2023/2024 Portal News

[brnkj]

No disagreement on Staley. My point is that whatever we think of Mulkey is not nearly as important as what potential players think. She won a NC in her 2nd year and we'll be facing her after next year. She also has a top-5 recruiting class this year.

Totally agree. Whether we like it/want to admit it or not, she has proven herself as a coach, a recruiter, and a winner. She's been able to bring in the talent at two different schools and win national championships at each. She's probably going to have her pick of the recruits now like she did at Baylor. What Vic must keep doing is getting the most with less. That's what he has always done.
I applaud coaches like Pat Summit, Geno, Staley, Mulkey, and Tara for winning championships and constantly being among the top programs in the nation. They pull in top recruiting classes every single year and that keeps them cemented in the upper echelon on NCAAWBB. However, I still say none of them could have gotten as far as Vic has gotten with what he has had to work with. That goes for his time at Mississippi State as well as at Texas. Hopefully he can win the big game one day and perhaps enjoy the recruiting success that seems to come with that. Until then....

 

[Bucksgal]

Overall, I am very pleased with Vic and his program, BUT, I'm just going to say it: I think he keeps getting less because players don't like his style. The Reeses, Van Liths, and Clarks of WBB don't want to be reined in by him and we have seen him do this to Matharu, Morris and maybe even Hunter. His lack of patience has been evident against Hadi and DeYona, too, yanking them after one mistake and often not putting them back into a game. Only Rori seems to play exactly how he wishes and his displays of adoration for her (sans everyone else) were pretty glaring this year. I wish he could take a step back sometimes and coach a team to its talents instead of bending them to his will. IMO, Texas will get what it gets as long as Vic keeps this prospective and offensive talent goes elsewhere to shine.

 

[brnkj]

Overall, I am very pleased with Vic and his program, BUT, I'm just going to say it: I think he keeps getting less because players don't like his style. The Reeses, Van Liths, and Clarks of WBB don't want to be reined in by him and we have seen him do this to Matharu, Morris and maybe even Hunter. His lack of patience has been evident against Hadi and DeYona, too, yanking them after one mistake and often not putting them back into a game. Only Rori seems to play exactly how he wishes and his displays of adoration for her (sans everyone else) were pretty glaring this year. I wish he could take a step back sometimes and coach a team to its talents instead of bending them to his will. IMO, Texas will get what it gets as long as Vic keeps this prospective and offensive talent goes elsewhere to shine.

Can't say that I disagree. I will say, however, with Rori being the only person we could trust with the ball in her hands... I think that is a contributing factor to her not getting pulled when she makes mistakes. I pray we get another trusty ball handler!!!

 

[Jacob Johnson]

Can't say that I disagree. I will say, however, with Rori being the only person we could trust with the ball in her hands... I think that is a contributing factor to her not getting pulled when she makes mistakes. I pray we get another trusty ball handler!!!

Hopefully it’s the Boston college transfer at this point.

 

[Moooooo]

Overall, I am very pleased with Vic and his program, BUT, I'm just going to say it: I think he keeps getting less because players don't like his style. The Reeses, Van Liths, and Clarks of WBB don't want to be reined in by him and we have seen him do this to Matharu, Morris and maybe even Hunter. His lack of patience has been evident against Hadi and DeYona, too, yanking them after one mistake and often not putting them back into a game. Only Rori seems to play exactly how he wishes and his displays of adoration for her (sans everyone else) were pretty glaring this year. I wish he could take a step back sometimes and coach a team to its talents instead of bending them to his will. IMO, Texas will get what it gets as long as Vic keeps this prospective and offensive talent goes elsewhere to shine.

We as fans may see only one "mistake", while Vic and staff may have seen multiple ones, including lack of effort/hustle. When he pulls someone, I'd say it's for good reasons. I remember getting upset with Aston for not immediately pulling Ariel Atkins after picking up a first foul within the first couple of minutes of a game; next thing you know, she'd pick her second quick foul, have to sit the remainder of the half, and then basically be ineffective when she did come back in because she would be tentative.

I was not pleased how Vic managed Matharu during Big 12 play in Spring 2022. Trying to bring her off the bench (to avoid fouls) and not letting her play in Waco until the game was basically out of hand were not the best choices; but, Matharu also needed to be accountable for picking up silly fouls. As much as I loved Matharu, Vic wouldn't have been forced to change things if she made better choices and staying out of foul trouble to begin with.

