Had to DVR the game, just got to watch. What an impressive burst to close it out. This team has consistently shown the ability to run with anybody in the country. If not for the slow start, this team would probably be looking at a 3 seed. As is we still could get a 5, maybe a 4 seed with a good showing in the Big 12 tournament, or an upset of Kansas. Truly an exceptional first year for Shaka Smart. Just hope the NBA doesn't come calling.
This team has so many clutch players. From Isaiah Taylor, to Felix, to Lammert. Even the freshman are stepping up in critical moments with huge plays. This says a ton about Shaka Smart. The NBA will come calling. The difference (versus Barnes) he is getting out of these guys in terms of effort and execution has been remarkable. These guys show skill, confidence, passion, and they aren't afraid of and can beat anyone. I believe UT will earn a 3 seed in this tournament. They will get enough big wins to show that they are one of the 10 most dangerous teams in the entire NCAA pool. That fear will be respected. Hook'em.
An incredibly great hire by UT. Shocking how they are getting stronger rather than collapsing as the season goes on like Rick's teams did. I really don't think his approach to coaching would go over with professional players all the Navy Seal rah, rah, competing in conditioning drills with the players, all the mentoring etc. Hopefully have does not have to through the typical failed college coach to pro period before going on to become an all time legend at the college level which he has a reasonable chance at.
Based on what Shaka has done in the past, he would be pretty unwilling to just get up and leave Texas in the near future. He said himself that he would not have left VCU if they hadn't lost in the 1st or 2nd round last year. He chose Texas over a bunch of other head coaching positions around the country because he really likes the city of Austin and wants to settle here for the considerable future. He likes the idea of stability, both for his family and for his career. I think he stays a minimum of 3 years. His assistants are fair game, however, and they are some of the best in the country.
He's not going to Houston. He has already turned down the likes of UCLA and others with storied histories in the past. I thought his short list of schools he would consider was as little as Kansas, North Carolina, and Texas, but I'm not sure.
Smart could own Texas with just a little success. He's not going anywhere. Barnes was around for a long time and had only one final four appearance.
No, the rockets are not going to hire a college coach. If they do, then the coach K is the first option.
It would be an interesting hire, for sure. Don't see him leaving Texas so soon... and had he stayed at VCU doubtful he would get a look at the NBA level. But today, I can see an NBA team legitimately having interest. He's a guard focused coach that is modern and innovative... in a world where guards rule.
Texas 5-23 FG Kansas 13-19 FG We have 7 offensive rebounds, and I'm pretty sure no points off of them. You name it, and it's gone wrong for us.
Need to forget about this game. Gotta beat Ok. State and then get ready for the Big 12 tournament. Guessing it's likely going to be a 4/5 matchup. Rematch vs Baylor.
Texas junior guard Isaiah Taylor is suffering from plantar fasciitis in his right foot, head coach Shaka Smart said Monday after the Longhorns' 86-56 loss to Kansas.
He needs to skip the OSU game - they should be able to win that without him. That gives him about 10 days of rest.
Kansas went through a little mid season lull, but they're clearly the best team in the country IMO. They're the only team I've seen that has looked visibly better than us. Even in the first game where we hung close for most of it, down the stretch they we're completely dominating us. Just gotta put this one behind you and take care of business against a weak Ok St.