Texas Basketball: Can young Longhorns challenge Kansas?

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Mar 4, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Shaka Smart reacts during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

Backup center: James Banks

Texas wasn’t content with one top 10 center, so they went and signed a second.

James Banks out of Atlanta was the number seven center in the 2016 class and the fourth best player in Georgia. If Jarrett Allen has the offensive lightning, then Banks is the defensive thunder. Expect to see both of them a lot this year. They could form a potentially dominating twin towers look down the road if they both stay in Austin.

The 6’10”, 235 pound freshman is similar to Allen in terms of total athletic potential. He can run the floor and block shots.

Where he falls behind is his offensive game. Banks appears to not have the same sort of finesse and skill around the basket. Thankfully, there are plenty of guys that can score and leave Banks to just rebound and swat opponents away.

Next: 20 breakout candidates for 2016-17

15-18 minutes with 4-7 points and 5-8 boards is the floor I’ll set at this point.

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