he University of Alabama women’s basketball program announced three signees as the spring signing period for the 2020-21 season began on Wednesday, giving head coach Kristy Curry a total of five new additions for next season.
The three players announced by Alabama are transfer guard Taylor Sutton from Middle Tennessee State, along with junior college transfers in Ruth Koang and Alana Busby-Dunphy.
“This class will be great additions to an already great group of returnees,” Curry said in a UA release. “We feel like we have addressed our needs with the versatile scoring, athleticism and size that this class will bring. They all come from great basketball backgrounds and bring a gritty, winning mentality.”
Sutton, who was the Conference USA Freshman of the Year in 2018-19, will sit out the 2020-21 year due to NCAA transfer rules. Most recently, the 5-4 guard averaged 12.6 points per game, while making 75 three-pointers during her sophomore campaign with the Blue Raiders. In her career at Middle Tennessee, the Atlanta native averaged 11.6 points, while hitting 140 three-pointers at a 35.3 percent clip.
“Taylor brings a tremendous basketball IQ coupled with her scoring ability she will be a great addition to our backcourt,” Curry said. “She will learn the system sitting out due to transfer rules this next year and no doubt be an impact (player) in the seasons to come.”
Koang is a 6-5 center from Rochester, N.Y., who spent her last two years playing for South Plains Community College in Levelland, Texas. Last season, Koang averaged 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 60 percent from the floor and swatting 1.6 blocks per contest. She helped lead the Lady Texans to a 32-1 record in 2019-20 as the team was the Western Junior College Athletic Conference and Region 5 Champion. Koang earned all-conference honors for her efforts in her sophomore campaign.
“Ruth brings size, speed and athleticism to the post position that will give us a different dimension inside,” Curry said. “Her ability to run the floor, finish and alter shots at the rim will be a great addition for our team.”
Busby-Dunphy is a 6-3 center from Eureka, Calif., who played her first full season with the Dodge City Community College Conquistadors in Dodge City, Kansas in 2019-20. Last season, Busby-Dunphy put up 4.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest. In addition, she had two double-doubles and 23 multi-block games.
“Alana brings depth to our post position with her length and shot blocking ability,” stated Curry. “She will have three years remaining and we are excited to watch her development in our program as she possesses a tremendous upside.”
The trio will join the Crimson Tide’s signing class which includes incoming freshman Myra Gordon and junior college transfer Keyara Jones, who signed with the Crimson Tide last November.
