Busting Brackets
Fansided

Texas Basketball: Tevin Mack suspended indefinitely

By Doug Winkey

Nov 21, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tevin Mack (0) controls the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half of the second game of the Legends Classic at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tevin Mack (0) controls the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half of the second game of the Legends Classic at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Texas basketball fans were dealt a blow today as it was announced that leading scorer Tevin Mack has been suspended indefinitely.

Sophomore guard Tevin Mack has been huge for the Texas Longhorns this year. The 6’7″ swingman from Columbia, South Carolina is currently the team’s leading scorer at 14.8 points and is third in rebounding at 4.8.

Related Story: Longhorns continue to struggle fall to Kent State

However, he is now suspended for the second time this season (this time it’s indefinitely) for violation of team rules.

This comes at a key stretch for the team and coach Shaka Smart. Texas’ next three games are home against West Virginia and then on the road against Baylor and Kansas. Mack’s indefinite absence only increases the likelihood that this team goes 0-3 during that stretch. That would drop UT’s record to 7-12 and 1-6 in the Big 12; certainly not the expectation for a team that entered the season with a top recruiting class and top 25 aspirations.

Texas will likely go small during the suspension and move guard Kerwin Roach Jr. to the three spot while having Andrew Jones at point and Eric Davis Jr. at shooting guard. I could also see freshman Jacob Young or senior Kendal Yancy getting more time. Yancy is another one to watch as he recovers from ankle trouble.

However, the Longhorns are still losing a huge part of their overall production no matter who steps in.

Next: Why hasn't NC State lived up to expectations?

There is no doubt this suspension hurts Texas right now, but it’s the right move. Mack had already missed the opener against Incarnate Word for a rule violation and this was potentially for similar infractions. Coach Smart is trying to build a culture around his style and is showing low tolerance for players who are incapable of abiding by his rules. Hopefully the young Longhorn figures it out and helps Texas get back in Big 12 mix before too much of the season is lost.

Home/Texas Longhorns