Texas Team Report

GETTING INSIDE

With the quality Rick Barnes assembled in the latest recruiting class, Texas was going to win basketball games—probably at a high rate.

But with the return of senior Damion James, a 6-7 forward who averaged 15.4 points and 9.2 rebounds during a 23-12 run last season into the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns have an identifiable leader.

“Damion’s experience will really help with these young guys,” Barnes said. “He probably will talk to these guys about how tough it really is to get to that league, what you have to do and the brevity of how quick your college career goes.”

That league would be the NBA, something James pondered for several weeks before withdrawing his name from draft consideration three days before the deadline.

One factor behind James’ return is his desire to develop the skills needed to play on the perimeter in the NBA, although Texas figures to use his bulk inside, especially with the addition of freshman Jordan Hamilton, a 6-7 wing.

The Longhorns aren’t lacking for talent at any position. They feature a true center with 6-10 Dexter Pittman, who came into his own during Big 12 play last season and averaged 10.1 points and 5.5 rebounds. Pittman, who slimmed down during the off-season to improve his stamina, averaged only 16.6 minutes per game.

After running thin in the backcourt at times last season, when Texas tied for fourth in the Big 12 with an uncharacteristic 9-7 mark, Barnes will have trouble handing minutes to all his talent.

Avery Bradley, who was rated as the Big 12’s top recruit, gives Texas a threat on both ends of the court. He will team with Jai Lucas, a Florida transfer who is the son of former NBA star John Lucas. Starter Justin Mason also returns to the backcourt, along with Dogus Balbay and Varez Ward.

J’Covan Brown finally gained clearance academically and provides even more depth.

NOTES, QUOTES

• The consensus pick as the most improved player in the Texas program is G Varez Ward. After working on his shot throughout the offseason, Ward exhibited a more consistent touch during conditioning workouts. He shot only 39 percent from the field last season, but his confidence was boosted by a 7-for-8 performance against Duke in an NCAA Tournament defeat.

• Texas coach Rick Barnes visited John Wooden on the legendary coach’s 99th birthday. Barnes had breakfast at Wooden’s home in Los Angeles. Last season, Barnes was awarded the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award.

• The Erwin Center in Austin was chosen to host an NCAA Tournament sub-regional in 2013. A regional that year will also be played at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Last Year:   23-12 overall, 9-7 in the Big 12; lost in second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Head Coach:   Rick Barnes (career 472-239); 12th year at Texas (270-105).

Quote To Note:   “We’ve been impressed (with transfer G Jai Lucas). He really understands taking care of the basketball. He doesn’t turn the ball over.”—Texas coach Rick Barnes.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Scouting The Newcomers:   Although G Avery Bradley is heralded as perhaps the Big 12’s top newcomer because of the offensive threat he poses, the freshman has deservedly earned the reputation of a lock-down defender. “He guards the basketball as well as anybody,” coach Rick Barnes said. Bradley will team in the backcourt with G Jai Lucas, a Florida transfer who will become eligible at the end of the first semester. That should be a tough tandem on both ends, and the Longhorns also are excited about F Jordan Hamilton, a 6-7 wing.

Key Early-season Games:   Texas not only gets to test the configuration that will be used to turn new Cowboys Stadium into a basketball venue, but also play defending national champion North Carolina. Three days later, on Dec. 22, the Longhorns return home to face the team North Carolina beat for the title, Michigan State. Yet another Final Four participant from last season awaits, though a match-up with Connecticut is scheduled for January and will be wedged into the Big 12 schedule.

Program Direction:   Under Rick Barnes, the Longhorns will typically factor into any national discussions and almost always contend in the Big 12. He may be as good as any coach in the Big 12, including Bill Self of Kansas, at attracting high-profile talent. That creates high expectations, though at Texas those are tempered somewhat by the devotion fans show for football. Sellouts for basketball are rare, in spite of all the NBA talent the Longhorns have furnished in recent years with LaMarcus Aldridge, T.J. Ford and Kevin Durant.

Probable Starting Lineup:   F Damion James, C Dexter Pittman, G Justin Mason, G Avery Bradley, G Jai Lucas.

Roster Report:  

• G Jai Lucas will be eligible to play once he completes exams at the end of the fall semester. An exact date, however, has not been determined for the Florida transfer. His debut could come Dec. 19, when Texas plays North Carolina at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Lucas will play this season without a scholarship because of the Longhorns’ large roster. His father, former NBA star John Lucas, will pay the tuition.

• G J’Covan Brown was ruled academically eligible shortly before the start of the fall semester. Brown failed to qualify in the fall of 2008 and the spring of 2009 after coming to Texas ranked among the top 30 in his recruiting class.

• C Dexter Pittman, attempting to factor into more minutes, has shaved about 15 pounds off his 6-10 frame after hovering around the 300-pound mark last season

• G Harrison Smith left the program during the summer. He played his most minutes last season as a junior at the end of Big 12 play.