Though The Longhorns Have Been Mediocre in the Past, 2018-19 Has an Optimistic Feel

Statistically speaking, Texas has been lackluster despite their recruiting successes. They’ve logged a .500 win-loss ratio, a tournament bid in 2015 and another in 2018 (both resulting in first-round-losses) and just one 20-win season. As for offensive averages, their explicit struggles in movement and production have written their obituary in many close matchups. Stacked up nationally, they were 311th in assists per game, 321st in three-point percentage, 213th in total field-goal percentage, and 211th in points per game last season per NCAA.com.

But, analytics are a double-edged sword. They exaggerate the bad — and in this case the ugly, while disguising what has really been a string of program development and steady growth for their roster over the past couple of seasons. Speaking candidly, Texas is a school I consider a legitimate contender this year and for ensuing seasons.

Texas has quickly become a hub for recruitment, particularly for big men, as Smart has shown time and again that appealing to four and five-stars is his’ norm. He scooped up Mo Bamba last year, and Jarrett Allen two-years prior. Both five stars, both budding NBA centers.

Looking forward we see four-year talent in bunches. In deep diving 2018 pool, Texas has locked up four four-stars, all active for the current season. For a stubborn 2019 class with little outright commitments, Smart already nabbed touted four-star Kai Jones.

As for an immediate roster check-in, Dylan Ostrowski and Kerwin Roach return as seniors, and Matt Coleman is making the jump from freshman to seasoned sophomore. Assuming Andrew Jones’ unknown timetable plays to their favor, they’ll have their leading scorer back as well.

It’s worth noting that the balance of power in the Big-12 is changing. After offseason carnage and draft recoil gut-out Oklahoma and West Virginia, Texas can make a play for second in the Big-12, behind Kansas, of course. Especially considering they return every player of significant merit not including Mo Bamba.

The past three seasons was a period of bad — worse — and much worse for Texas basketball. But now, four years into Shaka Smarts tenure, this is a program on an upward trend.

Image source: https://thecomeback.com/ncaa/did-shaka-smart-make-vcu-or-job-make-coach.html