**BREAKING NEWS: Five-Star Guard Talaysia Cooper Decommits from Tennessee Vols and Flips Commitment to Oklahoma Sooners**
In a stunning turn of events, five-star guard Talaysia Cooper has officially decommitted from the Tennessee Vols and flipped her commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the college basketball recruiting world, as Cooper, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation, had previously pledged her future to the Vols in a high-profile commitment just months ago.
Cooper’s decision to flip her commitment to Oklahoma comes as a surprise, especially after the significant recruiting efforts by the Tennessee staff to secure her services. The 6-foot guard from South Carolina had been considered a cornerstone of the Vols’ future, with her ability to score, facilitate, and lock down opposing players making her a highly coveted recruit. Her versatility and all-around game were expected to make her an immediate impact player in the SEC.
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### **Talaysia Cooper’s Decision to Flip: The Background**
Talaysia Cooper initially committed to Tennessee in early 2024, choosing the Vols over other elite programs, including Oklahoma, South Carolina, and several other schools from Power Five conferences. At the time, the commitment was seen as a huge win for head coach Kellie Harper and the Vols, as Cooper was one of the top-rated guards in the country. The 5-star recruit’s decision to pledge to Tennessee was celebrated by fans, coaches, and analysts alike, with many believing that she would become one of the future faces of the program.
However, in a surprising twist, Cooper announced her decision to decommit from Tennessee in a statement shared on social media, citing a change of heart and a desire to explore other opportunities. She had been visiting campuses and continuing her evaluation process, ultimately deciding that Oklahoma was the best fit for her both athletically and personally.
“I want to thank the Tennessee staff, my family, and everyone who supported me during my recruiting process,” Cooper wrote in her announcement. “This was a difficult decision, but after much reflection, I feel that Oklahoma is the right place for me to grow as a player and a person. I’m excited to begin this next chapter of my basketball journey with the Sooners, and I can’t wait to contribute to their success.”
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### **The Impact of Cooper’s Decision on Tennessee and Oklahoma**
Cooper’s decommitment is a significant blow to the Tennessee Vols, who were expecting her to be a key player in their pursuit of national championships in the coming years. Tennessee had been building its program around high-profile recruits like Cooper, and the guard’s decision to flip is expected to force the Vols’ coaching staff to reassess their recruiting priorities moving forward.
Tennessee had invested a considerable amount of time and effort into recruiting Cooper, and her decision to leave the program could shift the Vols’ recruiting strategy in the near future. The Vols have been one of the top teams in the SEC under Kellie Harper’s leadership, but this setback could create a ripple effect across their 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes. Tennessee will now need to find other players who can fill the void left by Cooper’s departure.
On the other hand, the Oklahoma Sooners are elated by Cooper’s commitment, as her addition to their roster strengthens what is already an impressive recruiting class. Oklahoma, known for its fast-paced, high-scoring offense, will benefit immensely from Cooper’s dynamic skill set. With her ability to both score and facilitate, Cooper fits perfectly into head coach Jennie Baranczyk’s system, and her versatility will give the Sooners a valuable weapon both on the perimeter and in transition.
Baranczyk’s Sooners had been in the mix for Cooper before she initially committed to Tennessee, and the staff’s persistence in recruiting her ultimately paid off. Oklahoma has been a rising program in women’s college basketball, and with the addition of Cooper, they could become a serious contender for the NCAA Tournament and potentially challenge for a national title in the coming years.
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### **Recruiting Shake-Up: The Bigger Picture**
Cooper’s commitment flip comes at a time when women’s college basketball recruiting has reached a fever pitch. Top-tier recruits like Cooper are highly sought after, and the changing dynamics of the transfer portal, along with shifting priorities among players and coaches, have made the recruiting landscape even more unpredictable.
Her decommitment is a reminder of the volatility that can accompany the recruiting process. Players, especially those in the spotlight like Cooper, often face immense pressure to make the right decision, and it is not uncommon for recruits to reevaluate their choices as they gain more exposure to different programs.
The recruitment of elite players has become a strategic battle for coaches, who must build relationships, offer playing time opportunities, and fit their needs into a larger vision for team success. While Tennessee may feel the sting of Cooper’s decision, it is important to note that this could open the door for the Vols to focus on other rising prospects or bolster their class with additional players who could complement their current roster.
For Oklahoma, this commitment signifies the growing strength of their recruiting efforts under Jennie Baranczyk, who has made great strides since taking over the program. The Sooners have become a top destination for recruits who are looking to thrive in an up-tempo, high-energy style of play, and Cooper’s arrival solidifies their status as a program on the rise.
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### **What’s Next for Talaysia Cooper?**
As Talaysia Cooper begins her journey with the Oklahoma Sooners, the attention will turn to how she will adjust to the Big 12 and how her talents will fit into Baranczyk’s system. Oklahoma has established itself as a team that can challenge for NCAA Tournament berths, and Cooper will likely be expected to make an immediate impact. The Sooners already boast a strong recruiting class, and Cooper’s leadership and skill set will only enhance the program’s chances of making deep runs in the postseason.
Cooper has the potential to be a standout player in the Big 12, and her versatility on both ends of the floor will make her a key asset to Oklahoma’s backcourt. Her decision to join the Sooners will also benefit her development as a player, as Oklahoma is known for developing guards into top-tier talents ready to perform at the highest levels of collegiate basketball.
In the coming months, basketball fans will be eagerly watching Cooper’s transition to Oklahoma, as she looks to make an immediate impact for the Sooners and further solidify her status as one of the top young players in the country.
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### **Conclusion**
The commitment flip of Talaysia Cooper from Tennessee to Oklahoma has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. The five-star guard’s decision to leave the Vols after previously committing has left a void in Tennessee’s recruiting class, while simultaneously bolstering Oklahoma’s already impressive roster.
As the recruiting landscape continues to evolve, Cooper’s decision underscores the unpredictable nature of high-level recruiting and the ongoing shifts within the world of women’s college basketball. The Sooners have made a major statement with this commitment, while the Vols will now focus on adjusting their strategy moving forward.
Fans of both programs will be keeping a close eye on the next steps for Cooper and the teams involved, as this flip could have lasting ramifications for both Oklahoma and Tennessee for years to come.
