Overview:
The athletic program at Texas is becoming
increasingly greedy. On the heels of a national
title run for the football team, the men's
basketball team is on the short list of favorites to
win a national basketball title. It was one of the
most successful regular seasons in the history of
the program, producing a 6-2 record against top 20
opposition, with two of those wins coming over top
10 squads. Only UConn has a better rebounding margin
that Texas' +10 mark.
Potential Difference Maker: Rick Barnes has
had to tweak his backcourt at times this season, but
he's had very few worries about the frontcourt. Brad
Buckman and P.J. Tucker have provided stellar work
on the interior, but it's forward LaMarcus Aldridge
who can put this team over the top. In one of the
bigger interleague games of the season, Aldridge
dropped in 19 points and recorded 5 blocks to lead
Texas to a 58-55 win over Villanova.
On Offense: Passing game looking to go inside
out, Aldridge, Tucker, and Buckman can all score on
the block. Gibson can really create off of the
dribble with the floor spread which opens the
offense up for himself and others. Can grind it out
in the half court or use their athletic ability to
score in transition. Crash offensive boards hard
On Defense: Man to man and 2-3 zone which
they really like to extend out and use their length
and athleticism.
Strength: Very good starting five that has a lot of
big game experience. Gibson can be as good as any
point in the country on any given night, and Tucker
is a mismatch for opposing defenses.
Weakness: Bench is very suspect beyond
Abrams.
Key to Success: Gibson must be able to carry
them when their offense bogs down, and defensive
toughness must be there every night.
How to Beat Them: Get into their bench by
fast pace or causing foul problems. Keep three
shooters on the floor to keep them spread.
