Tag: texas longhorns basketball news

Texas Basketball: What does success look like in 2020?

With Shaka Smart returning for the 2020-21 season, what does success look like for the Texas Longhorns?

The Texas Longhorns’ athletic director Chris Del Conte recently announced that head coach Shaka Smart will be returning for the 2020-21 college basketball season. This was big news on the Greg Brown recruitment front as it had been reported multiple times that if Smart was out so was he. So with his retainment, Brown still has Texas in his top five schools. 247 Sports crystal ball predictions have the Longhorns at 90 percent to land his recruitment. The Longhorns could use his athletic ability inside.

So what does success look like for the Texas men’s basketball team in 2020?

Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

It starts with the Longhorns putting together another solid non-conference together. During the 2019-2020 basketball season, the Longhorns were able to put together some wins but losses against Providence, Georgetown and Louisiana State. Those hurt their tournament chances especially after beating a top 25 Purdue team early on. Teams can’t make the tournament during non-conference play but they can certainly make it a lot tougher down the stretch.

The Longhorns need to find a way to capture their late season magic from the 2019 campaign where they won five of their final seven games to capture the third best conference record. Texas needs to be more consistent in the next year and not sit back a hope for another late season push. Smart needs to coach with a sense of urgency and the players need to play that way. The seat will still be hot in 2020 so no need to get complacent. However, success for the Texas Longhorns is more than just doing well in conference play.

The Texas men’s basketball must make it to the big dance in March for the season to be considered a success. Not just making the tournament and exiting on the opening weekend. Under Shaka Smart, the Longhorns have failed to see the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The team hasn’t moved onto the third round since 2013-14 or seen a regional final since 2007-08. Both of those came under Rick Barnes.

So quite simply, for the Texas Longhorns and Shaka Smart to have success in 2020-21 they must advance to the round of 16 to really feel like they are building the program back to where it once was during the Barnes era. It is likely the only way that Smart coaches in Austin beyond next season.

Texas sticking with Shaka Smart for the 2020-2021 season

Chris Del Conte announced Texas will be keeping Shaka Smart for the 2020-2021 season. Smart has three years left on his contract.

Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte spoke with the Austin American-Statesman on Friday and said Shaka Smart is “our coach.” Smart will now get the opportunity to coach the Longhorns for a sixth season, the same amount of time he was coach at VCU.

“Nothing’s changed. We won five of the last six down the stretch, finished third in the conference. We have a good team coming back. Nothing’s changed on my end,” said Del Conte.

Going into the 2019-2020 season, Smart was already on the hot seat as Texas had only made the NCAA Tournament twice under his tenure. Even when in the tournament, the Longhorns have failed to make it past the first round, losing to Northern Iowa in 2016 and to Nevada in 2018.

In the middle of February, it looked as if Smart was going to be fired at the end of the season, with Texas struggling in the Big 12. Lucky for him, the Longhorns turned it around, winning five out of their last six games, including victories against Oklahoma and Texas Tech.

Being in position to make the 2020 NCAA Tournament with a Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal win against Texas Tech, nobody will ever know what will happen as the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of now, Smart’s contract has three more years on it, running through the 2022-2023 season. Back in 2015 was he was hired, Smart signed a seven-year, $21.7 million contract.

To keep his job after this season, the Longhorns must at minimum replicate their standing in the Big 12, but more than likely do better. Third place in the conference sounds nice, but going 9-9 and getting third place via tiebreakers does not sound as great.

100% of Texas’ production next season is returning so Smart should pick up right where they left off. Guard play from Matt Coleman, Courtney Ramey, and Andrew Jones were exceptional down the stretch.

Mix in Jase Febres, Gerald Liddell, Jericho Sims, and Kamaka Hepa all returning from injuries and the Longhorns’ outlook look positive for next season.

Smart must now take advantage of it and make (and advance) in the 2021 NCAA Tournament to save his job.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

WATCH: New Orleans Pelicans Release Video Of Jaxson Hayes’ Dunks

To celebrate his great rookie season, the Pelicans put out a video showing Hayes’ best dunks of the season. You can watch it here:

The NBA was at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, being the first of many sporting leagues to cancel their season. Before the issue became prevalent in the association though, Jaxson Hayes was enjoying a stellar rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Being drafted 10th overall in the 2019 Draft, Hayes had been playing with five other rookies, including Zion Williamson. On average, he was playing 17 minutes a game and putting up good numbers.

