Inside Texas 2016 October

INSIDETEXAS.COM

OCTOBER 2016

D’ONTA! D’Onta Foreman has been a bright spot in a lackluster 2016 season.

2016 HOOPS PREVIEW

Tim Preston breaks down the 2016 Longhorns player by player.

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in this issue

The Rise of D’Onta Foreman |

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Mike Blackwell D’Onta Foreman is leaving his mark on the Longhorn program.

OU Outduels Horns |

by

Justin Wells Sooners rack up over 600 yards on the Longhorn defense. by

Horns Shut Down Cyclones |

Bill Frisbie Texas defense rebounds, holding Iowa State to 6 points.

Hoops Preview |

by

by

Tim Preston

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An in-depth look at Shaka Smart’s 2016-17 squad.

Trouble in Manhattan |

Justin Wells Kansas State grinds out another win in the Little Apple.

Home Sweet Home |

by

Justin Wells Longhorns stay unbeaten in DKR with 35-34 win over #8 Baylor. by

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RISING TO

BY MIKE BLACKWWELL

D’Onta Foreman is playing his way onto the short list of the greatest running backs to ever carry the football at the University of Texas with his relentless, dominant style.

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O THE TOP

- D’Onta Foreman -

S

even games into his junior season, it’s easy to see the end

1,485 yards

of D’Onta Foreman’s career at Texas. And unless things

* Foreman has 1,105 yards rushing this season and ten ttouch-

change rapidly - as in, the Longhorns begin to win impres-

downs

sively over the course of the next month - there is a good chance that UT will lament having such a special player in its midst during a time of great burnt orange turmoil.

* Foreman has rushed for 100 yards in nine consecutive games, two short of Earl Campbell’s record 11 set in 1977 * Foreman is currently third in the country at 142.5 rushing yards

Foreman’s unlucky timing has seen him dominate individually on a team that has been mediocre during his final two seasons. His numbers suggest that he will finish his career as one of the all-time best at Texas. And the opportunities soon to be coming his way suggests that we are most probably in the twilight of his collegiate career.

Yes, he is a junior and thus can return to play for the Longhorns next season. But while those around him at UT have struggled this season, the 6-1, 249-pound Bevo of a running back has placed himself square in the sights of the National Football League.

per game He should be on every Heisman watch list; if he’s not the best running back in the country, it won’t take you long to list all of those who are ahead of him. He’s strong and fast and says the right things during a career marked by unexpected losing.

Most in Austin know his story by now. Coming out of Texas City, he was considered the second-best football prospect in his own house, behind his brother Armanti. Oklahoma, in particular, wanted his brother but not him, a fact for which he has punished the Sooners the last two seasons.

Which is good for him. And very, very bad for UT.

Once given the opportunity to play consistently in 2015, Foreman literally exploded onto the scene with a breakout game last year

Consider:

in a win against Oklahoma. His talent is unmistakeable; his effort

* Foreman is already 24th on the all-time rushing list at Texas at

undeniable.

And imagining a Texas offense without him in 2016 is unthinkable.

The depressing thing to contemplate for Texas fans is this: all of his numbers and production and touchdowns have been for a team shrouded in chaos with multiple offensive coordinators, quarterbacks galore, schemes and players that seem to change as the wind blows.

One of the traits fans might miss the most is Foreman’s willingness to be accountable, to be a stand-up guy as the losses have mounted. In addition to running over, through and around his opponents, Foreman has managed to keep his sanity in the hurricane that is the Texas football program. “ I missed a few runs that could’ve kept us on the field longer,” Foreman said after the Kansas State loss. “I feel like I’m a leader of the offense

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- D’Onta Foreman -

and I blame alot of it on myself. I didn’t even have a touchdown today. I feel like I have to play better and try and keep us on the field longer. We can’t have the mistakes that we had. And that goes for everybody. I put myself at the top of that list. I missed a few runs. I didn’t make enough plays for us to win the game.”

Truth is, it would be hard to imagine Foreman playing better. He began his year with 131 yards against Notre Dame. Dropped 157 on California (loss), 148 on Oklahoma State (loss) and 159 on Oklahoma (loss).

With his 250-yard effort in the win against Baylor, he became the first 1,000-yard rusher for Texas since Jamaal Charles in 2007.

And yet what will his legacy be? That’s still to be determined, but with only a few games remaining and Texas showing no signs of breaking out of its vicious cycle of inconsistency, it appears that Foreman will be remember for greatness during a time of great disappointment.

But the tone he regularly carries with the media is that of an athlete who knows that the team’s the thing. “ At the end of the day no matter how close it was, it was a loss,” Foreman said of losing to the Wildcats. “I would say there is (frustration) simply because we want to win games, and we’re not doing that right now.”

Unfortunately for Texas, the “right now” will soon be over, and Foreman will have a decision to make: he’s clearly the top NFL

Thomas - have all reached out to Foreman, undoubtedly for encour-

prospect on the 2016 team, but what does that mean? Second or

agement to a player who has enjoyed a career that has been both

third round? Ezekiel Elliott has shown that a top running back - and

highly productive and enormously frustrating.

few if any put Foreman in Elliott’s category - can be an immediate “It means a lot honestly,” Foreman says. “I met Jamaal my fresh-

difference-maker on the pro level.

man year up in Kansas State. Then he came this past season and Put it this way: Foreman will have a chance to make plenty of

I met him again. I actually talked to Ricky - me and him talk. It was

money next spring. Yet even as the yards pile up, Foreman keeps

nice that Earl Thomas tweeted me too after the game. I’m glad I’m

his feet - pun intended - on the ground.

grabbing some of those guys’ attention. I’m just trying to be the best I can be here and just the acknowledgement they gave me after the

“ Right now I’m just trying to find ways to help this offense and try to

game I was really happy about that. But it would have been a lot

win ball games,” Foreman says. “But I’m proud of my accomplish-

better if we won the game.”

ments, I can’t sit up here and say that I’m not but the big focus right now is just trying to find a way to win these games.”

And when he leaves, Texas fans will surely have the same lament: it’s awesome that he’s been so good. Too bad his team couldn’ve

Former Texas greats - Ricky Williams, Jamaal Charles, Earl

have won more games.

insidetexas.com

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SOONERS OUT by

JUSTIN WELLS

DALLAS — In Year 3 of the Strong Era, wins and progress were a must.

After No. 20 Oklahoma (3-2) racked up 672 yards of offense in typical Red River Shootout fashion, both were hard to come by at the Cotton Bowl. insidetexas.com

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SHOOT TEXAS

D’Onta Foreman

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- TEXAS OU -

S

ooners’ QB Baker Mayfield threw

late, 45-34, with 2:36 left.

Minutes later Buechele connected with

for almost 400 yards and three scores, and Dede Westbrook

Dorian Leonard on a 45-yard scoring “Well, they had three or four third down

strike. Texas took back the lead and

broke the OU receiving record – 232

conversions, and then one time we

momentum, 27-21, under five minutes into

yards on 10 catches – to help Oklahoma

brought pressure and they slipped the guy

the 2nd half.

overtake UT, 45-40 at the Cotton Bowl in

out of the backfield and hit the receiver in

Dallas.

the flat,” Strong replied. “They were able to

But within a matter of moments, OU

convert those short third downs. We came

re-took the lead, 28-27, after Mayfield’s

“Oh, I need them all,” said Texas (2-3)

with our money package, and we just have

5-yard keeper at the 8:32 mark. After a

coach Charlie Strong, when asked how

to be able to convert.”

3-and-out from UT, the Sooners poured on

badly he needed this game. “We can get a

more. Mayfield hit Westbrook again, this

lot better on defense and we’ll keep work-

After a lackluster 1st half (14-13, OU) both

ing to make sure we do.”

teams came out explosive to start the 2nd

time for 47 yards and a 35-27 advantage.

stanza. Texas QB Shane Buechele hit

“Oh my God,” said Malik Jefferson when

It was the time-consuming 4th quarter

Devin Duvernay for a 63-yard score, then

asked what the number ‘672’ – 5th most

drive for the Sooners that put Texas down.

OU responded with a little pitch-and-catch

yards Texas has given in school history –

The 15-play, 60-yard death march punctu-

of its own – Mayfield hit Westbrook for a

means. “I’m more frustrated with our-

ated by Austin Seibert’s 39-yard FG. That

58-yard touchdown. The Sooners main-

selves. We went out to battle and gave up

drive took almost eight minutes off the

tained the one-point edge, 21-20.

672 yards. We have to get better. We have to keep fighting.”

clock and made it a two-possession game

The problem with giving up points in chunks is that some of it is just not executing. It’s dropping passes, defensive backs slowing up, and missed opportunities – Mayfield’s fumble. It’s starts to add up. It starts to snowball. And before too long, it’s a 5-point loss versus your fiercest rival.

Over on the offensive side, Texas put up 425 yards and 40 points. The Longhorns’ offense has scored 205 points (41.0 ppg) through the first five games of the year.

Buechele went 19-of-36 for 245 yards and three TDs, and one very questionable INT. “We just have to keep working and fighting,” said Buechele. “I was seeing everything well but I wasn’t making throws.

I have to execute better and get better. I have to start making throws and be a better leader.”

His backfield mate, D’Onta Foreman, just keeps running. His 159 yards on 25 carries Shane Buechele

12

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and two scores were both career-highs.

And he knows he has to keep going.

- TEXAS OU -

Dylan Haines

“You’ve got to fight,” said Foreman. “Get

UT the early 3-0 lead. OU matched with

1st half clock expired.

extra film in during the week and practice

a Samaje Perine 2-yard plunge and a 7-3

hard. We’re a good team and just hate

Sooners advantage. It came on the heels

After an ominous 2-3 start to 2016, Strong

having this feeling.”

of a D’Onta Foreman fumble.

needs a little luck. And probably to win out to save his job. One thing’s for sure; this

After a sluggish start, the offenses started

Texas answered when Joe Mixon was

moving. Sort of.

stripped and D’Onta Foreman punched it

team will keep fighting.

in after three consecutive carries, giving

“We have seven games left and we just

Texas kicker Trent Domingue hit a 33-yard

the Horns their lead back, 10-7 at the

need to go get them,” said Strong.

