Texas Basketball Roundtable: Expectations and predictions heading into the postseason

Longhorns Wire staff members each state their expectations and predictions for Texas as they head into the postseason.

Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman-USA TODAY Sports

NCAA Tournament

Griffin McVeigh

I want to say this is a second-weekend tournament team. I really do. However, if Texas remains in their four-seed position, a second round matchup against a five-seed may be too much to overcome. In the latest USA TODAY Sports bracketology, the Longhorns would go up against Florida State in the hypothetical Round of 32 matchup. Purdue, Wisconsin, and Missouri are the other five-seeds listed. All four of those teams scream Sweet 16 potential.

One off day from Matt Coleman, Andrew Jones, or Matt Coleman from behind the three-point line and Texas is going home, no matter who the opponent is. The three-game win streak gives me hope, but wins over Iowa State and TCU do not impress anyone. Expectations are to at least make the Sweet 16 but like the Big 12 tournament, I predict Texas will come up short.

Please prove me wrong Shaka Smart.

Cami Griffin

Texas has zero room for error. They have the talent to reach the Sweet 16, but they’d have to play near flawless ball in order to get there. Shaka Smart’s future in Austin may depend on how the Longhorns fare in the NCAA Tournament. Regardless of their successful season up to this point, it would be crushing for Texas to lose their first game — especially if they’re a four-seed as the recent bracketology predicts. From an expectations standpoint, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Texas sneak their way into the Sweet 16. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough confidence to bank on them making it past the Round of 32.

Shane Carter

Texas fans would probably settle for an opening win in the first round, something that head coach Shaka Smart has yet to do. If the Longhorns can stay at a four-seed, they’ll set themselves up in a favorable matchup in round one.

I’m not sold that they can make the Sweet 16 regardless of who they face. Whether it’s Florida State or Tennessee potentially, those squads can play solid defense. Not only does Texas ‘live and die by their guards,’ but aside from Jericho Sims and Kai Jones, the Longhorns don’t have anyone else who can step up when the team needs it. Round two could realistically be as far as they go.

Get ready for March Madness by registering in advance for USA TODAY Sports’ bracket sweepstakes. In the meantime, mobile users can play USA TODAY Sports’ Couchketball virtual hoops challenge – the interactive basketball game where your skills determine the outcome.