Love Shaka and this team

[The Horn Identity]

Just have to say how much I'm enjoying watching this team under Shaka's leadership. It is obvious that Shaka's coaching style (as opposed to the former leadership) has these guys playing with confidence. I can go down the roster and think about contributions that we have gotten from everyone that is seeing playing time. Even Holland was has pulled from the line up and only given limited minutes is making a positive contribution when he gets his chances. At this point, I'm no longer surprised when don't get blown out on the road and actually expect to win home games against top opponents.

When you consider we are down our best player (or second best player depending how you compare Isaiah and Cam), it's really encouraging to see us actually getting better. Think about this, if we still had Cam and that only affected the outcomes of the @tech and @ TCU losses, we'd be tied for the conference lead and have a good argument to be a top 10 team.

 

[Driver 8]

+1. I didn’t know what to expect in Year 1 under Shaka but you have to be pleased with the general trend of this team. If he can recruit well and keep improving the program (which I fully expect he will) Texas could become a very attractive destination for top players.

 

[Brad Austin]

Fearless and tough as nails...love this overachieving bunch of warriors. Reminds me of the pride I felt watching the 2008 Texas football team. Started ranked #11 and most believed we were a year away (OU was #1) from the Big 12 title and MNC appearance (which we accomplished in 2009).

That 2008 team had talent but the relentless fight brought them to another level. During murderer's row we played four top 11 teams in a row. Won the first three beating #1 OU, #11 Mizzou, and #7 OSU. Without a last-second loss to #6 TTU we'd have played for it all a year early.

Teams like 2008 football and 2016 basketball are my favorite type teams to watch. Tough as nails, no fear, and over-achieve. More fun for me than the ones who are expected to win a title.

 

[The Horn Identity]

Don't get me started on the 2008 football season. Still pissed that we didn't play for the NC.

First of all, we should have won the South division after beating OU by double-digits on neutral field. Our only loss was to a top 10 Tech on the road, at night, on a last second play. That was not a bad loss.

But even after getting screwed in conference, we should have been re-matched with OU for the National Championship. Instead, Florida who had a home loss against an unranked opponent got the nod. At the time, they said nobody wanted to see a rematch. But, a few years later, we got Bama-LSU.

People look at 2009 as our missed chance for another NC. But in my mind, Colt's best chance was when he was a junior in 2008. That team rocked.

 

[4th_floor]

I also love what Shaka has done with this team. At the beginning of the year, I would have been satisfied with a team that just made the big dance. But with just a little luck, these guys will make the sweet 16. Great job coach. Keep it up.

 

[Horns11]

He's going to have to earn his paycheck next season. We're at only 8 scholarship players (assuming Taylor leaves, which he will). I'm hoping for a "play immediately" transfer from a Division II school or JUCO. We're in dire need of a 6'8"-or-taller guy who can eat minutes, rebounds, and fouls. But I kind of like the type of recruits he's going after. We're going to be a super-exciting team for years to come.

 

[mchammer]

Forks for everybody!

 

[The Horn Identity]

We may will take a step back next year with all of the turnover. But, I'm still be satisfied with what Shaka has been able to accomplish this year. So, I'll be willing to give him time to rebuild the roster.

 

[NBHorn7]

I think Shaka has more than earned his paycheck this year, with more yet to come it seems.

By the way Tech just beat OU 65-63, their third straight win over a ranked opponent. They are now squarely on the bubble to make the big dance.

That loss in Lubbock doesn't look so bad now. This league is starting to look like what the Big East used to look like. The Big 12 could get 7 out of 10 teams in the Tournament.

Texas is now tied for third in the league with OU and Baylor.

 

[Joe Fan]

45th and Burnet

 

[Brad Austin]

Step back in 2017??? Maybe early in the season as youth gels, but we'll be back on track or even higher by mid-season. Most thought our season was cooked when (previously lackluster) Ibeh replaced Ridley. Shaka proved otherwise.

Smart knows how to squeeze out talent to fit what he wants to do. He'll find the right mix of vets and talented new additions to win 20 again.

As for size concerns...

We're favored to land ESPN's #1 Center (#19 overall) 5-star Jarrett Allen (6'10, 235). He'd be the prize signing of the class.

#10 center 4-star James Banks (6'11, 230) is en route. He needs to improve on offense, but Banks is among the nation's best in rebounds and blocks.

Long-range shooting help on way...

We also added a couple of talented (top 100), 4-star scorers at guard in Andrew Jones (#8 SG) and Jacob Young (#34 SG).

In a head-up meeting, word is the 6'4 Jones got the best of the nation's #2 PG and #1 Texas player De'Andre Fox (Kentucky commit). Should see ample time next year.

This is one sport where counting on these type talented Freshmen should work fine by mid-season. In Shaka I trust.

 

[Dionysus]

In Shaka I trust.

I agree. So help me Shaka.