In anticipation for Shaka Smart’s second season on The 40 Acres, HornSports college basketball writer Chris Flanagan takes a look at components of the Texas men’s basketball team. This week, he previews the upperclassmen..
The Upperclassmen
While the bulk of the team’s talent is underclassmen, the upperclassmen provide the depth and experience needed to keep the young recruits focused on the task at-hand. Most of the upperclassmen are transfers into the program, which allows them to bring their experiences with other programs into the fold and provide much-needed value to the Longhorns.
Superstar: Kendal Yancy
The Longhorns are guard heavy in depth and in talent. Kendal Yancy had a down year in his junior campaign, getting roughly half the playing time he received his sophomore year. However, Yancy has shown flashes of greatness that allow him to be a difference maker in certain games. He won’t be the go-to guard for the team, but as a 6th man coming off the bench, he can change the game with his hustle.
Hidden gem: Dylan Osetkowski
I know it’s a stretch to name the one upperclassman who will not play as the hidden gem because he won’t be seeing the court until this time next year. However, he averaged 11 points and 8 rebounds per game last year with Tulane. Also, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Maryland all wanted his services for the future. These 3 teams have made the Sweet Sixteen the past two seasons. In the Texas tip-off intrasquad scrimmage, Osetkowski had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Plus, with Jarrett Allen being one-and-done after the season, Osetkowski will get a year of practice and step right into the 4 spot in 2017. This was a huge get for the Longhorns.
Other Members
Shaq Cleare
Cleare is a BIG man to say the least. Since last season he has lost 10 pounds, down from 285 to 275. He is still a force down low but his size will prevent the team from being able to run like they want to. He will play a lot simply because the Longhorns don’t have the bodies in the frontcourt. However, expect him to make a clear impact on the floor this season.
Mareik Isom
The Austin native transferred from Arkansas-Little Rock where he was rarely a starter and was inconsistent in performance. In some games he would score in the double digits, while in other games he wouldn’t show up. He is a true small forward and if Tevin Mack needs a rest, he will get playing time.
Isaiah Hobbs
This one was a late addition to the roster and looks to be a transfer from UT-Pan American where he averaged 3 points per game. I don’t believe he has a scholarship but is instead a walk-on to the team. I doubt he sees the floor this year and could redshirt and turn into a solid player.
Ryan McClurg
The last man off the bench. Ryan has stuck with the program for 4 years and will get his chance to start on senior night against Baylor but don’t expect to see much more from him beyond that.
Overall Preview
These 6 players are not going to be the stars of the program. However, if Texas is going to have a special season, they need the 3 scholarship seniors (Isom, Yancy, and Cleare) to add value off the bench. If these 3 can combine for 10-15 PPG, that would be a valuable addition and it would keep teams honest when defending the Longhorns. Osetkowski looks to be a superstar in the making, starting on next year’s squad, but that’s speculation. If the Longhorns are going to live up to high expectations, it will depend on the production of the upperclassmen.
