Texas men's basketball 2010-11

[Bukefal]

http://musicreflections.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/longhorns-logo1.jpg

Roster:
http://imgur.com/3SAiQ.png




http://imgur.com/aJVVO.pnghttp://imgur.com/tCP1B.png



Returning leaders:

Points: Jordan Hamilton 10.0
Rebounds: Gary Johnson 5.6
Assists: Dogus Balbay 3.9


Impact newcomer:
Cory Joseph.
G. 6-3, 185, Fr. Henderson, Nev.

[Bukefal]

Schedule:
http://imgur.com/6pH0t.png

[Bukefal]

http://dimemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/corey-joseph-77.jpg

Cory Joseph
Maybe the next Augustin or Ford?

Class of 2010 senior Cory Joseph committed to the Longhorns earlier this year where he joined Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) teammate and fellow All-American Tristan Thompson. Joseph and Thompson were also teammates on the Grassroots Canada AAU squad.

Thompson, a power forward, committed to Texas last year. Surely he was able to help Barnes convince Joseph to follow him. Joseph was one of the last elite undecided seniors in the country; he chose Texas over Villanova, UNLV, Minnesota and UConn.

Signing Joseph (18.6 ppg, 5.1 apg) allows Barnes to bolster a backcourt that just lost freshman two-guard Avery Bradley, who declared for the NBA Draft, and previous 2010 commit Daniel Bejarano, who decided to go to Arizona.

"My goal is to go in there and hopefully be an impact player," Joseph said.

"I want to play hard and I hope things will work out for me. I want to get better every day ... and be fully committed to the team and basketball."

As a senior at Findlay Prep, Joseph averaged 18.6 points and 5.1 assists a game. He played on two teams that won the National High School Invitational.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/news/story?id=5130568
http://dimemag.com/2010/04/texas-adds-all-american-point-guard-cory-joseph/#more-41404
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Cory-Joseph-5664/



QvNw1f-xuIM





ESPN/USA Today preseason top 25:

http://imgur.com/N4PNg.png

[Bukefal]

News:


Texas men's basketball ranked no. 25 in ESPN/USA Today preseason poll:
http://www.texassports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/102110aac.html

Coach Rick Barnes press conference Nov 2:
http://www.texassports.com/allaccess/index.html?media=206573

2010 men's basketball media day gallery Nov 2:
http://www.texassports.com/view.gal?id=79947

Texas Basketball focused on growing as a team Nov 5
http://www.texassports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110510aaa.html

Texas defeats Navy, 83-52 Nov 8:
http://www.texassports.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110810aaa.html#

Men's Basketball signs quartet to National Letters of Intent, Nov 10:
http://www.texassports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111010aaa.html

[Bukefal]

Next Game:

http://graphics.collegesports.com/graphics/teams/team-logo-navy.gif vs. http://graphics.collegesports.com/graphics/teams/team-logo-tex.gif

Navy vs. Texas
(2K Sports Classic Austin regional rounds)


Day: Monday
Date: Nov. 8, 2010
Location: Austin, Texas
Time: 8:00 pm CT
TV: ESPNU



http://imgur.com/4lGei.png http://imgur.com/OjjDo.png

[Kermit]

Texas has gone full retard.

Holding the hot seat
The Benchwarmers is a program designed to keep the Frank Erwin Center's arena level full for every game.

Nov. 1, 2010


The 2010-11 Texas Basketball season is fast approaching, and the the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Austin Regional Round tips off on Nov. 8. We want to make sure this game -- and every game -- at the Frank Erwin Center is not only memorable for the Longhorns, but also a fun environment for those who support them.

Because we know it can at times be difficult for people to make it to their seats by tip-off, or, in some cases, make every game of the season, Texas Basketball is asking for everyone in the Frank Erwin Center to participate in The Benchwarmers, a program designed to keep our arena level full for every game.

Here’s how the program works:

Patrons seated in the mezzanine who would like the opportunity to move to an empty arena level seat, should go to sections 60 and 87 to pick up a wristband. The wristband will serve as identification for The Benchwarmers to the arena level ushers, and thus becomes a “ticket” to an empty arena level seat.

