Texas Basketball: 3 key players that should return for 2022-23 season
Andrew Jones, SG/SF
Among the most pleasant surprises for Beard and the Longhorns in the NCAA Tournament was the play of the inspirational redshirt senior shooting guard/wing Andrew Jones. As likely the most productive and consistent offensive player for the Longhorns in their two games in the NCAA Tournament this season, Jones really showed out when it mattered most.
Furthermore, Jones is actually eligible still to play one more year in college. Jones could use his final redshirt year in college to return for the 2022-23 season if he so chooses.
A piece from Inside Texas this week detailing what the Longhorns roster could look like for next season mentions how Jones could have multiple lucrative NIL opportunities if he returns to Texas for one more year. That is surely something that could play a role for Jones to return to the Forty Acres.
If Jones does come back to Texas for the 2022-23 season, that would be the seventh year of his collegiate career. His college career goes all the way back to the 2016-17 season.
All in all, getting Jones back for next season would be extremely valuable for the Longhorns. He would be one of the most valuable returning players for the Longhorns to have heading into next season.
The versatile offensive skill set of Jones combined with his underrated perimeter/wing on-ball defense and off-ball awareness on both ends of the floor makes for a player that would be extremely difficult for Beard and the Longhorns to replace.
At this moment, I’m learning toward saying that Jones will return for next season given the NIL opportunities that could come his way and the heightened chances of postseason success in 2023.