The Alabama women’s basketball team recently completed its 13th appearance in the NCAA tournament, achieving its first tournament win since 2021. However, the team is currently undergoing substantial changes as it enters the offseason.
Exist
Following senior night celebrations, guards Loyal McQueen and Aaliyah Nye, who had previously announced their plans to embark on a graduate program at the Capstone, surprised many by deciding to depart from Alabama. Both players played crucial roles in the team’s lineup, with McQueen transferring to Alabama from Georgia Tech in 2021 and Nye transferring from the University of Illinois in her junior season. Their departure leaves a void in the team, particularly as Nye holds the program record for the most 3-pointers made in a season and recently joined the 1,000-career-point club at Alabama.
In addition, redshirt sophomore Meg Newman, a highly-regarded recruit from Arizona State, also chose to leave the Crimson Tide after just one season, further impacting the team’s roster.
New Additions
Despite these departures, the offseason has brought new talent to the team. Zaay Green, a transfer from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Diana Collins, a transfer from Ohio State, have joined the program. Green, a former McDonald’s All-American, posted impressive statistics during her time at Arkansas, while Collins, a four-star recruit, brings valuable experience from her international and high school career.
The addition of Green and Collins aims to fill the gaps left by departing players, offering a fresh perspective and talent to the team’s roster.
New Head Coach
In a significant development, the program has appointed Pauline Love, a former Arkansas assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, to join the coaching staff. Love brings extensive experience, having enjoyed a successful playing career and a proven track record of recruiting and developing top talent. Her addition has sparked optimism for the future of Alabama’s recruiting classes and overall team development.
In conclusion, the Alabama women’s basketball team has undergone a period of transformation during the offseason, with significant departures and new additions to the roster and coaching staff. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, it will be intriguing to see how these changes will impact their performance and dynamic on the court.