At the first break in the game, an announcement will be made for those participating in the program to come down from the mezzanine to “warm” any open seats in the arena. Later, if the ticket holder comes to the seat and says, “Thanks for keeping it warm!”, the Benchwarmer will know their work is done, and can return to the original seat in the mezzanine.

[Bukefal]

Men's Basketball preview: Navy (2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer)
Longhorns tip off their 105th season of intercollegiate basketball on Monday at 8 p.m. in the Erwin Center.

#NR/25 Texas (0-0) vs. Navy (0-0)
2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Regional Round
Monday, November 8, 2010 • 8 p.m. Central
Frank Erwin Center (16,734) • Austin, Texas

TELEVISION: The game will be televised nationally by ESPNU. Carter Blackburn (pxp) and Reid Gettys (analyst) will call the action.
RADIO: The Longhorn Sports Network and KVET (FM 98.1/1300 AM Sportsradio The Zone) broadcast every UT game on the statewide network and on XM Satellite Radio Ch. 231. Craig Way (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game.
SERIES: Texas leads, 1-0. Last meeting: Texas 79-65 (Nov. 13, 2000; Austin)

The 105th Season
Texas tips off its 105th season of intercollegiate basketball when it plays host to Navy on Monday, Nov. 8 as part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Tip is slated for 8 p.m. at the Erwin Center. The Longhorns hold an all-time record of 1,610-957 (.627) in their previous 104 years of competition. UT played its first varsity basketball contest on March 10, 1906 and recorded a 27-17 victory against Baylor in Austin. The Horns went on to post a 7-1 mark in the program’s opening season. Texas has fielded a varsity basketball team in every year since then with the exception of the 1907-08 season.

Texas in Season Openers
Texas has posted an overall mark of 85-19 (.817) in its previous 104 season-opening games. The Longhorns are 10-2 in season openers under coach Rick Barnes.

Texas in Home Openers
Texas has posted an overall mark of 89-15 (.856) in its previous 104 home-opening contests. UT is 28-5 in home openers since the Frank Erwin Center opened prior to the 1977-78 season. The Horns are 10-2 in home openers under coach Rick Barnes.

It Does Feel Early
When Texas tips off the season on Monday against Navy, it will mark the earliest calendar date (Nov. 8) for a season opener in school history. Prior to this year, the previous earliest start date was Nov. 9, 2006. On that night, a freshman by the name of Kevin Durant paced the Horns to a 103-44 victory against Alcorn State in the opening round of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic in Austin.

2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer
Twelve teams will compete in the 16th annual 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Texas, Pittsburgh, Maryland and Illinois will serve as regional hosts for the event, and these four hosts automatically advance to the Championship Rounds, to be played Nov. 18-19 at historic Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Longhorns will be making their fourth appearance in the Classic. Texas sports a 4-3 mark in its previous three Classic appearances (1997, 2002, 2006).

The Coaches vs. Cancer Program
The Coaches vs. Cancer program unites the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities and advocacy programs. Since 1995, the Classic has raised over $4.5 million for the benefit of Coaches vs. Cancer.

Series vs. Navy
This marks the second meeting between Texas and Navy on the hardcourt. The two schools met in the 2000-01 season opener for both teams in Austin, as the Horns posted a 79-65 victory in the first round of the TiVo Preseason NIT (Nov. 13, 2000).

Barnes Nears 500-Win Milestone
Texas coach Rick Barnes enters the 2010-11 season just four wins shy of reaching 500 career victories. Barnes will become the 12th active Men’s Basketball Division I coach to reach the 500-win milestone. He also will become the 50th coach in NCAA Division I history to reach the 500-victory plateau.

