The University of Texas men’s basketball program has a storied history.
Texas head coach Shaka Smart is hoping to add to the history books this year as the Longhorns are widely expected to appear in the NCAA Tournament. However, appearing in the tournament isn’t enough. Smart’s future in Austin will be impacted on whether or not the Longhorns can make some noise throughout the first few rounds.
As it sits right now, Texas is the No. 14 team in the nation and fifth in the Big 12. Outside of Baylor leading the conference with a perfect 17-0 record, Oklahoma, Kansas, West Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech are within two games of each other.
It’s unclear whether Texas will be able to face off against each conference opponent twice this year as COVID-19 and winter storm disruptions have postponed numerous games over the last two weeks.
Smart’s squad hopes to close out the season strong against Kansas and Texas Tech in order to build momentum heading into the Big 12 tournament. The conference tournament is schedule to be played from March 10 to 13 in Kansas City.
The Longhorns NCAA Tournament history began in 1939, but here’s a recap of how Texas fared in the NCAA Tournament since the year 2000 to get you ready for March Madness.