I was sure Texas was going to be able to win the game but I never saw that coming. A pure ass kicking, again. This team is way more mentally strong than I could have imagined. I don't see a let down coming with the weaker B12 teams on the horizon. HOOK EM'
Balbay will likely have a long career in professional basketball. It will probably be in Turkey or elsewhere in Europe, though. Not that there's anything wrong with that...
He almost left the team a year or two ago to play professionally in Turkey, and I remember reading that he already has an agreement lined up with a team over there once he graduates from Texas. He's already spent time with a Turkish club prior to studying in the US, and he was a key part of the U-18 national team at the Euros. He'll be treated like a god back home... if he stays in the States, he'll wind up grinding in the D-League, where the avg. salary is 20K/season.
Rajon Rondo, as bad as he at shooting, runs circles around Balbay in shooting. Balbay can hit layups. That's it. He's 2-16 for his career from 3 pt land, or 12.5%. Rondo shot tons of 3's in college and was a 28% shooter. Balbay also shoots free throws worse than Shaq, because those are also out of his range.
That's true. I just think he needs a shooting coach. I think wherever he plays pro ball, he's going to improve that shot. It might not be consistent, but it will be enough considering what else he will be able to do.
What is the word on these underclassmen going pro? I would assume that Hamilton and Thompson would be the two most likely to go. I think you could definitely make a good case as to why both should stay too. Man, I'd really like to see them come back next year.
Me too. Rumor around campus is that Hamilton is going pro. I don't think he could last another year clashing with Barnes. Thompson is a stud but he's still a bit raw and should come back. The difference of having him in the post instead of that oaf Dexter Pittman is amazing. It's gonna be great to see this team make noise in March. Barnes has done a good job of keeping them in check for the most part. Matt Hill deserves some praise. He's been playing great D this season.
There's no real word yet, and we won't know anything for sure until the season is over. The one thing Texas has going for it is that the PG that played on Thompson and Joseph's AAU team is coming to UT next year, and supposedly one more player from that team (a PF named Kevin Thomas) is leaning UT's way, so Thompson may want to stay to bulk up and play with his friends. I'd be surprised if Joseph leaves. Not saying he wouldn't get drafted or couldn't be successful in the NBA, but he just isn't striking me as a one-and-done player. I'd put very good money on Jordan Hamilton leaving though. If I had to put money on it, I'd say Hamilton and Thompson are gone.
Hamilton's all but gone. He was widely considered a "one-and-done" prospect out of HS, and I remember seeing an interview with him and Brandon Jennings (who was a rookie PG with the Bucks at the time) during the summer after his senior season at Dominguez, and they continually made references to playing in the league together the following year. His intentions were to leave after his first year at Texas, but he didn't exactly shine last season, and was forced to return to bolster his stock. He's a borderline lottery pick at this point, IMO. Thompson's status is iffy. He definitely has the tools to be a productive power forward at the next level, but he's still raw, and would greatly benefit from at least one more year under Barnes. Plus, his good friend and fellow Canuck, Myck Kabongo, is coming to Texas next year, and he may want to stick around be apart of the three-headed Canadian monster with Joseph and Kabongo. If he decides to come out after this season, he has a strong chance of being a lottery selection. Joseph likely returns, but if Thompson goes, I feel like he may test the waters, as well. If Thompson returns, Joseph definitely comes back. His stock's rising, and if he finishes the year on a high note, I wouldn't be surprised to see both Canadians bolt to the league with Ham.
That's the only UT game I've been to (cuz I live in LA) and little did I know that after that horrible USC loss we're kicking ass now. I guess I shouldn't watch them in person. Hook'em!
Let me ask this: The lockout. What about that? Would that drive players back? You're talking about a whole year-plus off from basketball...that's a tough one. And not getting paid....I could see some players back. And if some of these guys are back, then them and Kabongo could run the NCAA in 2012.
A lockout would most definitely drive players back. It would have to get serious before someone would make their decision but I think that would most definitely be part of the decision to go pro or not.
The Canadians won't leave their friend all alone. I believe Joseph and Thompson will be back for one year, probably leave depending on their stock after next year.
He's going to do big things at Texas, but think more along the lines of Devin Harris. He's limited athletically, but is very fundamentally sound. Deceivingly elusive, and very smooth with the ball in his hands. The kid's a natural.
Rivals.com lists Kansas and Kentucky as Daniels' top 2 teams, and Texas #3. I wish Barnes and staff would have jumped on LeBryan Nash sooner. At 6'7'' 230 lbs., he's a monster SF prospect.
Looking forward to the Tech game tomorrow... I hate that there is a Rockets game near the same time but I'll surely be watching the Horns game along with the Rockets. Hope it's another fun one to watch.
