Payton Verhulst | Guard | Oklahoma: Key Player Analysis and Season Highlights
Payton Verhulst quickly became one of Oklahoma’s women’s basketball team’s key players. She is making a strong case for herself as a future WNBA draft pick. As a guard, she brings both skill and consistency. She started in every game last season and averaged double-digit points. The Oklahoma program, which has a proud tradition in women’s basketball, benefits greatly from her leadership and versatility.
Verhulst stands out not only through her scoring, but also through her all-around contributions. She averaged 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. This highlights her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Her performance in the 2024-25 season puts her among the top guards in the Big 12 and has raised her profile for potential WNBA consideration in 2026. For fans who want to track her latest stats and highlights, check out Verhulst’s official Oklahoma profile.
| Season | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 32 | 12.6 | 5.8 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
Verhulst’s balanced approach, along with her steady production for the Sooners, is exactly what WNBA scouts look for in a guard. Her ability to handle multiple roles on the court is why she should be on every pro team’s radar heading toward the 2026 draft.
Contents
Background and Early Life
Payton Verhulst impressed coaches and scouts long before she arrived at Oklahoma. Her athletic ability, on-court intelligence, and leadership skills set her apart from a young age.
High School Career
Verhulst attended Bishop Miege High School in Kansas, where she became a standout player almost immediately. She helped lead her team to multiple state championships, showing consistency as both a scorer and a defender. During her senior season, she averaged over 20 points per game, with strong contributions in rebounds, assists, and steals.
College recruiters took notice, and her performance earned her spots on All-State and McDonald’s All-American teams, putting her among the top recruits in her class. National rankings routinely placed her within the top 20, and her presence on the court inspired teammates and raised the level of play for those around her.
Below is a table summarizing her high school statistics:
| Season | Points/Game | Rebounds/Game | Assists/Game | Steals/Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior (2021) | 20.1 | 7.3 | 4.2 | 2.5 |
| Junior (2020) | 18.7 | 6.8 | 3.7 | 2.2 |
Verhulst’s all-around production made her highly sought after, which is part of why she is regularly considered a future candidate for the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Personal Background
Born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, Payton Verhulst developed a love for basketball early, influenced by her sports-oriented family. She cites her parents as important mentors. They supported her basketball journey from childhood gyms to national AAU competitions.
Off the court, she is known for her academic effort and commitment to her community. Verhulst participated in local volunteer programs and maintained a strong GPA throughout high school, showing discipline beyond athletics.
Those close to her describe her as hardworking, focused, and humble. These qualities, combined with her basketball resume, are why she remains a key name to watch for the Oklahoma Sooners and a potential contributor at the next level.
Collegiate Journey
Payton Verhulst’s college basketball career has spanned two top programs, highlighted by her transition from Louisville to Oklahoma. Her impact at both schools is underscored by rising stats and key moments that have made her a top WNBA draft prospect.
Oklahoma Sooners Transfer
Verhulst transferred to the University of Oklahoma after starting her college career at Louisville. This move gave her the chance to play in the Big 12 and take on a greater leadership role. Sooners fans quickly saw her versatility on both ends of the floor.
At Oklahoma, Verhulst’s size (6-1) and ball-handling skills allowed her to play multiple positions. She consistently started as a guard but could shift to forward when needed. Coaches praised her basketball IQ and defensive awareness. Her arrival also boosted Oklahoma’s depth and gave them an experienced scorer who could help in crunch time.
Since the transfer, Verhulst has increased her points, assists, and steals per game. Playing at Lloyd Noble Center, she developed strong chemistry with her new teammates, helping the Sooners in close conference battles. Her performances have made her one of the Big 12’s most reliable upperclassmen.
Louisville Highlights
Before Oklahoma, Verhulst spent her first years at the University of Louisville. She played for the Cardinals at the KFC Yum! Center, where she was known for her court vision and tough perimeter defense. As a freshman, she made the ACC All-Freshman team, posting solid numbers despite limited minutes.
Verhulst’s high school pedigree included five-star recruit honors, which she lived up to early at Louisville. She shot well from beyond the arc and provided steady playmaking in ACC games. Her contributions were often felt in key matchups against ranked opponents.
By her sophomore year, she earned more starts and upped her scoring and rebounding averages. Her ability to drive to the basket and spot up from three-point range allowed Louisville to stretch defenses. Her time with the Cardinals set the stage for her growth in Norman.
Key Games at Oklahoma
During her time with the Sooners, Verhulst has delivered in high-pressure situations. She helped Oklahoma secure important wins by scoring in double digits and playing strong perimeter defense. In matchups against Big 12 rivals, her performances often shifted momentum in the Sooners’ favor.
She is known for stepping up on both ends during close games—delivering steals, making smart passes, and scoring clutch baskets. Verhulst’s leadership has been clear in games against ranked opponents, where she matched up against top talents and held her own.