I can't think of many coaches who allow their players to remain in the game when they aren't doing what is asked of them; I guess when a team has depth issues, then maybe a coach has no choice but to leave them in the game. Still, they'll get an earful if they aren't playing to their capabilities.

 

[Moooooo]

Granted, Taina Mair was a freshman, but I'm concerned against ACC teams, she averaged 5.9 ast/g against 4.65 to/g, for a 1.27 ast/to ratio, and shot 30-111 BTA for 27.0%. Not the kind of offensive numbers that addresses the team's needs.

I mean, I won't dispute those stats because they appear to be factual.

But, as a true freshman, Mair started all 33 games at PG, and played nearly 37 minutes a game. That's a lot to take on, especially on a team that is not overly talented. She definitely proved she is durable, in great physical condition, and is mentally tough.

As far as our offensive needs, no one player is gonna address all our needs (unless it's one of the elite transfer guards). But, the elite transfers want to start immediately (and that make sense). Mair addresses our highest priority, IMO, being someone who can play point guard, and has more than one season of eligibility remaining.

I'm actually surprised Mair is considering us as she likely wouldn't be our starting PG. She won't be playing 37 minutes a game. She might not even be a starter as she'd be competing for playing time against Gonzales, Booker, and Codio (once she's completely healthy). And, Rori still has two seasons remaining. But, somehow she's considering us, and our staff is interested in her. I think she'd be a great get; in addition to what she has already proven at BC, if she can improve her shooting and reduce her turnovers, she'll be an asset to the team.

 

[brnkj]

We as fans may see only one "mistake", while Vic and staff may have seen multiple ones, including lack of effort/hustle. When he pulls someone, I'd say it's for good reasons. I remember getting upset with Aston for not immediately pulling Ariel Atkins after picking up a first foul within the first couple of minutes of a game; next thing you know, she'd pick her second quick foul, have to sit the remainder of the half, and then basically be ineffective when she did come back in because she would be tentative.

I was not pleased how Vic managed Matharu during Big 12 play in Spring 2022. Trying to bring her off the bench (to avoid fouls) and not letting her play in Waco until the game was basically out of hand were not the best choices; but, Matharu also needed to be accountable for picking up silly fouls. As much as I loved Matharu, Vic wouldn't have been forced to change things if she made better choices and staying out of foul trouble to begin with.

I can't think of many coaches who allow their players to remain in the game when they aren't doing what is asked of them; I guess when a team has depth issues, then maybe a coach has no choice but to leave them in the game. Still, they'll get an earful if they aren't playing to their capabilities.

Very well said, @Moooooo

 

[Sincerely hookem]

I agree with both Moooo and bucksgal but favor bucksgal in this 2023 landscape Vic does have some evoking or adapting to do. It is his clear next hurdle. These ladies want to win and be at the top of they game and be held accountable BUT if you do it while musseling them they have the portal. I think one of the best example I’ve seen of a version of this Coach Yo at ole miss she is hard to play for and holds them accountable but also let’s them be them and she gets the most out of what she has. These girls see that IMO

 

[Malcom]

We as fans may see only one "mistake", while Vic and staff may have seen multiple ones, including lack of effort/hustle. When he pulls someone, I'd say it's for good reasons. I remember getting upset with Aston for not immediately pulling Ariel Atkins after picking up a first foul within the first couple of minutes of a game; next thing you know, she'd pick her second quick foul, have to sit the remainder of the half, and then basically be ineffective when she did come back in because she would be tentative.

I was not pleased how Vic managed Matharu during Big 12 play in Spring 2022. Trying to bring her off the bench (to avoid fouls) and not letting her play in Waco until the game was basically out of hand were not the best choices; but, Matharu also needed to be accountable for picking up silly fouls. As much as I loved Matharu, Vic wouldn't have been forced to change things if she made better choices and staying out of foul trouble to begin with.

I can't think of many coaches who allow their players to remain in the game when they aren't doing what is asked of them; I guess when a team has depth issues, then maybe a coach has no choice but to leave them in the game. Still, they'll get an earful if they aren't playing to their capabilities.

I think there is a time and place for everything. Maybe on national TV, in front of friends and family isn't the way with today's players. Everyone knows who our Coach is, so there is no need loudly reprimand to point out mistakes.

 

[Moooooo]

Maybe on national TV, in front of friends and family isn't the way with today's players. Everyone knows who our Coach is, so there is no need loudly reprimand to point out mistakes.

