Texas Basketball: Outlook for head coach Rodney Terry’s first full season
Texas recently completed one of its best basketball seasons in school history.
Head coach Rodney Terry played a huge role in the team’s success. More than simply avoiding costly errors, Terry’s staff appeared to make game-altering adjustments throughout the season.
The 2023-24 season could be a greater challenge for Terry. This season challenged the acting head coach as a leader of men. The former Texas assistant had more than enough charisma and strength of character to pass that test. Now, he’s charged with replacing one of the better rosters the program has ever assembled.
The ability to get baskets is paramount in March. Veteran guards Marcus Carr and Sir’Jabari Rice consistently delivered baskets for Texas over the course of the season. When they couldn’t score, Dylan Disu showed the ability to put the team on his back. Disu could return, but those prolific guards are gone.
Here’s a look at what Texas needs to accomplish to earn a Top 4 seed and contend next season.
Impact scoring guard
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Tyrese Hunter and Arterio Morris have the ability to make shots. Albeit, it would be unwise to put the team’s scoring on their shoulders. North Carolina guard Caleb Love is a name that comes to mind.
Incumbent guards develop outside shooting
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Arterio Morris proved to be a solid shooter from the outside. Texas needs Tyrese Hunter to make a leap similar to the one Marcus Carr made as a shooter over the past offseason.
Return Dylan Disu
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This might be an unlikely win for Texas, but Rodney Terry needs to bring back Disu if possible. Disu showed he can consistently get baskets offensively and take away opponents’ baskets as a shot blocker.
Post help
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Post players Timmy Allen and Christian Bishop depart for Texas. The position was thin as it was constructed. Brock Cunningham, Dillon Mitchell and Ron Holland can step into bigger roles as smaller forwards, but the Longhorns probably need two versatile post players with length.
Underclassmen develop
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If Dillon Mitchell and Arterio Morris develop into two of the best players in the conference, Texas is going to be in a great position next season. The Longhorns could use a strong offensive season from freshman guard AJ Johnson and post newcomer Ron Holland.
