Overview of who is (may be) coming back next year
What they're losing: The guy Rick Barnes will miss most is Gary Johnson, the team's most regular contributing senior performer. However, even though Johnson and three other seniors are exiting, that may not account for the sum total of losses. Barnes' biggest recruiting project this spring is Tristan Thompson. With the NBA lockout looming and Thompson being a lock first-rounder, can Barnes keep him in the fold another season? After he solves that riddle, he'll turn his attention to all-Big 12 performer Jordan Hamilton. He'll have a draft itch as well and if both he and Thompson scratch that itch, Texas will rely on younger players to pave the way.
What they're adding: Make no mistake about it, Barnes is excited about coaching Myck Kabongo (Toronto, Ont./Findlay Prep). Texas could have four Canadians in the program next season as Kevin Thomas (Brampton, Ont./Christian Faith) pledged last week. Another Top 10 recruiting class is on the way with Sheldon McClellan (Houston, Texas/Bellaire), power forward Jonathan Holmes (San Antonio, Texas/Antonian College) and sniper Julien Lewis (LaMarque, Texas/LaMarque).
What it equals: Regardless of the potential NBA defections, this is a lock tournament team again next year and as long as Thompson stays, Texas is a formidable, Top 10 program again next season.
about 1 year ago
patienthornsfan
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I've heard on other sites that
Thompson, Joseph and Kabongo really want to play together. Its a greater possibility that Thompson returns than not. I have no idea about Hamilton though.
I think this talk should wait until AFTER the tournament! Let's enjoy the remainder of this season first! :)
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
How can anyone even think about next year
when its march and the madness is about to begin?
I catch myself doing this all the time
I am a coach as well, and I am constantly looking at next year’s possible roster, especially during championship season. I think it is healthy and hopeful.
While I respect that it may be for some, for me, the ability to look forward to next season and the ability to enjoy the present one are not mutually exclusive.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
may *not be for some. nt
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
oops, nevermind. nt
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
A team that returns everybody
Is the heavy favorite to win the NC if Irving, Sullinger, and Barnes go pro as expected, so that’s nice to look forward to. Some other teams like Cuse, UConn, and Kentucky will be there as well (especially the latter), assuming Kris Joseph, Kemba, and one (or both) of Doron Lamb/Brandon Knight come back. I think those teams really have a chance to make the NCAA special next year if their top players pass on the mid-1st round.
Depth will still be a problem
You mentioned what they are losing and who they are adding, but you left off who is coming back.
IF Thompson stays, we will only be returning 5 guys with expeience:
Chapman, Thompson, Wangmene, Brown, Joseph. (unless Jai is granted another year).
That is not a lot of experienced depth. That is the biggest problem I see. Seems like we are always young. J-Ham coming back would do WONDERS for that problem. But, that aint happenin.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
Not too worried
We’ll be deeper than this year for sure and far more talented assuming only Hamilton goes pro. Kabongo has an extremely high basketball IQ, so I’m not worried about his experience factor. McCllelan and Lewis can fit in around Brown and Joseph. Thomas and Holmes can fit around Tristan, Chap, and Wang. I completely expect Barnes to start four older guys and Myck on opening day and let the younger guys get experience coming off the bench all season. The greatest thing is our top two returning guards can both play the 1 and the 2 effectively, so if Myck gets in foul trouble (and he will, because he plays extremely aggressive defense), we can just slide one of them over. True though that we’d have to stick Lewis, Thomas, or Sheldon at the three, but all those guys can knock down open threes and that’s all they’d have to do to keep defenses honest with dudes like Cory, Tristan, and Brown on the team.
My biggest worry, personally, is post scoring when (not if) Tristan gets in foul trouble. KT has great footwork, but I don’t expect much post scoring out of him in his freshman campaign. Holmes will take some time to adjust to collegiate defense also and is more of a floater anyway. We know Wangmene has a hard enough time just catching the ball, so we’re left with Chap. Can he step into a new role and add some post scoring to the tune of 6-7 points a game and a couple of baskets inside during crunch time? He’ll finally get his chance this year so hopefully he’s been working out both on and off the court.
by GoHornsGo90 on Mar 16, 2011 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
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