2005 Texas Longhorns Basketball Preview

2005 Texas Longhorns Team Preview

Last season the Texas Longhorns finished with a Big 12 record of 9-7 (tied for 5th in the conference) and lost to Nevada in the NCAA Chicago Region first round. So why is everyone picking the Longhorns to finish first in the Big 12 this year? It comes down to two things—returning talent and winning coach Rick Barnes (161-69 over seven years).

The starting five has experience, shooting consistency, and rebounding muscle. Four of the top five have the potential to be All-Conference selections. Forward Brad Buckman hit 53% from the floor, took in 8.3 rebounds per game, and knocked in 12.5 points each night. Freshman LaMarcus Aldridge revealed court smarts, excellent shot blocking abilities, and defensive prowess. His first year the hard working Aldridge missed a major part of the season with a torn hip cartilage. Now entering his sophomore year, Aldridge is healthy, ready to run and work the floor, and prepped to play either forward or center.

Re-joining him will be powerful guard P.J. Tucker, a junior, who grabbed 8.0 RPG and hit for an average of 13.7 PPG. Sophomore Daniel Gibson rounds out the elite quadrant of players. The guard hit for 14.2 points per contest in 2004-05. The one major improvement he could make would be in his shooting percentage, which was at 41.7%.

Senior guard Kenton Paulino (6.9 PPG) completes the starting five. And although former star starters Kenny Taylor (10.6 PPG) and Jason Klotz (11.2 PPG) are gone, it seems that their contributions will be compensated for by the new players.

The other good news for the Longhorns relates to freshman guard A.J. Abrams, who is a fine backcourt man with excellent ball handling abilities and a devastating 3-point shot. He has great court vision and could become a solid leader and playmaker.
For Coach Barnes and company 2005-06 can be a watershed year, providing Texas fans with a conference championship and possibly more.

We have also listed the link to the official Texas Longhorns athletic site, for those that would like more info on the 2005 Texas mens basketball team. If not continue on below to more of the individual big 12 schools.