Rori Harmon’s connection with Madison Booker became evident as they often shared time on the Texas bench. Harmon, sidelined by injury and dressed in street clothes, kept a pen and paper in hand, offering constant advice and encouragement.
Meanwhile, Booker, a freshman tasked with stepping into Harmon’s starting point guard role, embraced the challenge and at the end earned All-America recognition.
However, the impact wasn’t one-sided.
“People don’t realize that I learned just as much from her as she did from me,” Harmon explained. “Watching her play taught me a lot. Now, we’re combining what we’ve learned and showing that on the court by beating a top-eight team.”
Harmon’s Comeback and Booker’s Breakout Performance
On Monday, one year and three days after undergoing ACL surgery, Harmon steered Texas (18-2, 4-1 SEC) to the program’s most decisive victory over a top-10 opponent.
Although she scored only one field goal, her seven assists and leadership on both ends of the court enabled Booker to deliver a career-high 28 points in just 28 minutes. The No. 7 Longhorns now stand as strong Final Four contenders, showcasing a rare advantage.
“Very few teams can say they start two All-Americans,” Texas head coach Vic Schaefer remarked, pointing to Harmon and Booker after their resounding 89-51 victory over No. 8 Maryland.
Despite playing only 32 games together over one and a half seasons, the duo’s shared experience—and time apart due to injuries—has fueled their dominance.
Reuniting to Lead Texas to New Heights
Texas had been undefeated, including a statement win against UConn where Harmon and Booker combined for 47 points.
Harmon’s standout play earned praise from UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and put her in early contention for National Player of the Year.
However, her season was cut short by an ACL tear during a workout in December 2023. Schaefer turned to Booker, who was thrust into the role of primary ball handler that very night.
“She had to grow up quickly—there was no waiting until next year,” Harmon said. “She stepped up immediately.”
With Harmon’s mentorship, Booker maintained Texas’ momentum, guiding the team to a No. 1 NCAA tournament seed and earning accolades, including Big 12 Player of the Year and Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year.
“I kept thinking, ‘She’s performing better than any point guard in the nation,’” Harmon said of Booker’s freshman campaign.
Now reunited on the court, their combined skills have added depth to Texas. Harmon, expanding her role to include wing play, averages 10.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.
Booker, proud to define herself as a point-forward, contributes 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Booker acknowledged their synergy. “I see things from my position that help her, and it’s working really well. We complement each other.”
Schaefer noted their development during the win over Maryland, highlighting the challenges Booker faces as a focal point for opponents. “She’s encountering defensive strategies she didn’t face last year,” Schaefer said.
Harmon, while regaining full form, continues to shoulder responsibilities on both ends of the court. Schaefer emphasized her unique contributions.
“Show me another point guard who presses like her and dominates defensively. Nobody else in the country does what she does,” he stated.
The Longhorns, ranking second in NET rating, are adjusting not only to their dynamic duo but also to the competitive demands of the SEC.
“The SEC presents more length, athleticism, and speed than the Big 12,” Schaefer noted. “Our players are recognizing that after just five games.”
Texas faces reigning champion South Carolina twice this season. Their first matchup resulted in a 67-50 loss on the road, and a rematch in Austin on Feb. 9 marks the start of a challenging stretch against Kentucky and LSU.
First up, however, is No. 17 Tennessee, led by first-year head coach Kim Caldwell. With a fast-paced offense and sharp perimeter shooting, Tennessee represents another test for Texas.
If the Longhorns aim to reach their first Final Four in two decades, the collaboration between Harmon and Booker must remain pivotal.
