Texas Longhorn Basketball
To those on the outside looking in, it would seem that the Texas Longhorns, with an overall record of 23-12 and another NCAA tournament berth, had another successful 2008-2009 men’s basketball season. But Coach Rick Barnes, now heading into his 12th season at Texas, thought differently. After losing a close game to Duke in the NCAA East Regionals, Coach Barnes decided to hit the recruiting trail with the express purpose of adding more firepower to his offensive scheme.
Needless to say, he was incredibly successful with his 2009 NCAA men’s basketball recruiting class. Many experts feel that overall, Coach Barnes’s efforts resulted in the #2 ranked recruiting class in the Big 12 conference. All in all, this definitely spells trouble for the Longhorn’s opponents in the upcoming 2009 – 20010 basketball season.
2009 Texas Longhorns Recruits
#1 2009 Texas Recruit – SG – Avery Bradley
Ht: 6’3”
Wt: 180lbs
ESPN Ranking: #1
Bradley was ranked the top player in the country not for his outstanding offensive capabilities, but because he possesses excellent defensive skills. Most experts agree that he is a relentless defender with the ability to shut down an opponent almost at will. Can you say “Dominating defender?” But don’t let that fool you, he is an excellent transition player that can drive and score with a variety of offensive moves. He needs to sharpen his perimeter game to keep the defense from collapsing and preventing his penetration. But score a big win for Coach Barnes on the signing of this talented young man.
#2 2009 Texas Recruit – SF – Jordan Hamilton
Ht: 6’7”
Wt: 215lbs
ESPN Ranking: #8
Many scouts touted this young man as the most prolific scorer on the west coast. Gifted might have also been among the words to describe Hamilton. In the open court many think he can be an unstoppable force with his offensive arsenal. He has the ability to slash and drive and his jump shot is accurate to 25ft. What seems to get overlooked is that Hamilton is an excellent passer and has above average ball handling skills. A highly emotional player, his only fault is at times he becomes too emotional and tends to lose focus. But that to can be cured with maturity. Again, score a big victory for Coach Barnes with this acquisition.
#3 2009 Texas Recruit – SF – Shawn Williams
Ht: 6’6”
Wt: 190lbs
ESPN Ranking: #53
Williams is athletic and smooth. Maybe graceful can be thrown into that mix. He has the ability to drive and attack the basket with either hand. His jumper is fluid and he shows sign of becoming an excellent 3 point shooter. Defensively Williams uses his athletic ability to play above average man to man and has become a ferocious rebounder on both ends of the floor. A solid all around player that should eventually become a consistent contributor for the Texas Longhorns.
Refs:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/teams/tal
http://texas.rivals.com/default.asp?type=4
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