Below is a table summarizing some of her college statistics across both Louisville and Oklahoma:
| Season | School | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Louisville | 31 | 3.8 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 41% |
| 2022-23 | Louisville | 11 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 50% |
| 2023-24 | Oklahoma | 32 | 12.2 | 4.9 | 2.4 | 1.8 | 44% |
Her well-rounded skill set and experience in two major conferences put her on the radar for the 2026 WNBA draft. Coaches value her combination of size, shooting, and defensive effort, qualities that project well to the next level. For teams looking for a guard who can do a bit of everything, Verhulst offers a strong option for the pro game.
Playing Style and Position
Payton Verhulst plays as a guard for the Oklahoma Sooners. She combines efficient ball handling with solid scoring and defensive awareness, making her a strong candidate for the 2026 WNBA draft.
Guard Responsibilities
As a guard, Payton Verhulst is tasked with organizing the offense and maintaining the team’s rhythm. She often brings the ball up the court, sets offensive plays, and reads defenses to create passing lanes. Verhulst’s role demands keen decision-making, especially under pressure.
Her playmaking is highlighted by her assist numbers and ability to limit turnovers. She routinely looks for open teammates and advances the ball with purpose. Guards like Verhulst must also adapt to various defensive schemes and control the game’s tempo—a skill she shows game by game.
In transition, Verhulst excels at quick outlets and decisive passes, leading fast breaks and keeping the offensive attack fluid. This central role helps maximize team efficiency and scoring chances. It also serves as a vital audition for WNBA teams valuing poised floor generals.
2024-25 Key Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points/game | 14.9 |
| Assists/game | 4.0 |
| Turnovers/game | 2.1 |
| Rebounds/game | 5.8 |
Defensive Skills
Verhulst’s defensive game is built on anticipation and positioning. She frequently guards the perimeter, where quick footwork and smart reads are essential. Her size—standing 6-foot-1—gives her an edge when contesting shots against both guards and small forwards.
She uses her length to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers, often turning defense into a fast transition. Verhulst’s defensive versatility allows her to switch assignments seamlessly, whether the task is shutting down a hot shooter or helping double in the post.
Her disciplined technique limits fouls, which allows her to stay on the court during crucial minutes. Consistent effort, especially on closeouts and help-side rotations, makes her a defensive anchor at the guard spot.
Offensive Contributions
On offense, Payton Verhulst is a reliable scorer and creative passer. She can attack the rim off the dribble, knock down jump shots, and find open teammates when the defense collapses. Her ability to drive and kick sets up many of Oklahoma’s best looks.
Verhulst’s assist numbers (4.0 per game) showcase strong court vision and unselfish play. She keeps turnovers low, averaging about two per game, which keeps possessions productive and errors minimal.
Her offense is balanced: she spaces the floor, runs pick-and-rolls, and is dependable in late-clock situations. These traits, paired with size and poise, make her a compelling option for WNBA teams needing a dynamic guard. To learn more about her player profile and stats, visit the Oklahoma Sooners roster and Yahoo Sports player page.
Statistical Achievements
Payton Verhulst has put together a solid resume as a guard for Oklahoma, shining in several key areas on the court. Her impact shows most clearly in her ability to fill stat sheets, control possessions, and deliver under pressure.
Triple-Double Performances
Verhulst is a reliable all-around player who flirts with a triple-double more often than most guards at her level. While she has not notched an official triple-double in her college career, she regularly posts numbers across points, rebounds, and assists that approach that benchmark.
Her best games often see double-digit points paired with strong rebounding and assist numbers. For example, there have been games where Verhulst has posted lines like 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists—highlighting her well-rounded game. Coaches value her ability to contribute in multiple areas, making her a match-up problem for opponents.
This versatility on the perimeter has drawn favorable attention from professional scouts, who increasingly prioritize complete guards for the WNBA draft.
| Game Stats | High Points | High Rebounds | High Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Game Bests | 25 | 13 | 9 |
| Near Triple-Doubles | 18-9-8 | 14-8-7 | 20-7-9 |
Assists and Turnovers
Playmaking is another key part of Verhulst’s game. Over the 2024-25 season, she averaged 3.9 assists per game, a mark that puts her among the top facilitators on her team. She shows patience running the offense, often finding teammates in the right spot for high-percentage looks.
Turnover control is vital for a starting guard, and Verhulst generally maintains a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. She limits careless mistakes, which keeps Oklahoma’s offense moving smoothly. Her decision-making under pressure and ball security boost her value in close contests.
For teams looking toward the 2026 WNBA draft, her blend of vision and careful playmaking stands out.
- Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: 1.8
- Season High Assists: 9
- Lowest Turnovers in a Game: 0
Free Throw Statistics
At the line, Verhulst delivers reliable results. She showed consistent accuracy with a free throw percentage just above 80% in her latest season. This stability matters in late-game moments, where miss-free throws can decide outcomes.
She gets to the line frequently thanks to her aggressive drives and shot selection. With a calm approach at the stripe, she often capitalizes on pressure situations. WNBA teams covet guards who do not squander free scoring chances, and Verhulst’s numbers underline her poise.
| Season | Free Throw % | Free Throws Made | Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 82.3% | 93 | 113 |
That combination of high-volume, high-percentage free shooting, along with her assertiveness in getting to the line, projects well for the physical demands of professional basketball.
