Cori Close is bracing for an exodus of seniors. Her 2025-26 squad has a whopping 7, including Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice. Naturally, recruitment for next season becomes the Bruins’ top priority. Close needs strong recruits to accompany Sienna Betts and Lena Bilic to ensure that 2026-27 is not a transition year. However, that process is not going quite the way Close would like, as one of her recruits, Joyce Isi Etute, has changed her destination from UCLA to Texas.

In early October, Etute, an international 4-star prospect from Luxembourg, announced her UCLA commitment amid a variety of interests. “I’m locked in! Excited to call UCLA home and take my game to this amazing program,” Etute posted on Instagram at the time. However, a few weeks ago, she mysteriously deleted that post, sparking rumors and curiosity. Finally, the fans have some clarity as she has officially committed to Vic Schaefer and the Texas Longhorns.

“Excited doesn’t even cover it… can’t wait to be a Longhorn!!!🤘🏾🔥,” Etute captioned her post in which she was holding Vic Schaefer in her arms, along with a glimpse of the photoshoot with the team.

She has represented her country at both youth and senior levels, but made a huge decision to play college at IMG Academy this season. In 2024, she averaged 18.7 points and 13.4 rebounds per game with the youth national team. But why the change? Joyce Isi Etute might be fearing the same thing Bruins fans are: a transition year.

While Cori Close will be rebuilding, Vic Schaefer’s squad could see its peak next year. His core is filled with juniors and freshmen. Madison Booker, Breya Cunningham, and Jordan Lee, along with freshman Aliyah Crump, will have another year at Texas under their belt, assuming they don’t enter the portal. All four have been key to the 19-2 record in their current season, playing every game.

This team was only losing its forward Kyla Oldacre, who is leading the team in rebounds (7.1) while scoring 11.7 points per game. The 6’2 Etute fills right in as a like-for-like replacement. For Close, she would have been a perfect replacement for Lauren Betts. Now, the coach has only one commit for the 2026 class, Spanish Guard Somto Okafor. She will need to start ramping up her recruiting very soon. On the other hand, Etute will move to Texas, taking her battle-hardened game from IMG Academy.

Joyce Isi Etute’s Coach Shares A Unique Quality That Makes Her Different

In her early career in Luxembourg, she immediately impressed at the professional level. She played for T71 Dudelange in the Total League, the highest tier of Luxembourgian basketball. Isi Etute averaged 13.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 8.5 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. However, after the 2024-25 season, she moved to the US early, to the IMG Academy in Florida.

“I’M HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE that I will be attending IMG Academy next year! 🙌🏾” She wrote. “Since the school system is different in the U.S., I’ll be reclassifying and joining the CLASS OF 2026.”Now that she will be leaving the academy after this season, her coach has revealed a striking quality that makes her different.

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“Congrats, Carebear haha..” IMG Assistant coach Cordell Henry wrote. “Texas is receiving a warrior!!! This young lady gives 1,000 percent in EVERY drill and doesn’t take any possessions off! & truly..is a PRO! Averaging 20 & 10 against babies🙌🙌”

One of the glaring doubts for international recruits coming to the US is the distinction in atmosphere and system. The basketball here is played differently from that in Europe and other parts of the world. The requirements are different for both. It seems Etute’s decision has paid off, as she has now proved herself in the American system. Now, as she steps into a Longhorn uniform, Etute looks ready to make her mark on one of the nation’s most ambitious programs.