Losing even one key player to the transfer portal can shake things up, but losing three at the same time? That will leave a huge dent in any team. Yet for Vic Schaefer and the Texas Longhorns, that’s exactly the situation unfolding right now. Within hours of the transfer portal window opening, Aaliyah Moore, Aaliyah Wilson, and Karisma Ortiz all announced their departure from the program, leaving the Longhorns with a major void to fill.
This news comes as a major blow to the Longhorns, who were hoping to build on their successful season under new head coach Vic Schaefer. Schaefer, who joined the program in April 2020, had high hopes for his team and was looking forward to building a strong foundation for the future. However, with the sudden departure of three key players, his plans have been thrown into disarray.
Aaliyah Moore, a 6-foot-4 forward, was the Longhorns’ leading scorer and rebounder last season, averaging 12.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. She was also named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team and was expected to be a major contributor for the team in the upcoming season. Her decision to enter the transfer portal has left a huge void in the Longhorns’ frontcourt.
Aaliyah Wilson, a 6-foot guard, was another key player for the Longhorns last season. She averaged 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and was known for her tenacious defense. Her departure will be felt on both ends of the court, as she was a key player in the Longhorns’ defensive schemes.
Karisma Ortiz, a 5-foot-10 guard, was a valuable role player for the Longhorns last season. She provided a spark off the bench and was a reliable scorer, averaging 6.3 points per game. Her decision to transfer comes as a surprise, as she was expected to play a bigger role in the team’s rotation next season.
Losing three key players at once is a major setback for any team, but it’s not the end of the world for the Longhorns. Coach Schaefer is known for his ability to develop players and build successful teams. He has a proven track record of turning programs around and leading them to success. With his experience and expertise, he will surely find a way to fill the void left by the departing players.
Moreover, the Longhorns still have a strong core of players returning next season. Celeste Taylor, who averaged 12.3 points per game last season, will be back to lead the team. Joanne Allen-Taylor, Audrey Warren, and Lauren Ebo are also expected to play key roles for the Longhorns next season. With these players and the addition of talented recruits, the Longhorns still have a chance to compete at a high level.
It’s also important to note that the transfer portal works both ways. While the Longhorns have lost three key players, they also have the opportunity to bring in new talent through the portal. Coach Schaefer has already shown his ability to recruit top players, and he will surely be looking to add more talent to his roster in the coming weeks.
The departure of three key players may seem like a major setback, but it also presents an opportunity for the Longhorns to regroup and come back stronger. Coach Schaefer and his staff will have to work hard to fill the void left by the departing players, but they have the experience and the resources to do so.
In the end, it’s important to remember that college sports are constantly evolving. Players come and go, and teams have to adapt to these changes. While the Longhorns may have been dealt a tough hand, they have the resilience and determination to overcome this challenge. With Coach Schaefer at the helm, the future is still bright for the Texas Longhorns.