Horns at Home
Texas begins its 34th year of play in the Frank Erwin Center on Monday night. The Longhorns have posted an all-time record of 391-93 (.808) in the building. Since Rick Barnes arrived in Austin, UT has recorded a 166-22 (.883) mark at the Erwin Center, including an 81-15 (.844) record in Big 12 Conference home games. Texas is 76-7 (.916) at the Erwin Center in the last five seasons (dating to the start of the 2005-06 season).

Strength of Schedule
To say UT will play a difficult schedule this season would be a gross understatement. Texas will face seven opponents in the regular season who are ranked in the preseason AP Top 25: No. 2 Michigan State (Dec. 22 in East Lansing, Mich.), No. 3 Kansas State (Feb. 28 in Austin), No. 7 Kansas (Jan. 22 in Lawrence, Kan.), No. 8 North Carolina (Dec. 18 in Greensboro, N.C.), No. 13 Illinois (Nov. 18 in New York, N.Y.), No. 15 Missouri (Jan. 29 in Austin) and No. 16 Baylor (Feb. 12 in Austin, March 5 in Waco). The Longhorns also could play No. 5 Pittsburgh (Nov. 19 in New York, N.Y.) in the consolation/championship game of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.

Hamilton Looking for All-Around Improvement
Jordan Hamilton is the top returning scorer (10.0 ppg) from last year’s squad. Hamilton played in all 34 games off the bench during his freshman season. He led the team in three-point field goals made (58-of-159) and ranked fourth on the squad in both scoring and rebounding (3.7 rpg) in just 19.9 minutes per contest. Hamilton had two 20-point showings and reached double figures in scoring 18 times last year. He posted a career-high 27 points (11-of-16 FG, 5-of-8 threes) in just 19 minutes at Oklahoma State (Feb. 1) last year. Hamilton also recorded 19 points (5-of-10 threes) and six boards during the NCAA First Round loss to Wake Forest (March 18).

Oh Canada! Times Two
The freshman duo of guard Cory Joseph and forward Tristan Thompson are very familiar with one another. Both were born in Toronto, and the pair first met back in the fourth grade on the Canadian youth basketball circuit. The duo recently played together at Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.), where they led the Pilots to back-to-back ESPN Rise National High School Invitational in each of the last two years. Joseph and Thompson helped Findlay post a 32-2 mark as seniors. During their junior season, the duo led Findlay to a 33-0 run and the mythical high school national title.

Fab Frosh Duo
Despite a class that numbers only two, UT’s freshman recruiting class of guard Cory Joseph and forward Tristan Thompson was ranked as the No. 8 recruiting class in the country by ESPN. Joseph and Thompson each played in both the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic games. Both Canadian-born players also suited up for the World Select Team in the 13th annual Nike Hoop Summit (April 10, 2010) in Portland.
• Cory Joseph was ranked as the No. 11 prospect nationally in the ESPNU 100 and the No. 4 point guard in his class. Joseph averaged a team-best 18.8 points, 4.9 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game as a senior while hitting 53.9% from the floor, including a 46.9% mark from three-point range (60-of-128). He claimed tourney MVP honors at the NHSI, averaging 20.3 ppg over the three contests. Joseph had a team-high 17 points and three steals in Findlay’s 59-46 win over Montverde Academy in the tourney championship game.
• Tristan Thompson was ranked as the No. 10 prospect nationally in the ESPNU 100 and the No. 4 power forward in his class. Thompson averaged 15.9 points, a team-high 9.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game as a senior while converting 60.9% from the floor (184-of-302). He had 15 points and 11 boards in Findlay’s 59-46 victory over Montverde in the NHSI title game and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

[Thompson]

So what's the deal with Myck Kabongo? He was committed, he de-committed and I read somewhere he might have committed again?

[Whisky Dog]

So what's the deal with Myck Kabongo? He was committed, he de-committed and I read somewhere he might have committed again?

Five days after reconsidering his commitment to Texas and taking a brief spin around the landscape, five-star point guard Myck Kabongo decided his first decision was best and will sign with the Longhorns.

