We continue our recruit and return series with the Texas Longhorns, whose season ended Friday with a loss to Northern Iowa in the first round. A look at what the 2016-17 season could hold:
Possible 2016-17 starting five (statistics reflect regular-season average)
G: Isaiah Taylor (15.0 PPG, 4.8 APG)
G: Eric Davis (7.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG)
G: Kerwin Roach Jr. (7.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG)
F: Tevin Mack (5.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG)
C: Shaquille Cleare (3.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG)
Who is lost: Shaka Smart did a tremendous job with this year’s team, changing his usual “Havoc” style to fit a roster that was more suited for a half-court system. But now it’s time to remake the roster to his desires. Five seniors are gone after this season, led by double-double machine Cameron Ridley -- who played only 11 regular-season games before injuring his foot. The frontcourt will see the most personnel losses, as Connor Lammert and Prince Ibeh are also moving on. Lammert and Ibeh took on bigger roles when Ridley went down, and now all three are out of eligibility. In the backcourt, veteran starter and double-figure scorer Javan Felix will depart. He played a variety of roles in his four years in Austin, and will be missed. Demarcus Holland, a very good defender, is also moving on.
Who is added: Smart and the Longhorns entered the 2016 cycle knowing they needed at least five players -- and they’re not done with their recruiting class yet. They’re still in pursuit of five-star center Jarrett Allen, who expects to decide in the next few weeks, and will be active on the transfer market. However, the players already committed and signed are plenty good on their own. The biggest piece is ESPN 100 guard Andrew Jones, one of the biggest risers of the past 12 months. He’s an athletic guard who can create shots off the bounce and finish. ESPN 100 center James Banks will fit Smart’s up-tempo style with his ability to run the floor, and he can also finish with his back to the basket. Three-star guard Jacob Young is the younger brother of former Oregon star Joe Young, and he can really score.
What it means for next season: Texas’ frontcourt is going to need some reinforcements, although getting a player like Allen and possibly a graduate transfer would certainly help. The lone frontcourt pieces returning will be freshman Tevin Mack and former Maryland transfer Shaquille Cleare. Mack is a talented wing scorer who showed his versatility at times this season, and had to play the four for stretches. Cleare saw a bigger role once Ridley went down, and played extended minutes late in the season. Both will take on more responsibility next season. The key in the backcourt will be whether Isaiah Taylor decides to enter the NBA draft. He became a better distributor and more unselfish in his first season under Smart, and he gives the Longhorns a dynamic playmaker. Freshmen Eric Davis and Kerwin Roach Jr. should have break out seasons. Davis had a knack for scoring, while Roach was a highlight waiting to happen. Kendal Yancy is also back.
Trending: Level. The immediate outlook for the Longhorns depends on Taylor’s decision and whether they add Allen and a graduate transfer. If not, the loss of five seniors -- and Taylor -- would mean a step back next season. With that said, Smart is beginning to get his type of player to Austin, which will mean the tempo will start to pick up. Once Smart gets the roster how he wants it, more 20-win seasons are on the way.