Can Texas Longhorns Basketball Rebound From Last Season's Disappointing Finish?
When I look at the Texas Longhorns basketball program, I can’t help but feel a mix of hope and hesitation. Last season was, to put it plainly, a letdown—finishing with a 19-14 record and missing the NCAA tournament for the second straight year. As someone who’s followed college hoops for over a decade, I’ve seen programs rise and fall, but the Longhorns’ situation feels particularly urgent. They’ve got the talent, no doubt, but turning potential into wins is a whole different ball game. And if you’re wondering whether they can bounce back, well, I think it’s possible, but it’ll require more than just skill—it’ll demand tough decisions, much like the ones we see in professional leagues.
Take, for instance, the recent news from the Philippine Basketball Association. I came across a snippet about the TNT Tropang Giga and their deliberation over whether to include Jio Jalalon in their roster for the all-Filipino conference. Regardless, as Reyes said, the TNT hasn’t made a decision yet. That kind of uncertainty resonates with what the Longhorns are facing. In sports, roster choices can make or break a season. For Texas, it’s not just about who’s on the court, but how they fit together. Last year, they struggled with consistency, especially in close games where they went 5-8 in contests decided by five points or fewer. It’s frustrating to watch, and as a fan, I’ve found myself yelling at the screen more times than I’d like to admit. But here’s the thing: this offseason, they’ve brought in some promising recruits, including a top-20 national class, and retained key players like Dylan Disu, who averaged 14.2 points per game. If they can gel early, I’m optimistic they could push for a 22-win season and maybe even sneak into the tournament.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—the Big 12 is a beast. With teams like Kansas and Baylor consistently dominating, the Longhorns can’t afford any missteps. I remember watching their game against TCU last February; they led by 10 at halftime but collapsed in the second half, ultimately losing by three. It was a classic case of failing to close out, something that’s plagued them for years. In my opinion, Coach Rodney Terry needs to instill a tougher mentality. He’s a solid leader, having guided the team to an Elite Eight run a couple of seasons back, but last year’s 8-10 conference record shows there’s work to do. Defense, in particular, was a weak spot—they allowed an average of 72.1 points per game, which placed them in the bottom half of the league. If they can tighten that up, maybe drop it to around 68 points, I’d feel a lot better about their chances. And speaking of chances, the non-conference schedule includes matchups against Gonzaga and Michigan State; win one of those, and it could be the confidence boost they need.
Now, circling back to that PBA example, the TNT situation highlights how roster decisions are often about balancing experience and potential. Jalalon, if included, could bring energy, but it’s a gamble. Similarly, Texas has to decide on playing time for their freshmen versus veterans. Personally, I’d lean toward giving the young guns more minutes—players like Tre Johnson, a five-star recruit, could be game-changers. But it’s a delicate balance, and I’ve seen teams over-rely on youth and pay the price. Remember, last season, the Longhorns’ bench depth was thin, contributing to late-game fatigue. If they can develop a reliable rotation of 8-9 players, rather than relying heavily on starters, it might prevent those second-half slumps. Statistically, teams with deeper benches tend to perform better in March, and I’d love to see Texas adopt that approach.
Off the court, factors like fan support and scheduling play a role too. I’ve attended games at the Frank Erwin Center, and the atmosphere can be electric—when the team is winning. But last season, attendance dipped by about 12%, which doesn’t help morale. To rebound, they need to re-engage the community, maybe through more outreach events or social media campaigns. From an SEO perspective, keywords like “Texas Longhorns basketball rebound” or “Longhorns 2024 season predictions” are buzzing, and the program should leverage that to build hype. As a blogger, I’ve noticed that content focusing on turnaround stories gets more engagement, so if Texas can string together a few early wins, the narrative could shift quickly.
In conclusion, while last season’s finish was disappointing, I believe the Texas Longhorns have the pieces to turn things around. It won’t be easy—they’ll need to make smart roster decisions, improve defensively, and build mental toughness. Drawing parallels to the PBA’s TNT dilemma, it’s clear that in basketball, indecision can be costly. But if Coach Terry and the squad learn from past mistakes, I’m betting on a stronger showing this year. Maybe not a championship run, but a solid 20-plus win season and a return to the Big Dance. After all, in sports, as in life, it’s often the bounce-backs that make the best stories.
