Texas Basketball: 3 players who can push the Horns to win the Big 12

2) Texas basketball players who can help win the Big 12

Matt Coleman, Guard

If there were to be an MVP award that the Longhorns handed out to any one player from their play during the regular season slate, it would have to go to the standout versatile senior guard Matt Coleman. This two-way 6-foot-2 and 180 pound Norfolk, VA, native floor general Coleman put together a special senior campaign to date.

Jones received All-Big Team Second Team honors this season, at the wing spot. But it was the dynamic guard combination of Coleman and junior Courtney Ramey that got All-Big 12 Third Team honors from the Longhorns. This special trio in the starting five for Texas led the team in scoring during the regular season, and will need to play a big role in their success if postseason results are to be positive.

Coleman individually was one of the best players on both ends of the floor this season. Without a doubt, he’ll have to continue being one of their best one-on-one defenders and efficient facilitators throughout the Big 12 Tournament.

Former transfer guard Mac McClung could be matched up with Coleman in Texas’ first game of the Big 12 Tournament, which means the spotlight falling directly on the senior guard. He’s done well against the Red Raiders in the past, and was solid for the season as a whole.

So far this season, Coleman averaged 12.4 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks. And he shot a solid 47.7 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 81.3 percent from the free-throw line.