Mon Jan 05 12:50:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided information about Texas Tech’s new signee:

Texas Tech Women’s Basketball Lands Potentially Historic 7-Foot-1 Center

LUBBOCK, TX – The Texas Tech Red Raiders women’s basketball team is poised to add a towering presence to their already impressive roster. The university announced the signing of Stephanie Okechukwu on Friday, a 7-foot-1 center whose eligibility is pending NCAA approval. If cleared to play, Okechukwu would become the tallest player in the history of women’s college basketball.

Head Coach Krista Gerlich hinted at the news earlier in the week with a playful post on X, alluding to a significant addition. The school further fueled the excitement by posting a photo of Okechukwu palming two basketballs and a video showing her effortlessly dunking, showcasing her impressive agility and ball-handling skills.

Currently, the tallest players in women’s college basketball are Nicole Dominguez of Middle Tennessee State and Abbie Boutilier of Eastern Illinois, both standing at 6-foot-10. Okechukwu has never played in the WNBA or NCAA.

The addition of Okechukwu could make the Red Raiders even more dominant. Texas Tech is currently enjoying a stellar 15-0 season, ranked 21st nationally. The team boasts a strong offense, led by guards Snudda Collins, Bailey Maupin, and Jalynn Bristow, but it is their defense that may be bolster the most with Okechukwu. Texas Tech is already one of the nation’s top defensive teams, ranking fifth in opposing field goal percentage (31.7%) and 10th in points allowed per game (52.3%). A 7-footer in the paint could make it difficult for opposing teams to score.

The NCAA’s decision on Okechukwu’s eligibility is highly anticipated, as her presence would undoubtedly make Texas Tech a force to be reckoned with.

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