2006 Texas Longhorns Basketball Preview

2006 Texas Longhorns Basketball Predictions

This season the Longhorns must contend with Kansas and Texas A&M. Texas is a fine team, but they are not the best in the conference. Five key players, including forward LaMarcus Aldridge (15.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.0 BPG), are gone. Six of the team’s top seven scorers have departed. Coach Rick Barnes (191- 76 in 8 years) has his work cut out for him.

Freshman guard D.J. Augustin, a McDonald’s All-American, is ready to command the floor, passing it to the man most likely to score at that specific moment. Watch for big freshman Jay Mason to play the ball to the rim and to bring a tenacious energy to the floor. He’ll be in the lineup immediately. Sophomore A.J. Abrams (6.4 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 40.1 FG%, 87.8 FT%) will see important minutes and freshman Harrison Smith will slash through defenders to make the hoop.

Freshman Kevin Durant, a guard/forward, will be tough for opponents to handle. The 6’ 9”, 205-pound Durant can shoot from outside or take the ball inside and score. The versatile swingman will be an important factor in determining whether this team succeeds of fails. Forward Damion James, like Durant, can put the ball in from the perimeter or by driving into the paint. Matt Hill, also a freshman, is the best post player that the Longhorns have to offer.

Barnes, who led the team to a 30- 7 overall mark and a 13- 3 first place conference finish, has done a great job recruiting prime talent. Most of the players on the Longhorns are freshmen; there are also two sophomores, two juniors and one senior. This speedy, ball- savvy team is geared to run opponents off the court and that is exactly what they will try to do.

Texas lost to LSU in the NCAA regional finals by a score of 70- 60. Making it to the tournament will be a major accomplishment this year, but if anyone can do it with a roster full of frosh, coach Barnes can. Expect to see the Longhorns at the NCAA post-season dance.

If you want more info on the 2006 Texas Longhorns College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Texas A&M Aggies and Oklahoma State Cowboys.