In a seismic shift within NCAA women’s basketball, Aaliyah Chavez, the No.1 overall player in the nation and the most coveted portal prospect available, has announced her full commitment to North Carolina, stunning powerhouse programs LSU, Oklahoma, and Tennessee in the process. The announcement, made via social media and confirmed by multiple outlets, signals a bold and historic moment for the Tar Heels and head coach Courtney Banghart.
Chavez, a 5-foot-10 elite scoring guard and former McDonald’s All-American, had been the subject of intense recruitment since entering the transfer portal earlier this summer. Widely regarded as a generational talent with elite court vision, deep shooting range, and defensive tenacity, Chavez’s decision to take her talents to Chapel Hill immediately alters the national championship picture for the 2025 season.
From Star Freshman to Portal Headliner
After a breakout freshman season at Texas Tech, where she averaged 21.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, Chavez shocked the basketball world when she entered the portal seeking a new environment with stronger national exposure and deeper tournament potential. Instantly, she became the top prize available, drawing offers and visits from several elite programs, including LSU under Kim Mulkey, Tennessee’s legendary program, and Oklahoma’s rising Big 12 contender.
Yet through all the noise, UNC quietly emerged as the sleeper favorite. Sources say Chavez was drawn to Coach Banghart’s player-first philosophy, fast-paced offensive scheme, and the growing legacy being built in Chapel Hill. After an unofficial visit in late June and a closed-door meeting with returning Tar Heel players, the decision became clear: North Carolina was home.
“I wanted to be somewhere that felt like family and would push me to be the best version of myself,” Chavez said in her commitment statement. “Coach Banghart believes in me, and I believe in what we’re building at UNC. I’m all in.”
A Program-Altering Commitment
For Courtney Banghart, this marks one of the biggest transfer wins in UNC Women’s Basketball history. Chavez doesn’t just bring elite talent—she brings instant credibility and national attention. She joins a rapidly improving Tar Heel roster that already includes 2024 five-star signees and returning standouts like Lexi Blue and Indya Nivar.
With Chavez in the backcourt, UNC gains a proven scorer and playmaker who can control the tempo, create off the dribble, and lead in late-game situations. Her presence also opens up the floor for UNC’s wings and post players, adding a new level of versatility and explosiveness.
“This is a program-defining moment,” Banghart said in a press release. “Aaliyah is one of the best players I’ve ever seen at this stage of her career, and she’s even more impressive as a teammate and leader. She’s going to thrive here.”
Ripple Effect Across the Nation
The shockwaves of Chavez’s decision are already being felt across the women’s basketball landscape. LSU and Tennessee were widely believed to be finalists, and her decision to bypass two SEC powerhouses for UNC has set social media and recruiting circles ablaze.
Analysts now project UNC to be a preseason top-10 team heading into the 2025 campaign, with Chavez leading the way. Her commitment is also expected to influence additional portal targets and potentially sway elite 2026 recruits who were previously undecided.
Chapel Hill Is Rising
With Chavez onboard, the message from Chapel Hill is clear: UNC Women’s Basketball is no longer knocking on the door—they’re ready to break through it. And with a generational star leading the charge, the road to the Final Four just got a whole lot more Carolina blue.
