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Texas Basketball: How will the new NCAA rule changes impact the Longhorns?

By Andrew Miller

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Head coach Shaka Smart of the Texas Longhorns looks on during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Head coach Shaka Smart of the Texas Longhorns looks on during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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Aug. 8 had a big change to the NCAA and NBA rules that could have a major impact on the Texas basketball program in the coming years.

The entire college basketball world has been turned on its head since the start of the 2017 off-season. However, one set of rules announced by the NCAA on Aug. 8 will have a direct impact on Texas basketball soon enough.

This new NCAA rule for both college basketball and the NBA Draft should take effect by the 2020 or 2021 off-seasons. And, the rule change allows for players who declare for the NBA Draft that have eligibility still remaining at their respective programs to return back to their team if they’re not selected. That player that is not selected would have to inform their schools by 5 p.m. the following Monday after the NBA Draft takes place.

This helps a lot of the players that declare early to take their career to the next level have more comfort in their decision if it does not work out. For example, in a case like the one where rising senior Texas guard Kerwin Roach Jr. declared one year early for the 2018 NBA Draft and later withdrew before it took place, he wouldn’t have to worry so much about not getting selected with this new rule in place.

With the growing trend of college players declaring early for the NBA Draft with little to no chance of getting selected, there is at least a back up plan coming into place now. It’ll also help some players get better development and become more well-rounded before getting their chance to shine in the NBA.

An additional rule that will be put in place for high school recruits and college players will allow them to now hire agents with special permission to help them make the right choice for their career paths.

Considering all the off the court drama that has occurred in the college hoops landscape over the past two years, these new rules do seem like steps in the right direction. It could take a year or two for the rules to be implemented at both the college and NBA levels, but it’s likely to happen soon.

As these rule changes pertain directly to the Longhorns, this could impact the program in a few areas. One example is the former star Texas center Mohamed Bamba, who could’ve had a more direct focus on making the best jump to the NBA after his one year in college. Bamba openly stated that he would’ve made the jump directly to the NBA and skipped college if possible.

Next. Injury to Kerwin Roach Jr. shouldn't mean missed time. dark

Moreover, with the level that head Texas basketball coach Shaka Smart has recruited at in recent years, the Horns could see these rule changes impact more immensely talented commits to the program. Overall, this is a positive step to take in the world of college and professional hoops to give players more support over the course of their careers.

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