GETTING INSIDE
A disparity in 3-point baskets almost amounted to the final difference in the loss that ended Texas' season.
The Longhorns made just three treys while falling 74-69 to Duke, which made seven, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Yes, there were other key factors in that game, and Texas deserves credit for recovering from a 10-point deficit with seven minutes remaining to make it exciting down the stretch.
But the Longhorns' struggles all season to find a 3-point threat other than senior guard A.J. Abrams kept them from reaching the expectations many carried after labeling them as a contender for the Big 12 title. Instead, they tied for fourth in the Big 12 at 9-7 and obtained a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament, largely based on an impressive non-conference resume.
Forced to work the ball inside for much of its offense, the Longhorns developed a monstrous threat. Dexter Pittman, a 6-10 junior center who weighs almost 300 pounds, became a load for opponents as the season wore on. His stamina also improved, allowing him to play more minutes, though Texas coach Rick Barnes still had to exercise caution with how much he used his big man.
A change at the point, where Dogus Balbay took over during conference play, helped the Longhorns develop a better flow, though Balbay is not a perimeter threat. That allowed opponents to concentrate on Abrams along the arc.
Without Abrams, the Longhorns must develop shooters heading into next season. Another question looms as to whether Pittman and junior forward Damion James will apply for the NBA draft. James, a three-year starter, is capable of a double-double any given night.
NOTES, QUOTESFINAL RECORD: 23-12, 9-7, tied fourth in the Big 12.
WHAT WENT RIGHT: Texas was competitive with just about every team on its schedule, losing only once by more than 10 points. The development of C Dexter Pittman was a pleasant surprise. He became one of the Longhorns' most valued weapons, a tough matchup who could really excel if he opts to return as a senior. F Damion James was steady as a double-double threat and G A.J. Abrams provided long-range pop.
WHAT WENT WRONG: The 9-7 finish in the Big 12 is not up to the standards Texas is accustomed to, and it needed to win five of its last seven conference games just to tie for fourth. The lack of another 3-point threat to go with Abrams allowed opponents to sag inside defensively. In addition, Abrams could be streaky. The Longhorns seemed to have trouble meshing as a unit. Remember, too, this is a club that lost a pair of All-America underclassmen to the pros the last two years, Kevin Durant and D.J. Augustin.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We had built our program to (high) expectations and maybe players felt like somewhere along the line they weren't living up to those expectations. But that part never concerned me as much as the fact that we just couldn't get the consistent effort we were looking for on the court. Not so much effort, I wouldn't say effort, I'd say more results." -- Texas coach Rick Barnes.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNELTHE GOOD NEWS: Down the stretch in the second-round loss against Duke in the NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns surprisingly turned to G Varez Ward and the freshman backup responded with a career-high 16 points, including 12 in the second half. Ward looked great off the dribble and the output gives him confidence going into next season. Texas will be well-stocked again, especially if F Damion James and C Dexter Pittman return as seniors. Pittman (6-10, 297) became a beast late in the season and will benefit from more conditioning and experience.
THE BAD NEWS: The lack of a 3-point threat hurt the Longhorns far too often and the only bomber they counted on heavily, G A.J. Abrams, was a senior. Texas lost some of the swagger it carried for years as a perennial contender in the Big 12. The home-court advantage it also enjoyed swayed a bit with back-to-back losses against Kansas State and Missouri, part of a three-game losing streak Texas suffered after starting 4-1 in league.
KEY RETURNEES: Assuming they don't turn pro as juniors, F Damion James and C Dexter Pittman could form the best inside tandem in the Big 12 next season. James almost averaged a double-double with 15.4 points and 9.1 boards, while Pittman's role increased as the season wore on and his size made him unstoppable if he got the ball on the low block. G Justin Mason and G Dogus Balbay also return as starters, though two reserves, F Gary Johnson and G Varez Ward, are capable of being better scoring threats.
ROSTER REPORT:
--Two juniors predicted to be chosen in the next NBA draft must weigh their options whether to submit their names. Following the NCAA Tournament loss to Duke, F Damion James told the Austin American-Statesman he was "looking forward to playing with this team next season." C Dexter Pittman said he had not yet thought about coming out early.
--Both James and Pittman missed stretches during the Duke game. James' elbow went numb with 5:15 remaining and he was out until the 3:39 mark. Pittman landed hard twice in the lane, once in each half.
--G A.J. Abrams, a senior, finished his career as the third-leading scorer in Texas history with 1,969 points. He also ranks third for career 3-pointers in the NCAA Tournament with 41. Abrams also set the Big 12 record for games played (144).
Previous Report: 04/01/2009
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