Kabongo A Longhorn Again
Sometimes, the first choice is the best one. After briefly looking around, five-star PG Myck Kabongo re-committed to Texas.
• Longhorns' commit list
• Texas' class climbs to No. 6
• Scouting Kabongo

Kabongo, No. 9 in the ESPNU 100 and the nation's No. 2 point guard, said last weekend that he was going to look into Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, Syracuse and Texas. He talked with coaches and recruits from the various programs over the last few days. But those talks only made him realize he never should have decommitted from Texas.

"I took a quick step and I evaluated everything and quickly realized that Texas is best for me," Kabongo said in a text message to ESPN.com. "For all the reasons I've stated before in the past, there's no way I can build a relationship with [another] coach in a year like I have with Coach [Rick] Barnes and the staff at Texas and I don't want to waste the other coaches or individuals associated with the schools time knowing this."

Kabongo, who's from Ontario, Canada, and plays for Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep, is a 6-2, 170-pounder whose athleticism and quickness combined with high-percentage decision making set him apart from the rest of the class. He is a consistent 3-point shooter, but can also penetrate. Defensively, he is relentless pressuring the ball.

While some players do decommit for the thrill of being recruited, Kabongo's said that was not his intention.

"I was just looking to make sure I was making the right decision. Unfortunately, I chose the wrong method," he said in a text message. "Looking back I didn't deal with it properly but it's something I can learn from as a person," he said in the text. "So, there's no point for me to go through the process again just to do it. ... There's no need to waste their time and energy and that would be unfair to them. Yet again, I don't want people to think I did this as something to get attention. I jumped the gun on how I was feeling and I'm truly sorry to everyone involved from fans to coaches and programs.

"As for Texas fans, I'm sorry and I will continue working hard to make the impact they expect me to make come next fall," he said in the text. "I bleed burnt orange and I'm working hard to bring Austin fans excitement!"

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=5763617

[Bukefal]

Texas defeats Navy, 83-52

Jordan Hamilton had 26 points and 10 rebounds and Texas opened the season with an 83-52 victory over Navy on Monday night in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic.

Playing with four new starters, Texas used a 23-9 run early in the second half to easily pull away from the poor-shooting Midshipmen.

Texas struggled from long range going 4 of 17 on 3-pointers, but dominated under the basket with a 50-30 rebounding edge and held Navy to 30 percent shooting. Free throw shooting, a problem for Texas last season, was still spotty as the Longhorns went 19 of 34.

Gary Johnson had 17 points and 10 rebounds and freshman Tristan Thompson scored 12 points for Texas.

The victory left Texas coach Rick Barnes just three shy of career win No. 500.

Mark Veazey scored 14 points for Navy.


TEXAS QUOTES

Head Coach Rick Barnes
On Jordan Hamilton: He’s worked hard. Beginning last season, he’s really worked hard. He wants to be coached. He wants to learn the game and not just on the offensive side of it. He’s done some good things. I think tonight, he came out and was very much within himself. Overall, he did a lot of good things. He really was working hard on the defensive end. He made some really nice passes, got to the board. He did a little bit of everything.

On if what the team has worked on in the off season has translated to their play this season: I told the team at halftime, “Guys, really in our two scrimmages and even tonight, we haven’t executed from the get-go yet.” We played hard. I don’t know what we do that works because we haven’t done it. I said, “You’ll fight for your space on the floor, you’ll get there.” It started happening in the second half, and we finally did get to what we wanted to do. You’ve got to give Navy credit. We didn’t really know what to expect from them. They’ve got a lot of new people. They mixed their defenses. They kept us off balance a little bit. We really worked hard at putting the ball inside. We didn’t do that until late. It was there, we could have done it earlier, but we didn’t. It’s good watching those guys play together, play hard. Every guy has improved. There are really a lot of good things.

On the Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson: I thought they both played hard. I’m not surprised by that because they’ve done that since day one. We knew they were really going to put a lot of people around the ball in the post. Tristan [Thompson] wasn’t ready a couple of times, but the game is a little faster than he probably expected. Cory [Joseph] did some good things. He got in some foul trouble. I think he was trying too hard at some points. Those guys are going to be fine. They will be playing a lot of minutes for us. Overall, just a great team effort. Everyone was there helping each other.

