Texas Longhorns Basketball: Key Strategies for Dominating the Court This Season

As I watch the Texas Longhorns prepare for this basketball season, I can't help but reflect on what it takes to build a championship-caliber team. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen how roster decisions can make or break a team's entire campaign. Just last week, I was reading about how the TNT team in the Philippines hasn't made a decision on whether to include Jalalon on its roster for the all-Filipino conference, and it struck me how universal these selection dilemmas are across basketball programs worldwide. The Longhorns face similar strategic choices that will determine whether they dominate the court or struggle through another mediocre season.

The foundation of any successful basketball program begins with roster construction, and Texas needs to get this absolutely right. From my perspective, having analyzed countless recruitment cycles, the Longhorns should prioritize retaining their core players while strategically adding two or three impact transfers. Last season, they lost approximately 42% of their scoring production to graduation and the transfer portal, which creates both challenges and opportunities. I firmly believe that building around returning starters like Marcus Carr and Timmy Allen provides the stability needed for early-season success, while carefully selected transfers can address specific weaknesses in perimeter shooting and interior defense. The hesitation we see from other teams, like TNT's uncertainty about Jalalon, demonstrates how crucial these decisions are - every roster spot matters tremendously.

When we talk about offensive strategies, I'm particularly excited about the potential for this Texas team to implement a more modern, pace-and-space approach. Having studied their game footage from last season, I noticed they averaged only 28.3 three-point attempts per game, which placed them in the bottom third of the Big 12 conference. That simply won't cut it this year. What I'd love to see is Coach Terry implementing a system that generates at least 35 quality three-point looks per game while maintaining their strong interior presence. The best teams I've observed successfully blend traditional post play with perimeter shooting, creating what analysts call "vertical spacing" that stretches defenses to their breaking point. This balanced attack could elevate Texas from a good offensive team to an exceptional one.

Defensively, the Longhorns need to embrace more versatility than we've seen in recent years. I've always been a proponent of defensive systems that can switch across multiple positions without creating mismatches. Looking at their returning personnel, Texas has the athletes to implement what I call "positionless defense" - where traditional roles blur and every player can guard multiple positions. Statistics from last season show they allowed opponents to shoot 45.2% from the field, which ranked seventh in the conference. That number needs to drop to at least 41% for them to compete for championships. What I'd implement if I were coaching is a system that uses their length and athleticism to create more deflections and transition opportunities, potentially generating 8-10 extra possessions per game through forced turnovers.

Player development represents another critical area where Texas can gain a competitive edge. Having spoken with several college strength coaches over the years, I'm convinced that individualized development programs yield the best results. For instance, I'd focus on enhancing Dylan Disu's perimeter skills to make him a more versatile offensive threat, while working with Tyrese Hunter on finishing through contact at the rim. The most successful programs I've studied dedicate approximately 70% of their practice time to skill development versus team concepts during the offseason, then reverse that ratio once conference play begins. This balanced approach allows players to grow individually while ensuring the team develops chemistry and execution when it matters most.

The mental aspect of the game often gets overlooked, but from my experience observing championship teams, it's what separates good seasons from great ones. Texas needs to develop what I call "situational mastery" - the ability to execute flawlessly in high-pressure moments. Looking back at last season, they lost four games by three points or fewer, which suggests they struggled in clutch situations. Implementing specific late-game scenarios in practice, perhaps dedicating 20-3 minutes each session to end-of-game situations, could dramatically improve their performance in these critical moments. I'd also establish clear roles for each player, reducing the uncertainty that can plague teams when stakes are highest.

As the season approaches, I'm particularly optimistic about Texas's potential if they can integrate these strategies effectively. The combination of returning experience and new talent creates what I believe could be a special season in Austin. While nothing is guaranteed in college basketball, the framework for success is clearly visible. What we've seen with teams like TNT hesitating on roster decisions underscores how important clarity and conviction are in building a winning program. For Texas, making decisive choices and sticking to their strategic identity could be the difference between another good season and a truly dominant one that Longhorn fans will remember for years to come.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 14:01