The Shaka Smart era unofficially got under way today as Texas defeated Tarleton State 95-61. While it was only an exhibition game meant to knock the rust off before the season opener in Shanghai next week, there is a lot to be excited about if you are a Texas fan.
These are the things that really stuck out to me in the exhibition win.
Defense
There were a multitude of ways the Longhorns applied pressure on the floor. I saw a 2-1-2 full court trap, a two-man pressure and trap, two man pressure, and a single man on ball pressure. Texas has the athletes and guards to pressure all game long and can cycle them through. The defense flew around all night long and made it tough for the Texans to get decent shots off and work it inside. They contested nearly every shot that left an opposing player’s hand, and they seemed to know precisely how to operate screens based on the ball handler and the man setting the screen. I thought the bigs did a great job of rebounding. Texas only played two true bigs tonight in Ridley and Ibeh, who both started.
Offense
If you can shoot you have the green light. And boy does Texas have some shooters. All three freshmen were difference-makers on both sides of the ball, and all can pull it from three. Texas has missed shooters at all three guard spots. It’s safe to say they have their bases covered now at guard. There was a lot better motion overall, and Smart doesn’t hesitate to mix up the lineup if things go awry. The three freshmen are going to be players. All can shoot, get to the hole and pass.
Notable: Kerwin Roach can fly and Eric Davis can shoot. Same with Tevin Mack. Lastly on the offense side, the Texas bigs looked great. I saw more offense out of Prince Ibeh and Camero Ridley than I have in three years. That should have Texas fans giddy.
Lots to work on, but scoring more than 90 points is always impressive.
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[*]Cam and Prince have developed solid post moves. Both can get up and down the floor no problem in this up and down offense
[*]Look for Ridley and Ibeh to rim run a lot more
[*]We saw a good look at what this offense will be about toward the end of the game when Texas really took control
[*]Interesting battle between Kerwin Roach and Isaiah Taylor going forward
[*]Who’s the first man off the bench?
[*]Shaka Smart won’t be afraid to sit Taylor if he goes into street ball mode
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The Longhorns open the season on November 13th against the Washington Huskies in Shanghai China.