FG after Haines’ 2nd INT of the opening

14:21 mark of the 2nd quarter.

You’re up, Iowa State.

quarter. After only collecting one turnover in the first four games, Texas had four total

Domingue’s 2nd field goal of the half

turnovers against the Sooners. It gave

brought the Horns within one, 14-13 as the

Join the Conversation www.insidetexas.com insidetexas.com

13

- TEXAS OU -

WHAT THEY SAID...

D’ONTA FOREMAN

CHARLIE STRONG “Well, we lost the game so there wasn’t any improvement at all – we gave up 45 points. We gave up a big play right before half, and then we came out to start the third quarter and they scored on three straight drives. We knew they were going to run the ball, but we didn’t want to give up the big bombs that they did.”

“We had guys stand up in the locker room and voice their opinion about this team and how good we really are but we made too many mental mistakes. With as many mental mistakes and turnovers as we made, just letting people beat us

SHANE BUECHELE

deep and me fumbling the ball – we’re

“Being the leader, you have to have

not going to win like that. We get those

a great attitude going in every week.

things cleaned up, then I feel like we’ll be

You have to get guys to get behind

a really good football team.”

you and just get a win. It comes from our seniors, it comes from me, it comes from all the guys. We’re just trying to have a good attitude.”

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28 282 390 8-14 4 35:40

BIG PLAYS SINK

By Bill Frisbie

AUSTIN — Texas’ 27-6 comeback against Iowa State was like a long, deep swig of Pepto-Bismol after a month-long bender.

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CYCLONES 27-6

Devin Duvernay

17

- TEXAS vs IOWA STATE -

T

he three-touchdown tonic pro-

A nine-win season (with a chance to reach

in front of them and not giving up chunk

vided fast, temporary relief for

double-digits in bowl season) is, by most

yards through the air. The Cyclones two-QB

the bilious burn in the pit of burnt

accounts, the only way coach Charlie Strong

system was just 19-of-34 passing for 182

orange bellies. But beating Iowa State is not

holds onto his job. Some insiders believe

yards. The defense limited 6-5 Allen Lazard

the cure-all. It will not remedy all that ails

the University will be offering Strong a $10

to 65 yards on seven grabs, and nearly half

a program that found just enough second-

million parting gift just in time for Christ-

those yards came against a busted coverage

half offense to avoid a fourth straight loss.

mas, regardless. That’s because his record

midway through the first quarter.

“We took it upon ourselves to go out and step up and help the offense when they needed it,” said DE/OLB Naashon Hughes.

“We went out there and played with a chip on our shoulders.”

Sure, it was ‘just Iowa State’. But it’s a hungry Cyclones team that had racked up 42 points (Baylor) and 31 points (Oklahoma State) these past two weeks. The beleaguered defense kept, under Strong’s supervision for the second time, ISU out the end zone; it’s a good thing considering Texas’ offense did not get into a rhythm until the second half.

“It’s safe to say (Strong) has fixed the defense,” Hager said, “as long as players don’t screw up the game plan.”

Jerrod Heard

There were plenty of screw-ups; Texas was penalized nine times for 100 yards. Sure, some of it had to do with one of college

So, don’t look to Saturday’s outcome as

stands at 14-17 after 2 ½ years at, arguably,

football’s most penalized teams continuing

the panacea. Likewise, don’t try peddling

the most high-risk, high-reward program in

to shoot itself in the cleats; this was also a

this prescription to sophomore DE Breckyn

college football.

flag-happy officiating crew that tossed yel-

Hager; the wild-child ain’t swallowing it.

low flags like Mardi Gras beads.

Strong diplomatically refused to speculate

Texas’ first win in 30 days is, according to

what a win against Iowa State implies about

“I told the officials that I’ve never seen this

Hager, the springboard toward running the

his future.

many flags,” Strong said. “They told me to

table.

back up.”

“I tell our players that, number one, you’re

“We’re going undefeated,” Hager said.

in control of your destinies,” Strong said.

Penalties kept Texas going in reverse; the

“We’ve got no choice. We’re going to do

“Go about being your best every day. We’ve

offense had mustered just 161 of it 505

whatever it takes to get there…We’re going

lost three games, and we can’t go back to

total yards by halftime despite another

to get better. We’re going to keep steam-

those games. It’s all about the present.”

monster night from RB D’Onta Foreman.

rolling through teams to prove to fans, and

The junior’s 136 yards on a career-high 30

to the media, that these coaches are here to

For the moment, it was Texas’ defense most

totes puts him in rare air. He now has seven

stay.”

complete outing of the season. For the most

straight 100-yard games, trailing only Earl

part, it did a better job of keeping WRs

Campbell in school history. He is well on

18

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- TEXAS vs IOWA STATE -

his way to becoming Texas’ first 1,000-yard

Naashon Hughes’ 12-yard sack of Jacob

rusher since Jamaal Charles (2007).

Park squashed ISU’s second series of the

back to October 31, 2015.

frame. Aramnti Foreman 14-yard return

“When we came into the locker room, it was

“One game doesn’t determine the season for

of a 49-yard punt gave Texas excellent

kind of dead,” D’Onta Foreman said. “We

us,” Foreman said, “and even those loses

field position at the 41 with 5:32 left until

had to get everybody’s juices flowing. The

don’t determine the season for us. We’re a

intermission. But penalties continued to kill

offense didn’t play as well as we wanted in

really good team, but we have to keep push-

Longhorn drives, including offensive pass

the first half, but we congratulated the de-

ing. We have to put these games behind us,

interference calls earlier in the half against

fense and we were going to put some points

but it was a wonderful win for us tonight.”

Jake Oliver and Jacorey Warrick. This time,

on the board.”

RT Tristan Nicholson negated a 22-yard Freshman QB Shane Buechele was 26-of-38

completion to Dorian Leonard when he was

ISU put eight in the box, and Buechele came

for a career-best 296 yards and two TDs. He

flagged for being ineligibly downfield.

out slinging. The freshman went airborne

connected with 10 different receivers.

on seven of eight plays to start the second Bryce Cottrell dropped Park for a two-yard

half, including an apparent 37-yard TD slant

“His ceiling is very, very high,” said OC

loss on 3rd-and-3. Armanti Foreman’s 22-

to Armanti Foreman. Typical of flag-happy

Sterlin Gilbert. “He’s absorbing and watch-

yard return of a 47-yard punt to the ISU 48

officiating crew, no good play went unpun-

ing and learning and listening, and then

gave Texas one more chance to get on the

ished. Foreman and safety Mike Johnson

going out and executing.”

first-half scoreboard with 1:46 remaining.

were both whistled for face mask penalties

D’Onta Foreman careened around right end

(Foreman’s infraction looked more like a

for eight; he then added another seven off

stiff arm) to take the points off the board.

Execution was a first-half issue for an offense that has not played a complete game since, arguably, UTEP. Iowa State got on the scoreboard first with a 39-yard FG to cap a 12-play drive. Joel Lanning’s 30-yard completion to Lazard, against a dazed-and-confused CB Davante Davis, was the big play in the 58-yard march.

Texas responded with a fumble.

D’onta Foreman coughed it up fighting for extra yards at the Texas 33, a blunder compounded

by Caleb Bluiett’s personal foul.

ISU took over in prime real estate at the 18, but credit CB Kris Boyd for his vicious PBU on 3rdand-goal from the 8. The visitors

Kris Boyd

settled for a 25-yard FG to take a 6-0 lead into the second quarter.

The next two Longhorn possessions resulted

right tackle. A personal foul against Cyclone

in two Longhorn punts. C Zach Shackelford

DB Evrett Edwards made it first-and-goal

Buechele got it back in a hurry. Next snap,

was helped off the field, favoring his left

from the 10. But Texas settled for a 21-yard

he found a w-i-d-e open Jerrod Heard down

ankle, with 9:02 left in the first half. There

FG after Iowa State kept it out of the end

the left sideline to put the exclamation mark

were no updates during the postgame.

zone for the sixth straight quarter, dating

on an eight-play, 75-yard drive. Texas had

insidetexas.com

19

- TEXAS vs IOWA STATE simple and basic,” said Duvernay. “I pretty much have it down.”

Hughes’ second sack of the night – it was an 8-yard loss on 3rd-and-five at the 33 — took ISU out of FG-range. Collin Downing’s 37-yard punt pinned Texas deep, but it set up the night’s most impressive drive. It gobbled 96 yards.

Tyrone Swoopes and the 18-Wheeler hauled the ball to the 16 before Buechele faced a critical 3rd-and-five. Here, Horns fans were treated to a glimpse of the future. The freshman QB began connecting with freshman WRs, moving the sticks with a six-yard completion to Duvernay. Consecutive tosses to freshman Collin Johnson netted 21. Pass interference against DB Jay Jones gave Texas a fresh set of downs at the 18. From

Malik Jefferson

there, Foreman rumbled unmolested into the

its first lead, 10-6.

ing, but the ball still went over to Texas on downs at the 13.

“That was big for us as an offense to get

end zone.

Texas tacked-on a 29-yard FG at the 4:54 mark to complete the scoring. The eight-

started” Buechele said. “It was a great job of

“I let my emotions get the best of me,”

us bouncing back from a penalty and getting

Hager conceded, “and that’s something I’ll

points.”

learn from.”

