Talent vs Coaching

[Matt Cotcher]

One of the things that stood out while watching and reading draft coverage on Myles Turner was the number of folks  pointing out how many UT players have been high draft picks recently. It was so ubiquitous that it got me thinking: "If UT had first round talent, then what should the season results have been?"

In other words, Kentucky, Duke & Wisconsin all had at least 2 players selected in the first 20 picks last night, and they were the last 3 teams standing in the tournament. Given the track record below, what level of finish should Texas have had?

2006: Lamarcus Aldridge (2nd pick) - final result Elite 8

2007: Kevin Durant (2nd pick) - final result 2nd round

2008: DJ Augustin (9th pick) - final result Elite 8

2009: no 1st rounder - final result 2nd round

2010: Avery Bradley (19th pick); Damion James (24th pick) - final result 1st round

2011: Tristan Thompson (4th pick); Jordan Hamilton (26th pick); Cory Joseph (29th pick) - final result 2nd round

2012: no 1st rounder - final result 1st round

2013: no 1st rounder - final result CBI 1st round

2014: no 1st rounder - final result 2nd round

2015: Myles Turner (11th pick) - final result 1st round

 

[streettopeschel]

In general I agree with your premise, but it's interesting you said 'last three standing' when there were four. And Michigan state had only a late 2nd round pick.

Year in and Izzo does more with less than anybody.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

In general I agree with your premise, but it's interesting you said 'last three standing' when there were four. And Michigan state had only a late 2nd round pick.

Year in and Izzo does more with less than anybody.

Yep, I took some liberty there...general consensus would be that Michigan State was a clear cut #4 to those three teams.

Regardless, I agree that Izzo maximizes his roster.