Women’s Basketball Emerald Coast Classic Preview

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- No. 24 Alabama will be traveling to Niceville, Florida, for the Emerald Coast Classic on Saturday, with play taking place from Nov. 25-26. The Crimson Tide previously played four games over a seven-day period, with the last game ending on Nov.17 with a win over LA-Monroe. Since then, they have had some time to prepare before the tournament, that will feature teams like UAB, Alabama State, Clemson, Creighton, Missouri, Syracuse, and Wichita State.

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Coach Kristy Curry spoke to media on Wednesday to share her thoughts ahead of the tournament, hoping her team can continue to take care of business on the road and in competitive environments."I just think we learned a lot about ourselves. We really continue to work as a coaching staff from getting our rotations down. You know, we're working everyday to try to improve. I think they're two big areas for us this week: continuing to come out offensively, have more movement, getting to the free throw line like we are, but we have to convert and improve our free throws and improve our defensive play," said Curry regarding the team responding to back-to back games and playing four games over seven days.

The team has had some time to reset and adjust before hitting the road again. This recovery period has had its advantage in terms of maintaining pace and being ready to compete during the tournament. "I think the recovery this week and the ability to make sure we stay ahead academically and also take good care of our bodies is really important. It's also a week we need to get better and be challenged on the court."

The Emerald Classic will be the first tournament of the season for the Crimson Tide before heading into Southeastern Conference play and more tough situations. "It's an eight-team event! I think it's going to be a great weekend of basketball. It's a chance for us to all be in an environment that we're challenged. I think there are definitely three great teams in our side of the bracket, and we'll see a lot of different styles of play. I think that's going to continue to prepare us for SEC play. Hopefully, our pre-test here this past week where we played back-to back games, can put us a step ahead," said Curry regarding the opportunity this tournament will bring.

The Crimson Tide have had some key players that have stepped up in a huge way this season. Sophomore Karly Weathers and graduate transfer Zaay Green have been apart of that growth. Curry spoke highly of the two, saying, "It's really special to see those legacy players starting to come, that I can recruit. It's really fun to see mothers whose daughters want to play and continue to play like they did. I also know Zaay's dad, I just have great respect for both of them (Green's parents) and how they've raised her. I'm excited for her future this season and at the next level," said coach Curry regarding Green and the connection with her family. "It's the ability to go from A-to-Z every day. She has an unbelievable pace about her daily steps from the academic side, in nursing school in clinical's, and then to come out and perform the way that she does at this level is extraordinary. She is extraordinary. Such a tremendous worker and giver to the program. Anytime she has success, it does not surprise me one bit," said Curry regarding Weathers' development.

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