Texas 6 in the final seconds mattered only

For the moment, the flags came faster than

The fourth-down stop was the defensive

Texas can win on the road for the first time

the points. Kris Boyd’s unsportsmanlike

play of the game. Offensively, the play of

penalty (taunting) gave ISU a fresh set of

the game was Buechele’s play-action, scor-

downs at the UT 45 to negate Hager’s third-

ing strike to future star Devin Duvernay for

down sack. Hager stopped QB Joel Lanning

75-yards down the right sideline. That made

on 3rd-and-one. Then, on 4th-and-1 at the

it 17-6 midway through the third quarter and

Texas 26, Malcolm Roach stuffed RB Mike

gave Texas what finally felt like separation.

“We’re past this,” he said. “We say ‘good

Francis Scott Key could love: the flag was

“The learning curve is not as bad as I

getting ready for Kansas State.”

still there. Hager was flagged for taunt-

thought it would be because this offense is

Warren for no-gain. But it was nigh that only

yard, sack-and-strip of Joel Lanning at the in Vegas. What matters now is whether this year.

The 24-hour rule, for post-game reaction, has already expired for Buechele.

job’ to everybody and we’re on to next week

Join the Conversation www.insidetexas.com 20

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- TEXAS vs IOWA STATE -

WHAT THEY SAID...

CHARLIE STRONG

PAUL BOYETTE

“It wasn’t at halftime. It was before we played. It was last night when we have a meeting right before dinner and today we had a meeting before pregame. I said challenge yourselves guys.

We have a lot of talented players and we haven’t been playing up to our ability. So just challenge yourself and let’s go get it done as a football team.”

“We haven’t played here in a month, so I think the enthusiasm was high. There weren’t any jitters. We’ve been 2-0 here so far, so we wanted to put a statement on the program. To be a successful team

BRECKYN HAGER

in the Big 12, you have to win at home.

“We put it on ourselves. We

We’ve got to protect DKR, and that’s

got it figured out through the

what we did tonight.”

meeting we had and through practicing as hard as we could and just really doing everything that we possibly could to get our defense right and the results were positive.”

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W H AT ’ S YO U R P U R P L E

O-FACE?

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SHAKA REBUILDS

BY TIM PRESTON

WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ IS

MOREOVER, I DON’T EVEN KNOW THAT I HOPE IT IS.

insidetexas.com

24

S IN YEAR TWO

FLUFF.

IT’S TRUE.

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25

2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

A ROUGH START

A HEART-WRENCHING END

Much consternation about last season gets directed at the fiasco

A Heart Wrenching End

that was an opening game in China; and with good reason. What could have been a salvageable start to the schedule became worst

The end was no better, as the Texas careers of six Longhorn stal-

case scenario when the Longhorns looked disjointed and offensive-

warts came crashing down in one half-court heave.

ly inept in a loss to a slightly less disjointed and offensively inept Washington Husky squad.

I’m not over it. Most Texas fans aren’t over it.

That was bad, sure, but the struggles in the Bahamas were just as

For their part, the staff and players aren’t over it, either.

damning.

OH, BOO HOO! That’s true.

A lot of programs throughout the country would have eagerly traded places with Texas last season.

Also, it just doesn’t matter.

Texas will begin next year having lost their top three scorers, top two assist leaders, top three rebounders, top three shot blockers, six of their top eight in minutes played. The rebuilding process is underway.

AN IN-BETWEEN THAT PROVIDES HOPE It’s not just an act. That’s what makes it so remarkable.

Shaka’s ability to relate to young people both on and off the basketball court makes for an astounding combination of father-figure, coach, friend, mentor, critic, older brother and support system.

I’ve dedicated my adult life to working with young adults in both the sporting and academic worlds, and I don’t get how he does it.

An understandable loss to A&M was followed by a comfortable win against those same UW Huskies, but the defense and rebounding against a thin Michigan team (the Wolverines shot 58% from the field and outrebounded Texas in a season where Michigan’s season rebounding average was -.68) was terrible.

Again, worst case scenario.

26

I’ve always lamented that there are a few things that of all the pieces I can give my students/players (skills, systems, advice, fundamentals, etc.) the one thing I can’t provide them is belief.

Belief is perhaps the most lopsided intangible I’ve encountered in my years involved with sports. Players tend to either have it or they don’t. The belief that the shot is going to go in. The belief in the

insidetexas.com

2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

audacity of their own skills. The belief that their hard work will pay

It’s built on a mindset that fear is overcome by preparation, hard

dividends against others who also work hard.

work and a togetherness only created by a team that works together to prevail over adversity.

And, perhaps, most importantly, is the belief that they genuinely belong as an athlete.

If it sounds pie in the sky, that’s because it is. It’s a system built on a philosophy that athletes can be trained to overcome fear in how

The facades are almost impenetrable, those of high level athletes.

they attack both basketball and life. And that only though that at-

They tie so much of their own self-worth into the notion that they

tacking mindset can they unlock their innate potential as basketball

are unstoppable at their chosen activity. Other people are good,

players.

sure, but they can safely utilize a machismo which showcases their superiority over others.

Prince Ibeh talked about it last year. The belief he felt was instilled in both him and the team through the actions of the coaching staff

Again…almost impenetrable.

and the environment they were creating.

See, that’s the thing about athletes. It is a façade.

To a man, every player in the program speaks at length about the purposeful atmosphere of enthusiasm and teamship that defines

Even when it’s real.

Shaka’s coaching style.

And belief’s opposite, fear, doesn’t care how many game winning

Will that translate to the winning team in March that Texas fans to

shots you’ve hit. It doesn’t care how many practice reps you’ve

fiercely clamor for?

successfully performed. It doesn’t pay attention to what you might show the rest of the world.

THE ENDGAME

Fear knows only that it can get you eventually.

What you just read was fluff.

Shaka’s system (Havoc) isn’t built on a press defense. It isn’t built

Moreover, I don’t even know that it’s true.

on quick hitting offense, either.

I hope it is.

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27

2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

-

ERIC DAVIS | GUARD #10

6-foot-3, 195-lb Saginaw, MI (Arthur Hill HS) Recruited by Chris Ogden Ranked as the #45 prospect nationally 2-time Big XII Newcomer of the Week

2015-16 RECAP

First Team All-Big XII Newcomer Team

Averaged 7.4 pts, 2.4 rbs, .6 asts, .4 stls on 37/38/80% shooting in 20.6 mpg as a freshman

ERIC ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

If Kerwin Roach’s freshman season was tale of two different halves, Eric Davis’ was a roller coaster ride.

The bad news is that Davis was held to five or fewer points 16 times last year. Not good for a shooter/scorer as dangerous as Davis.

The good news, however, is that Davis scored in double figures 14

WEAKNESSES

times. That is more indicative of what he can mean for this team moving into this season.

I think it’s important to note that, for a scorer like Davis who relies on his ability to move within the flow and play on tendencies, a consider-

Such was Eric last season. Half of the time an afterthought. The other

able jump from year one to year two is likely.

half a game changer. First, the game changer.

However, it’s just as important to note that for a player who is so deadly

- Top level shooter from the perimeter

from outside (38.2%), he shot only 36% from inside the arc. That’s

- Deadly in catch and shoot situations

really not good for a player whom Texas will rely on so heavily for scor-

- Comfortable shooting from anywhere around the arc

ing.

- Excellent body preparation in his hips and feet before the catch - Ballhandling in space is very good

- Often decides what he’s going to do instead of reading the defense

- Fantastic free throw shooter

- Lacks the explosiveness to challenge interior defenders in the paint

- Does a nice job of keeping his head up on the dribble

and reacting

- Has some moxie as a scorer in the paint that defies some of his athletic deficiencies

- Solid ball mover

- Understands spacing well and generates space for others with subtle positioning

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- Too often avoided contact on dribble penetration, especially for someone who shoots as well as he does from the foul line

- Didn’t play make for others to the level that his vision and feel suggests he can

- Can get sloppy with the ball in traffic

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE ERIC

- Lateral quickness is suspect

arc are indicative of what we’ll see from him during the remainder of

the show

I don’t believe Davis’ struggles as a facilitator and shooter inside the

- Ability to recover struggles because Shaka wants him to fight hard on - Can attack angles well, but needs to play within his physicality be-

his time in Austin.

He just is too comfortable with the ball and sees the floor too well (and he’s too damn good as a shooter) for him not to be able to take that next step towards being a dependable, high level scorer.

cause he can get burnt

- Needs to maintain contact on his man when chasing weakside - Can get caught as a ball watcher

What will be interesting is going to be how that happens.

Eric’s best utilization is still as a secondary ball handler where his primary focus is away from the ball in the half court. This allows him to generate spacing with his perimeter placement/movement. It also allows him to penetrate against rotation as opposed to off of pick and rolls or in straight-up, one-on-one situations. Finally, this highlights his biggest strength, which is as a spot up shooter on kickouts/skips/ reversals.

However, it’s still plausible that Texas won’t get what they need, totally, from their lead guard play out of Roach and Jones. If that’s the case, Davis can be used as a primary ball handler in spots (maybe 2-3 possessions at a time). This would allow Texas to attack off the wings with Roach or Jones and can accentuate Allen’s and Mack’s abilities as bigger playmakers.

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE ERIC

That can take Davis out of his biggest comfort zone, but it’s a role he’s capable of playing should the need present itself. Hopefully, Texas will be able to limit that, though.

In the diamond, it will depend, some, on whose on the court with him.

If he’s with a combination of Roach or Jones, Davis will likely be on one of the sides of the diamond in a role to better utilize the quickness of the others. If he’s on the floor with Young or Yancy, it’s more likely to see him on the bottom of the diamond in that high interceptor role

ERIC ON DEFENSE

where he can use his instincts in the open floor.

In the halfcourt, again it will be dependent upon who he’s with. Any

STRENGTHS

Eric was fine as a defender last year. Nothing special, but generally adequate.

combination of Roach/Jones/Yancy with Davis leaves Davis as the third best perimeter defender. If Young is in the game as well (possible, because they are two of the most natural shooters on the team), Davis will probably be called upon to be the second perimeter defender.

