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Instant Reaction: No. 1-ranked Aaliyah Chavez picks OU

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo03/25/25BPrzybylo

Even for a program as successful as OU women’s basketball, some commitments feel like they hit just a bit more.

Whether it’s the player or the marathon recruitment, there are some you circle and say remember that moment.

OU and head coach Jennie Baranczyk are hoping that just went down Tuesday. The No. 1-ranked prospect for the 2025 class, guard Aaliyah Chavez, picked the Sooners in front on a national audience on ESPN on Tuesday afternoon.

Although there were other finalists, this was a throwback battle between Red River Rivalry foes OU and Texas.

For months, it appeared like the Longhorns had the edge. But Baranczyk and staff kept swinging, kept pursuing.

“They have great coaches, coaches that I’ve been talking to since I was in eighth grade,” Chavez said on ESPN about why OU was the decision. “And just a great playing style. They match how I want to play. I want to play fast, and that’s why I chose it.”

The Sooners were able to get Chavez in town for the first-round victory against Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday afternoon.

It really could not have worked out better.

“I think our connection just matched and the vibe was a little different in Oklahoma, with the players and the coaches,” said Chavez on ESPN.

Baranczyk struck gold last year in the transfer portal, landing Raegan Beers in a recruiting battle with UConn.

Now? She gets the nod against the rival Longhorns for Chavez. And oh, yea, OU demolished Iowa 96-62 on Monday afternoon to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. The Sooners will play UConn on Saturday afternoon in Spokane, Wash.

It’s time to break it all down. Instant Reaction on the choice and what it means for the Sooners going forward with George Stoia and Eddie Radosevich.

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