Chavez Powers Sooners to Sweet 16, Eyes Championship

Chavez Powers Sooners to Sweet 16, Eyes Championship

Aaliyah Chavez didn’t just pick a college; she announced her arrival. A year after declaring her commitment to Oklahoma, the freshman phenom is leading the Sooners on a deep NCAA Tournament run, proving why she was the number one player in the country. She’s already making history, averaging over 18 points and four assists per game, a rare feat in the SEC. Chavez has scored 604 points this season, the second most ever by an Oklahoma freshman, and her tournament performance is putting her in elite company.

Sweet 16 Bound

Chavez is one of only three freshmen this century to score at least 15 points and dish out five or more assists in each of her first two NCAA Tournament games. That list includes names like Caitlin Clark and Sarah Strong, a testament to Chavez’s immediate impact. “It’s amazing. It’s crazy to think about,” Chavez said about being mentioned alongside such stars. Her confidence and the trust from her teammates are fueling this success. “I know how much time I spend in the gym, the confidence that I have,” she explained. “And then just the trust that my teammates give me each and every day.”

Family Ties and Foundational Lessons

Her journey to Oklahoma began a year ago on a special date: her commitment anniversary falls on her dad’s birthday. Sunny Chavez, her father, was her first coach, trainer, and biggest supporter, even without prior basketball experience. “He’s my best friend. He’s my coach. He’s my dad. He’s all things in one,” Aaliyah shared. “I wouldn’t be the person or player I am without him today.” The most important lesson he instilled? “Just go out there, be myself, have fun,” she said, a mantra she carries onto the court every game.

Culture of Winning

Head Coach Jenny Baranczyk has built a winning culture in Norman since taking over in 2021, and Chavez appreciates her energetic leadership. “Her energy just brings a different type of thing, like a different type of perspective every practice, every game,” Chavez noted. “She can just tell she loves being here. She loves being with us.” This connection between coach and player is clearly paying off.

Rematch Against South Carolina

The Sooners are set to face South Carolina in the Sweet 16, a rematch of a thrilling January game where Chavez outscored the Gamecocks in overtime to secure a victory. “We know how to play our type of basketball and we’re just going to come out and do that,” Chavez stated about the upcoming challenge. The key to their previous win, she explained, was utilizing their bigs like Reagan. “We definitely think just um obviously we have Reagan Beers in the paint. She’s huge for us. Um, we’re going to feed her early and then she’s going to make the best plays when she needs to kick it out and we’re going to be ready to hit some shots.” Strong defense and communication were also crucial.

A Powerful Duo

Chavez’s partnership with senior Reagan Beers forms one of the most formidable duos in women’s basketball. “She’s taught me so much. I mean, obviously, she’s just been that role model, that leader that we need on the team,” Chavez said of Beers. “To me, no one can stop her in the paint. So, that’s what we’re going to feed her as much as we can.” With this potent combination and Chavez’s undeniable talent, Oklahoma is a serious contender, aiming to bring a national championship to Norman.

“I’m not just joining a program. I’m joining a family, and I’m ready to give my all to make this my home and bring a national championship to THE CITY OF NORMAN.” – Aaliyah Chavez

Source: Sooners' Aaliyah Chavez talks freshman season and NCAA Tournament success | SportsCenter (YouTube)