Comments on: 2008 Texas Basketball Preview

By: CallKevin

CallKevin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:55:30 +0000

Only a partial explanation, Kafka, but I believe Dex had a significant setback last season just before the games began–a foot injury, or something, that affected his ability to condition.

By: Kafka

Kafka — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:43:17 +0000

Vasherized:

I believe what you wrote. Barnes has already said that he thought Dex was good for playing 4 minute stretches. You pretty much confirmed that with first hand observation.

What I don’t get is why Dex isn’t in amazing cardiovascular shape by now.

I’m also a little perplexed why a guy in his very early 20’s who is doing hours of intense cardio work every day would need to watch what he eats super carefully.

By: Vasherized

Vasherized — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:14:59 +0000

kafka,

Until I see it happen I’m skeptical but we shouldn’t need Pittman for more than 20 minutes a game with the rotation we have.

By: RRR

RRR — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:12:33 +0000

Great write-up Trips. Jealous as usual of the UT talent. Looking forward to seeing UT run more consistent offense rather than DJ’s ‘penetrate/jack3′ option set.

I can envision AJ’s playing time dropping significantly as the year progresses. He’s just not the same threat without DJ’s penetration and transition-passing skills.

Hopefully Mason develops as much floor leadership as ball-handling. There will be some tough road games that will require a string of quality possessions late. No time for indecisiveness after the pick and roll gets clogged up.

I can see this team dominating the Big XII simply because they can out-defend and out-rebound everyone in the conference, and it’s not even close.

If Barnes can find some late-game, clutch offensive sets, Final Four is a definite possibility, and anything can happen after that.

By: Kafka

Kafka — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:29:29 +0000

Vasherized:
“I still don’t think Dexter’s capable of averaging more than 15-17 minutes per game. Dex gets winded pretty quickly but that’s still gonna happen when you’re carrying a “slim” 300.”

I don’t really understand what is happening with Dex’s conditioning. Back in October, 2006, Dex was at 310 pounds. By the end of his freshman season, he was at about the same weight he is at today.

Dex has been working on cardiovascular fitness for just under 2.5 years. How is it that he is still getting winded rapidly?

I can understand that his weight impacts his explosiveness and speed but he should have an amazing cardiovascular system by now.

By: Vasherized

Vasherized — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:38:29 +0000

Balbay will be balling by the time conference play rolls around. Mason is going to have a lot of 18/8/7/4 stat lines. Ward might not be a big threat from outside right now but he finds a way to score a lot like Mason. The two additions to the team this year are currently underrated IMO.

When you have big guys like James, Atchley, Chapman that can pull out and hit 3’s along with AJ/Mason, then have quality bigs that can clean up the glass … that’s pretty hard to game plan around.

By: 8straight

8straight — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:20:04 +0000

Thanks Trips and Vash. Where do I send the check?

By: Bob in Houston

Bob in Houston — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:44:33 +0000

“Didn’t Bo Scaife stay here 6 years? Isn’t Shipley about to do the same?”

Yes, this is a special rule in case of injury that costs a player two years of the five. It’s not applicable until after the player finishes the five years — that is, it’s not automatic.

By: Art Vandelay

Art Vandelay — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:30:32 +0000

Trips hits a three with an assist from Vasherized. Have I mentioned how much I love this site?

What a perfect team if DJ had stayed. Without him Elite 8 will be a nice accomplishment.

Nice job guys.

By: RolloTamasi

RolloTamasi — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:03:38 +0000

Didn’t Bo Scaife stay here 6 years? Isn’t Shipley about to do the same?