Texas Women’s Basketball: Taylor Jones & Kyla Oldacre Dominate the Paint This Season
As the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team continues to build on its legacy of excellence, two players have emerged as dominant forces in the paint: Taylor Jones and Kyla Oldacre. The duo has played a pivotal role in the team’s success this season, combining for impressive statistics that not only highlight their individual talents but also their ability to work together seamlessly on both ends of the floor.
In a season full of highlight performances, Jones and Oldacre’s contributions stand out, and their combined effort has been a major factor in Texas’ success as they aim for another deep run in the postseason.
The Impact of Taylor Jones
Taylor Jones, a forward who has steadily improved throughout her time at Texas, has been an essential part of the Longhorns’ frontcourt. Her offensive and defensive presence has been felt all season long. Jones has averaged 10.8 points per game (ppg) and has been a force on the boards, pulling down 7.2 rebounds per game (rpg). But her impact goes beyond just her statistics; Jones has been the cornerstone of Texas’ inside game, providing the Longhorns with a reliable option in the paint.
Jones’ efficiency has been one of the hallmarks of her game. Her field goal percentage of 62.8% reflects her ability to finish around the basket, whether through post moves or quick cuts to the rim. She has developed a strong rapport with her teammates, especially in pick-and-roll situations, where her basketball IQ and positioning allow her to capitalize on opportunities in the paint.
Defensively, Jones has been a major presence in the paint, using her size and athleticism to alter shots and defend the rim. While her ability to score has been crucial for Texas, her defense has helped set the tone for the Longhorns’ defense throughout the season.
Kyla Oldacre: The Ultimate Protector in the Paint
On the other side of the paint is Kyla Oldacre, a forward who has shown her prowess as both a scorer and a defensive anchor for Texas. Oldacre, known for her incredible shot-blocking ability, has brought an added dimension to the Longhorns’ defense this season. She has averaged 11.0 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game, but it is her ability to control the paint on defense that truly sets her apart.
With 69 total blocked shots on the season, Oldacre has been one of the most dominant shot-blockers in the country. Her ability to protect the rim has been a game-changer for the Longhorns, allowing them to be more aggressive on defense and disrupt opponents’ offensive flow. Additionally, her presence in the paint often forces opposing teams to change their shots or hesitate, knowing she is there waiting to contest anything near the basket.
Offensively, Oldacre has been efficient, shooting 64.0% from the field, showcasing her ability to score around the rim with ease. Her combination of strength and finesse makes her difficult to stop in the post, and her positioning allows her to grab offensive rebounds and create second-chance opportunities for Texas. Her relentless motor has made her a key factor in Texas’ dominance in the paint, both offensively and defensively.
Dominating Together: The Combined Impact of Jones and Oldacre
Together, Taylor Jones and Kyla Oldacre have combined for 21.8 ppg, 12.9 rpg, and a remarkable 69 total blocked shots. Their stats speak to their dominant performances, but the true value lies in the way they complement each other on the court.
One of the most significant areas where Jones and Oldacre have excelled is in their rebounding and shot-blocking. With both players averaging double-digit rebounds, Texas has become a nightmare for opponents on the glass. Jones, who has a natural instinct for positioning, and Oldacre, with her explosive leaping ability and defensive timing, have formed a two-headed monster on the boards. The Longhorns have been able to control the tempo of games by winning the rebounding battle, and this duo has been central to that effort.
Additionally, their combined 63.4% field goal percentage speaks to their efficiency in the paint. Both players have developed a strong rapport with their teammates, creating a potent inside-out game that keeps defenses on their toes. Their ability to finish at the rim, coupled with their rebounding and shot-blocking, has made them crucial components of Texas’ offense and defense.
The chemistry between Jones and Oldacre is undeniable. Whether it’s through screens, post-ups, or simply positioning themselves for rebounds, they have found ways to feed off each other’s strengths. Jones’ versatility allows her to stretch the floor and pull defenders out of the paint, giving Oldacre more room to operate inside. At the same time, Oldacre’s presence in the paint often draws defenders, allowing Jones to capitalize on mismatches or grab offensive rebounds for easy putbacks.
The Future for Texas Women’s Basketball
With Jones and Oldacre leading the charge in the paint, the future of Texas women’s basketball looks incredibly bright. The Longhorns have solidified themselves as a top contender in the Big 12 and on the national stage, and this dynamic duo will be at the forefront of their quest for another deep postseason run.
Texas has shown this season that they can compete with the best in the country, and with players like Jones and Oldacre stepping up as leaders, the team has the tools to make a serious push for a national championship. As they continue to develop and fine-tune their games, the Longhorns are poised to remain a dominant force in women’s basketball for years to come.
For head coach Vic Schaefer, the play of Jones and Oldacre is a testament to the success of his program. Their development into two of the most effective players in college basketball shows that Texas is on the rise, and with these two in the frontcourt, the Longhorns are in excellent hands.