While many thought that Steve Sarkisian would lead the football team to glory in his first season on the Forty Acres, the hype and expectations for Chris Beard and the basketball program seem to be a tad more realistic.
Beard hit the ground at an Usain Bolt paced sprint in Austin, as he went out and landed some of the top transfers in college basketball to form what looks to be a super team capable of winning it all.
After consistently disappointing and being unable to advance in the NCAA Tournament, the expectations for Texas’ basketball program are now as high as ever.
ESPN’s Jay Bilas wrote exclusive content for ESPN about the top teams in the country and everything you need know about the upcoming season. He not only mentioned the Longhorns, he raved about their potential.
Here is what he had to say about Beard’s squad:
Chris Beard was the best hire of the season, and he chose to return to his alma mater in Austin. Beard wasted no time stocking the Longhorn cupboard with new talent, grabbing the best haul of transfers of the recruiting season. Guards Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey return to form a fiery, experienced backcourt, but the addition of transfers Marcus Carr (Minnesota), Timmy Allen (Utah), Dylan Disu (Vanderbilt), Tre Mitchell (UMass), Christian Bishop (Creighton) and Devin Askew (Kentucky) make this team special. Seven players on this roster averaged double-figures last season. If the transfers are willing to sacrifice and defend, Texas can beat anybody.
Texas’ season gets one tune up game when they play Houston Baptist on Nov. 9 in the season opener, but will quickly be tested when they have to take on No. 1 Gonzaga in just their second game.
The pursuit of a dream season starts today for Texas.