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Texas Basketball: 5 thoughts from first two games of the season

By Andrew Miller

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 6: Jericho Sims #20 of the Texas Longhorns drives around Cam Burrell #10 of the Eastern Illinois Panthers at the Frank Erwin Center on November 6, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 6: Jericho Sims #20 of the Texas Longhorns drives around Cam Burrell #10 of the Eastern Illinois Panthers at the Frank Erwin Center on November 6, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Kerwin Roach II #12 of the Texas Longhorns fights for a loose ball with Hallice Cooke #13 and Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Kerwin Roach II #12 of the Texas Longhorns fights for a loose ball with Hallice Cooke #13 and Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Kerwin Roach II is an immediate difference maker

Part of the reason why Texas basketball might’ve looked slow at times in the win over Eastern Illinois was the absence of standout senior guard Kerwin Roach II. Due to a violation of team rules dating back earlier this year, Roach II was held out of some preseason activities and the season opener.

Roach II made his season debut in style in the Nov. 9 battle with Arkansas in El Paso. In a nationally televised showdown, Roach II did exactly what he was hoping to do this season and prove his worth to NBA scouts. He showed off a nice outside shot and the ability to facilitate this offense when he’s on the floor in rhythm.

Last season, Roach II had some big breakthroughs in his game and came close to touching the ceiling that a lot of Texas basketball fans know he has. He set a career mark in a few offensive categories, including blowing his previous high out of the water for three-point shooting percentage.

In this day and age in the NBA, guards need to be athletic and play above the rim along with having the ability to create offense with an outside shot. Some of the best guards in the NBA now do both at an elite level. Roach II withdrew from the 2018 NBA Draft to work on his game and become more than just a borderline late second round prospect.

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