What Alabama women's basketball coach Kristy Curry said about signing top-12 class

Alabama women's basketball currently holds a recruiting class ranked in the top 12, according to ESPNW's ranking, and signed two of the commits as the signing period opened on Wednesday.

The Crimson Tide's class is highlighted by five-star Essence Cody out of Valdosta, Georgia. The 6-foot-4 forward is the No. 22 overall player in the nation. She is the No. 1 post player in Georgia and ranked inside the top five overall in Georgia. She can score at all levels and can help provide a defensive presence for the Crimson Tide.

"Essence is a five-star for a reason," coach Kristy Curry said. "Her humble heart and work ethic, paired with a rare combination of size and perimeter skill, make her one of the most versatile forwards in this class. Her ability to handle the basketball, shoot the three and score inside will pay huge dividends in our up-tempo style of play."

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Alabama also signed four-star instate prospect Naomi Jones out of Jackson. The 6-foot-3 forward is the No. 87-ranked prospect in the nation according to ESPNW. Jones averaged 15.4 points and 11 rebounds per game as a junior en route to AHSAA Class 4A All-State honors.

"We are so excited Naomi has decided to stay in state," Curry said. "She is someone we have watched develop into a real talent, who brings great size and shot-blocking ability to the forward position. Her love for the game and work ethic will allow her to develop into a high-level rebounder and scorer in the SEC."

The Crimson Tide has a commitment from four-star Reychel Douglas out of Raleigh, North Carolina, the No. 50 overall player in the nation. The 6-foot guard did not sign Wednesday.

The class will provide more height to a Crimson Tide roster that added an influx of size through the transfer portal last offseason. The Crimson Tide is looking to build off NCAA Tournament and deep WNIT runs over the past two seasons. Alabama will graduate fifth-year starters Megan Abrams and Hannah Barber and two graduate students Brittany Davis and Jada Rice following the season.