Texas Star Rori Harmon Reflects on Injuries Amid NCAA Tournament Success

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon is focused on her team’s NCAA Tournament run, but her mind also lingers on the recent injury to USC star JuJu Watkins. After leading Texas to a 65-48 victory over Illinois on Monday, Harmon caught a glimpse of Watkins falling to the court during the Mississippi State game from her hotel room. “I can’t watch things like that. I just can’t look at it,” said Harmon, who shares a bond with Watkins through the competitive basketball community.

Harmon, who has dealt with her own injury challenges, suffered a major knee injury 15 months ago, which forced her to navigate a tough rehabilitation process. “It felt like I was stuck ‘in a box’ when I returned,” she recalled. Now, she finds herself back on the court, averaging 9.3 points and over six assists as the Longhorns advance to the Sweet 16 round.

Despite receiving an honorable mention on the Associated Press All-American team, Harmon remained upbeat. “Honestly? I was really happy for myself,” she said. “I thought it was super cool that people saw me in that light.” Texas head coach Vic Schaefer praised Harmon’s defensive skills, stating, “If she ain’t the best defensive player of the year, I don’t know who is.”

Harmon, a major contributor on both ends of the court, has led a Longhorns team known for its tenacious defense, which ranks 17th nationally, allowing only 55.8 points per game. Sophomore Madison Booker noted, “Rori is the type of player who gets angry if she isn’t defending the best opposing player,” citing Harmon’s relentless pressure on ball handlers.

Though she wasn’t named a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year award, Schaefer emphasized that Harmon’s competitive spirit is unmatched. “She’s trying to be perfect, and it’s really hard,” he said. Harmon ranks 30th in Texas history with 1,259 career points and ninth in steals with 276, leaving a significant mark on the program.

Fans at the game held signs urging Harmon to return for another year, as she has one season of eligibility remaining due to a medical redshirt. However, the prospect of a professional career in the WNBA also looms. “I haven’t made up my mind yet,” Harmon said, focusing instead on the upcoming matchup against Tennessee on Saturday.

Texas, the top-seeded team in the tournament with a 33-3 record, aims for its first national championship since 1986. They will face Tennessee, seeking revenge after a narrow win earlier in the season. “If we beat Tennessee, we’ll move on to the Elite Eight against either TCU or Notre Dame,” Harmon stated.

In their previous meeting with Tennessee, Harmon had an 80-76 victory, contributing eight points, eight assists, and crucial free throws late in the game. As the tournament progresses, Harmon knows the importance of consistent performance. “I definitely hate losing more than I like winning,” she shared, underlining her drive to succeed.

As the Sweet 16 games unfold, the basketball world keeps an eye on Harmon and the Texas Longhorns, hopeful for continued victories and a chance at the championship title.