Can't say I've ever heard his decibel level when the TV cameras show him talking to his players. Maybe he is yelling "loudly"; i have no way of knowing. Maybe he has to do it loudly because of all the noise going on around him. Honestly, a coach can't wait until after the game to point out a mistake; he has to do it then and there so the mistake isn't repeated later in the game. It's called a teachable moment; they occur during the game.

 

[kurupt]

Overall, I am very pleased with Vic and his program, BUT, I'm just going to say it: I think he keeps getting less because players don't like his style. The Reeses, Van Liths, and Clarks of WBB don't want to be reined in by him and we have seen him do this to Matharu, Morris and maybe even Hunter. His lack of patience has been evident against Hadi and DeYona, too, yanking them after one mistake and often not putting them back into a game. Only Rori seems to play exactly how he wishes and his displays of adoration for her (sans everyone else) were pretty glaring this year. I wish he could take a step back sometimes and coach a team to its talents instead of bending them to his will. IMO, Texas will get what it gets as long as Vic keeps this prospective and offensive talent goes elsewhere to shine.

That's a great way to put it. And I'm really interested to see how he handles Madison Booker next year. She has the ability to be special, but we all know that freshman mistakes are going to be made. And depending on whether or not they can get portal help on the perimeter, she might need to be more of a focal point on offense a lot earlier than expected.

 

[brnkj]

Can't say I've ever heard his decibel level when the TV cameras show him talking to his players. Maybe he is yelling "loudly"; i have no way of knowing. Maybe he has to do it loudly because of all the noise going on around him. Honestly, a coach can't wait until after the game to point out a mistake; he has to do it then and there so the mistake isn't repeated later in the game. It's called a teachable moment; they occur during the game.

Yes, and pretty much all coaches get after their players on the spot. Pat, Geno, Dawn, Mulkey, etc. Winners are passionate. I also agree with you, @Moooooo , in what you said earlier. That being that Vic gets extra upset when it's a repeated mistake or lack of effort.

I have seen players commit the same transgressions repeatedly... namely Gaston and Faye more than any others. If I / we see it happening from game to game (and sometimes repeatedly during the same game), then just imagine how many times it happens in practice and how many times he's corrected and preached about it.

I'm certain the same can be said for the coaches of the other type programs. I recall one time watching a Baylor game (pulling for them to lose of course) and KM yelling at Moon Ursin after committing an unforced turnover when the game was really tight, "What's the ******* hurry, Moon?!!!" I was a bit surprised but, as a once upon a time competitive athlete, I understood in that moment.

 

[Malcom]

Can't say I've ever heard his decibel level when the TV cameras show him talking to his players. Maybe he is yelling "loudly"; i have no way of knowing. Maybe he has to do it loudly because of all the noise going on around him. Honestly, a coach can't wait until after the game to point out a mistake; he has to do it then and there so the mistake isn't repeated later in the game. It's called a teachable moment; they occur during the game.

I agree with what you saying Moo...maybe its the optics. But to me in those moments Coach is speaking to not only the player but to the future player too. I guess I'm just trying to understand the players, the portal and the recruit who appears to not give us that "look".

 

[Bucksgal]

Well, I guess we just have different prospectives here, some believing Vic is displaying teaching moments and others believing he is trying to bend players to his will. I guess it could be both, but my point was that there is an elite breed of players that go elsewhere because of it and the fact that Vic is all about defense. It seems to me like most of the accolades, the award nominations, the draft selections, etc., focus on offensive stats. Except, maybe for Aliyah Boston, she was quite the defensive force around the basket.

 

[DFW_Horn]

Dawn Staley is one of the most demanding, defense first coaches in college basketball - doesn't seem to impair her ability to bring in elite players. He got 2 Top 10 players in his first Texas class (2021) and both are still on the roster. In that same class, Staley got 3 and Geno also got 2 but Dawn has lost 1 to transfer.

The 2022 class was a bit disappointing with no Top 25s but Dawn saw the same thing in 2020 (highest rated recruit was in the 40s).

After seeing her play, I'm still trying to figure out how Madison is not Top 10. I know she's close at #12 but, like Celeste, she's been named a starter to every Team USA junior squad and all-star team.

 

[Moooooo]

As far as our interest in Taina Mair, been wondering if that's also based on our (low) level of confidence with 2024 PG Jaloni Cambridge. Sister Kennedy Cambridge has yet to announce her destination after deciding to transfer from Kentucky; perhaps they will want to end up at the same school.

