Unfinished Business: A 2024-25 Texas Women's Basketball preview

You can always expect the unexpected during March Madness. After having a great regular season and winning the Big 12 title, the Texas Women's Basketball title run ended in the Elite Eight against the NC State Wolfpack. You could tell at the postgame conference that the Longhorns were sad their run ended a few games shy of the NCAA Championship game.

They were close to the goal many collegiate teams wanted to accomplish: win a National Championship.

Texas head coach Vic Schaefer didn't rest during the summer as his coaching staff hit the recruiting trail to find players that fit the program's core values. They got some excellent talent from the transfer portal, and high school players are looking to play college basketball.

If you thought last year's team was good, wait until you see this year's squad. Let's get you ready for Texas Longhorns Women's Basketball with this season preview.

Texas Women's Basketball Preview: SEC Preseason Poll

Before Media Day began in Birmingham, Alabama, The Longhorns were voted second in the SEC Women's Basketball preseason polls and fourth overall in the AP Preseason Poll.

Everyone can guess which team came in first place after winning the National Championship last season. Considering that this is the Longhorns' first season in the SEC, it shows that the media knows how good the Longhorns will be going into the season.

Two players on the roster came away with preseason recognition. Sophomore forward Madison Booker was named the SEC Preseason Player of the Year. Senior guard Rori Harmon was named to the All-SEC second team.

Schaefer was asked about this at SEC Media Days last week, and he mentioned that there is a lot of respect involved when a player gets a preseason mention. The sky is the limit for both Booker and Harmon this season.

Texas Women's Basketball Preview: Transfers

The Longhorns got some help in the transfer portal. Guard Laila Phelia transferred to Texas from Michigan over the summer. With Rori Harmon not cleared to play yet, you want an experienced guard like her to help run the offense. 6-foot-6 Junior forward Kyla Oldarce transferred from Miami over the summer as well. She will bring some much-needed height to the roster this season.

These players will play a massive role during their first year in the SEC Conference.

Texas Women's Basketball Preview: Freshman Class

The Longhorns recruited three talented high school players over the summer. Bryanna Preston, Justice Carlton, and Jordan Lee are the fifth-best recruiting class in the nation. They add so much talent to Schaefer's already deep depth.

Don't be surprised if Schaefer puts them in non-conference games. These freshmen could be called upon during the season if there are injuries. Fans should be excited about these three players because they could be future leaders of the program.

Texas Women's Basketball Preview: Returning Players

I've already mentioned above that Harmon and Booker are returning players. Shay Holle, Taylor Jones, Aaliyah Moore, and Abbie Boultilier are vital players returning to the team. Boultilier didn't play much last season, but her 6-foot-9 height will help Schaefer with interior defense and scoring.

I'm interested to see how Schaefer incorporates her during non-conference play. This is going to be an exciting season for Texas Women's Basketball.

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