On what the team improved upon in the second half: Fighting for the space on the floor. We never once deflated their defense in the first half. We did a much better job in the second half.


Senior Forward Gary Johnson
On his role as a rebounder: I’m just trying to pick up where guys left off as far as Dex[ter Pittman] and Damion [James]. I’m nowhere near as good as those guys, but I’m trying to pick up the slack for the team a little bit.

On Jordan Hamilton’s all-around game: He defended well. That’s not going to show up in the stat sheet when you look in the paper tomorrow. He played really good defense tonight. He rebounded as well. He had a really good game.


Sophomore Guard Forward Jordan Hamilton
On his two dunks in the second half: Two great passes from J’Covan Brown. He finds guys in the open court and it helped us in transition.

On bringing intensity to all areas of the game: Most of the time I’m known as a shooter. I want to be known more than that. That’s why I crashed the boards and tried my best out there to defend. I know I blocked a shot. I’m just trying to come and play in all aspects of the game


Freshman Forward Tristan Thompson
On playing in his first game at Texas: It was very exciting, especially the first game. The jitters come in. It feels like a kid again, at Christmas opening a present. Once the game started and tipped off, I felt comfortable and happy to be here.

On his comfort level: I think it’s because of my teammates. They make us feel real comfortable. We feel as one like one of their brothers. They make us feel comfortable. That helps the jitters go away even quicker.

[B]J’Covan Brown
• Recorded a career-high with six assists, tying the six assists he registered against Nebraska (2-13-10).

Jordan Hamilton
• Made his first collegiate start
• Recorded his second career double-double (26 points, 10 rebounds)
• Reached double-digits in scoring for the 19th time in his career
• Scored 20 or more points for the third time in his career
• Reached double-digits in rebounding for the second time in his career

Matt Hill
• Made his first collegiate start
• Logged his most minutes since his redshirt sophomore season when he played 27 against Texas Tech on Jan. 17

Cory Joseph
• Became the 25th player in school history to start a season opener as a freshman (NCAA allowed freshmen to play varsity beginning in 1972-73)
• Became the ninth player under Rick Barnes to start a season opener as a freshman

Gary Johnson
• Recorded his sixth career double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds)
• Reached double-digits in scoring for the 37th time in his career
• Reached double-digits in rebounding for the seventh time in his career

Tristan Thompson
• Reached double-digits in scoring (12 points) for the first time in his career

Alexis Wangmene
• Equaled a career-high with eight points, matching the mark he accomplished on four prior occasions

http://www.texassports.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110810aaa.html#

[Bukefal]

Men's Basketball signs quartet to National Letters of Intent
Texas staff inks Holmes, Kabongo, Lewis and McClellan for 2011-12.



AUSTIN, Texas -- Four high school hoop standouts have signed National Letters of Intent to play basketball next season at The University of Texas, head coach Rick Barnes announced Wednesday. Jonathan Holmes (San Antonio, Texas), Myck [pronounced Mike] Kabongo (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Julien Lewis (La Marque, Texas) and Sheldon McClellan (Houston, Texas) will join the Longhorns for the 2011-12 season.

"This class fills the needs of our program," Barnes said. "We've always said that we will target the state of Texas first for the best players, and that is certainly the case when you look at Jonathan Holmes, Julien Lewis and Sheldon McClellan. We also feel like our program has grown to the point where we can go out and recruit nationally and even out of the country when needed, and that obviously was the case with Myck Kabongo."

"As a staff, we thoroughly enjoyed the recruiting process for each of these four young men," Barnes continued. "We have really had fun in building a relationship and trust with each of them and their families, high school coaches and AAU coaches. From our end, it has been a very rewarding experience and we're looking forward to each of them joining our program."

Holmes (6-8, 230), a forward from Antonian College Prep (San Antonio, Texas) who plays under coach Andre Walker, is ranked as the No. 67 prospect in the nation by ESPNU and No. 69 by Scout.com. He averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game while leading Antonian to the TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) 5A state semifinals during his junior season.

