BREAKING: Nation’s Top Women’s Basketball Prospect Aaliyah Chavez Poised to Commit to Texas Tech—Is a Big 12 Dynasty on the Horizon?

In what could become one of the most seismic recruiting moments in recent women’s college basketball history, Aaliyah Chavez—the consensus No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2025—is expected to commit to Texas Tech. The decision marks not only a massive win for the Lady Raiders, but it also has the potential to shift the balance of power in the Big 12 and beyond.

Hailing from Lubbock, Texas, Chavez has been the subject of intense national interest for several years. A dazzling guard with a rare combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership skills, Chavez has dominated at every level she’s played. Now, as she prepares to choose her college destination, the basketball world is bracing for a decision that could echo for years to come.

Texas Tech, once a historic powerhouse under Hall of Fame coach Marsha Sharp—with a national title in 1993—has been longing for a return to elite status. With the impending arrival of Chavez, they might finally be on the brink of that long-awaited resurgence.

Chavez’s connection to Texas Tech goes beyond just proximity. As a native of Lubbock, the idea of leading her hometown program back to national prominence holds powerful emotional weight. Throughout her recruitment process, Chavez emphasized the importance of community, family, and making a meaningful impact.

She has already become a household name in Texas high school basketball circles, regularly filling gyms and dazzling crowds with her shot-making ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity. At Monterey High School, she’s averaged over 30 points per game and is often double- and triple-teamed, yet still finds ways to dominate. Her performances have drawn comparisons to WNBA stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Arike Ogunbowale.

Chavez’s commitment is especially noteworthy given the caliber of programs that have been pursuing her. National juggernauts like South Carolina, LSU, UConn, and Stanford were all reportedly in the running. Each of those schools boasts deep NCAA Tournament resumes, elite coaching staffs, and pipelines to the WNBA.

Yet, despite the allure of national powerhouses, Chavez has consistently kept Texas Tech in her top group—a signal that she sees more than just potential in the program. She sees opportunity.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is bet on yourself—and bet on something you believe in,” she once posted cryptically on social media, fueling speculation that she might indeed stay home.

Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich has been laying the groundwork for a major turnaround since taking over in 2020. A former Lady Raider herself, Gerlich knows what success looks like in Lubbock—and how much it means to the community.

Under her leadership, the program has begun to rebuild a foundation based on grit, defense, and player development. Gerlich has been aggressive in the transfer portal, added key staff members with national experience, and made it a priority to recruit within Texas.

Securing Chavez would instantly validate Gerlich’s vision and could ignite a domino effect. Top recruits often follow trailblazers. If Chavez commits, expect more blue-chip talent to give Texas Tech a serious look—something that hasn’t happened in decades.

The Big 12 has become increasingly competitive in women’s basketball, with schools like Baylor, Oklahoma, and now Texas consistently producing tournament-caliber teams. Adding a talent like Chavez to the Red Raiders could make the conference even more formidable—and unpredictable.

Imagine a Texas Tech team centered around a generational talent, backed by a rejuvenated coaching staff and a rabid fanbase hungry for postseason glory. It’s a recipe for something special—not just for one year, but for years to come.

If Chavez indeed dons the scarlet and black, it won’t just be a commitment—it will be a movement. It could set the stage for a new era in Lubbock, where the Lady Raiders become a destination program for elite talent. The message would be clear: you don’t have to leave home to achieve greatness.

For young girls in Texas and across the country, seeing the top player in the nation choose to build her legacy at a school that hasn’t recently been in the national spotlight would be incredibly powerful. It would reinforce that leadership is not always about joining something already great—it’s often about creating greatness yourself.

While the official announcement is still pending, all signs now point toward Aaliyah Chavez bringing her talents to Texas Tech. If she follows through, it will mark one of the most important recruiting victories in recent memory—not just for the school, but for women’s basketball as a whole.