- Carries over his understanding of spacing

At this point, Davis is a better chaser than on-ball defender, so don’t

- Plays longer than he is by anticipating well

expect to see him on opposing point guards very often. He’s a heady

- Closes out with effort

enough player to be an asset in zone, though he’ll likely be best suited

- All around intelligent player who does what his coaches ask

up top as opposed to on the wings in a 2-3.

SEASON OUTLOOK

WEAKNESSES

Like all freshmen, Eric’s defense was often erratic and overzealous.

Best Case:

Worst Case:

The effort was there, but he can’t make up for his mistakes with world-

13.5 pts, 3.5 rbs, 2.5 asts, 1 stl

8.5 pts, 1.5 rbs, 1 ast, .5 stl

defying athleticism like his classmate.

on 44/40/85 shooting in 29 mpg

on 40/35/75 shooting in 21 mpg

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

KERWIN ROACH | GUARD #12 -

6-foot-4, 175-lb Houston, TX (North Shore HS) Recruited by Rob Lanier Ranked as the #47 prospect nationally 3-time Big XII Newcomer of the Week

2015-16 RECAP

First Team All-Big XII Newcomer Team

Averaged 7.5 pts, 2.9 rbs, 1.2 asts, .9 stls on 45/33/63% shooting in 17.8 mpg as a freshman

KERWIN ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

The season started out innocuously enough. As expected, the point guard skills were going to take a while, but even Kerwin’s comfort level as an off the ball scorer took some time to get his bearings.

The season was cut rather cleanly in half.

Over the first 16 games: 5.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, .9 apg on 35/26/52% shooting in 16.2 mpg. Over the final 17 games: 9.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.4 apg on 54/39/67% shooting in 19.3 mpg.

The bump up in production is significant, but to experience that jump in efficiency (while playing in the best conference in the country) is reason for Texas fans to be excited about where Roach may well be in

WEAKNESSES

Last year, in this section, there was nervousness about what might be

seven months’ time.

his downfalls. This year, the pieces are a bit more certain.

Some breakdown:

- Unstoppable as a finisher in the open floor

- Can play too fast with the ball in traffic

- Takes contact well in the paint as a finisher

- Awkward release on jumper can occasionally create inefficiency

- Inconsistent playmaker in the half court setting

- Skilled ball handler in space

- Solid vision and decision making as a static passer

- Great body control on jump stops or attacking in favorable positions

- Lacks some natural instincts as a point guard

- Fluid shooter in hips and shoulder prep, gets good rotation on release

Look, if Roach didn’t need to pick up point guard minutes for Texas this

- Comfortable off the ball as a weak side player

to pick up point guard minutes. Possibly 15+ minutes of them a game.

- Gets terrific height on jump shots

- Fearless with the ball as a scorer/wants the ball at crunch time - Really, really, really fast and jumpy

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season, none of the above would be glaring issues. But, he does need Is he ready for that? If so, he didn’t prove so last season for any significant stretch.

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE KERWIN

If the need at point guard wasn’t so blatant, Roach’s current state wouldn’t be cause for concern. But he’s going to have to log significant minutes at the point guard position whether he’s ready or not (whether that’s his best position or not).

That’s the pessimistic side of me needing to express my fears.

The other side of the coin is that Roach brings as much talent and physical ability as perhaps any player in program history to the team.

And there’s reason to believe that his learning curve won’t be holding him back.

When playing point guard, expect heavy doses of pick and roll and an emphasis on floor spacing to make passing angles and driving lanes as pronounced as possible. Surrounding both Kerwin and Andrew Jones (the other likely point guard) with shooters will be paramount as that spacing won’t come by happenstance.

He’ll need to rebound at a higher level just out of need for this squad, but that shouldn’t be a problem.

For Kerwin, in particular, the faster Texas is able to play on the offensive end, the better. For him to be a playmaker, the anticipation will be on Shaka to build in situations where he can be a quick-hitting, one-pass point guard where he can get the ball out of his hands fast or attack the lane early in the clock so as to maximize his athleticism and ability as a mover in the open floor.

valve where he can be a spot up shooter and find spacing for straight line drives off of reversals and skips.

sure the ball into the sideline make him a huge threat for opposing ball handlers.

ideal defender at all three of the backcourt positions.

It gives Shaka a lot of options, and it’s likely that he’ll put Roach on the best perimeter player of the opposition, regardless if that’s at the 1,2

Special.

or 3.

If God was a basketball fan, and cared enough to make a human model for a backcourt defender, the mold would look suspiciously like

- Reach and explosiveness as a shot contestor

In Shaka’s Diamond Press, Kerwin fits the mold as a side interceptor

length, quickness, explosiveness and recovery ability make him an

STRENGTHS

- Recovery speed and quickness

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE KERWIN

In the half court, things get more interesting. Roach’s combination of

KERWIN ON DEFENSE

- Energy as a ball chaser

And, that’s all I got.

perfectly. His ability to play over the top with his athleticism and pres-

When Kerwin’s off the ball, look for him on the weak side as a release

Kerwin Roach Jr.

WEAKNESSES

However, another important factor is how effective Kerwin can be as an off the ball defender where he can ball hawk off of high and sideline traps. How well Texas can (or can’t?) rebound may force Shaka’s hand in being a defense more dependent on forcing turnovers.

If that’s the case, Roach may be needed off the ball to look for steals.

- Instincts on the show

- Ability to fight through screens

SEASON OUTLOOK

- Ability to go under screens and recover

Best Case:

Worst Case:

14.5 pts, 3.5 rbs, 3 asts, 1.5 stls

8.5 pts, 2.5 rbs, 1.2 asts, .5 stls

- Really, really, really fast and jumpy

on 48/35/75 shooting in 27 mpg

on 45/30/60 shooting in 22 mpg

- Aggressive rebounder in space

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

TEVIN MACK | WING #0 -

6-foot-7, 220-lb Columbia, SC (Dreher HS) Recruited by Mike Morrell Ranked as the #48 prospect nationally

2015-16 RECAP

Averaged 5.1 pts, 2.0 rbs, 0.3 asts on 29/30/64% shooting in 13.3 mpg last year as a freshman.

TEVIN ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

Not since Cam’s freshman year have I been quite as wrong as I was about Tevin last season. I thought Ridley would come in and be a 12/8/2 player from day one. He wasn’t, he was a 4.1/3.5/1.4 player.

I thought Tevin would be a 9/3.5/1.5 player. Obviously, I was wrong about that, too.

Thankfully, in Cam’s case, he bounced back in a big way his sopho-

WEAKNESSES

Tevin has been upfront about how difficult last year was for him. From

more season and has earned his way to a professional basketball

earning minutes with the staff to proving his worth to his teammates to

contract.

figuring out how his skill set could help his team, Tevin was as lost as he often looked during the season.

We’ll see if Tevin can show the same kind of turnaround.

So he did what he knows how to do…shoot it.

Certainly, he’ll have the skill set to make it happen if he can: - Provide legitimate range out to 25+ feet

And, in accordance, Tevin led the team in both shots per minutes

- Body control to be a shooter off the bounce or in catch and shoot

in assists per minutes played out of all the backcourt players last year.

- Has the mindset of a scorer but has the diverse skill set to avoid

And, to top it all off, he finished last on the team in total field goal

- See the floor well with the basketball in one-on-one situations

- Lack of quickness can be overcome because of his length/range being one-dimensional

played and three point shots per minutes played. He also finished last

percentage (29%) and tied for last on the team in three point field goal

- Good passer

percentage (30%).

- Wants to get better and has shown an improved commitment to

I can spout off whatever I’d like, but that doesn’t change the reality of

- Can function at the high post in space the program

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those numbers.

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE TEVIN

Tevin’s a tall wing who can shoot, dribble and pass. As previously stated, it should help Tevin that he’ll have smaller/weaker defenders on him this season as he moves away from the interior the majority of the time.

Otherwise, it’s pretty easy. He can function comfortably either on ball side or weak side and Shaka will look to put him where he can take advantage of his offensive skill set on catch and shoot, one-on-one or straight line drive situations.

The more space Tevin can play in, the better he’ll be.

Conversely, last year Tevin really struggled in traffic and absorbing contact. Hopefully adding the good weight he did over the summer will help that.

TEVIN ON DEFENSE STRENGTHS

It was a double edged sword last year. On the one hand, Tevin was given a chance to earn bigger minutes because of the opening at the four with the injury to Ridley. On the other hand, he wasn’t ready for that (for a number of reasons) and some of the perimeter defending skill set and work got less time than it probably could/should have. This year, he’ll spend the majority of time at the three.

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE TEVIN

That’s up to Tevin. Last year, even as he improved, he was abused

- Legit size as a tall wing

on the defensive end of the floor. Even in zone, Tevin was consistently

- Can chase rebounds when he plays with awareness

beaten and taken advantage of on the wing or the interior.

- Sees the floor/anticipates well - Plays with energy

And, look, being a legit defender at the D1 level is difficult. Pretending otherwise is foolish. But, Tevin has to show that he can consistently stay with his man and avoid the mental lapses that plagued him over

WEAKNESSES

and over last season.

There’s plenty here.

- Needs to better understand how energy and effort aren’t the

- Needs to play with more consistent awareness, especially in

same thing

In the half court, if the opponent has a true wing player, Tevin will be on him. Otherwise, expect Tevin to on the weakest perimeter player. In the diamond, Tevin will either be the mad man or side interceptor.

zone

- Needs to fight through screens more effectively - Needs to take responsibility as a rebounder

- Needs to not get caught ball watching in weak side/off-ball situations

- Needs to play to his length and stature

- Needs to want to work on his defense every day in practice

SEASON OUTLOOK Best Case: 13.5 pts, 3.5 rbs, 1.5 asts, 1 stl on 45/38/70 shooting in 25 mpg

Worst Case: 7.5 pts, 2.5 rbs, .5 ast, .5 stls on 40/30/60 shooting in 18 mpg

- Needs to commit to being a solid defender

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SHAQUILLE CLEARE | CENTER #32 -

6-foot-8, 280-lb Houston, TX (The Village School) Transfer from Maryland Ranked as the #30 prospect nationally

2015-16 RECAP

Averaged 3.6 pts, 2.9 rbs on 55/63% shooting in 12.2 mpg

SHAQUILLE ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

The guy has some real skills as an offensive player.