Kabongo (6-2, 170), a point guard from Findlay College Prep (Henderson, Nev.) who plays under coach Michael Peck, is ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the nation by ESPNU and Scout.com. Kabongo spent the previous three seasons at St. Benedict's Prep School (Newark, N.J.). He averaged 18 points and six assists per game while leading St. Benedict's to a 20-1 record and a No. 4 national ranking in the Powerade Fab 50 as a junior. Kabongo also averaged 19.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game in five contests while leading Canada to a bronze medal at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship this summer in San Antonio.

Lewis (6-3, 190), a guard from La Marque High School (La Marque, Texas) who plays under coach Cedric Mason, is ranked as the No. 78 prospect in the nation by ESPNU. He averaged 19.8 points and three steals per game while leading La Marque to a 34-3 mark and a trip to the Class 4A regional final as a junior. Lewis earned District 24-4A Player of the Year honors in both his sophomore and junior seasons.

McClellan (6-5, 190), a guard from Bellaire High School (Houston, Texas) who plays under coach Bruce Glover, is ranked as the No. 35 prospect in the nation by Scout.com and No. 36 by ESPNU. He averaged 20 points per game while leading Bellaire to a 35-2 record and a trip to the Class 5A regional final as a junior.

Texas (1-0) returns to action when it hosts Louisiana Tech tonight as part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Tip is set for 8 p.m. Central at the Frank Erwin Center, and the game will be televised nationally by ESPNU.

2011-12 Texas Basketball Recruiting Class
Name Yr Pos Ht Wt Hometown (Previous School)
Jonathan Holmes Fr F 6-8 230 San Antonio, Texas (Antonian College Prep)
Myck Kabongo Fr G 6-2 170 Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Findlay Prep [Nev.])
Julien Lewis Fr G 6-3 190 La Marque, Texas (La Marque HS)
Sheldon McClellan Fr G 6-5 190 Houston, Texas (Bellaire HS)

[Bukefal]

Next Game:

http://graphics.collegesports.com/graphics/teams/team-logo-latc.gif vs. http://graphics.collegesports.com/graphics/teams/team-logo-tex.gif

Lousiana Tech vs. Texas
(2K Sports Classic Austin regional rounds)


Day: Wednesday
Date: Nov. 10, 2010
Location: Austin, Texas
Time: 8:00 pm CT/ 7:00 pm EST
TV: ESPNU

[Bukefal]

Men's Basketball preview: Louisiana Tech (2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer)
Longhorns return to action on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Erwin Center, and the game will be televised nationally by ESPNU-TV.

#NR/25 Texas (1-0) vs. Louisiana Tech (0-0)

GAME DAY QUICK FACTS
TELEVISION: The game will be televised nationally by ESPNU. Carter Blackburn (pxp) and Reid Gettys (analyst) will call the action.
RADIO: The Longhorn Sports Network and KVET (FM 98.1/1300 AM Sportsradio The Zone) broadcast every UT game on the statewide network and on XM Satellite Radio Ch. 231. Craig Way (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game.
SERIES: Texas leads, 2-0. Last meeting: Texas 58-50 (Dec. 30, 2002; Austin)


