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Posted by srr50 on September 25th, 2008 under Basketball
I know for a lot of folks, basketball doesn’t even begin until after football season, but UT will start practice in a few weeks, and Rick Barnes will welcome back four starters off last years Elite Eight squad.
As Barnes comments about each of the players in this article, a pattern emerges - one that has been a consistent part of the Barnes program at Texas.
A.J. Abrams: “I do expect his role to change, because I expect A.J. to be better”
Connor Atchley: “On the basketball side, we absolutely expect Connor to get better and add to what he did last year.”
Justin Mason: “There is no area that Justin will not improve in, because he has so much pride in what he does.”

Damion James is one of just six returning players in college basketball who averaged a double-double last year.
Damion James: “Like every player on our team, we expect more of Damion. No one is going to expect more from any of our guys more than our staff and our players.”
Dexter Pittman: “We know how hard he has worked, but it’s now time for him to put it in the books. Our expectations as a team have changed for Dexter.”
Clint Chapman and Alexis Wangmene: “Both of them have been through it now, and we’re expecting more consistency from both Clint and Lexi.”
Texas is a consensus pre-season Top 20 selection for 2008-09, making a lot of Top 10 lists. In fact, even Dickie V thinks a lot of the Horns.
Barnes has built Texas into a nationally recognized basketball program by elevating the talent level and then getting those players to respond to his expectations.
College Basketball, Dick Vitale, Dogus Balbay, Rick Barnes, Texas Longhorns
dick commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 28 minutes ago
we will be better than an 8 seed if all 3 of those come back. i’ll be adjusting my expectations accordingly which will make season much better
Nickel Rover commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 41 minutes ago
Hmm, great article, more or less of the same subject I wrote on for today.
I think we are in exact agreement that Bradley should probably go if his draft grade holds steady in the 15-25 range because he’ll probably not get a better contract if he waits but simply demonstrate his ceiling as a player.
uthookem commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 1 hour, 8 minutes ago
…but by conference play, we will HAVE to start Thompson if we want to optimize our potential.
Ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha!
Pains me to hear that, as we all pined for Hamilton to start all season long (except ipowers, that is). What makes you think it will be different with a
Nickel Rover wrote a new blog post: Bradley or Hamilton? 1 hour, 9 minutes ago
Basketball:
Bradley or Hamilton? In an ideal world they are both back next season. Withought knowing how well they are responding to Barnes’ style or what kind of draft grade they are looking for it’s hard to project what they will do.
Bradley has been listed as a mid-first round guy but I have trouble seeing it.
Trips Right commented on the blog post Second Round Bets 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
What a horseshit bank, but Mary’s the right side
Hiphopopotamus commented on the blog post Big Dance: Day Two 2 hours, 4 minutes ago
Was pretty disappointed with OSU’s shitburger last night though. I’ve never seen Anderson so bad…almost looked hurt. 5-2 first round isn’t bad though.
We really ought to get 4 team into the Sweet 16 though, with only Missouri having much of an excuse to not advance.
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Hiphopopotamus wrote a new blog post: Bid Dance: Day Three 2 hours, 6 minutes ago
A little late getting this up today, as our first game is already in the second stanza, but we’ve got plenty more to keep us all fat and giggly.
Lunch
2) Villanova v. 10) St. Mary’s – I like this to be a highly entertaining, competitive game from beginning to end. St Mary’s will likely jump out
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NorthDallasSooner commented on the blog post Rumor Alert–TMG 2 hours, 13 minutes ago
Cameron Clark, #5 3-position player in country (Scout) from Sherman, Committed. T.J Taylor, 3 star two guard from Denison, committed. We seem to have Texoma bottled up. Lots of others “interested.”
This is a rumor at this point and not confirmed, so we’ll see.
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 2 hours, 27 minutes ago
Texoz,
As much as we need to find an identity on offense, we also need to address our defensive schemes. If JCB and JH are two big contributors and we play a 6′6″ guy at 4 and a foul prone freshman in the middle then we need to re-examine our principles on defense. We
dick commented on the blog post Second Round Bets 2 hours, 41 minutes ago
I ended up going the other way and taking St Mary’s. Unfortunately, we’ve all become experts at basketball team collapses this year and Villanova’s collapse looks too familiar.
I really like Washington today for the reasons you mentioned. I have them in my Calcutta too so I have a lot riding on them.
I am
Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Recapping the West 2 hours, 44 minutes ago
Yea, Mack was very good. He got really hot in the right game. Aubrey Coleman was pretty good too. And your definitely right Jordan Crawford. He’s fun to watch….
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Jorgrama commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 3 hours, 5 minutes ago
Barnes has lost two longtime assistants and gained Paulino and Ogden–two guys who really only know what he’s taught them. Seems like he should look to the outside for some methodology.
