College Hoops Countdown | #3 Texas

Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.

’08 ’09 Results: 23 – 12 (9 – 7 Big 12) Lost to Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, 74 – 69.

Coach: Rick Barnes 247 – 93 (10 years at Texas) 449 – 227 (21 years)

Key Returners:

Damion James – 15.4ppg, 9.2rpg

Dexter Pittman – 10.1ppg, 5.5rpg

Gary Johnson – 10.0ppg, 5.3rpg

Justin Mason – 6.1ppg, 3.7rpg

Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 11/23 vs. Iowa, 12/3 vs. USC, 12/7 vs. Long Beach State, 12/19 vs. North Carolina, 12/22 vs. Michigan State, 1/23 at UConn

Stat of Identity: 5.3 blocks shots per game.

By Paul Gotham

Could have, should have, would have – that’s the best way to describe the last decade of Texas Longhorn basketball. What would have happened had Kevin Durant stayed around for just one more year. TJ Ford should have played out his college eligibility. DJ Augustin could have made the difference last year.

Damion James almost added himself to the list of Longhorns leaving early for the NBA. The forward thought better and his return combined with a powerful incoming freshmen group could propel Texas to the Final Four.

James and Dexter Pittman lead a Longhorn squad ready to make a deep run in March. The duo wreaked havoc in the Big 12 last season combining for a combined 15 rebounds and 5 blocked shots per game.

The only thing the two lacked last year was a back court to get them the ball. Jai Lucas transferred from Florida and will be eligible after the Fall semester. Heralded freshman, Avery Bradley, is expected to run the point.

Varez Ward knocked down seven of eight three pointers in the Longhorns loss to Duke in the NCAA Tournament. The sophomore will get his chance to fill the void left by the graduation of AJ Abrams.

Senior, Justin Mason returns to the starting lineup and adds experience to the back court.

Junior,  Gary Johnson adds muscle to the Longhorn front court.

Look for freshman, Jordan Hamilton to make an immediate impact.

25 | 23t | 23t | 22| 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4