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Ladies and gentlemen, Rori Harmon is back!! As is sophomore standout and reigning Big-12 Co-Player of the Year Madison Booker. Laila Phelia is bringing her shot creating ability at the wing position to Austin, while Shay Holle and Taylor Jones look to continue to bring their intensity on the defensive end. Aaliyah Moore figures to be a force in the paint once again. Coach Vic Schaefer brought in two recruits in the top 15, and three in the top 40. Jordan Lee, Justice Carlton and Bryanna Preston all have the potential to really contribute this season.
Rori Harmon Returns
Rori is undoubtedly a ceiling raiser, and now rejoins a Texas team that made it to the Elite 8 last season. Harmon is a terrific passer, slasher and is a ferocious defender. Her ability to use her pace and speed to create an advantage is amazing. She can decelerate and use her footwork to score in tough angles and positions. She makes magic happen with the basketball in her hands.
While they did make a deep tourney run, that caliber of player is something they missed in the postseason. She was only able to play 12 games before unfortunately tearing her ACL in December. She was on her way to a potential All-American season and was reaching career highs in a majority of statistical categories. 14 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 3.1 steals and 52% field goal percentage were all career highs. A seven to one turnover ratio, and 37 steals in 12 with just 12 fouls is elite.
The one facet of her game that must continue to improve is shooting, she’s a career 26% three-point shooter and 65% free throw shooter. She doesn’t need to be a deadeye shooter, but she has to be consistent and force the defense to make a real decision. She will likely be a top pick in the WNBA draft so that’s something to keep an eye on to see what impact it could potentially have.
Rori Harmon Highlights 2023-24
Madison Booker Continues Rise to Stardom
Booker was arguably the third best freshman in the country last season. The depth in the class was unreal, but how many freshmen can step and play an entirely different position midway into the season. She averaged 16 points, five rebounds and five assists while shooting 45% from the field. Defenders are at her mercy when she’s getting into her mid-range game. That leads to her getting in the post and using her craftiness and footwork to score around the rim.
She played point guard so the fact she has real guard skills at 6’1 is unfair. Booker’s playmaking improved as the season went on, but she was even better than anyone expected. There were eight instances where she had seven or more assists, including two double digit assist games. Madison Booker next to a returning Rori Harmon and Laila Phelia is a compelling offense to watch.
Laila Phelia’s Importance
Phelia brings versatility, on both offense and defense, while also being another viable shot creator. If she gets two feet inside the paint, it’s virtually a guaranteed bucket. Her patience, footwork, balance and understanding of the spots she excels in most is picture perfect. She has averaged 16 points per game the last two seasons on pretty good efficiency. Laila is just what the doctor ordered for this Texas team, the size, defense, heart and desire to win she brings will be crucial.
Laila Phelia Highlights vs. Indiana | Michigan Women’s Basketball | 03/08/2024
Who’s Ready to Step Up?
While aforementioned players like Holle, Moore and Jones return, they will need other players to step up. The freshmen will be called upon at some point, if not immediately, will they be ready? Lee has good size at the position, is a smart defender and a capable shooter. She can create her own shot and post up smaller guards effectively. Preston is a fantastic finisher around the rim and brings a ton of energy to the floor.
Carlton has an unrelenting mentality to dominate in the paint. Whether it be slashing, crashing the glass or just punishing smaller defenders, she doesn’t allow the defense to dictate what she does. They also have a size advantage with 6’9 Abbie Boutilier and 6’6 Kyla Oldacre coming off the bench. Oldacre was a rotational piece for Miami her first two seasons, and Boutilier is entering her sophomore season.
Coach Schaefer has always run a defensive minded program, so everyone knows if you don’t defend, you don’t play. While they have more offensive weapons this season, defense is still the key. Rori and Booker have a legitimate argument for best duo in women’s basketball. Phelia is one of the best wing players in the country, and Holle will be looked upon to shoot the three more consistently.
While she’s shot just a hair under 40% from three the past two seasons, they may need her to shoot more to keep the defense honest. The post play will be the determining factor of this team’s ceiling. Texas is a talented team who looks to contend for the SEC Championship, and a National Championship.
