While the semifinals between UConn and South Carolina ended in a heated exchange between the coaches, Texas vs UCLA took an emotional turn as Rori Harmon donned the Longhorns jersey for the final time after the Longhorns' 51-44 loss to the Bruins in the Final Four.

But as an emotional Harmon was walking off the hardwood, coach Vic Schaefer interrupted her for a final talk. The two shared a long hug as Texas lost out to UCLA in the final four, 51-44. After the game, Schaefer went on a fierce rant demanding more recognition for Harmon and her career with the Longhorns.

“You might as well get rid of whatever awards you got if she ain’t good enough to get one of them. That’s a shame. That is a crying shame to have our sport not recognize someone as good as she is.” Schaefer said postgame.

One look at Harmon's statistics and you'd understand where Schaefer is coming from. The 23-year-old is arguably the greatest point guard in Longhorns history and the only player in women's college basketball history to amass at least 1,500 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds, and 350 steals.

She ranks 9th in the all-time assist charts with 986, just 2 behind Niya Johnson. Despite this, she still doesn’t have a First-Team All-American selection to her name. Her only recognition came this year, when she was named to the USBWA Third Team All-American list.

“I want you guys to understand something. Rori Harmon has scored 1,616 points, 977 assists, 659 rebounds, and 388 steals, and not one agency has ever voted her All-American.” The Longhorns coach doubled down on the lack of recognition for Harmon.

Let's not forget the impact Harmon has had on the Longhorns off the court as well through her leadership, culture, and representation.

And hence, lots of fans expressed their views after Schaefer's supportive remarks for her.

Fans Back Vic Shaefer's Thoughts on Rori Harmon

Most fans who took to the comments section of the aforementioned X update by ESPN backed Schaefer's demand for more recognition for Harmon. One of them said, "Vic Schaefer going off for Rori Harmon, if she ain’t getting the awards after that season, might as well trash ‘em all. Coach spitting facts."

Another user expressed similar thoughts, writing, "Coach said what needed to be said. Rori’s the engine." One more agreed, "Vic's got a point, Rori deserves that shine."

"Rori Harmon deserves way more recognition. Vic Schaefer is right. Her impact on the court speaks louder than any award." Another user shared the same sentiment. While a second one penned, "If you really watch the game, you know Rori Harmon’s impact goes way beyond stats. Vic said nothing but facts."

While an era-defining chapter between player and coach ended on an untoward note, the way the Longhorns' HC backed Harmon stands as a fine example of what the relationship between a coach and a disciple should look like.

What do you think is next for Harmon? If it's the WNBA, which side do you expect to see her in?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy