Texas women’s basketball took the court Thursday night in the annual Orange-White scrimmage at the Moody Center to preview the team’s upcoming season.
The Longhorns finally got to show off what they’ve been working on after being announced the No. 2 team in the Southeastern Conference poll on Nov. 14 and No. 4 team in the AP Poll a day later. New faces emerged as transfer senior guard Laila Phelia and freshman guard Bryanna Preston made their Texas debuts, and experienced veterans such as forward Aaliyah Moore and guard Shay Holle began their senior seasons.
Ultimately, the white team and orange team tied, but head coach Vic Schaefer said tonight was really about building team chemistry and making a good first impression on fans.
“I saw us … finding people in transition, making the extra pass(es),” said Schaefer. “That’s what it takes to have a great team. We’re not about a roster — we’re about a team. There’s a difference.”
Schaefer said the team will look at the film from the scrimmage and make improvements while also paying attention to what went well, like stopping dribble penetration.
The game also saw a return from star senior guard Rori Harmon, who has been out since she tore her ACL on Dec. 27. Harmon, who led the nation in assist-turnover ratios before getting hurt, said she felt grateful to be able to play in front of a crowd with her teammates again.
“I can’t wait for that first game where we stack it and fill the stands,” Harmon said. “Those are the people that I love playing for.”
Harmon mentioned that although getting acknowledged by the AP Poll and SEC poll is an honor, the team doesn’t dwell on it. She said they aim to get 1% better every day and that’s their main focus.
Sophomore forward Madison Booker also looked strong on the court after being named one of five AP All-Americans on Tuesday. Last year, Booker had to fill in for Harmon as point guard, so with both players back on the court, she said she was excited to improve alongside Harmon.
“Taking what I learned last year, the point guard mentality to the league, and kind of growing my game from there,” Booker said. “Making my reads, making the right shots, taking the right shots, and just going from there with just reading the court from the wings.”
The Longhorns will be back in the Moody Center on Oct. 31 to take on UT-Tyler in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. Ten days later, Texas will face Southeast Missouri State at home to mark the official beginning of the season.