Navy Game Notes
• Texas improved to 86-19 all-time in season-opening games. The Horns improved to 11-2 in season openers in the Rick Barnes era. UT won its ninth consecutive season opener (last loss came in the 2001-02 opener).
• Texas improved to 90-15 all-time in home-opening contests. The Horns improved to 29-5 in home openers at the Erwin Center and 11-2 in home openers during the Barnes era.
• The Nov. 8 season opener marked the earliest calendar date for a season opener in UT history. Prior to this year, the earliest start date was Nov. 9, 2006.
• Texas held the Midshipmen to 52 points on 30.2% FG shooting, including a 4-of-23 (.174) mark from three-point range. The Longhorns limited Navy to 20 points on 22.6% (7-of-31) FG shooting in the first half.
• The Horns posted a +20 rebound margin (50-30).
• After posting four assists against 12 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes, Texas recorded 12 assists against just three turnovers in the second half.
• All nine UT players who saw action played at least 13 minutes. No player saw more than 28 minutes of work (Gary Johnson).
• Jordan Hamilton made his first collegiate start and recorded his second career double-double (26 points, 10 rebounds). He topped the 20-point mark for the third time in his career (35 games). Hamilton reached double figures in scoring for the 19th time in his career. He reached double figures in rebounding for the second time in his career.
• Gary Johnson recorded his sixth career double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds). He reached double figures in scoring for the 37th time in his career (89 games). Johnson reached double figures in rebounding for the seventh time in his career.
• Tristan Thompson reached double digits in scoring (12 points) in his first collegiate contest.
• Cory Joseph became the 25th freshman in UT history to start a season opener (NCAA allowed freshmen to play on the varsity team beginning in 1972-73). He became the ninth freshman in the Rick Barnes to start a season opener.
• J’Covan Brown tied his career high in assists (six).
• Alexis Wangmene tied his career high in points (eight) in just 13 minutes of action.
• Matt Hill made his first collegiate start. His 14 minutes played were the most since he saw 27 minutes at Texas Tech on Jan. 17, 2009 (in his redshirt sophomore season).

Series vs. Louisiana Tech
This marks the third meeting between Texas and Louisiana Tech on the hardcourt. The Horns hold a 2-0 lead in the all-time series entering Wednesday’s contest. Texas posted an 81-68 win in the opening round of the Senior Bowl Tournament in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 6, 1975. The Longhorns then recorded a 58-50 victory in Austin on Dec. 30, 2002. The last win in Austin marked the 300th career coaching victory for Rick Barnes. The 2002-03 Longhorns went on to advance to the Final Four.

Barnes Nears 500-Win Milestone
Texas coach Rick Barnes enters Wednesday’s contest just three wins shy of reaching 500 career victories. Barnes will become the 12th active Men’s Basketball Division I coach to reach the 500-win milestone. He also will become the 50th coach in NCAA Division I history to reach the 500-victory plateau.

Horns at Home
Texas is in its 34th year of play in the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns have posted an all-time record of 392-93 (.808) in the building. Since Rick Barnes arrived in Austin, UT has recorded a 167-22 (.884) mark at the Erwin Center, including an 81-15 (.844) record in Big 12 Conference home games. Texas is 77-7 (.917) at the Erwin Center in the last six seasons (dating to the start of the 2005-06 season).

Defense Wins
Solid defense continues to be a Texas trademark under coach Rick Barnes. UT held Navy to 52 points on 30.2% FG shooting in Monday’s win, including a 4-of-23 (.174) mark from three-point range. The Horns limited Navy to just 20 points on 22.6% FG shooting (7-of-31) in the first half. Since Barnes arrived in Austin, the Horns have held 196 of their 410 opponents to under 40% FG shooting. Texas sports a 178-18 (.908) mark in the Barnes era when accomplishing the feat.

Johnson Set to Lead Frontcourt
Gary Johnson is in his fourth season in the frontcourt rotation, having played in 89 career games (18 starts). The top returning rebounder (5.6 rpg) on the squad and a two-time Big 12 Conference All-Reserve Team selection (as a sophomore and junior), Johnson ranked third on the team in rebounding, second in field goal percentage (.547) and sixth in scoring (9.4 ppg) during his junior season. He had two 20-point outings and reached double figures in scoring 15 times last year. Johnson upped his production in Big 12 play to 11.1 points (third on team) and 6.6 rebounds (second on team) in 27.2 minutes per contest last year. In Monday’s win against Navy, Johnson recorded his sixth career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, converting 6-of-8 field goals and 5-of-8 free throws.

