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James banks commits to the Horns

Long, willing to mix it up inside, shows a strong tendency to beat everyone down the floor.  Love this acquisition for more reasons than the fact Texas was facing a huge hole in the middle after this season.


 
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That is what I was thinking.  From what little I have seen of Banks' film, it looks like he is mobile enough to play the four a little, as well as the five.  What I was thinking when I made my previous post was how that filters through Coach Smart's system which I anticipate to be a little more up tempo than what we have become accustomed.  His system also seems to indicate that he will be looking for bigs who are versatile.

 
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Different type players. Banks will play the five in college. Allen will likely get most of his minutes at the 4.
I see more similarities than differences, even if Banks is a little longer and probably the stronger post defender and not quite so adept with the mid-range jumper.  While the natural inclination would be for Banks to be a 5 and Allen a 4, I don't know if those numbers will have much meaning on the offensive end.  I don't know if Smart is going to be playing anyone in the half-court as a back to the basket post very often, and when he does, it would probably be taking advantage of the smaller defender in man defense.  Both these guys can operate from the arc to the basket, so neither will be nailed to post offensive duty.

These guys also know there will be plenty of minutes to go around and a lot of up and down action that will allow them to show their skills in full court action, so it isn't at all like getting Banks means Allen should feel threatened for PT or a chance to shine. 

 
LINKY

4-star C James Banks commits to the Texas Longhorns

By Wescott Eberts

@SBN_Wescott on Oct 8, 2015, 8:59a 7


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Chris Covatta/Getty Images
 

After some notable misses, Shaka Smart landed a key priority at a need position.


The Texas Longhorns added a much-needed interior presence to the 2016 basketball recruiting class on Thursday with the pledge of La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere School center James Banks:

A consensus four-star prospect, the 6'10, 230-pounder is the No. 56 player nationally, the No. 5 center, and the No. 2 player in Indiana, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Banks held 23 offers prior to his pledge, including Auburn, Cincinnati, Georgetown, Memphis, Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee, USC, and Vanderbilt.

The Commodores were considered the biggest competition for the Horns and in fact held a sizable lead for Banks in the 247Sports Crystal Ball. Banks took an official visit to Austin in late August and then traveled to Nashville in early September.

However, it was his relationship with new Texas head coach Shaka Smart that eventually won out, according to 247Sports.

"Coach Smart and his staff were genuine throughout the recruiting process about wanting to coach me, mentor me and make me better," Banks said. "He mentioned that they cared about me, and that was a big thing along with great academics and basketball, and it's a great opportunity at every aspect."

As a good athlete capable of running the floor, Banks fits Smart's preferred style of play and also possesses solid touch on his jumpshot. With some natural strength and a projectable frame, he is a phsyical presence around the rim who can block or alter shots. However, he doesn't have much of a post-up game and isn't an explosive finisher.

Since Banks is still relatively new to the game, there's some significant upside left for him as he continues to add refinement to his game.

Banks is the second pledge for Texas in the 2016 recruiting class, joining point guard Jacob Young.
 
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Another LINKY

James Banks to Texas: Longhorns Land 4-Star Center Prospect

By Tim Daniels , Featured Columnist

Oct 8, 2015


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Photo Credit: 247Sports

 
James Banks, one of the top centers in the 2016 recruiting class, announced Thursday that he plans to play college basketball at Texas. The Longhorns beat out Vanderbilt to land the coveted post player.

Evan Daniels of Scout passed along comments from Banks about the decision. The Indiana native, who stars for the La Lumiere School, stated his budding connection with new Texas coach Shaka Smart was a crucial factor in the end.

"After and during the recruiting process you realize and learn what is real and what is fake," Banks said. "I really was able to establish a great relationship with coach Smart and coach [Mike] Morrell at Texas. They had a legitimate desire to coach me, get me better, develop me and help me become the best person and player I could be."

He also confirmed to Scout it was a close race between the Longhorns and the Commodores. In the end, he discussed the decision with his mom, and they came to the same conclusion: "We both agreed that Texas was the place for me."

Banks is a 4-star prospect who ranks as the No. 56 recruit in the country for the 2016 class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He's rated as the No. 5 center and the No. 2 player coming out of the basketball-rich state of Indiana as well.


William Wilkerson of Horns Digest provided some further information about the fast-rising prospect:

What he lacks in polish he makes up for with a highly intriguing combination of size and athleticism. It's going to make him an ideal fit for the aggressive, up-tempo style that allowed Smart to enjoy so much success while coaching at VCU.

Exactly how much Banks develops over the next 13 months will dictate what type of initial impact he makes at Texas. He could start in a reserve role while he continues to work on his low-post offense, but his long-term outlook is undoubtedly promising.

 
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Coming from Indiana, this young man will know the fundamentals of basketball. Great get by Smart, lets hope this good fortune rubs off on Strong.

 
So that makes two commits for this class, how many scholarships are available for next season?

 
So that makes two commits for this class, how many scholarships are available for next season?
Six, if we assume no redshirts, early departures, transfers

Texas has only 12 on scholarship this year.  Ridley, Ibeh, Lammert, Holland, Felix all graduate. 

I'm guessing Taylor will leave early, so seven spots will be available.  The next season will then have us losing only two (Cleare and Yancy), so Smart might decide to keep an extra scholarship (or two) free for the 2017 class. 

 
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