Commentary

CBB Summer Buzz: Texas

The Longhorns are counting on immediate production from their freshman class

Updated: August 19, 2011, 11:15 AM ET
By Sarah Turcotte | ESPN The Magazine

Insider knows you're hot for hoops during the summer, so we're bringing you a closer look at a few of the big-profile schools before most freshmen have even moved into their dorms. We continue with Texas.

Texas Longhorns

2010-11: 29-8 (NCAA tournament -- round of 32)

The highlight of Texas' 2010-11 season was ending rival Kansas' 69-game home win streak in January. A cool achievement? Sure. A season-defining accomplishment? Not so much.

Despite a consistent influx of elite talent, Texas just can't seem to best its Big 12 nemesis, mainly because that talent doesn't stick around very long.

Ever since one-and-dones became a thing during Kevin Durant's brief stint in Austin for the 2006-07 season, coach Rick Barnes has recruited a number of promising prospects who bolt for the NBA draft after a season or two. The 2011 draft included three Longhorns from last season's team: sophomore forward Jordan Hamilton, freshman forward Tristan Thompson and freshman shooting guard Cory Joseph.

Those three players alone accounted for 42 of Texas' 75 points per game. The draft wasn't the only thing to hook the Longhorns. Senior point guard Dogus Balbay and supporting cast members Matt Hill, Gary Johnson and Jai Lucas have exhausted their eligibility.


Become an ESPN Insider and read the entire Texas Longhorns summer preview, including notes about the top freshmen coming to Austin this fall.

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