Texas Basketball: 3 bold predictions in Maui Invitational final vs. UNC

2) Texas basketball bold predictions vs. UNC

Kai Jones continues to stay perfect from the field

One of the most impressive stats so far this season for the Longhorns is the overall field goal shooting percentage for sophomore power forward and former four-star recruit Kai Jones. Shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the field, and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, Jones is on fire to start the season in this regard.

The only shots that Jones missed so far this season was from the free-throw line. He is 5-of-7 from the charity stripe so far. To add to that, Jones is averaging 10.3 points per game, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and no blocks. His player efficiency rating is sitting at an astounding 33.9, and he’s got more than .350 win shares per 40 minutes.

Jones also has yet to get a single start this season. He and sophomore forward Brock Cunningham have turned into true spark plugs for Smart and the Longhorns off the bench. That might not be a rhythm that Smart wants to mess with at any point in the near future. It’s not a bad thing that the efficiency of the former highly touted five-star recruit and freshman power forward Greg Brown is not where it could be out of the gates. That is likely to improve from here on out.

Moreover, the Longhorns could get some nice contributions off the bench again when they take on UNC. There’s a lot of depth in this frontcourt rotation for the Longhorns, and a lot more efficiency than originally anticipated. Jones is turning into a true threat from all over the floor on the offensive end, and his game is constantly developing to fit the mould of a modern big man.