The expectations for year two under Chris Beard are a tad lower than last season, but still continue to grow.
With the Longhorns bringing in six top 30 transfers a year ago, many viewed them as a top five team in the country. But even with all the new talent they struggled at times throughout the season. While they were always able to hang around in the rankings, the team struggled with three point shooting and against teams with dominant big men.
The roster construction ahead of this next season is interesting to say the least, but with the addition of Big 12 Freshman of the Year Tyrese Hunter, Texas received a boost in CBS Sports’ preseason top 25 rankings.
The Longhorns moved up four spots from No. 16 to No. 12 in the rankings, and here is why.
The Longhorns’ ranking is based on Texas returning the top two scorers from a team that finished 15th at KenPom – namely Timmy Allen and Marcus Carr, each of whom is using a fifth year of eligibility. Chris Beard is adding to that core a top-15 recruiting class highlighted by two five-star prospects (Dillon Mitchell and Arterio Morris) and Iowa State transfer Tyrese Hunter.
While the Longhorns have a talented backcourt with Carr and Hunter along with the incoming freshman Arterio Morris, it is understandable to have concern as to how everyone will get the touches they need. Texas also landed New Mexico State guard Sir’Jabari Rice, which is another person who is used to having the ball in their hands.
Even with the returning players coupled with those incoming via the transfer portal or high school ranks, the team still lacks a big man. Until Texas adds a true big man, there is legitimate reasons to doubt them ahead of this next season.