Aaliyah Chavez, ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2025, committed to play for the Oklahoma Sooners in March. As the reigning National Gatorade Player of the Year, Chavez chose Oklahoma over other top programs including LSU, UCLA, and Texas, drawing attention for her impressive skills and competitive edge.
Recently, a video showing Chavez performing intense cardiovascular training at the Sooners’ gym was shared on the Overtime Select Instagram page, showcasing her dedication to preparing for college basketball. This clip ignited conversations among fans, many of whom compared her potential to that of Caitlin Clark, the standout Iowa Hawkeyes star known for shattering scoring records.
“Next shooter like Caitlin Clark,” one fan wrote.
“This is the reason this young lady will do well…when you put skill and work ethic it’s hard to lose! See you Aaliyah!,” another fan wrote.
“This one here she gonna shake up the college game. Certified bucket,” one fan wrote.
“She’s the only reason you will see me in OU colors,” one fan wrote.
However, not all reactions were solely positive; some viewers cautioned against singling out Chavez, noting that other athletes were also putting in hard work during the workout session.
“She’s not the only one putting in extra reps. Put these cameras down while athletes are working out,” another fan wrote.
Reasons Behind Chavez’s Commitment to Oklahoma
Aaliyah Chavez enjoyed a remarkable high school career, leading Monterey High School to its first 5A Texas state championship in 44 years. In the championship game, she scored 19 points and earned the MVP title. Over the season, Chavez maintained averages of 34.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Her outstanding performance attracted the attention of several top college programs, but she ultimately decided on the Sooners.
Speaking to reporters after her commitment, Chavez explained that her decision was very close, almost requiring a coin toss because of her equal affection for both schools.
“There was a point where I was just gonna flip a coin,” Chavez said, “because I love both schools equally.
“They have great coaches, coaches that I’ve been talking to since I was in eighth grade 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. They play fast, and they like to shoot. If y’all watch me play, I love to shoot, and I play fast. It just kind of matched how I played.”
The Path Ahead for Chavez at Oklahoma
Chavez will join an Oklahoma Sooners program gaining momentum after advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. She will join forces with returning star forward Raegan Beers, contributing to a team aiming to build on recent successes.
Despite the excitement surrounding her arrival, Chavez will also face the pressure of being labeled the “next Caitlin Clark” by fans even before her college career begins. This comparison highlights the high expectations on her shoulders but could also fuel her determination to excel.
Her powerful work ethic, combined with her proven ability to contribute at a high level, sets Chavez apart as a promising addition to Oklahoma’s roster. Observers will be eager to see how she transforms potential into performance in the highly competitive environment of college basketball.