- Works hard for positioning on the low block

- Presents a target well for post entry passes

- Damn near immovable by defenders once he gets post positioning - Uses leverage well to get quality shots off

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE SHAQUILLE

The good news for Cleare is that Cam and Prince are no longer on the floor

- Comfortable going over either shoulder

with him to mitigate his interior effectiveness.

- Has worked to lose weight and maximize his explosiveness - Efficient with the ball in the paint

In other words, he isn’t a third wheel in the post offense setup anymore.

That’s good, because he’s more offensively gifted than Prince was and isn’t a huge drop off from Ridley in his ability to get buckets.

WEAKNESSES

It will also help because Shaq, when his energy is high, is a safe, steady

Two glaring weaknesses…

option on the interior as he presents a wide target and is sure handed on the catch. That’s immense for a team that will likely struggle with point guard

- He lacks explosiveness as a leaper/finisher

play.

- He has a short wingspan

If either or those weren’t the case, we’d be talking about a guy who has a similar offensive makeup to a Cam Ridley. But they are the case and those are some difficult things to fix.

Expect Shaq to get consistent minutes (5-7 at a time all the way up to 20+) as Banks and Allen find their comfort zones on the low block.

When Roach is the ball handler, I’d expect Cleare to be the primary screener in an effort to get the post out of the way as Shaq’s not much of a

To this point, those issues have been difficult for Shaq to overcome.

threat to slip or flare.

When Jones is the ball handler, I’d expect Cleare as a screen away or weak side post.

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

SHAQUILLE ON DEFENSE STRENGTHS

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE SHAQUILLE

The interesting piece on this side of the ball with Shaq is how/if Shaka

Carefully.

changes his defensive set up when Cleare’s in the game or not.

- Intelligent with body positioning in playing behind the catch on the

Actually, that’s not fair. Shaq’s intelligence level and work ethic make

him adequate as a defender. And he’s probably going to be second on the team in rebounds (behind Allen).

low block

- Solid area rebounder

- Contests well enough by creating a barrier and playing straight up

But the reality is that he doesn’t offer the rim protection that is so vital in an uptempo style.

- Can hedge if he sees the set up early enough - Shows well in the pick and roll

Luckily, all of Allen, Banks and Isom can offer that in the halfcourt setting. In the diamond, expect Shaq to remain in the sweeper role where he can use his awareness and size to pose a barrier to the rim.

WEAKNESSES

Those same weaknesses rear their heads on this side of the ball for Shaq. Case in point, Cleare had exactly 1 block last season. Not that he averaged one block. Nope, he literally had one block. In 402 minutes. It came in the second game of the season against TAMCC. That’s difficult to work with given Shaka’s defensive identity.

- Can show or hedge early but can’t keep with the ball handler if he

turns the corner

- Lacks the explosiveness to alter shots in the lane other than with his girth

- Doesn’t chase rebounds well

- Can be abused by a high level offensive rebounder - Shouldn’t be a part of an all-switch defense

- Can be a liability in a zone defense because of his lack lateral quickness

- In the past, has fouled at a rate that could be detrimental for this

team that will need his offensive output

- Needs to be in best-case scenarios to challenge effectively

SEASON OUTLOOK Best Case:

Worst Case:

9.0 pts, 6.5 rbs, 1 blk, 1 ast,

4.5 pts, 3.5 rbs, .1 blks

on 55/75 shooting in 22 mpg

on 50/65 shooting in 15 mpg

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2016 BASKETBALL - PLAYER PREVIEW

JAMES BANKS | CENTER #4 -

6-foot-10, 240-lb Decatur, GA (La Lumiere) Recruited by Darrin Horn Ranked as the #63 prospect nationally Member of USA Baskeball U18 team

2015-16 RECAP

Averaged 2.3 pts, 4.5 rbs, 1.8 blocks on 37/50% shooting for Team USA u18 team in FIBA Americas Tournament.

JAMES ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

James comes to Texas as a player with considerable talent. The most obvious of which comes on the defensive end of the floor, where he should be a difference maker before long.

Offensively, though, while it may take longer, James still has the chance to be an impact player.

- Tireless worker with great energy

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

- Takes instruction well

- Bouncy athlete with long arms - Deceptively strong base

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE JAMES

- Uses his lenght well over his right shoulder

Perhaps more than any other player, the lack of a true point guard

- Quick feet when he has a plan

could serve as a detriment to James’ ability to impact the game on

- Unselfish player who prioritizes team first

offense. James’ explosiveness makes finishing above the rim a simple task. But how many of those opportunities will there be with Roach and Jones on the ball?

WEAKNESSES

The good part of him not being the focal point of his high school offense at La Lumiere is that he had the chance to be brought along slowly and work on his fundamentals. The negative is that he doesn’t have a ton of game reps at being a post scorer.

If he can’t, expect to see him as a screener for Roach and as a

- Has to make quicker decisions when he’s in favorable situations

36

ent a solid target and be a producer.

ability will be important in this offense.

immediately there

- Awkward release on his free throws

out his comfort level as a back to the basket post player who can pres-

If he can do that, we’ll see him get some opportunities because that

- Uncertain on post moves when over the right shoulder isn’t - Needs work recognizing double teams

Hopefully plenty. But, if not, the impetus could be on James to figure

weakside screener/rebounder the rest of the time. There will also be an importance placed on getting going in the open floor for James as a way to manufacture points against a recovering defense.

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

JAMES ON DEFENSE

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE JAMES Shouldn’t be too difficult.

STRENGTHS

There’s a chance to be special. He’s not the athlete that Prince or Jarrett are, but the difference isn’t that far off and he already has practice at being a help defender as a role player with other top athletes as he was at La Lumiere.

He’ll guard the five in every situation unless he’s with Cleare (not likely) and he’ll man the center in the 2-3.

That’s a role he can fit today (though the speed of the game may well cause his rebounding numbers to be smaller than would be optimal).

- High level rim protector with a chance to be an All-Big 12

Whether he can function in a switch everything defense will be the

kind of defender

- Solid area rebounder

next question. If he can, his minutes will likely rise because that fits the

- Quick feet on hedges and shows

a bit sparse until his offense gets going.

strength/ability of many of his teammates. If he can’t, minutes may be

- Chases rebounds well

- Talent level to be a switching defender once his footwork

In the diamond, his best role will be as sweeper, though mad man is a

gets ironed out

possibility if Shaka can designate him without concern for foul trouble.

WEAKNESSES

Maybe instead of weaknesses, this will be more about questions of how/when he gets comfortable enough to provide some answers.

- How will he rebound against physicality and length?

- How well will he avoid foul trouble when hedging/showing?

- How well will he move in space in the diamond or zone?

- Can he function in an all-switch defense?

- Can he learn to consistently play defense with verticality?

- Can he harness his excitement and energy to stay under control?

- Can he get his offense to the point where Shaka won’t have to weigh the two against each other?

- Will the game slow down for him sooner rather than later?

SEASON OUTLOOK Best Case:

Worst Case:

4.5 pts, 5.5 rbs, 1.5 blks

1.5 pts, 3.5 rbs, .5 blks on 40/45

on 50/65 shooting in 16 mpg

shooting in 8 mpg

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

JACOB YOUNG | GUARD #3 -

6-foot-2, 185-lb Houston, TX (Yates HS) Recruited by Mike Morrell Ranked as the #105 prospect nationally

2015-16 RECAP

JACOB ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

The main focus will be on his ability as a shooter, which is considerable, but it can’t be overstated how important it is that Jacob was able to play the point in Yates’ helter-skelter style. That ability to function with the ball in his hands in that type of environment is a great building block for what he’ll be asked to do for Shaka.

- Big time shooter from the perimeter with the ability to shoot off the bounce or in catch and shoot situations

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

- Has that gunslinger mentality

- Quick release allows him to get his shot off over taller/crashing defenders

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE JAMES

- Dependable passer

(ball security, facilitating) will be gravy to his main strength which is

- Can finish in the open floor

you in the rotation.

- Smart ball handler who can handle against pressure

Make no mistake, he’ll be out there to score. Whatever else he does spreading the floor because if you can shoot, Shaka will find a spot for

- Good decision maker with the ball as a facilitator - Great strength and body control in traffic

It will be interesting to see how much Jacob handles the ball bringing

WEAKNESSES

the ball up the floor and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he served as the

do up to the level of others in this backcourt right now.

Still, until he proves he can be a consistent playmaker at this level, his

Less of an issue of what he can’t do as opposed to what he can’t quite

- Doesn’t come close to Roach’s or Jones’ physicality/length combo

- Can fill a role similar to Eric, but isn’t as tall as Eric and will have to prove the penetration ability Eric has

- Will need to prove he can break down defenders off the bounce in a

initial point pass getting into the offensive set.

focus will be as a release valve shooter who can spread the floor.

How well Jacob acclimatizes to shot selection and decision making will likely dictate his minutes because everybody in the back court can shoot it.

facilitator’s role

- Needs to prove he can pass people open

- Will have to show he can positively impact winning when the shots aren’t falling

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

JACOB ON DEFENSE

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE JACOB

Physically, he’s a taller, quicker, less beefy Javan Felix.

STRENGTHS

That might seem like a backhanded compliment, but it’s not meant in

A year ago, Jacob was 6’0”. Not a great height for a scoring guard who

that way. Javan was a very capable on-ball defender whose strength

doesn’t have elite quickness.

and wingspan made him tough to get around.

