Texas Women’s Basketball: Reasons Why the Longhorns Can and Cannot Make the Final Four
As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, the Texas Longhorns have been a constant fixture in the conversation surrounding national championship contenders. Under the guidance of head coach Vic Schaefer, who has built a reputation for his defensive schemes and player development, the Texas women’s basketball program has ascended to elite status in the world of collegiate basketball. The Longhorns have been perennial powerhouses in the Big 12 Conference and have seen increasing success on the national stage. However, like every program with aspirations to reach the Final Four and beyond, Texas faces both opportunities and obstacles.
The Final Four is the pinnacle of collegiate basketball, and making it there requires a combination of talent, depth, coaching, and even a bit of luck. As Texas gears up for another NCAA Tournament run, there are reasons to believe the Longhorns can make it to the Final Four, but also factors that suggest the road may not be so easy. In this article, we will explore both the reasons why Texas women’s basketball can make the Final Four and the reasons why they may not.
Reasons Why Texas Women’s Basketball Can Make the Final Four
- Elite Defensive Play
One of the hallmarks of Vic Schaefer’s coaching philosophy is his emphasis on defense. Schaefer, who previously coached Mississippi State to back-to-back Final Four appearances, has instilled a defensive mindset that has propelled Texas to elite status. Texas has one of the best defensive teams in the country, and this is arguably their greatest strength heading into the NCAA Tournament.
The Longhorns’ ability to shut down opposing offenses has been consistently impressive. With a suffocating full-court press, a strong man-to-man defense, and the ability to force turnovers, Texas can make life miserable for opposing teams. They’re particularly adept at closing out on three-point shooters, disrupting passing lanes, and controlling the tempo of the game by dictating what happens on the defensive end.
Texas’ defense is built around a team-oriented philosophy. They rely on their athletes to work together and communicate, making it difficult for teams to get easy buckets. With the tournament games often becoming more high-stakes and defense-oriented, Texas’ prowess on the defensive end could be the key to them making a deep run to the Final Four.
- High-Caliber Talent and Depth
Texas boasts some of the top talent in the nation. Rori Harmon, a dynamic guard and potential All-American, is one of the best point guards in women’s college basketball. Harmon’s ability to create for herself and others, her leadership on the floor, and her tenacious defense make her a game-changer for the Longhorns. Harmon’s presence allows Texas to compete against the best, as she’s capable of taking over a game when needed.
In addition to Harmon, the Longhorns have several other key players that contribute to the team’s success. Taylor Jones, a dominant post presence, brings size and skill in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Aaliyah Moore, another strong forward, provides versatility and scoring ability. When all of these players are firing on all cylinders, Texas has the talent to compete with anyone in the country.
What sets Texas apart from many other teams is their depth. Schaefer has developed a system where multiple players can step up at any given moment, whether it’s a bench player coming in and making an impact, or a starter playing significant minutes. This depth allows Texas to withstand the grind of the NCAA Tournament and gives them the ability to match up with any opponent.
- Coaching Experience and Championship Pedigree
Vic Schaefer’s coaching experience and pedigree are huge reasons why Texas is a Final Four contender. Schaefer has proven time and again that he knows how to get his teams to perform on the biggest stages. His two Final Four appearances with Mississippi State were built on defensive fundamentals, player development, and a well-structured game plan that could disrupt even the most potent offenses in the nation.
Schaefer’s leadership, tactical adjustments, and ability to manage his team through adversity give Texas an edge when the tournament pressures begin to mount. He has coached in several high-stakes environments and knows how to prepare his team mentally and physically for the demands of March Madness. His track record of success gives the Longhorns confidence heading into the tournament.
- Strong Big 12 Competition Prepared Them for the Tournament
The Big 12 Conference has historically been one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball, and this season is no exception. Texas has had to battle against tough teams week in and week out, which has prepared them well for the challenges they’ll face in the NCAA Tournament.
Teams like Baylor, Kansas, and Oklahoma have provided Texas with tough tests during the regular season, forcing them to play at a high level week after week. This level of competition helps Texas to be battle-tested, ensuring they’re prepared for the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament.
