The University of Texas women's basketball team has secured a significant transfer with the addition of former Michigan standout Laila Phelia. Announced by the Longhorns on Monday, Phelia's arrival adds a seasoned scorer to a squad already positioned as a preseason top-five team.
Phelia, a 6-foot guard, broke out in her junior year at Michigan, leading her team with an average of 16.8 points per game. Her impressive season performance earned her a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Beyond scoring, she also contributed 3.6 rebounds, two assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Texas coach Vic Schaefer expressed enthusiasm about Phelia joining the Longhorns.
“We are very excited to welcome Laila and her family to The 40 Acres,” Schaefer said in a statement, via Alexa Philippou of ESPN. “She is an outstanding young lady who brings a veteran presence to our team. She is a proven scorer in The Big Ten and will add not only another offensive dimension to our team, but will bring toughness and a competitive spirit as well.”
Lalia Phelia a strategic addition to Texas women's basketball team
Phelia's transfer comes at a strategic time for Texas, which is looking to build on a successful season where they clinched the Big 12 tournament title and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Phelia joins a talented roster that includes key players like Rori Harmon, who is returning from an ACL injury, and standouts Madison Booker and Aaliyah Moore. Additionally, the team will also welcome top recruits Jordan Lee and Justice Carlto next season, further enhancing their lineup.
Phelia's career averages stand at 14.1 points and 3.5 rebounds across 88 games, with 71 starts, per Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesmen. Her decision to transfer was influenced by the opportunity to play at a top-tier program and under a renowned coach like Schaefer.
“As I reflect on the incredible journey we've shared over the past three years, I genuinely appreciate all the memories we've built over time on and of the court. The fans' cheers and the support of my teammates, coaches, and administrators have meant the world to me,” Phelia said in a social media post Monday regarding her decision to transfer from Michigan. “I'm grateful for every lesson learned and bond formed. I'm excited for the new opportunities that await and I want to thank you all for being part of my journey.”
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The Ohio native was highly touted out of high school, ranked as the No. 28 prospect nationally by ESPN HoopGurlz in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Harmon and Moore were ranked sixth and 10th that year, respectively.
Texas had been in search of a strong backcourt player to replace Shaylee Gonzales, who started all 38 games last season. Phelia’s addition not only fills that gap but also strengthens its backcourt, which includes Booker, an All-American, and the highly skilled Shay Holle.
Last season, Texas demonstrated its prowess by going 33-5 overall, capturing the Big 12 title and reaching the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, finishing seventh in the final Top 25 poll.
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