Alabama won seven SEC games, the most since 2002. Second-year coach Kristy Curry said she is excited about the new season, but will have to manage without her two top scorers from last year.
“We have got quite a few new faces that we recruited that fit a system of more set play, and easy baskets count as well,” she said. “I like our execution and the things we are doing on half court offense better than a year ago.”
Curry’s offense last year played well and scored 64.8 points per game. The team scored 93 against Ole Miss and 78 against LSU for two wins last year, but with Daisha Simmons and Shafontaye Myers no longer on the team, Curry said she wants to apply her system. Year two of the Curry offense should include more moving parts, and what Curry said she hopes includes more points.
“I think the biggest thing you will see more from us this year, is a little bit more of a system as far as set plays,” Curry said. ”[You’ll see] a team that executes and that is able to put folks in positions to be successful. I feel like this team doesn’t mind reversing the basketball, doesn’t mind executing.”
Alabama signed four three-star recruits, according to ESPN.com. All four have a top 25 ranking at their respective position. The four newcomers along with some returning members have set some lofty goals this year. Curry said they expect to win every game, and they should not expect anything less. The team finished the season well last year and has given the players more confidence. Alabama won four of its last seven SEC games. Senior forward Brianna Hutchen and the returning cast of players hope to take that experience and improve on it.
“Last year we won away on the road at some big places- at Kentucky, at Vanderbilt, beating Georgia here,” Hutchen said. “You know we had a lot of wins that the program hasn’t seen in so long. For me it was exciting to be a part of it, and knowing that, building into this year, we can continue with that success.”
The Crimson Tide will see its first action Sunday at 2 p.m. against North Alabama in an exhibition game at Foster Auditorium.