The experience of playing against top-tier competition in the Big 12 gives Texas an advantage when facing teams from other conferences. They’ve seen elite talent and know how to compete against it. With the familiarity of high-level matchups, the Longhorns have the resilience to handle the adversity they might face in the tournament.
- Postseason Experience and Mental Toughness
Texas has a wealth of experience when it comes to NCAA Tournament play. The Longhorns have consistently made deep runs in recent years, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2022. That postseason experience has helped the team develop the mental toughness needed to thrive in high-pressure situations.
In close games, Texas knows how to execute in crunch time. Whether it’s coming out of a timeout to run a set play, hitting clutch shots, or locking down defensively in the final minutes, the Longhorns have the poise and maturity to perform under the bright lights. Their postseason experience will be invaluable when they find themselves in tight games during the tournament.
Reasons Why Texas Women’s Basketball Cannot Make the Final Four
- Inconsistent Offense
While Texas has one of the most formidable defenses in the country, their offense has been a source of inconsistency at times. Rori Harmon is an outstanding playmaker, but when the Longhorns’ offense relies too heavily on her, they can struggle to find offensive rhythm. Texas is at their best when the ball is moving, and multiple players contribute to scoring.
Texas has had games where they’ve struggled to score in the half-court offense, and while they can make up for it with defense, a lack of offensive consistency in the NCAA Tournament could derail their Final Four aspirations. Against elite teams with strong defenses, Texas will need to hit shots and execute offensively, which has occasionally been a weakness throughout the season.
- Lack of Elite Three-Point Shooting
In the modern game of basketball, the three-point shot has become a major factor in determining success. Texas, however, has not been a particularly prolific three-point shooting team. While they have capable shooters, they’re not as dangerous from beyond the arc as some of the other national title contenders. In the high-stakes environment of March Madness, teams that can stretch the defense and shoot the three-ball effectively are often harder to stop.
Texas’ struggles from the three-point line could be an issue in a tournament setting, particularly if they face teams that excel in that area. If the Longhorns find themselves in a game where their defense isn’t able to lock down the opposing offense, they may need to rely on their shooting to keep up. If that shooting fails to materialize, their offensive limitations could prevent them from making a deep run.
- Matchup Issues with Elite Teams
While Texas is undoubtedly talented, they may face matchup issues when going up against elite teams in the NCAA Tournament. Teams like South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn have size, speed, and depth that could present challenges for the Longhorns. The Longhorns may struggle against teams with multiple offensive weapons who can stretch the defense or outmatch them in the post.
Texas’ defensive prowess is a strength, but there are teams that can exploit weaknesses in their defensive schemes. If Texas encounters a team that is able to effectively neutralize their defense and execute offensively, the Longhorns may find themselves in a difficult position.
- Lack of Size in the Paint
Although Texas has some strong forwards, they lack the type of dominant post players that some of the elite teams in the country possess. Players like Aaliyah Moore and Taylor Jones are talented, but when matched up against teams with towering centers or strong post players, they may find it difficult to secure rebounds and control the paint. This lack of size could hurt Texas, especially if they are facing a team that can dominate inside and out-rebound them.
- Pressure and Expectations
With the Longhorns being one of the favorites in the NCAA Tournament, the pressure and expectations of making the Final Four could weigh heavily on them. Young teams, especially those with a lot of talent but not as much postseason experience, can sometimes struggle with the intense pressure of tournament basketball. If Texas is unable to handle the mental pressure, it could derail their chances of making a deep run.
A Team with Both Promise and Challenges
Texas women’s basketball has all the tools to make a Final Four run, from elite defense and coaching to high-caliber talent and depth. However, their inconsistent offense and potential matchup problems with elite teams may ultimately stand in the way of their aspirations. The Longhorns are a team that can go all the way if they play to their strengths, but they must find a way to overcome their offensive inconsistencies and battle through the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. Whether or not they make it to the Final Four will depend on their ability to execute when it matters most.