The Next Vince Young?

by Peter Bean on Feb 9, 2006 2:19 PM CST in Texas Longhorns Recruiting

As we enjoy the Lamarcus Aldridge fairwell tour, we do so with more than a little bit of sadness. Not only is Lamarcus an outstanding talent and a huge boost to the Texas program, but, were he to stay another year, along with Gibson and Tucker, the Horns chances of a national title would increase exponentially. This is not to say that Horns are incapable of doing it this year, but another crack at it next year certainly would increase the chances of it happening.

Especially because next year will feature the arrival of incoming recruit Kevin Durant, widely considered (behind Greg Oden) to be the nation's second best talent. Durant is so talented that he'd be an instant lottery pick if the NBA rules hadn't been recently amended to exclude players his age from entering the draft. Forced to attend college for a year, the North Carolina born star chose Texas, a surprise to many considering his ties to ACC country.

Super recruit Kevin Durant chose Texas over closer to home schools like Duke and North Carolina.

Durant might have the same kind of impact on Texas that Carmelo Anthony had on Syracuse when he led them to a national title (knocking out TJ Ford and Texas along the way). If Aldridge were to somehow stay at Texas, it's hard to imagine a better team. Tucker, Aldridge, Gibson, and Durant? Yes, please.

As is, Durant will likely enter without Aldridge and, perhaps, Gibson. Still, it takes a special player to take you to the top of the mountain, as Vince Young did. As TJ Ford almost did (and would have done had he stayed another year). Can Durant do that for the Horns in just one year? It'll be a longshot without Lamarcus. But it's going to be fun to watch.

The future remains bright for the Horns hoops team.

--PB--

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Next year's team

despite the nay sayers on this blog, is going to be strong by March.
They will lose some early that they should have won, but if they can come together and get hot in March they will have a scary team.

by Wells on Feb 9, 2006 2:36 PM CST reply actions

you could be right

Assuming Dgib and LA leave, this is how I see the line-up:

PG : AJ Abrahms (no-brainer, I love this kid the more I watch him)
SG: Justin Mason (JD Lewis has shown me nothing that would leave me to believe he can even beat out a Freshman)
SF: K. Durant (Let's hope he's all the hype and more)
PF: PJ Tucker (I put Tucker here, because Barnes will need someone competent in the post)
Center: Does it really matter....how about Dexter Pittman?? (same with Atchley, he hasn't shown that he can win a starting spot from a freshman) Is Mike Williams large enough to get minutes at Center?

Next year the roster will be Rick's greatest challenge. If Dgib stays, it gets much, much easier.

"To crush your enemies -- See them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!"

by EYESofBEVO on Feb 9, 2006 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

That looks about right

But put Gibson at SG, I dont think he leaves unless he gets real hot, pros wanted him as a PG and he still has not proven he can do that, as a shooting guard his stock is a bit lower and could use another year to prove how good he is.
Who needs a center, run a 3-2 with Durant and PJ flashing from the box to the wing and Williams playing a Denis Rodman esque roll as rebounder and defender.

by Wells on Feb 9, 2006 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

Fo sure, freshman can be crucial

no reason to give up hope this year though. i think you only have to win 6 in a row in march/april. stranger things have happened. did we put a man in space, nasa?

by jimmer on Feb 9, 2006 2:54 PM CST up reply actions