Texas Basketball: 3 bold predictions in season opener vs. UTRGV

3) Texas basketball bold predictions vs. UTRGV

Kai Jones leads the way on the boards

The Longhorns are going to have a tough task configuring the frontcourt rotation early this season. There’s just so much potency, depth, and talent in their frontcourt rotation, which is not a bad thing at all. But there are going to be some players that don’t get the playing time they would have maybe in previous seasons on the Forty Acres.

Bigs like sophomores Kai Jones and Brock Cunningham are two that contributed down the stretch last season but will still have to fight for minutes this time around. The former of those two bigs makes for a very interesting case this season. Jones has the gifted physical tools and developing dynamic skill set to eventually take his talents to the NBA one day.

He showed at times last season an improved shooting stroke, efficient rebounding, and the clear ability to protect the rim. Continue to progress that dynamic skill set, and Jones will soon become one of the better young big men in the Big 12. And this matchup against UTRGV is a juicy opportunity for him to get off and running early.

Last season, Jones averaged 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.7 blocks, per 40 minutes, which ranked among the best on the team. The former highly touted four-star recruit has the ability to take his game to the next level this season. If Smart is going to keep other bigs like true freshman power forward Greg Brown, senior power forward/center Jericho Sims, junior forward Gerald Liddell, etc. to a limited workload in this game, then watch out for what Jones can do.