Scoring 7.5 points, securing four rebounds, and blocking nearly one shot per game, Hayes was a presence in the paint on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

To celebrate his great rookie season, the Pelicans’ Twitter account put out a video showing Hayes’ best dunks of the season. You can watch it here:

The young center played in 56 of New Orleans’ 64 games this season. When the NBA does return to either finish up the 2019-2020 season or to start new in 2020-2021, Hayes will continue to be a key piece for a young Pelicans squad.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

WATCH: Kenton Paulino Sends Texas To The Elite Eight In 2006

Kenton Paulino’s shot against West Virginia in 2006 sent Texas into the regional final for the first time since 1946. You can watch it here.

The 2005-2006 Texas team was a special one, led by future NBA stars PJ Tucker and LaMarcus Aldridge. Winning the Big 12 regular-season title with a 13-3 record and a 30-7 overall record, the Longhorns earned a two seed in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.

After beat Penn and North Carolina State in the first weekend, Texas came up against then Big East team West Virginia in the Sweet 16. Tied with five seconds left in the game, the Longhorns pushed the ball down the court in search of a game-winner.

Freshman guard A.J. Abrams made it to the top of the three-point line, passed it off to his left where Kenton Paulino knocked down the buzzer-beating three-pointer to send Texas into the Elite Eight.

You can watch the shot here:

Before the game-winner, Paulino was 1-6 from behind the three-point line. Luckily he made the one that counted, sending Texas to the regional final for the first time since 1946.

The Longhorns would end up losing in the next round to LSU, but Paulino’s shot against West Virginia made history for Texas.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Men’s Basketball Profile Card: Courtney Ramey

With the men’s basketball season officially over, we take a look at Courtney Ramey’s 2019-2020 season for the Texas Longhorns.

With the men’s basketball season officially over, we take a look at some of the players from the 2019-2020 NCAA basketball season for the Texas Longhorns.

Continue reading “Men’s Basketball Profile Card: Courtney Ramey”

Texas Basketball: Greg Brown sets announcement date

The Texas Longhorns basketball team is still in the hunt for forward Greg Brown. He is set to make his commitment announcement April 24.

While the Texas Longhorns continue to wait on their first recruiting commitment of the 2020 class, Greg Brown has announced when he will make his decision. Brown is the number one power forward in the class. It has been rumored for months that he likes Texas and that he would only commit to Texas if Shaka Smart is still the head coach. It is widely known that this is likely a one and done year for Brown.

According to 247 sports, Brown is expected to make his decision on April 24th. Brown has his top five schools with Texas being among them. According to his recruiting profile, his crystal ball projection is at 88 percent to the Longhorns. Tops at his position and top ten in the country, this would be a huge get for Shaka Smart and the Longhorns basketball team.

The team needs an inside presence to go along with Jericho Sims, provided that he doesn’t decide to go pro. Brown is gifted athletically and his defensive play would be a welcomed addition to the team. Even if it is just for one season, he could be a reason that Shaka Smart is coaching at Texas beyond 2020-21 if he could help lead Texas past the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since Rick Barnes was the man in charge of hoops in Austin.

Texas Basketball Recruiting: three-star guard releases top six schools

Nebraska three-star guard has released his list of six schools. Did the Texas Longhorns and Shaka Smart make the cut?

Donovan Williams, a three-star guard out of the state of Nebraska has narrowed his list to just six schools. Texas was among the six, the full list is below. Crystal ball predictions have him locked into Oklahoma State. Williams was scheduled to visit the University of Texas on April 10th. The Longhorns are still awaiting their first commitment of the 2020 class.

RATING

Stars Overall State Position
247 3 185 2 36
Rivals – 128 – 27
ESPN 4 – 1 23
247 Composite 3 148 2 28

Vitals

Hometown Lincoln, Nebraska
Projected Position shooting guard
Height 6-5
Weight 190

Recruitment

  • Offered
  • scheduled visit for April 10, 2020

Offers Include:

  • Kansas
  • Kansas State
  • Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma State
  • Oregon
  • Texas A&M
  • Wisconsin

Film

[protected-iframe id=”00c214f17e8c86609ebcbb939d667c5b-162776761-85508312″ info=”//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8772986/5c9ba4b6688e5b0cb443dfb1″ width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen=””]

Twitter

College basketball’s way-too-early top 25 teams for the 2020-21 Season

With the season now over, all attention has been turned to the 2020-2021 season. The USA TODAY has even released a way-too-early top 25.

