Dick Vitale, College Basketball analyst 10y

Texas returning top six scorers

Men's College Basketball, Texas Longhorns

Two years ago, Texas fans were upset with coach Rick Barnes. The Longhorns finished the 2012-13 season 16-18, including a loss to Houston in the College Basketball Invitational tournament, and entering 2013-14, the Longhorns were not expected to do much. Some people believed that Barnes was on the hot seat.

Instead, Texas knocked off North Carolina en route to a 24-11 season that included a seven-game Big 12 winning streak. The Longhorns also knocked off Arizona State in the NCAA tournament before falling to a talented Michigan club in the Big Dance.

The effort earned Barnes the Big 12 Coach of the Year award for the fourth time, and his first time since 2008.

This season, there are great expectations once again down in Austin. The top six scorers from last season are returning. (A seventh, Martez Walker, is currently suspended after being arrested and charged with domestic violence and criminal trespassing in separate incidents).

Barnes had a balanced attack last season and his veterans will be even better this campaign thanks to experience. Isaiah Taylor opened a lot of eyes as a diaper dandy last season, and he should post even better numbers as a sophomore. His backcourt mates, Javan Felix and DeMarcus Holland, will have their share of bright moments.

Up front, Cameron Ridley and Jonathan Holmes are also veterans. Ridley hit the game-winning basket in the NCAA tournament win over Arizona State. Connor Lammert will contribute as well.

Another reason for enthusiasm in Longhorn country is the presence of 6-foot-11 diaper dandy Myles Turner, one of the top recruits in America. He picked Texas over the likes of Kansas, Duke and Oklahoma State.

Remember, in recent years, Texas has produced a number of NBA players under Barnes' tutelage. Start with Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge. Throw in Avery Bradley, Tristan Thompson, D.J. Augustin, Cory Joseph, Jordan Hamilton, Daniel Gibson, Damion James and P.J. Tucker.Wow!

The early nonleague schedule will provide several tests. The Longhorns face Iowa at Madison Square Garden in the 2K Classic, with a potential showdown vs. Syracuse in the final. There is a trip to Connecticut and the SEC/Big 12 Challenge at Kentucky, plus a game against Stanford in Austin. And conference play will not be easy with Kansas, Oklahoma, Kansas State among the challengers.

Texas is best known for football, but Longhorns basketball fans will have a lot to cheer about this season. The immediate future looks bright for Rick Barnes and company.

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