Texas Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Longhorns

Key Reserves

Andrew Jones

Jones has eyes on a return this year and it will be nothing but remarkable if he makes it all the way back after being diagnosed with leukemia in January. Before it was found that he had cancer, Jones was the Longhorns leading scorer after coming back for his Sophomore year after testing the draft waters. He was a huge loss for Texas last year and if he can even remotely come close to playing as he did before then the Longhorns will be even more dangerous. Jones has the ability to be a starter but with so much unknown about him and his availability, he will more than likely settle into a reserve spot if he even gets there. If Jones makes it back it will be one of the best stories in college basketball this year. Everybody is rooting for him to make it back.

Elijah Mitrou-Long

Long could very easily be in the starting lineup to start the year but until we see how he fits in with the Longhorns we will list him with the reserves. Long transferred in from Mount St Mary’s and bring immediate experience. As a sophomore at Mount, Long averaged 15 ppg and shot 38% from downtown. Smart is very excited about him and he could provide even more scoring depth for the Longhorns who return a lot. Long has been here a year practicing with the team waiting to be eligible so that should help when the games start and how he fits in with the team. He has the potential to be a big player for the Longhorns and probably will be in the starting lineup before too long.

Courtney Ramey

Ramey was a highly recruited guard out of Missouri and could see action right away for the Longhorns. Texas looks to be deep at the guard position but with the pressure style that Smart likes to play Ramey could see some time and give the Longhorns much needed depth. Ramey averaged 22 ppg in high school and will look to continue to be a scorer in college. With him on board, the Longhorns could potentially have one of the best backcourts in the Big 12. We will see if he can live up to the hype and produce right away.

Gerald Liddell

Liddell was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school and looks to provide even more depth for the Longhorns at the wing spot. He does a lot of things well, and at 6’8″ his size could be match up problems for the opposing teams. The amount of minutes he plays is still a question mark but he has a lot of upside and could end up being a key piece to the Texas rotation this year. He has the ability to score, but didn’t play as well his senior year as he would have liked so will that carry over into his freshman year. This is definitely a kid to watch this year.

Jaxson Hayes

Hayes snuck up the recruiting boards last year after having an outstanding senior year at his high school in Cincinnati. Hayes stands at 6’11” and is the tallest guy on the Longhorns roster. His size alone may afford him some playing time early to see how he can do. He has the ability to score but Texas is most excited about his defensive capabilities as he is said to be a great athlete down low. The Longhorns probably won’t need him to be a scorer but more of a presence down low. If he can settle into that role he could find himself playing a good amount of minutes this year.

Kamaka Hepa

Hepa, originally from Alaska, moved to Oregon his junior year and ended up being one of the top prospects in the state. Texas hopes his big frame, 6’9″ and 225 lbs, will help solidify there post presence. Hepa could be battling it out with Hayes for playing time or they may end up being a nice one-two combo off the bench. He has enormous upside but how well he fits in with the Longhorns will be key early. Look for him to get some opportunities early to see if he can handle banging with the big boys down low. He could be the under the radar type of guy that could have a big impact for Texas this year.