2019 Texas Transfer News

I know there is a larger transfer thread but I thought this could focus more on potential transfers to Texas.

Karisma Ortiz, a 6’ guard who played her freshman season at Penn State, is taking a visit to Texas. ESPN #54 in 2018 class. Karisma attended Archbishop Mitty High School (Haley Jones' school) and averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists as a senior. Got 22 starts in 29 games at Penn State (25.5 mpg), averaged 3.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg.

 

Here's another Tweet about Ortiz from Sue Phillips who was her high school coach at Arch Bishop Mitty in California. Phillips is considered one of the best high school basketball coaches in the nation. Phillips was the coach of Haley Jones, the #1 recruit from the 2019 class.

Our staff has been connected with Sue Phillips for several years, so Phillips has probably provided our staff with a positive report on Ortiz.

 

Looks like she visited South Carolina a few weeks ago:

 

And to Cal Berkeley a couple of weekends ago:

 

Thanks to @kurupt for the heads up about Karisma’s commitment.

 

High praise from Sue Phillips...

 

Interesting coincidence that Karisma was listed right behind Joanne Allen-Taylor in the 2018 ESPN rankings.

 

Very impressive high school tape. She may be the big point or two guard that we have been missing lately. Her playing with Celeste will really help with our size along the 1/2/3 positions.

 

But, she has to sit a year. I believe.

 

Since there was a coaching change at Penn State that has not been confirmed yet.

 

Karisma has signed!

Women's Basketball signs transfer Karisma Ortiz - University of Texas Athletics

 

I missed the news from last week confirming that Ortiz will apply for a waiver for immediate eligibility. I thought I should post it here in case others missed the news also.

Texas lands transfer basketball player from Penn State | Hookem.com

 

I am feeling more certain that Karisma will be cleared to play immediately considering Penn State’s coach was fired - same situation at GaTech for these new Louisville players:

 

I really hope your gut feeling about Karisma being granted a waiver is spot on. We could really use her this season.

I thought Georgia Tech's coach, Machelle Joseph, was fired after an investigation about allegations she mistreated players. So, if that was the case, the coach getting fired there was for reasons different than at Penn State.

I believe UConn is awaiting word on the waiver for Tennessee transfer, Evina Westbrook. Holly Warlick fired there based on job performance, similar to Coquese Washington at Penn State. Last time I checked, UConn fans were not optimistic she'd be granted the waiver.