2009-2010 Texas Longhorns Basketball Preview
In two of the last five seasons, the Longhorns of Texas (23- 12
overall, 9- 7 Big 12) have made it to the Elite Eight, but despite
putting some talented teams on the court in those years, Texas has
seen a National Championship elude them. This year the Longhorns,
who finished sixth in the league in 2008- 2009 and went two and
out in the NCAA Tournament, will compete for the Big 12 crown and
be a contender for the national crown.
Texas excelled last season on "D" but had a tough time
on offense. They held opponents to 65.6 PPG (3rd) but score on average
just 72.3 PPG (8th). The Longhorns placed fourth in rebound margin
with a plus-4.9 RPG difference. Shooting wise, they were ninth in
the league from the field (44%), 11th in frees (67%) and 12th in
threes (33%). Look for better shooting this season.
There's good news upfront as senior center Dexter Pittman (10.1
PPG, 5.5 PPG, 0.4 APG) returns after posting an amazing season last
year. With senior Damion James (15.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.3 APG) at forward
and Pittman at center, Texas puts one of the best combos in the
Big 12 on the court. James brings some new shots to the court this
season and should be even more productive. Completing the frontcourt
is able scoring junior Gary Johnson (10.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.6 APG).
Although Texas returns three experienced players to the backcourt,
there are four new guys who could see serious playing minutes. Freshman
Avery Bradley is an avid point scorer and tough-minded defender.
The topnotch two-way player, who can score from outside and go to
the rim and dunk with aplomb, could have a huge impact immediately.
At the point, Florida transfer Jai Lucas, the son of former NBA
coach John Lucas, knows how to protect the ball and set up plays.
Experienced vets and former starters such as Dogus Balbay (3.3 PPG,
2.3 RPG, 3.1 APG) and Justin Mason (6.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.0 APG) may
end up being backups this season.
Like Kansas, Texas has a skilled and talented team. Coach Rick Barnes
has amassed one of the best teams Texas has seen in some time. Although
they were inconsistent last season, this revitalized club should
be more dependable. Still, there are concerns about depth upfront
and inexperience at the starting guard spots. The Longhorns will
end the year either first or second in the conference and go deep
into the Big Dance, perhaps even to the Finals.
