I know most people have been bummed out the last week or so because Texas no longer has a shot at the national championship. It's been a hell of a run but it's time for people to snap out of it damnit, Texas can still can still win the conference and get to a BCS Bowl. Sure, it's not a national championship but Mack Brown and his bunch certainly have plenty to play for especially with games against A&M and hopefully the big 12 championship in wonderful Kansas City. Got to hand it to the big 12, they certainly know how to get people excited by playing a game in 20 degree weather. I'm sure Marcus will be there with his shirt off and his chest painted and the damn Borat mustache, but I'll passing on that one.
A UT/Boise bowl matchup would really be more interesting than most people think, but a UT/ND matchup would make anyone excited.
While we are on a UT tangent, It's probably time to look at the Hoops team for the upcoming season.
Backcourt
AJ Abrams (#3) A 5-10 sophomore Abrams is really the only player with significant minutes from last year's squad. Abrams hails from the Austin area (McNeil High school) and he can fill it up from the outside. While AJ is only 5-10, he is much more effective when playing off the ball, and luckly Barnes when out and got DJ Augustin to play the point.
DG Augustin (#14) Augustin is highly regarded point guard hailing from New Orleans and obviously his high school career was affected by Hurricane Katrina. Augustin ended up playing his senior year in Sugar Land at Fort Bend Hightower. Somewhere Cody Daniel and Chad Casey are smiling.. Augustin has a similar build to a stephon marbury but looks to pass before shoot unlike Marbury during his carerr. Which is very good on this squad, because the two best players on the next two guys.
Kevin Durant (#35) Durant was simply the 2nd best player in last year's unbelievably talented senior class behind Greg Oden. Oden has only drawn comparisons to Bill Russell and Shaquille O'neal so there's not much hype behind that guy. The best way to describe Durant at this point is the wingspan and ballhandling of a Kevin Garnett with a Tracy McGrady like shooting stroke. If you don't believe me, watch this guy play. He is that special.
I had the good fortune of seeing Kevin Durant play last spring in a game in South Dallas against South Oak Cliff and KU freshman Darrell Arthur. And I love Arthur, but Durant stole the show and his talent was apparent. Durant was something special that day and he has the ability to take Texas basketball to new heights even in only one season. His unselfishness is apparent in his upbringing , and I expect him to a good job of leading this young group it was is honestly the most open season imaginable outside of Florida.
Kevin Durant's Montrose Christian Team Defeats Vaunted Oak Hill Academy last season
Damion James The 6'9" James is no slouch himself and should be a good complimentary player for Durant this season anyways. James will probably be a first rounder but after his sophomore or junior season most likely. He only led 4A Nacogdoches High School to the playoffs 3 straight season averaging over 24 in all three seasons.
Texas can also rely on JD Lewis (Long Range shooter type who is a role player at best) and a pair of other Freshman, Justin Mason and Harrison Smith. Mason appears to be a guy who Barnes is going to rely on, not so sure about Smith.
Front Court
Matt Hill This Freshman from Lincoln, NE needs to put on the pounds because at this point he looks like he can be muscled down low. His Fro will remind people anywhere from Fletch to Sideshow Bob and anyone else in between. His Hair kicks ass, but he needs to hit the weights because we are going to need him later in the season.
Conor Atchley One of the other few holdovers from last year's team, Atchley is not going to strike fear in many teams. Hopefully he can provide decent minutes as a backup in case some of the other guys get in foul trouble.
Dexter Pittman This 315 pound Freshman needs to stay away from the Jester Cafeteria and Players Grill Cheeseburgers. From Rosenberg, Texas, he will most likely be phased in slowly and hopefully can provide a needed boost to team that is going to need frountcourt help in conference play. Lots of potential with this kid if he can keep his weight under control.
Craig Winder (the lone senior) who saw limited duty on last year's squad and should figure to have a veteran presence on this team.
Ian Mooney Last guy on the bench and a transfer from St. Louis University. If you remember Yair Harari from a few years back, you'll know this guy's likely role.
Gambling wise, the 2nd half of the season has been good to me and last week was my best year to date going 11-4 for the day.
I got to admit that I like this week's card as much as any all season so I need to be careful and have some discipline. Let's see how this turns out:
@Minnesota -2.5 over Iowa -- I don't care if this seems like a sucker line or not Minnesota has awoken from the dead after a murderous stretch against the big boys of the Big 10. Iowa was reeling and any last statement they were going to make would have been last week at home against Wisconsin. Iowa has owned this series, but Minnesota will get their revenge in a big way tomorrow morning in the battle for the Floyd of Roysdale trophy.
Big Play
@Vandy +8 over Tennessee -- Vandy has been pretty competitive in this series the last few years and I see no reason why this team can't keep it close against tired and beaten up Tennesee team. Expect Vandy to get it interesting.
Medium Play
@Navy -31.5 over Temple -- This is a huge number to lay if you are an option team, but I feel decent enough in this spot to push my luck. Temple may give up 700 yards rushing in this game..
Medium PLay
@Kentucky -20 over Louisiana Monroe- Very rarely are you talking about a Kentucky team blowing out anybody. Unless they decide to take the week off which is unlikely at this point in this season, the difference between a decent SEC team and a bad Sunbelt team will become apparent.
Medium PLay
Okie St. +6 over Texas Tech -- I've been really impressed with Oklahoma St.'s offense all season. Tech is always dangerous on that carpet in Lubbock but I'll take my chances getting a TD in this spot.
Medium Play
@Rice +2.5 over East Carolina -- I really believe Rice has found something special this year and while I love Skip Holtz's squad at East Carolina, I'm going to say Rice wins a huge game for their program over the Pirates in Houston.
Medium PLay
Arizona +14 over Oregon
Arizona quietly has put together huge back to back wins. Oregon is struggling and will have a tough time running away from Arizona even at Autzen.
Big Play
Idaho +10.5 over Fresno St.
Yes, Fresno St. got a win last week... over New Mexico St. Idaho is better than New Mexico St. and I think Idaho keeps this one close.
Big Play
New Mexico +27 over BYU
Yes, BYU is good. But they aren't this good over New Mexico team that is at least c competitive in the Mountain West.
Medium Play
More to come tomorrow if I have time. Good luck to everyone this week!
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