Securing key talent and building around Aaliyah Chavez are crucial for the Sooners to take the next step and compete for a spot in the Final Four
After a strong 26-8 season that ended in the Sweet Sixteen with a tough loss to South Carolina, Oklahoma women's basketball finds itself at a critical crossroads heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Coach Jennie Baranczyk has assembled one of the most talented young rosters in the SEC, but the departures of veterans like Raegan Beers, Payton Verhulst, and Beatrice Culliton leave gaps in experience, interior muscle, and perimeter shooting.
The perfect offseason isn't about overhauling the program, it's about smart retention, targeted additions via the transfer portal, and strategic scheduling to elevate the Sooners into legitimate Final Four contenders.
Here's the blueprint that positions Oklahoma for sustained dominance in a very competitive SEC.
1. Three key players must stay in Norman: Aaliyah Chavez, Sahara Williams, and Daffa Cissoko
Chavez, the former No. 1 national recruit and freshman phenom who led the team with 18.4 points per game, is the undisputed cornerstone. Her scoring prowess, playmaking vision, and fearlessness already make her one of the SEC's brightest stars.
Williams, entering her senior season as the lone returning veteran leader, brings toughness, rebounding grit (nearly 8 per game last year), and defensive versatility that stabilizes a youthful lineup.
Cissoko, the 6-4 freshman center from France, is the only pure post presence left after Beers' WNBA departure and Culliton's graduation.
Losing any of these three would derail momentum. Baranczyk's staff should prioritize NIL support, development opportunities, and clear communication to lock them in—retention here isn't optional; it's foundational.
2. Build the team around Aaliyah Chavez
With that trio secured, the offseason must center on making this Aaliyah Chavez's team. As a sophomore, Chavez should assume the mantle of primary leader both on and off the floor. That means expanded offensive freedom, more ball-handling responsibilities in transition, and a vocal role in huddles.
Her elite skill set thrives in an up-tempo system, so the supporting cast must complement her rather than compete with her. Empowering Chavez isn't just about stats, it's about building chemistry and confidence that carries into March Madness.
3. Hit the transfer portal for athleticism and the ability to spread the floor
The transfer portal is where Oklahoma can address its most pressing needs: athleticism that runs and spreads the floor to unlock Chavez's full potential, plus size and rebounding to survive the SEC's physical brand of basketball.
Zya Vann, Sahara Williams, and Brooklyn Stewart already check the boxes for speed and spacing. Vann's sophomore growth as a guard, Williams' all-around game, and Stewart's potential as a leaping sophomore forward provide a solid foundation. But they aren't the high-volume 3-point threats Chavez desperately needs to create gravity and open driving lanes.
Priority No. 1: Land at least one elite perimeter shooter, ideally a guard or wing who can knock down 35-40% from beyond the arc while defending at a high level.
Size remains non-negotiable in the SEC, where Beers was Oklahoma's undeniable muscle inside. Stewart is poised for a breakout leap, but one player won't suffice against the league's frontcourts.
The Sooners should target two above-average rebounders from the portal—versatile forwards or centers who can crash the glass (8+ rebounds per game potential), protect the rim, and run the floor in transition.
These additions would create a balanced, modern roster: fast-paced on offense, physical on defense, and deep enough to weather injuries or foul trouble.
4. Schedule tough non-conference home games
Finally, scheduling plays a pivotal role in culture-building. Baranczyk should load up on tough non-conference home games at Lloyd Noble Center. Think power-conference opponents or proven mid-majors with NCAA Tournament pedigrees.
Early-season sellouts aren't just about wins and building a resume; they're about forging fan buy-in from day one.
Packing the building creates an intimidating atmosphere that carries through conference play and into the postseason. Hosting quality foes early accelerates team chemistry, exposes weaknesses in a controlled environment, and turns Norman into a true home-court advantage that visiting SEC teams dread.
Executing this plan which includes retention of Chavez, Williams, and Cissoko; elevating Chavez as the alpha; portal precision for shooting and size; and a gauntlet of home non-con tests, transforms a promising young squad into a battle-tested powerhouse.
After back-to-back Sweet Sixteen apperances, Oklahoma has the talent and coaching to take the next step and chase an Elite Eight or beyond next March.
The offseason window is narrow, but with this focused approach, the Sooners won't just compete, they'll contend for the SEC title and a deep NCAA run.