Season preview: Isaiah Taylor (by: Chris Flanagan)

[HornSports Staff]

Isaiah Taylor (6'1" 170lbs, #1 Guard)

Highlights of Isaiah Taylor:

http://youtu.be/mKPYgZ7CUHk

http://youtu.be/Y-Y_viRB13c

Outlook:

Isaiah Taylor was one of the biggest surprises ofthe 2013-14 season. The freshman was a great addition to the Texas Longhorns basketball team - a scoring threat that added a dimension to the team that was missing from the 2012-13 squad.

The problem was Taylor's game had it's limits...he was adept at dribble penetration, but could score with a floater or a layup. Another limiting factor for Taylor was that toward the end of the season, his effectiveness faded. Against Texas Tech and West Virginia, he only made 2-15 shots and 6 points. Both teams did a good job of shutting down the lane.

I recognize that Taylor was only a freshman and fully expect him to continue developing his game. To maximize the team's success this year, he needs to develop a dependable jump shot that draws defenders to him. If he is a threat to score from outside, opposing teams will have no choice but to defend him. If someone comes out to defend him, that will open up a driving lane to either take it to the hole or pass the ball to one of the big guys for an easy score. High percentage shots are always ideal but Taylor will have to develop a jump shot to keep the opposing defenses honest. 

 

[MikeV73]

With all if our bigs inside, we may not need him to score a heck of a lot more from the outside than last season. Dump it to the bigs and let them work inside. Of course, a stellar outside shot would make us a much tougher squad to contend with this season.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

With all if our bigs inside, we may not need him to score a heck of a lot more from the outside than last season. Dump it to the bigs and let them work inside. Of course, a stellar outside shot would make us a much tougher squad to contend with this season.

Consistent J's from Taylor would leave the bigs a lot more room to work.

 

[utisdabomb12]

Taylor is our most important player IMO. Our offense is substantially better when he's getting in the lane. 

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Taylor is our most important player IMO. Our offense is substantially better when he's getting in the lane. 

Don't say that - you're just asking for the David Ash/Dom Espinosa jinx.