 

[brnkj]

Dawn Staley is one of the most demanding, defense first coaches in college basketball - doesn't seem to impair her ability to bring in elite players. He got 2 Top 10 players in his first Texas class (2021) and both are still on the roster. In that same class, Staley got 3 and Geno also got 2 but Dawn has lost 1 to transfer.

The 2022 class was a bit disappointing with no Top 25s but Dawn saw the same thing in 2020 (highest rated recruit was in the 40s).

After seeing her play, I'm still trying to figure out how Madison is not Top 10. I know she's close at #12 but, like Celeste, she's been named a starter to every Team USA junior squad and all-star team.

I've been tracking Booker since Vic was first hired at UT, and at one time she was ranked around the Top 5. She's definitely going to be a game changer for us with her do-it-all abilites.

 

[racerx5908]

I've been tracking Booker since Vic was first hired at UT, and at one time she was ranked around the Top 5. She's definitely going to be a game changer for us with her do-it-all abilites.

Don't know anything about her. Is she comparable to A. Moore?

 

[brnkj]

Don't know anything about her. Is she comparable to A. Moore?

No, she plays more like Tamika Catchings or Clarissa Davis. I know that's a lofty comparison, but I think she has the potential to be THAT good eventually.

 

[JoeDallas]

Overall, I am very pleased with Vic and his program, BUT, I'm just going to say it: I think he keeps getting less because players don't like his style. The Reeses, Van Liths, and Clarks of WBB don't want to be reined in by him and we have seen him do this to Matharu, Morris and maybe even Hunter. His lack of patience has been evident against Hadi and DeYona, too, yanking them after one mistake and often not putting them back into a game. Only Rori seems to play exactly how he wishes and his displays of adoration for her (sans everyone else) were pretty glaring this year. I wish he could take a step back sometimes and coach a team to its talents instead of bending them to his will. IMO, Texas will get what it gets as long as Vic keeps this prospective and offensive talent goes elsewhere to shine.

I absolutely agree with every word. Very well stated.

 

[Texashorns2022]

I seen that diamond Johnson is in the portal out of nc state

 

[Moooooo]

Thought Celeste was graduating from Duke; that's unfortunate if she's giving up a chance at a Duke undergraduate degree.

 

[brnkj]

Thought Celeste was graduating from Duke; that's unfortunate if she's giving up a chance at a Duke undergraduate degree.

@Moooooo the Tweet is unavailable. What did it say?

 

[Moooooo]

@Moooooo the Tweet is unavailable. What did it say?

This guy had it all wrong initially tweeting that neither Ashley Owusu nor Celeste Taylor had the "graduate transfer" designation selected when they entered the transfer portal. He's since acknowledged he was wrong on both:

 

[Moooooo]

 

[Jun Chou]

Dawn Staley is one of the most demanding, defense first coaches in college basketball - doesn't seem to impair her ability to bring in elite players. He got 2 Top 10 players in his first Texas class (2021) and both are still on the roster. In that same class, Staley got 3 and Geno also got 2 but Dawn has lost 1 to transfer.

The 2022 class was a bit disappointing with no Top 25s but Dawn saw the same thing in 2020 (highest rated recruit was in the 40s).

After seeing her play, I'm still trying to figure out how Madison is not Top 10. I know she's close at #12 but, like Celeste, she's been named a starter to every Team USA junior squad and all-star team.

She was top 5 I believe at one point then she dropped. Madison is a baller and I am excited to see her in burnt orange and develop under Vic.

 

[Moooooo]

Betts to UCLA

 

[brnkj]

Betts to UCLA

That was the initial rumor.

 

[loyallonghorn]

With Lauren Betts commitment to UCLA, it was always going to be tough to pull her out of the Pac-12. Her finalists coming out of high school, included Arizona State, UCLA, Oregon, before committing to Stanford. Other finalists included Connecticut, Notre Dame, Louisville and Baylor.

Former top-recruit Lauren Betts commits to UCLA after freshman season at Stanford

If Betts wanted to come to Texas, you got to take her even though Texas's greatest need is at the perimeter. With Betts off the board, still hoping any two combination of Donarski, Rogers, Paopao, and Celeste (an unlikely dream come true).

I'm not sold on high turnover prone and volume 3 point shooter Taina Mair.

 

[brnkj]

I'm not sold on high turnover prone and volume 3 point shooter Taina Mair.

Neither am I... but I do think she has potential to be very good under the right coaching staff. Where a more structured system may not be for everyone, it might be just the right fit for someone like her. If she comes to UT I'll trust (and hope for) that to be the case. At this point I'm wondering if maybe we're not going to add anyone from the portal.