Notable Matchups and Moments
Payton Verhulst has been tested against some of college basketball’s biggest programs. Her matchups versus powerhouse teams, pressure-packed conference games, and high-stakes finishes have showcased both her skills and resilience.
Games Against South Carolina
Facing South Carolina, one of the nation’s top teams, Verhulst showed poise and strong court awareness. In a recent clash, she led the Oklahoma offense with 19 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Her ability to drive the lane against the Gamecocks’ tough interior defense stood out. She hit several mid-range jumpers and maintained composure under heavy pressure. On defense, she collected two steals, helping keep Oklahoma within reach for much of the contest.
Verhulst’s leadership and productivity in these high-intensity games bolster her position as a key prospect for the 2026 WNBA draft. Her ball-handling and decision-making skills in these environments are qualities scouts value.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 19 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Rebounds | 4 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
Contests Versus Baylor
Against Baylor, Verhulst consistently matched up with some of the Big 12’s most physical guards. In a hard-fought game last February, she tallied 16 points, six assists, and three rebounds.
What separated her performance was her ability to execute under defensive pressure. Baylor keyed in on preventing her from getting clean looks, but Verhulst adapted by distributing the ball and creating plays for teammates.
By running the offense and stepping up in critical possessions, she helped Oklahoma push past one of its strongest conference rivals. Coaches noted her calm under duress and excellence in high-leverage moments—a direct indicator of her next-level readiness.
Showdowns With Kentucky
Verhulst’s outings versus Kentucky highlighted her aggressive scoring mindset. In a high-scoring affair in December, she exploded for 22 points, shooting 8 for 15 from the floor. She mixed driving finishes with perimeter shooting, forcing Kentucky’s defense to adjust.
In the second half, she spearheaded a 10-2 run that shifted momentum back to Oklahoma, also contributing four assists and two steals. Her consistency in handling defensive switches and finding open teammates was vital to the Sooners’ strategy.
Verhulst’s blend of scoring and playmaking in these matchups points to a well-rounded game that carries over to professional projections. Her performances against Kentucky showed both her scoring touch and basketball IQ.
Memorable Overtime Loss
In one of the season’s most gripping games, Oklahoma suffered a dramatic overtime loss that tested Verhulst’s mettle. She logged 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists, playing heavy minutes through intense stretches.
Verhulst scored seven points during the overtime period, including a key three-pointer to tie the game late. Despite the setback, she kept her energy high and never shied from taking big shots.
Scouts note that her composure, clutch shooting, and all-around production during high-pressure moments are traits that separate lottery picks in the WNBA draft. Her performance in this overtime loss showed how she thrives in must-win situations.
Impact on Oklahoma Women’s Basketball
Payton Verhulst brings a mix of skill, leadership, and consistency that has shaped the trajectory of the Oklahoma Sooners in recent seasons. Her play has been significant both on and off the court, affecting everything from conference competition to the local community.
Team Leadership
Verhulst has stepped into a central leadership role for OU women’s basketball. As a guard, she is responsible for setting the tempo and guiding younger players during practices and games. Her communication and situational awareness stand out, especially in late-game situations.
She has scored 10 or more points in 19 games and recorded five 20-point games, showing she can create offense when it matters most. On days when the Sooners needed a spark, Verhulst delivered, such as her career-high 32-point performance on 12-15 shooting, a display of efficiency and control.
| Statistic | 2024-25 Season |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 14.3 |
| Assists per Game | 4.1 |
| Rebounds per Game | 5.5 |
| FG Percentage | 48% |
| 3PT Percentage | 38% |
Her poise and production in crucial matchups demonstrate why she is being watched closely by scouts as a strong WNBA draft prospect for 2026.
Influence in Big 12
Within the Big 12, Verhulst has proven to be one of the most reliable guards in the conference. She registered double-digit points in 15 conference games, consistently making an impact against top opposition.
Her ability to produce under pressure was highlighted in the pivotal Sweet 16 game, where she opened the second quarter with a crucial three-pointer to pull Oklahoma out of a deficit. These performances have set the tone for the Sooners and made her a central figure in the team’s Big 12 success.
She also plays a key role in the team’s defensive schemes, often being tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter threat. Her instincts and composure make her a unique two-way player, further raising her WNBA draft value.
Community Involvement
Off the court, Verhulst models what it means to be an active member of the Oklahoma community. She participates in youth basketball clinics and regularly attends university charitable events.
Her outreach is genuine and helps inspire young athletes in Norman and beyond. She often visits local schools, where she talks about the importance of academics and hard work, creating a positive presence for OU women’s basketball.
Verhulst’s involvement enhances the program’s connection to its fan base, ensures positive press, and makes her a well-rounded candidate for professional basketball. This type of engagement adds another layer to her profile, making her stand out for WNBA teams evaluating players beyond just their basketball talents.