Today, he’s 6’2”. And, while the difference isn’t earth shattering, it’s

In the halfcourt, expect Jacob to be placed on the weaker (shorter/

enough to give him the length to be a capable defender on a squad where there’s a lot of two-way talents.

less quick) guard/wing no matter who he is paired with as all of Yancy/

- Deceptively quick, laterally

he’ll be up top.

Roach/Jones/Davis will be stronger defenders at this point. In zone,

- Has the strength to hold his edge, laterally to keep ball handlers

from turning the corner

In the diamond, his best fit is as a high interceptor where he can read and crash depending on where the ball goes which would accentuate

- Good instincts

the lateral quickness of his backcourt mates and de-emphasize his

- Used to playing fast, trapping style

own limitations, athletically.

- Intelligent player who will do what he’s instructed

- Comes from a hard working, basketball background

WEAKNESSES

Again, the problem isn’t that Jacob can’t/won’t be a decent defender.

He likely will be. The problem is that he’s in the same backcourt as Yancy/Roach/Jones, all three of which have All-Big 12 defensive potential/athleticism - Explosiveness in recovery isn’t there

- Decent length, but doesn’t have crazy long arms

- Can take too many chances and needs to understand his physical limitations

SEASON OUTLOOK Best Case:

Worst Case:

7.5 pts, 2 rbs, 1.5 asts, on

3.5 pts, 1 rb, .5 asts on

45/40/80 shooting in 16 mpg

35/30/70 shooting in 9 mpg

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

MAREIK ISOM | FORWARD #14 -

- Not comfortable with his back to the basket against strength on the block

6-foot-9, 215-lb Austin, TX (Bowie HS) Grad transfer from Arkansas Little Rock Will have one season of eligibility

- Not a threat on the offensive glass

- Can keep his dribble alive well enough but won’t break a defender down off the bounce

- Often makes the safe play to avoid mistakes

2015-16 RECAP

Averaged 5.9 pts, 2.7 rbs, .4 asts and .5 blks on 41/40/78% shooting in 19.1 mpg

MAREIK ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

Mareik comes in as a transfer from a highly successful mid-major program in Arkansas-Little Rock and will look to make an impact right away.

Luckily for him, he possesses a skill set that will get him on the floor.

- A perimeter shooter at the level of Connor Lammert last year and

arguably the best pure shooter on the team this year

- Good body preparation in the catch and shoot - Reads the pick and roll well on flares

- Safety valve on either weak or ball side with his length and shooting ability

- Dependable foul shooter

- Good decision maker with the ball as a facilitator - Can play above the rim in space

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

- Won’t hurt you with dumb plays

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE MAREIK

WEAKNESSES

Mo possesses the skill set to be a quintessential stretch four. And de-

Most of Mo’s problem is that he lacks the killer instinct to really attack like he’s capable. It’s not an exaggeration to say he may be the best shooter on this team, but he doesn’t really have the personality to demand the ball and that will be important in an offense that is looking for answers against point guard play.

- Can get lost around the perimeter

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fenses that don’t play him honestly to be a shooter out to the perimeter will pay for their lack of awareness.

He’ll be a solid pair with Jones in the pick and roll because his body prep is very good on flares/pops but he can also finish above the rim on slips where Jones can use his length to find him.

Expect him to be a perimeter-oriented.

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

MAREIK ON DEFENSE

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE MAREIK

For Mo’s sake, I hope he can be an active rebounder and pick up his

STRENGTHS

intensity on the glass. If he can, he’ll make a real impact on this team.

While his offensive skill set is comparable to Lammert’s last season,

He can guard either the four (when he’s with Banks/Cleare) or five

Isom’s real contribution could/should be on the defensive side of the

(when he’s with Allen) and gives Shaka the freedom to employ a

ball.

switching style in the halfcourt that Shaka wants to do.

- Great length for a 6’9” player

But it’s also important to let Mariek play where he can play with his

- Quickness to play on switches to smaller players

length instead of having to mix it up in traffic.

- Good instincts and timing when contesting in the paint

- Moves well in space and can chase rebounds on the defensive end - Intelligent player who will do what he’s instructed

In the diamond, he’s a fit as a sweeper or as a mad man.

WEAKNESSES If Mariek was a better rebounder, he’d probably be a threat for 25 minutes per game considering the versatility he offers this defense.

- Can be timid on the glass

- Wants to contest and play his role as a help defender but foul trouble will hamper him

- Can play the reach too much on hedge/show defense

SEASON OUTLOOK Best Case:

Worst Case:

5.5 pts, 3.5 rbs, 1.5 blks asts,

2.5 pts, 2.5 rbs, .5 blks

on 45/40/80 shooting in 16 mpg

on 40/40/70 shooting in 9 mpg Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

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41

2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

ANDREW JONES | GUARD #1 -

6-foot-4, 190-lb Irving, TX (McArthur HS) Recruited by Mike Morrell Ranked as the #31 prospect nationally McDonald’s All-American

2015-16 RECAP

Five-Star prospect from

multiple recruiting services

(*Certified Justin Wells 6-Star Prospect*)

ANDREW ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

In many ways, Andrew Jones personifies what has turned out to arguably be the biggest strength of this staff…evaluation.

Eighteen months ago, Jones was a middling prospect hoping to get a true look from Power 5 conference schools. Then the Texas staff saw him explode at the Peach Jam at the end of his junior year. They were the first big school to offer (many others followed).

Jones took that early faith from Texas and repaid it when he committed to Texas in December.

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

WEAKNESSES

This will be relational to the expectations and role Andrew is placed in. At this point, Jones is either 1 (or 1B) as likely candidates for point guard duties, Roach being the other.

As of now, we’ll assume Jones is placed in that role. The following weaknesses are placed accordingly.

- Can play too high with his dribble

It’s likely going to work out quite well for both parties.

- Comfortable taking chances (for good or bad)

- Has shown more comfort as a stationary passer than on the move

- Athleticism and explosiveness that compare to Roach

in traffic

(which is ridiculous)

- Has a tendency to chuck from deep

- The most gifted passer on the team

- Is going to have to prove he can initiate an offense, consistently,

- Capable of passing people open as a distributor

off the dribble

- Streaky shooter, but floor is still high because of his solid shot selection

- Plays quicker than you’d think in the half court given his size

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE ANDREW

- Legitimate range out to 25 feet (hit 10 threes in a game last season)

at least, 20 minutes a game. Kerwin Roach Jr., for all of his consider-

- A threat in the pick and roll on drives/spot ups/step backs

others that Jones does.

- Tremendous body control in traffic - Runs lanes well in the open floor

- Participated in the McD’s dunk contest and three point contest (only player to do that last year)

- Good body mechanics as a shooter

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There’s no avoiding it. Andrew will be playing point guard for Texas for, able gifts, simply doesn’t possess the same feel for creating offense for

Put simply, Jones is a more natural passer than Roach. Which is great, but being able to create offense for others will require Andrew to be able to get the ball up the floor (whether against pressure, or not);

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

receive and express the given play from Shaka; initiate that offense.

Easy enough to state. Different story when you’re asking a freshman combo guard to execute. The key, for both Andrew and Kerwin, will be to place them in situations where they can facilitate in space.

The strength of both Isaiah Taylor and Javan Felix was their ability to break down defenders off the bounce and create a quality shot (just as often for themselves as for others). This both played into their individual strengths while also aiding players like Cam Ridley and Prince Ibeh with both of their strengths as offensive rebounders.

This team is not that team.

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

It’s unknown if Roach and Jones can create those same type of looks for themselves, consistently. It’s also unknown if Texas can get that type of quality offensive rebounding from Allen/Banks/Cleare/Isom.

WEAKNESSES

Feeling like a broken record, here. If Jones can figure out the consistency level (awareness/energy/focus), his physical attributes make his potential on defense whatever he wants it to be.

So expect Smart to place an emphasis on a quick hitting offense where Texas can A) run whenever they can; B) get the ball out of the point

So, this section will be about what he’ll need to prove he can do, con-

guards’ hands and into the offensive set early; and C) accentuate spac-

sistently, at this next level.

ing where player positioning will allow for more straight line drives and less complicated decision making.

- Play with spacing where he can use his quickness to help weakside while also being able to close out on time

- Use his length to stay in front instead of gambling too often

The more of that they can do for Andrew, the better.

Off the ball, expect Andrew to be a strong side outlet more often than functioning on the weak side, even though his shooting ability is solid.

ANDREW ON DEFENSE

- Maintain contact well when chasing in a system as aggressive as

Shaka wants this one to be

- Needs to stay away from ticky tack fouls

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE ANDREW

In the diamond, Jones makes sense anywhere from mad man (least likely) to side interceptor (more likely) or high interceptor (most likely).

STRENGTHS

His ability to cover space quickly makes you want to put him in an open

This is conjecture (everything is when you’re dealing with freshmen, even high level ones), but Jones’ comes to Texas with a significant

area where he can read and react as much as possible.

amount of physical skills.

In the halfcourt, he and Roach are 1 and 1A for perimeter defenders

- Great length (6’4” with 6’9” wingspan) for guard/wing defender

piece will be how often Shaka places Jones on the floor with a switch-

- Lateral quickness to guard anywhere from 1 to 3

upon in short spurts.

(with Yancy being 2 and Young being farther down). The interesting ing group as he has the length and physicality to go 1-5 when called

- Explosiveness aids in recovery/contest

- Solid instincts as an off ball defender, especially when coupled

The versatility Roach and Jones give Shaka on the defensive end is

with his explosiveness

- Versatile enough/long enough to be capable in switching situations

exciting.

