Taylor Jones and Madison Booker named finalists for 2024 national awards

The Texas women’s basketball team has had an impressive season without star point guard Rori Harmon guiding the ship.

Players across the board have stepped up to fill the hole left by Harmon’s absence on the court, and it has turned out extraordinarily well for head coach Vic Schaefer and his team. The Longhorns' effort and ability to push through adversity have been recognized at a national level.

Players' skills and production levels have also gotten the nod of recognition and have landed themselves on watchlists for national awards.

Taylor Jones transferred to the University of Texas in 2022 and has truly stepped up to the plate during the 2023-24 season.

Because of her continual production at the center position, Jones has been named a finalist for the 2024 Lisa Leslie Award. This honor is given to the best women’s basketball center in the nation each year.

So far this season, Jones has contributed an average of 13.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

The Lisa Leslie Award has most recently been given to Aliyah Boston of the South Carolina Gamecocks (2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023), Megan Gustafson of the Iowa Hawkeyes (2019), and A’ja Wilson of the Gamecocks (2018).

Alongside Jones on a national watchlist is Madison Booker. She was named as a finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award, given to the top small forward in the country.

Booker, a true freshman, has made a splash during her first season in Austin. She has already collected three Big 12 weekly honors as well as being named the USBWA Player of the Week earlier this season.

Throughout the season, Booker has played a massive role for the Horns, playing 400 minutes in just 13 games. She has scored 204 total points, brought down 72 rebounds, and doled out 63 assists.

The Longhorn has also been a star on the defensive end of the court with 4 blocks and 22 steals so far this year.

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