Hamilton Looking for All-Around Improvement
Jordan Hamilton is the top returning scorer (10.0 ppg) from last year’s squad. Hamilton played in all 34 games off the bench during his freshman season. He led the team in three-point field goals made (58-of-159) and ranked fourth on the squad in both scoring and rebounding (3.7 rpg) in just 19.9 minutes per contest. Hamilton had two 20-point showings and reached double figures in scoring 18 times last year. He posted a career-high 27 points (11-of-16 FG, 5-of-8 threes) in just 19 minutes at Oklahoma State (Feb. 1) last year. Hamilton also recorded 19 points (5-of-10 threes) and six boards during the NCAA First Round loss to Wake Forest (March 18). Hamilton posted his second career double-double with 26 points (10-of-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes during Monday’s win against Navy.

What Can Brown Do For You?
Sophomore guard J’Covan Brown played in 33 of the 34 games (nine starts) during his freshman season. Brown ranked second on the team in assists (80) and fifth in scoring (9.6 ppg) last year. He had three 20-point efforts and reached double figures in scoring 15 times as a freshman. Brown posted a team-high 20 points (all in the second half or overtime) in 22 minutes during the NCAA First Round loss to Wake Forest (March 18). Brown tied his career high with six assists to go along with seven points and four rebounds in 23 minutes during Monday’s win against Navy.

Joseph Earns Start in Opener
Cory Joseph became the 25th freshman in UT history to start a season opener during Monday’s win against Navy (since the NCAA began allowing freshman to play on the varsity team starting in 1972-73). He is the ninth freshman in the Rick Barnes era to start a season opener. Joseph had five points, four rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes of work.

Thompson Impressive in Debut
Tristan Thompson saw 25 minutes of work off the bench on Monday night in his collegiate debut. Thompson posted 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal during the victory.

Wangmene a Factor Again in Frontcourt
Redshirt junior forward/center Alexis Wangmene has played in 72 career games off the bench during his career. Wangmene saw action in 30 games and ranked fourth on the team in blocks (16) while averaging 7.8 minutes per contest last year. He played in four of the first five games as a sophomore (2008-09) before missing the remainder of the year with a right knee injury. Wangmene had surgery on his right knee on Dec. 17, 2008 and was granted a medical redshirt. During Monday’s victory against Navy, he tied his career high with eight points (3-of-3 FG) to go along with two rebounds and two steals (also tied his career high) in just 13 minutes of action.

[Bukefal]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs926.snc4/73901_450886556331_502631331_5910332_7417842_n.jpg


J_Flynn #Shoutout to my lil homie @1MK2 for officially becoming a Longhorn. Texas fans you are getting a good one


Myck Kabongo Something I've Waited For My Whole Life, Getting A Schoolarship To Play The Game I Love! Im Offically A #TexasLongHorn - G2S

http://twitter.com/#!/1MK2

[Bukefal]

Close game against PITT, too bad they couldn't pull it off in the end. Texas looks pretty good this year. Better than expected. Hamilton, Joseph, Thompson :tu

[ThePop]

This team has already proved to be better than last year, despite being a young team.

[Bukefal]

Joseph!! :clap

http://i.imgur.com/lMOPK.png

[Whisky Dog]

That was a sick shot. Reminded me of Timmy's almost game winner before the .4 bullshit.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Not impressed with Joseph so far.

But we're definitely better than last year.

[Harry Callahan]

Not impressed with Joseph so far.

But we're definitely better than last year.

I've seen Joseph do a bunch of great things in recent games as he gets acclimated to college ball.

I did not the the UNC game after the first half - but he looks like a quality combo guard to me.

The team itself just looks like it want to play as a team unlike last year. The 2009-10 squad was a mess after Christmas and Barnes did not do a good job reeling in the individual agendas there.

This year's team has a chance to be really good. I would't mind catching a game in person this year.

[Bukefal]

Damn nervous end. Overtime now :downspin:

[Bukefal]

damn it :bang:bang

[leemajors]

dude did not get that three off before the buzzer, oh well.

[Bukefal]

damnn :bang

[DMX7]

lol, I don't think Tristan & Hamilton are going pro after that performance.