SEASON OUTLOOK

on interior players

- Great feet and body positioning on ball

• Explosive enough to function as a rim protector • Quickness and explosiveness to make up for early-on inexperience

Best Case:

Worst Case:

9.5 pts, 3.5 rbs, 2.5 asts, 1 stl

5.5 pts, 1.5 rbs, 1 ast, .5 stl

on 45/35/70 shooting in 26 mpg

on 40/30/60 shooting in 21 mpg

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

JARRETT ALLEN | FORWARD #31 -

6-foot-10, 220-lb Austin, TX (St. Stephen’s HS) Recruited by Darrin Horn Ranked as the #15 prospect nationally McDonald’s All-American

2015-16 RECAP

Five-Star prospect from every recruiting service

Team USA u18 participant: Averaged 10.6 pts, 9.0 rbs,

1.2 asts, 1 blk and 1.1 stl per game on 46/44 shooting during the gold medal run for Team USA this summer, leading the team in rebounding and free throw attempts.

JARRETT ON OFFENSE STRENGTHS

Allen comes to Texas as one of the highest ranked recruits in Longhorn history and easily the highest ranked prep player brought in by a Shaka Smart led program.

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

WEAKNESSES

In time, Jarrett has the body control to be a catch and shoot player out

He’s worth the accolades.

to the perimeter.

After waiting until, literally, the last minute to enroll at Texas (he applied and was accepted the day that the first summer session started), Jarrett had only half of the normal summer workout time to learn the

In time…just not right now.

- Awkward/inconsistent release point on his free throws/jumpers - Can be overly tentative when he should take over games

system and get acclimated to his teammates and coaches.

Still, that didn’t stop him from being the most impactful big man on the roster this summer and a shoe-in to start from day one in November.

Some reasons why he’s so special: - Body control and lateral quickness of a guard, even at his length - Explosive around the rim as a finisher and on put backs

- Comfortable with the ball in his hands against man defense

- Will have to prove he can be a facilitator at this level - Needs to get more comfortable as a screener

- Will have to get stronger and more comfortable against physicality

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE JARRETT Much is about to be thrown at Jarrett Allen.

His ability to manage it could be the most important aspect towards

(in space)

Texas’ successful/less-than-successful upcoming season.

- Can finish over either shoulder

- Capable passer from the high block and unselfish as a creator

The good news is that he can (should be able to?) handle it.

- Soft touch out to eight feet

A good deal of how we’ll see Jarrett be utilized will depend on what

- Great feel for the game with an understanding of how/when to attack - Has shown comfort even out to the perimeter, but that will take some time

- Takes contact better than one might assume, given his weight - Keeps the ball high off the catch

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level of point guard play Texas can get out of Roach/Jones/Davis on a consistent basis.

If Texas can count on that three-headed combo guard monster for

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2016 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

solid playmaking, we’ll likely see Allen filling a rather normal role for an interior player.

When he’s on the floor with Cleare/Banks at the five, expect to see Allen as the on-ball screener and someone who can provide spacing with his ability to attack the basket off the bounce in straight line situations or on slips/curls.

When he’s on the floor with Isom/Mack at the four, expect Allen to be more of a weakside screener and player who attacks the rim after penetration and utilizes his ability as an offensive rebounder.

If Texas can’t count on that three headed combo guard monster for

WEAKNESSES

From a talent standpoint, there’s not much Jarrett can’t do. The question, as is the case for almost all help defenders (especially young ones)…can he stay out of foul trouble?

- Always challenges, even when the advantage is clearly elsewhere

(the mark of a great help defender, he just needs to harness it so that this doesn’t lead to fouls)

- Can be bothered by big bodies when chasing rebounds

- Will need to prove he can stay aware at the back of an aggressive defense where the help defender is often put on an island

- Needs to stay away from ticky tack fouls

solid playmaking, we’ll likely see Allen forced into more of a facilitator’s role at the high post.

This would happen because all of Roach/Davis/Jones were struggling to consistently break their man down off the bounce (it will probably happen, regardless) and likely would have Allen start on the low block into a high post flash in an effort to allow Jarrett to play playmaker with four other shooters on the floor (or three other shooters and Cleare/ Banks).

On the positive side, Jarrett’s got the right mindset for either of these situations.

JARRETT ON DEFENSE

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

STRENGTHS

HOW TO BEST UTILIZE JARRETT

defender and there won’t be a real drop-off from what the Longhorns

quickness, explosiveness and length. He also, however, could func-

Fairly or unfairly, the expectation is that Allen will come in as a help got from Prince Ibeh in that department.

Is that possible? It just may be.

Plus, he’ll be a significant improvement on the defensive glass from

In the diamond, he’s an ideal sweeper because of his combination of tion well as a mad man if necessary (though, keeping him out of foul trouble needs to be the impetus with where he’s placed in the press.

In the halfcourt, with the exception of Cleare, all of Banks/Isom/Allen are interchangeable as defenders at the four or five. However, I

Prince.

think you’ll see Allen away from the basket as he’s the most capable

- Explosive leaper with great timing

shot blockers. Allen can chase well because of his natural speed

- Like Prince, has the ability to be a quick, second or third leaper

summer), still, if Texas’ likely struggles on the glass get too out of hand,

- Uses length well on hedges and has the quickness to make the

basket.

rebounder in space of that group and all three of them are fairly natural

- Possesses a 7’5” wingspan on top of his 6’10” frame

(Shaka called him the fastest big man he’s ever coached earlier this

- Sees the ball well as a rebounder

don’t be surprised if an emphasis is placed on his staying near the

SEASON OUTLOOK

ball handler adjust

- Closes out with effort

- Quick enough to play the mad man role in the diamond

- Can play help defense well in space because of his quickness explosiveness

Best Case:

Worst Case:

11.5 pts, 8.5 rbs, 1 ast, 1 stl, 2.5

5.5 pts, 5.5 rbs, .5 ast, .5 stl, 1 blk

blks on 48/60 shooting in 27 mpg

on 45/45 shooting in 21 mpg

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Kraken_Texas_mechanical.indd 1

5/19/11 2:17:09 PM

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Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

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by Justin Wells

MANHATTAN, KS - Kansas State QB Jesse Ertz entered the game as one of the Big 12’s worst statistical passers and on a bum shoulder. But after his 3-TD, 265-yard performance against Texas, you’d have never known that. insidetexas.com

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- TEXAS vs KANSAS STATE -

T

ime after time he eluded the Longhorns defense as Kansas State

a big one next week at home (vs Baylor). We’ve got a team that continues

(4-3) dominated Texas in all facets in a 24-21 win at Bill Snyder

to battle.”

Family Stadium.

There were bright spots, but not many.

KSU led in yards (405-344), first downs (27-20), time of possession (38:27 – 21:33), and just about every other noteworthy stat. And despite

Junior RB D’Onta Foreman eclipsed the 100-yard barrier for an 8th

the bad luck and bad coaching, Texas was in it until the end.

consecutive game – longest active streak in the nation. His 124 yards on 24 carries produced a 5.2 yards per carry average. Unfortunately, he was

An Edwin Freeman INT early in the 4th gave Texas (3-4) life. Freshman

held out of the end zone for the first time during that stretch. Freshman

Shane Buechele hit Dorian Leonard for a 6-yard TD pass with 46 seconds

WR Devin Duvernay produced his 3rd consecutive big play in as many

remaining, but failed to convert an onside kick and the Wildcats ran out

weeks – an 80-yard scoring catch. He has scoring catches of 63, 75, and 80

the clock to seal the win.

over that span. Unfortunately, that was the only ball thrown to the 10.29 100-meter sprinter.

As usual, Buechele was the consummate leader, mature beyond his years playing in only his 7th game as a college player.

“We just have to start faster,” Buechele said. “We have to execute right when we get on the field. We just have to keep fighting. Every play you need every player to do the right thing. Ultimately, when that happens, we execute. We have to be on the right page.”

Bill Snyder’s bunch out of Manhattan opened the contest with a 9-play, 68-yard drive culminated by an Ertz 6-yard TD keeper. To help matters, Texas had four penalties on the drive, including three offsides.

K-State’s next march went 16 plays, covering 80 yards, and chewing up almost eight minutes of clock and spilling over into the following quarter.

Ertz found pay dirt from 19 yards out and gave the Wildcats the 14-0 advantage After the teams traded a set of punts, Texas responded when Buechele hit Duvernay on an 80-yard scoring pitch and catch. The Horns covered 90 yards in :20 seconds of action.

K-State answer with another patent, methodical drive, capped by an Ertz 8-yard touchdown pass to Byron Pringle with :09 left in the opening half.

KSU went into halftime up 21-7 but it felt like more than that.

Edwin Freeman | photo courtesy of UT Athletics

In the first half, Kansas State had 19 first downs, Texas ran 19 plays. KSU “Even in the second half, when we battled back, there were so many

had the ball for 23:18, Texas had it for 6:42. You won’t win football games

missed opportunities,” said Texas coach Charlie Strong. “The defense as

with numbers like that.

able to battle back in the second half. We got two turnovers back to back.

But we knew it was going to be one of those games where you just have

Kansas State’s first drive in the second half went straight down the field

to grind it out. We have to learn from it. We have to move on. We’ve got

with heavy doses of Charles Jones, but the junior ball-carrier was stripped

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- TEXAS vs KANSAS STATE -

by Anthony Wheeler as he crossed the goal line, and Texas safety Dylan

something that we want to do, especially me being a senior. I am sure that

Haines fell on the loose ball for a much-needed turnover and touchback.

some other seniors, after not making it last year, know it is probably one of the worst feelings that you can have. In a place like Texas, coming here as

Texas went 60 yards down the field, but Leonard dropped a 4th down

a walk-on, I thought I was going to be a part of one of the greatest football

conversion on KSU’s side of the field and the Wildcats took over.

teams in the nation. Obviously, that has not been the way things have been going but that falls back on the players. We have to go out and find a way

KSU’s Matthew McCrane nailed a 35-yard FG at the 4:40 mark of the 3rd

to get it done.”

quarter, extending their lead, 24-7.

Tyrone Swoopes | photo courtesy of UT Athletics

Texas responded with an 80-yard drive when Tyrone Swoopes punches it

Strong had a message for his team following the loss.

in from the 18-Wheeler package. It got UT within 10, 24-14, at the end of the third stanza.