Two, got to recruit fewer projects. Fewer spindly white guys that need to gain 30 pounds of muscle. Fewer all-purpose guards who you
Kevin Berger commented on the blog post Recapping the West 3 hours, 6 minutes ago
Thanks Patrick. UTEP played dumb and Butler was en fuego. Be nice to have a Shelvyn Mack on this Texas team, huh?
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Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping the Midwest 3 hours, 7 minutes ago
There were lots of fireworks and exciting games in this region. Let’s start at the top.
Kansas vs. Lehigh
Lehigh never had a realistic shot, but I’m sure they gained Kansas’ respect as a sixteen seed. They’re pretty athletic, especially inside. Again, I ask the tournament selection committee; this was the worst team in
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Recapping the West 3 hours, 28 minutes ago
Great recaps, Trips, er Kev. Keep pumping out the great content. Sorry about UTEP…..
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Rumor Alert–TMG 3 hours, 34 minutes ago
NDS,
What will your team look like w/o those two guys? Who do you have coming in???
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Nike U in Turmoil 3 hours, 45 minutes ago
Getting off a sinking ship. Bellotti is supposedly very much like Mack in his affinity for the media. I’ve always wondered about the assumption that Mack would be happy as the Texas AD when he could just go get a cushy analyst job. Mack clapping in studio would be great TV, no??
Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping the West 3 hours, 46 minutes ago
The Wild West was anything but considering all games played according to seed except for Vanderbilt and Murray State. Let’s start with the big dog.
Syracuse vs. Vermont
The Orange took an early first half lead and never looked back. Using five players with double figure scoring, and a new-look zone missing interior presence Arinze
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 3 hours, 46 minutes ago
AAS wrote a dumbed down version of this subject today. Barnes says he’s bringing in another guard. Good, because I feel very confident in our depth in the front court. Alexei, white stiff #1, and white stiff #2 make me ooze with confidence especially behind a true freshman and undersized 4…….
Barnes, asked
Farmer Ted wrote a new blog post: Suh Meets with Lions 4 hours, 6 minutes ago
Not too long ago we laughed at the idea that a team would consider taking anyone ahead of Ndamukong Suh in the NFL draft. Now it appears very possible — even likely — that the Rams will take QB Sam Bradford with the #1 pick, which would give the Lions the next shot at Suh
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Black Scholes commented on the blog post Texas Turns the Page 4 hours, 9 minutes ago
Hamilton needs 1-2 years to seriously work on the deficiencies in his game. He goes now, and in a couple of years he’s “whatever happened to …?”. The risk is while he might get drafted now on potential, if he can’t/won’t develop as a player he won’t even have that to offer in
NorthDallasSooner commented on the blog post The week in news- Pariahs, Malcontents and Power Hour 4 hours, 35 minutes ago
“Coincidentally I maintain a subscription to Texas Monthly magazine in an effort to keep up with my roots in some way, shape or form. The April issue showed up at my house this afternoon and features a fairly in depth article about the ongoing drama between Texas Tech and the Dread Pirate Leach. The more
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Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping the East 4 hours, 39 minutes ago
Again, no news is good news when you’re one of the top seeds in the region. That motto holds true in the East as the top four seeds advanced.
Kentucky vs. East Tennessee State
This was a blood bath from the tip. Anyone that thinks this young Wildcat club may have one eye on the
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NorthDallasSooner wrote a new blog post: Rumor Alert–TMG 4 hours, 47 minutes ago
It’s certainly unconfirmed, but I got this email this morning from a friend who follows the hoops program very closely. Stay tuned……
“A very reliable source close to the OU BB program told me yesterday TMG is gone. He packed his bags and unless Capel can talk him out of it our PG for the future has left
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Sailor Ripley commented on the blog post The week in news- Pariahs, Malcontents and Power Hour 5 hours, 5 minutes ago
Great survey, whiskey. I miss football a lot.
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Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Recapping The South 5 hours, 12 minutes ago
There were lots of surprises in this region and a near miss or two that could have really turned this bracket upside down. But after the dust settled, seeds 1 through 4 remain alive…for now anyway.
Duke vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Let’s start at the top where Duke methodically disposed of an Arkansas -Pinebluff cub that gave
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Patrick Bateman commented on the blog post Because We’re Dedicated To Doing Stupid Things – Tiny Gallon Reportedly Took Payout 5 hours, 26 minutes ago
Funny, an OU blog talking about a Texas’ team when referencing the state of unrest and embarrassment. I mean, you have such a rich history to draw from. I’ll miss Tiny. Like Sailor, I love his nickname…..
