5 Most Important Returning Players for Texas Basketball
By Tyler Brett
Shaka Smart enters Year 2 with Texas basketball with high expectations. Despite massive turnover, the Horns are expected to be better this season as they begin to take on Smart’s up-tempo, high-pressure identity. They will be young, but if this team is going to compete, it will be because of their veterans.
Texas is losing six key players from last season, including the team’s top three scorers. If not for a tremendous job on the recruiting trail, Smart would be in for a long year. However, because of a star-studded incoming freshman class and a wide-open Big 12 landscape, Texas is expected to take the next step in 2016-17.
To do that, they will need big contributions from their returning players. Most of the starting lineup from last year is gone, that’s true. But plenty of players got significant playing time in the rotation and will see expanded roles this season. There are minutes to be had with so many contributors leaving this offseason. It will be up to some untested veterans to get this young roster up and running.
The preseason hype has been focused in on incoming freshmen stars like Jarrett Allen. That’s understandable since Allen is the best freshman talent Texas has seen since Myles Turner. However, there will be a bit of a transition period for Allen. As he grows into his star role, Texas needs those players who have been around to step up and lead.
Texas’ success this season hinges on Smart’s returning players stepping up. So here are the five most important returning players for Texas basketball in 2016-17.