5 Reasons Why Texas Basketball Will Return to NCAA Tournament Next Year

5 Reasons Why Texas Will Return to NCAA Tournament Next Year

Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of the NCAA March Madness logo during the second half in a semifinal game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Indiana Hoosiers in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Tulane Green Wave forward Dylan Osetkowski (21) handles the ball as Memphis Tigers forward Dedric Lawson (1) defends in the first half during the AAC tournament at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

(2) Dylan Osetkowski

Tulane transfer Dylan Osetkowski was allowed to play in Texas’ preseason Orange vs. White game at Gregory Gym. And, he dominated the game. That led to Texas football star Malik Jefferson famously tweeting his excitement to see Dylan play in real games. Then, Malik was reminded that Dylan could not play this season, crushing his hopes.

Well, wait no more. The big man finally gets to play for Texas Basketball next season. Shaka Smart already identified Dylan as a major contributor next season based on how much he contributed off the court this season.

Because Dylan can finally play next season, we expect the Longhorns to return to the NCAA Tournament working off Matt Coleman and creating a tougher basketball team.

We’ll see if Jarrett Allen sticks around to create a dominant inside force like Caleb Swanigan and Isaac Haas at Purdue. But, even if Allen leaves early for the NBA, we expect Osetkowski to be a major factor in 2017-2018.

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