NCAA Basketball: 2022 Top-5 G Keyonte George trims list to 5 teams

Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns have found tremendous momentum on the recruiting trail in the midst of a coaching change from Shaka Smart to former Texas Tech coach Chris Beard. The new staff have landed some significant pieces this offseason and are creating a lot of waves with their staff assembly and roster construction. Beard’s staff at Texas Tech were already heavily involved in George’s recruitment prior to switching programs, but the comparable prestige and resources of the Texas program could prove to be even more attractive.

Beard retained top assistant Ulric Maligi and swiped another from rival Kansas, Jerrance Howard, who have both been instrumental in recruiting George. There is a lot of positive momentum for the Longhorn program specifically in attempting to land the 5-star guard, but the on-court fit is another factor that bodes well for fans.

Beard’s system is still very favorable to implementing a large guard rotation allowing George to join a talented group featuring Devin Askew, Jaylon Tyson, and the potential to land more in the class of 2022.

Of the pieces Texas already has, George is an ideal addition featuring primary ball-handling capability and aggressive defensive traits. The Longhorns, despite bringing in talented pieces via the transfer portal this offseason, are becoming less experienced in the backcourt than they have been over the last several years.

Optimizing the talent in this area of the roster and securing the top recruit in the state will be priority number one for Beard and Co. What’s brewing in Austin could be significant enough to stave off some of the blue bloods.