Texas Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Longhorns

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 09: Head coach Shaka Smart of the Texas Longhorns reacts from the bench alongside players during the quarterfinal game of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the Sprint Center on March 9, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 08: Jones /

Starting Lineup

SO Andrew Jones

Outside of Allen, Jones was the biggest bright spot for Texas last season and will have many more weapons around him this time. He averaged four assists per game last season and you can expect that to increase.

JR Kerwin Roach

Roach was another ball handler for the team who averaged right around 10 points per night. A traditional combo guard that desperately needs to improve his 28% perimeter shooting, there are questions about his role in the lineup. With some freshmen coming off the bench, that shooting is not going to be tolerated this time.

JR Eric Davis

The 6’3″ guard is the least likely to remain on this list, but with few veterans on the roster, Smart may lean on his experience to start the season. But, like Roach, his shooting must improve to have consistent playing time.

JR Dylan Osetkowski

One of the most intriguing new pieces new piece comes off a redshirt last year after transferring from Tulane. After averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds per game with the American Athletic Conference squad, Osetkowski takes a slight step up in athletic competition. He gives a stretch presence for Texas and gives a boost to a team who struggled on the boards last year.

FR Mohamed Bamba

The prize of Smart’s recruiting class, Bamba is a top-five prospect no matter what recruiting rankings you choose from. The 6’11” big is an athletic freak and reminds many of Anthony Davis with his length. His offense still has strides to make, the potential is there. The key will be the guard play to give him space down low to operate.

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