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:

  1. Gonzaga
  2. Baylor
  3. Virginia
  4. Kentucky
  5. Creighton
  6. Duke
  7. Iowa
  8. Wisconsin
  9. Florida State
  10. Texas Tech
  11. Oregon
  12. Villanova
  13. Kansas
  14. Tennessee
  15. San Diego State
  16. Michigan
  17. West Virginia
  18. North Carolina
  19. Michigan State
  20. UCLA
  21. Houston
  22. LSU
  23. Florida
  24. Oklahoma State
  25. 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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Jon Rothstein Ranks Texas No. 21 for 2020-2021 Season

Jon Rothstein has released his top 45 teams for the 2020-2021 season. Ranking Texas inside the top 25, UT is ranked No. 21 for next season.

College basketball sadly came to an abrupt end this season, leaving the entire country wondering what was going to happen throughout the month of March.

For Texas, a win against Texas Tech in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals would have seen them in the NCAA Tournament. Even with a close loss, the Longhorns still had a great shot at making the postseason.

Either way, the 2019-2020 season has concluded and for Shaka Smart and Texas, it is time to work towards 2020-2021.

Like the Longhorns, CBS Sports’ College Basketball insider Jon Rothstein has moved on to next season and has released his initial top 45 teams for the 2020-2021 season. Ranking Texas just inside the top 25, they are No. 21 in the Rothstein 45.

Here are his lineup projections for next season:

21. Texas

G Matt Coleman
G Courtney Ramey
G Andrew Jones
F Kai Jones
C Jericho Sims

Key Losses: None

Key Newcomers: None

Projected Bench: Kamaka Hepa, Jase Febres, Will Baker, Brock Cunningham, Royce Hamm, Gerald Liddell, Donovan Williams

NBA Watch: None

Barring any transfers, Texas should have the entire roster back for next season. Add in the possibility of adding five-star small forward Greg Brown out of Austin, TX in this year’s recruiting class, and the Longhorns look primed for a run in the 2020-2021 season.

Rothstein ranks six other Big 12 teams in his top 45, having Baylor at No. 3, Kansas at No. 4, Texas Tech at No. 17, West Virginia at No. 19, Oklahoma at No. 36, and Oklahoma State at No. 42.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Texas Basketball’s Seeding History in the NCAA Tournament

Today would have been Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament. Here is UT’s history of seeding throughout the NCAA Tournament.

If it were not for COVID-19, today would have been Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament. Going into the Big 12 Tournament this week, Texas was in need of a win against Texas Tech to fully secure their spot in March Madness this season. However, we will never know if the Longhorns were going to make it or what their seeding would have been.

Throughout Texas’ history, they have made the NCAA Tournament 34 times. 26 of those appearances came after the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, beginning in 1989 and as recent as 2018. The Longhorns have been seeded in 11 different positions ranging from the top of the bracket to playing the underdog role.

Here is Texas’ seeding history in the NCAA Tournament:

Highest ever seed: One seed in 2003

Lowest ever seed: 11 seed in 1989, 1995, 2012, and 2015

Most frequent seed: Six seed (four times), 10 seed (four times), 11 seed (four times)

The one time Texas was ever a one seed was in the 2003 NCAA Tournament, where they also made their third Final Four in school history. Led by T.J. Ford and Brandon Mouton, the Longhorns went 22-5 in the regular season and finished second in the Big 12 with a 13-3 conference record. Despite losing to Texas Tech in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, Texas managed to hang onto a one seed.

In the tournament, Rick Barnes’ squad beat UNC Ashville by 21 in the first round and Purdue by 10 in the second round to make the school’s second Sweet 16 in as many years.

The games got tougher from then on, escaping from UConn with a four-point victory and then beating Michigan State by nine to win the South Region. After making it to the Final Four in 1947 and only getting as far as the Elite Eight once since then, Texas was back to the promised land.

The Longhorns lost to a Syracuse team led by Carmelo Anthony by 11 at the Superdome in New Orleans, ending their best season in over 50 years. The Orange would go on to win the National Championship, beating Big 12 foe Kansas in the title game.

Only securing a one seed once in their history, Texas has only gotten as high as a two seed since then. Coming in 2006 and 2008, both teams lost in the Elite Eight to LSU and Memphis respectively.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]