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5 Most Important Returning Players for Texas Basketball

By Tyler Brett

Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Shaka Smart yells in the second half against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Shaka Smart yells in the second half against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Shaquille Cleare (32) shoots against Baylor Bears forward Rico Gathers (2) during the first half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Shaquille Cleare (32) shoots against Baylor Bears forward Rico Gathers (2) during the first half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

Playing behind Cam Ridley and Prince Ibeh, Shaquille Cleare provided a nice post presence off the bench last season. With a pair of high-profile freshman set to take over the front court this season, Cleare is going to be a much-needed veteran presence in the rotation.

Last season, the 6-foot-8, 275-pound Maryland transfer gave Smart much-needed depth in the front court. He averaged just 12 minutes and 3.6 points per game but logged a career-best 2.9 rebounds per game in his rotational role. When he was featured, Cleare looked great. In a February 20 matchup against Baylor, Cleare logged a season-high 27 minutes and chipped in 14 points, 5 rebounds, and an assist. Against Baylor again in the Big 12 tournament, Cleare logged 12 points and 3 rebounds in just 18 minutes.

This year, Cleare is going to have an important role to play as a steady post presence while Allen and four-star center James Banks get acclimated. If the young stars struggle early, Cleare is capable of playing extended minutes in Smart’s system. He isn’t going to have the potential of the freshmen but he’ll provide a steady post presence that will be invaluable to the Horns.

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