Texas Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Longhorns

Starting lineup

Matt Coleman

Coleman started every game for the Longhorns as a sophomore last year and will continue to provide experience and a steadying hand at the point, which is something this group will need. He led Texas is assists last year but needs to become a much more efficient scorer if this group is going to take the next step.

Courtney Ramey

Ramey and Coleman are two very similar guards physically (Ramey is 6-3 and 185 lbs, Coleman is 6-2 and 180) and both have proven to be reliable playmakers. A lack of size from this duo causes some defensive problems for Texas but Ramey’s athleticism and scoring ability (led all rotation players by shooting 38.6 percent from three) should allow him to take a step forward in his sophomore season.

Jase Febres

Though Ramey shot at a slightly higher percentage, Febres was this team’s best long-distance threat and will be again. The 6-5 wing had 20 games in which he made multiple three-pointers, including 10 with at least four. If he can maintain that while becoming better defensively, Texas will be in great shape.

Jericho Sims

Sims is an uber-athletic 6-9, 240-pound big man who can jump out of the gym and run the floor well. He showed flashes of greatness as a freshman but took a step back as a sophomore as Jaxson Hayes stepped into the spotlight. He has the tools to be Smart’s next great big man at Texas and will have the opportunity, but he was still too raw last year. If he takes that next step, he can adequately fill the shoes left by Hayes.

Will Baker

The highest-rated freshman in Texas’ incoming class, the seven-footer is a great rebounder and scorer around the rim thanks to his soft touch. He’s not a great athlete yet does have reliable range extending out to the three-point line, which will significantly help this team’s spacing.