NCAA Basketball: Kentucky, Arkansas fall in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
15. Texas (3-0)
Last season involved the firing of Chris Beard and a run to the Elite Eight; what excitement possibly awaits in Austin this year? The Longhorns will certainly be a force in the Big 12 again this season, even with new faces playing major roles on this roster. To this point, Texas has done exactly what they’ve needed to do.
After two easy home wins in the opening week, the Longhorns secured a third such decision with an 80-64 win against Rice on Wednesday night. Tyrese Hunter had 18 points, Kadin Shedrick scored 15, and Dillon Mitchell had 13 rebounds in a good team effort for the Longhorns. This wasn’t a blowout and it wasn’t the best opponent, but Texas did what they needed to keep on with their winning ways.
We didn’t even mention Max Abmas, the former super scorer who transferred from Oral Roberts, but it’s obvious that the Longhorns have significant talent again his season. This starting rotation has the talent to make waves in the Big 12, though we’ll finally start season what this team can do outside of Austin. They’ll play a pair of games in New York as part of the Empire Classic, facing Louisville on Sunday and then either UConn or Indiana the following day. They could have quite the task on their hands if they’re playing the Huskies on Monday.