Texas Basketball: 3 most important returning players so far this offseason

Timmy Allen, F

Purely in terms of setting the tone on the floor and in the locker room this year, there is not a more important player for Beard and the Longhorns to get back this offseason than the rising super senior forward Timmy Allen. As one of the leaders of this team last season, Allen will continue to help establish the culture that Beard wants the foundation of this program built around.

Moreover, not only was Allen one of the leaders of this team last season, but he also was an efficient forward on both ends of the floor. Allen was the team’s leading scorer last season, averaging just over a dozen points per game, and a gritty rebounder on both ends of the floor. He was one of the leaders in the Big 12 last season averaging more than 2.5 offensive rebounds per game.

Arguably the team’s MVP from the season that was, Allen is a huge piece for Beard and the Longhorns to get back as a potential anchor for the starting frontcourt.

Texas does need to add some size, rebounding, and rim protection, to play at the five alongside Allen. But if Texas can find an effective big man to start at the five next to Allen next season, the Longhorns should be able to challenge for a Big 12 Championship and potentially make a run to the Final Four.

One of the big pieces the Longhorns were missing last season was size down low and effective rim protection against better opposing inside scorers.

Getting Allen back will make it that much easier for Beard and his staff to find the right fit to complete the starting frontcourt this offseason. There will likely be plenty of options in the transfer portal to get that job done.