Texas Basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Sam Houston State

3) Bold predictions for Texas basketball vs. SHSU

Donovan Williams and Andrew Jones have their breakout games

The one player for the Longhorns that is regularly appearing in the starting five early in this regular season, but has not produced much, is the redshirt junior shooting guard and former five-star recruit Andrew Jones. This talented 6-foot-4 and 185 pound shooting guard/wing has started in all five games he’s played in for Texas so far this season.

And Jones averaged 9.2 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, no blocks, and 2.0 turnovers. He shot 32.0 percent from the field, 20.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line. That all amounted to a rather subpar 8.1 player efficiency rating, .073 win shares per 40 minutes, and a 0.8 box plus/minus rating.

If Jones can find his shooting stroke and overall offensive rhythm in this game, he could finally breakthrough in an efficient manner.

Another shooting guard/wing that would be nice to see produce for Texas in this game is the sophomore former four-star recruit Donovan Williams. This lengthy and athletic 6-foot-6 and 180 pound Houston, TX, native didn’t get much of an opportunity to shine in the spotlight so far this season. Williams hasn’t started in any of the three games he’s played in thus far.

And Williams averaged 3.7 points per game this season while shooting 60.0 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 80.0 percent from the free-throw line. He doesn’t have a single assist, rebound, block, or steal so far this season.

If Williams can finally get more playing time against Sam Houston State, then this could be a nice breakout for him, potentially alongside Jones. Texas definitely owns a nice size and athleticism edge in the matchups on the wing and at the two guard.