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Sailor Ripley commented on the blog post Because We’re Dedicated To Doing Stupid Things – Tiny Gallon Reportedly Took Payout 5 hours, 33 minutes ago
Why do bad things happen to bad people?
I will always love the name Tiny Gallon. I see him being a fan favorite in Turkey and he’s going to love the souvlaki.
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whiskey commented on the blog post The week in news- Pariahs, Malcontents and Power Hour 6 hours, 1 minute ago
This all might actually work out for Tebow in the end. If nothing else he is both a winner and a fierce competitor. I will be surprised if he goes the way of Eric Crouch. I am also liking Quinn’s chances in Denver. He knows that offense and he will
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Ag_in_TX wrote a new blog post: Utah State Post-Mortem 6 hours, 19 minutes ago
Have You Read the Gospel According To Mark? – Sign hanging in Spokane last night.
At some point, you have to ask if A&M is the best coached team in the Big XII. All due respect to Mr. Self in Kansas – but to use a poker analogy – Self is trying for a flush
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Crown & Coke said:
September 25th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
God Bless Rick Barnes.
ATXHornsFan said:
September 25th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Amen.
1st & 2nd Round in KC March 19 & 20
Memphis or Indianapolis March 27 & 29
And on to Motown for the Final Four. First game Apri 4th, Finals on April 6th.
ATXHornsFan said:
September 25th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
And we got fall baseball next month.
Rice here on October 19th. TExas State on November 2nd.
And if you are interested, I understand they are practicing at the Austin High field on 1st street through next week.
FtWorthHorn said:
September 26th, 2008 at 3:18 am
Rick Barnes has his players overachieve, quite the opposite of the underachievers Mack produces……
HenryJames said:
September 26th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Are we better at the guard position than we were a year ago?
Minnesotahorn said:
September 26th, 2008 at 5:50 am
There are few things more tiring to me than Texas fans who use our hoops program as simply an instrument with which to beat the football coach. Barnes accomplishments with this program are phenomenal and deserved to be recognized and celebrated in their own right.
So basically give it a fucking rest already FtWorthHorn.
As to the subject at hand all of those expectations are fine but I think we all understand that the season hinges on Dogus Air Jihad Balbay. If he’s a high level collegiate point guard this team’s a potential final four squad. His play this summer in European U20 was certainly encouraging so I’m cautiously optimistic at this point.
Uncle Rico said:
September 26th, 2008 at 5:57 am
I agree with FtWorthHorn. Barnes will never allow his players to accept anything less than their absolute best. Not trying to say Mack doesn’t but I don’t think Mack gets the best out of them sometimes.
Barnes is tremendous and I hope he doesn’t ever feel he’s not appreciated. I look forward to college basketball every year which is great since i can’t stand the NBA and don’t care much about the NFL either.
Mack Brown said:
September 26th, 2008 at 6:09 am
We graduate good kids and try not to use abusive language when coaching. clap, clap, clap….
Nordberg said:
September 26th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Barnes is a lot like Stoops in some ways. Sometimes he pushes his players TOO hard. Like, say, last January.
Bob in Houston said:
September 26th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Barnes took a lot of undeserved crap when Kevin Durant was here (I’m talking about YOU, Bill Simmons), and it filtered through to a lot of fans.
I’ve never thought he was the world’s greatest strategist, but he’s good enough that everything else he does has raised this program to the brink, as John Feinstein might say.
This is going to be a good season, but next year could be even better.
ATXHorn said:
September 26th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Barnes is one of the best in Country. Period. And don’t overlook Barnes’s assistants and Todd Wright. Helluva team in suits on our bench.
FtWorthHorn said:
September 26th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Minnesotahorn, please hear(listen to) my point. Barnes does better with less. Mackie is great, but why can’t he win the big games…Mack Brown seems like he’s a great guy, but why is it okay for him to have a poor record against superior opppnents. If Barnes loses it’s his time management, his players aren’t prepared enough,and etc. While Mackie gets away with finishing second place in the south division, every single year. Is it his coaching style or his OC? ONE conference title in how many years? Please note the number of titles won by Barnes @ a FOOTBALL school to mackie’s total!!!! I’m sorry the truth hurts…
Minnesotahorn said:
September 26th, 2008 at 9:59 am
You misunderstand. I’m not a Mackpologst. I want Barnes’ fantastic basketball program appreciated in its own right and not as simpply a measuring stick for the football team.
hg03 said:
September 26th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Mack Brown’s program has diddly poo to do with Rick Barnes’ program. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.
Why not just appreciate the great job Rick’s doing and jog on?
People who get their panties in a twist over football when they realize what a great job our B-Ball coach are spoiled f’n brats.
I can think of no other explanation because it’s truly baffling.