from 3-point range
Nye has shot a career-high 9.3 3-point attempts per game and made 46.4% of them, and she is averaging 15 points per game. 3s have always been a staple of Nye’s game, as she led the SEC in 3-point percentage with 45.1% two seasons ago.
“Aaliyah is one of the best 3-point shooters in the country because she gets in the gym and constantly shoots,” head coach Kristy Curry said. “It’s what you do when nobody is watching you.”
Essence Cody has been dominant inside on both ends of the floor
Cody has been a big factor in the paint for the Crimson Tide this season, leading the team in blocked shots per game with 2.5, and she has grabbed 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 offensive rebounds per game to go along with 10.7 points.
She tied her career high for blocks with five in the 68-58 win over Norfolk State and had a great showing in the 88-59 win over Alcorn State, leading the team with 18 points and four blocks while also grabbing eight rebounds.
“It’s about getting better every game,” Cody said. “Just building on those obstacles.”
The offense overall has been performing well
Along with Nye and Cody, the entire offense has been in a rhythm. The team has averaged 87.3 points per game so far. Overall, it has been a balanced effort, as four different players have led the team in scoring in the first six games.
Guard Sarah Ashlee Barker has picked up right where she left off last season, averaging 18.7 points per game and leading the team in rebounds with 7.5 and steals with 2.7.
Zaay Green is fitting right in with her new team
Despite the transfer guard from Arkansas-Pine Bluff only shooting 8.3% from downtown this season, Green has still been effective due to getting to the basket.
Green has made 66.6% of her attempts inside the 3-point line, leading to her 13.0 points per game and 55% mark from the field. She also leads the team in assists with 4.3 per game.
“It’s important to push the ball and push the tempo,” Green said. “It’s an important role to fill but I know I can do it.”
Free throw shooting needs to get better
One of the Crimson Tide’s few weaknesses is shooting from the free-throw line. For a team that shoots 22.5 free throws per game, the 60% rate, which ranks dead last in the SEC, has to be improved.
Barker, Green and Cody shoot the most free throws on the team, and fans will hope their 64.6% combined effort will improve as they keep driving to the basket. It hasn’t directly affected a game’s result yet, but it will be something to monitor as the team moves forward.
Alabama will look to stay undefeated when it plays Alabama State in the Emerald Coast Classic on Monday at 1:30 p.m. CT.
