Texas Basketball: 5 arguments for Longhorns to make NCAA Tournament

3. Play of the backcourt can get them far

Although the breakthrough of bench players for Texas basketball of late in the frontcourt rotation helped the ascent to get on the right side of the win column more often, the backcourt remains the rock of the team. Coleman and Ramey were the most important duo on a team that needs a lot of pieces to be clicking at the right time.

But the play of junior shooting guard Andrew Jones also helps the Longhorns get the much-needed scoring boost off the bench. Volume scoring is something that Texas doesn’t really get from anyone beside Jones. Inconsistent production from the likes of true freshmen Jones and shooting guard/wing Donovan Williams won’t get the Longhorns to where they need to be.

So far this season, Jones is averaging 11.3 points per game, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, while shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc. Jones is posting career-highs in win shares, player efficiency rating, and three-point shooting percentage. Those are all stat categories where Texas needs help (obviously more win shares always boosts a team).

One of the common discussions surrounding NCAA Tournament contenders is who they have that can spearhead a run. Coleman came out of the gates red hot this season, and his defense and distributing ability makes him a great starting floor general for this team. Ramey is a special talent on offense that also provides steady defense. These two playing well together means great things for Texas moving forward.