“This team will continue to fight,” said Strong. “When you have youth, young guys will continue to fight. We lost a tough one and we had oppor-

It was a somber post-game setting. Almost as if Strong knows his days

tunities to go win it and we just have to get ready for the next one.”

could be numbered in Austin.

Texas AD Mike Perrin summed it up best after the loss.

The senior, Haines, did his best to sum up UT’s plans for the rest of the season.

“No talking.”

“We still have a chance to make a bowl game,” said Haines. “That is

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51

- TEXAS vs KANSAS STATE -

WHAT THEY SAID...

DEVIN DURNAY “I bluffed like I was blocking and just

DYLAN HAINES

went down the side. I was open and he threw the ball and I just did the rest.”

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

EDWIN FREEMAN “We were in Cover 2 on our side.

Their guy ran a post from the outside and once he came in and cut, I was able to cut with him and saw the ball and went to go get it.”

“The way we played defensively in the second half, we finally got things together. We were able to shut down primarily what they were trying to do. We just have got to play better in the first half. We tried to respond in the second half but it was too late.”

Photo courtesy of UT Athletics

21 - 24 20 122 222 3-11 0 21:33 52

FIRST DOWNS RUSHING YARDS PASSING YARDS THIRD DOWNS TURNOVERS TIME OF POSSESSION insidetexas.com

27 234 171 5-13 3 38:27

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HORNS BUR

BY JUSTIN WELLS

AUSTIN — Losing three games by less than seven points this season has made life tough for Charlie Strong and the Texas Longhorns. Too often UT has been on the losing end of those close contests in 2016.

But not on this day.

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RY BAYLOR

Lorenzo Joe breaks free for a huge 60-yard play in the 4th quarter

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- TEXAS vs BAYLOR -

T

exas (4-4) kicker Trent Domingue drained a 39-yard field

up Domingue’s game-winning kick.

goal with 46 seconds remaining to send 97,822 rabid fans into euphoria and knock off the No. 8 Baylor Bears at DKR-

Texas Memorial Stadium.

“I definitely did a ‘fist pump’ and screamed a lot,” said Domingue, when asked what was his first thought as the ball went through the uprights. “Tons of relief. That was the first game-winning kick of my

If for only a brief moment, it quieted the naysayers that have Charlie

life, at any level.”

Strong packing his backs after Thanksgiving.

While the defense surrendered 624 total yards, the offense once “You know, when you talk about the noise in the system and just — I

again was there to save the day. Freshman Shane Buechele led

know this: I have a really good team, and I have a special team, and

the explosive attack going 12-of-21, for 291 yards, two TDs, and

I have a team that I really care about, and a team that really cares

one INT. Texas also recorded 548 yards of offense, the fifth time

about me, and it’s not a program that’s in disarray, which many of

the Longhorns have compiled at least 500 yards this season. The

you think,” said Strong. “It’s not a program that is going backwards.

school record of six 500-yard games was in 2005 and 2009. Pretty

It’s a program that’s headed forward, and it’s a program that is going

stout company.

to be a special — it’s going to be special one of these days when you watch this program really take off. But as those guys continue

“That’s the thing that we’ve asked of those kids and what we’ve

to battle the noise, it helps no one. It’s just an embarrassment to

installed,” said Texas OC Sterlin Gilbert. “Just steady progression;

everyone, and I just hate it for them, when you’re talking about 17-,

that’s what we want especially in year one when you have young kids, you just want to see steady progression, you want to see guys get better. You want to see fundamentals and techniques show up on tape through the week and you for sure want to see it show up on Saturday and we had an opportunity today. The thing I love about today is our kids fought, our kids battled. They kept overcoming.

We obviously had adversity and like any time during the game, our kids continued to battle and fight, through all three phases we were fortunate to put it together at the end.

And Gilbert doesn’t take credit. He gives that to the players and his staff.

“Yeah, 100%. Our kids do an unbelievable job,” Gilbert said. “Somebody has to give them the information and teach them and coach them and that’s where I’ll put that to our staff. Our staff has done a really good job of giving the kids the information and going out and coaching them on the fundamentals and techniques and demanding excellent and discipline. That’s what you get through the week when you get the result you got today. And for the kids, it’s unbelievable.

I mean, those kids went out and battled and I couldn’t be prouder

Armanti Foreman

of a group of kids on how they battled and fought and continued to

18-year olds, and the way they feel about their coach and the way

get better. Just to see their faces and look in their eyes, to see what

their coach feels about them, and for them to have to just continue

we got today was huge for our program, huge for the University of

to hear it. ”

Texas.”

Leaning on the brothers Foreman – D’Onta and Armanti – proved

And how about D’Onta? The guy eclipsed the 1000-yard mark for

to be a recipe for success. D’Onta went for 250 yards on 32 carries

the first time since Jamaal Charles did in 2007. He also extended his

with two scores, while his twin, Armanti, accounted for 142 yards on

nation-leading streak of 100-yard games to nine and has eight TDs

four grabs, and one TD, none bigger than the 38-yard catch at the

in his last nine outings. If Texas had a better record, this kid would

2:48 mark of the fourth quarter in front of the Texas sidelines that set

be in the Heisman discussion.

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- TEXAS vs BAYLOR -

led the way. When they forced Baylor to punt, the Longhorns had Strong sees more than just a great running back. He sees an

their chance. And unlike most outcomes in 2016, they delivered.

amazing competitor.

Strong summed it up best.

“You know, he’s just playing at a different level,” Strong said. “He wants to be the best back in the country, and right now he’s playing

“I’m just so proud of this football team, and I just told them a while

like he is the best back in the country. You just watch him, some of

ago, it’s just amazing what we’ve been battling here just the last

those yards, he’s going to get the big runs, but also there’s those two and three where he has to grind it out and he has to pound it, but it’s the way he works. He practices like that. That’s what I tell guys all the time. You look at him, and he practices so hard, then he goes out in the game and he plays the way he practices. We can’t always get that effort from some of you other guys, and I wish we could. But it was just — he’s just playing at a different level right now.

The game started like a track meet. Texas and Baylor combined for 28 points in the game’s first six minutes.

Baylor (6-1) QB Seth Russell’s 50-yard jaunt put the Bears up early, 7-0 at the 13:54 mark. And Texas answered.

Buechele hit Armanti Foreman on a 40-yard deep fade in the end zone to tie the game at 7-all, after an 8-play, 88-yard drive. D’Onta got into the action next with his own 37-yard scoring scamper just 14 seconds later. It was

D’Onta Foreman

setup by a Kris Boyd PBU, in which PJ Locke snagged his first career interception.

three or four weeks and what they’ve been able to overcome, just Baylor responded when Russell hit Ishmael Zamora on a 20-yard

all the noise in the system and everything just being so negative,

pitch and catch TD, tying the contest 14-all with 9:26 remaining in

and I’ll tell you, this is a team that is going to continue to grow each

the opening stanza.

and every week. You just don’t know. It’s going to be a game by game; it’s just the youth of the football team. But to watch them go

UT added a safety and another D’Onta scoring run to push its larg-

out tonight and just battle, we fall behind, play very well there in

est lead, 23-14, with 6:35 left before halftime.

the first half, give up the score right there before halftime, then we come back out in the second half, and the defense made just two

Baylor came out in the second half in complete control. A Terence

key stops there where they just held them to field goals and then

Williams 2-yard scoring plunge and two Chris Callahan field goals

that just gave us a chance there. Even on the last play there, we

gave BU its biggest advantage, eight points, with a little under

were just trying to get the ball lined up because Domingue wanted

eight minutes remaining.

it on the right hash so we could just go and kick it through. But for them to just battle and just continue to fight, you could just tell the

But when Buechele hit Lorenzo Joe for a huge 60-yard grab, fol-

grit within this team, it’s no quit. You look at the games that we did

lowed by a 7-yard TD strike to Andrew Beck, the Horns were back

lose, and it’s just — you just watch how they just continue to fight

in business. They just needed the ball back.

through it. But I am, I’m so proud of this team, and told them to enjoy this evening. They really deserve it. But we know we have

And the defense delivered. Malik Jefferson, who didn’t start, com-

a tough test next week, but tonight was our night, and it’s just

piled 10 tackles, two sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss on the night,

special.”

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- TEXAS vs BAYLOR -

WHAT THEY SAID...

TRENT DOMINGUE “It’s awesome. I’m just thankful that Coach Strong had the confidence in me to make that play. Even through all the misses and blocks he’s had my back and he’s told me how confident he is in me and same with everybody else. They’ve always had confidence in me and it’s really helped me get through whatever.”

D’ONTA FOREMAN

ARMANTI FOREMAN “It was extremely special. I knew I had to come out here and make big plays. Last week, I just kept replaying that moment in my head.

I just told myself that when I get that opportunity to make that big play again, I’ve got to make it. I feel like I did that tonight.”

“This is stuff we dream about, this is stuff we talk about all the time. He comes and sits in my room and we talk about these moments all the time so to go out there and do it in a big game like this, it’s a game that we really needed to win and I’m so proud of him.”

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FIRST DOWNS RUSHING YARDS PASSING YARDS THIRD DOWNS TURNOVERS TIME OF POSSESSION insidetexas.com

31 398 226 10-20 2 32:55

WHAT’S YOUR RANGTANG™

Three Olives®. Orange Flavored Vodka. 35% Alc./Vol. (70 proof). ©2010 Proximo Spirits, Manhasset, NY. Please drink Three Olives® Vodka responsibly.

O-FACE?

OPEN WIDE, ORANGE LOVERS Oranges and tangerines collide in seriously fun imported Rangtang™ Vodka. ® Ask your bartender for a shockingly delicious Three O Rangtang™ Bomb.

SEE MORE O-FACES AT THREEOLIVES.COM insidetexas.com

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