Texas ended the 2019-2020 season on a hot streak, winning five out of their last six games. Going into the Big 12 Tournament, they would have had the opportunity to make the NCAA Tournament with a win against Texas Tech.
With the season now over due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all attention has been turned to the 2020-2021 season. The USA TODAY has even released a way-too-early top 25 for next season.
Here are the rankings:
- Gonzaga
- Baylor
- Virginia
- Kentucky
- Creighton
- Duke
- Iowa
- Wisconsin
- Florida State
- Texas Tech
- Oregon
- Villanova
- Kansas
- Tennessee
- San Diego State
- Michigan
- West Virginia
- North Carolina
- Michigan State
- UCLA
- Houston
- LSU
- Florida
- Oklahoma State
- Arizona State
Also considered: Indiana, Northern Iowa, Colorado, Purdue, Texas, Southern California, Rutgers, Illinois, Louisville, Connecticut.
Unfortunately, the Longhorns just miss out of the top 25, falling behind four other Big 12 schools. However, they should find their way ranked at some point next season, as Shaka Smart has the looks of a contender in the conference.
Nobody from this year’s roster is expected to depart for next season, barring any transfers. Star guards Matt Coleman, Courtney Ramey, and Andrew Jones should be back, ready to lead Texas towards the top of the Big 12.
If the Longhorns can add five-star forward Greg Brown, they could even become a favorite to make it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Texas may not be ranked right now, expectations should be high for 2020-2021.
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