Men’s Hoops: Texas vs. No. 13 Alabama game thread

[selfdm]

What a win on the road for the Miller Era. 
 

That being said, this is one of the worst defensive teams in recent memory. We are far from the junkyard Barnes defenses. Granted, also far from some of those offenses 😆 
 

hook em! Hopefully this gets some momentum. 

Edited 15 hours ago by selfdm

[Califashorn75]

Great win. Now maybe the home crowd will show up like they do for the girls. 

[ChanmanV]

I guess Sean Miller finally got the guys to stop "walking across the street". LOL Good win. They were much more athletic on defense tonight especially with blocks and Pope and Mark show lights out. Hope they can build off this win and keep getting better.

[AZ Longhorn]

Call this an overreaction and you'd probably be fair. BUT I think this could be a hinge moment for the Miller era.

He has put his team on blast in the national media—rightfully so, IMO, but that's a version of pushing all your chips in. If you can't back it up yourself, and earn that grudging respect from college kids, then you're just a blowhard whose days are numbered. 

Today's win gives him "proof of concept" and for that reason is a MASSIVE deal, way disproportionate to the one game itself. It's Miller time!

Edited 14 hours ago by AZ Longhorn

[817 Boxing B]

You can tell Coach Miller stuck a big boot up the teams' 🍑 and left it wedged sideways after that embarrassing Tennessee loss. For all those who questioned Coach Miller... what we saw tonight was how he used to play. White boy had serious 🌰z... and he competed hard.. and never backed down. What he lacked in athletic abilities.. he compensated for it with toughness and heart. The team played in the image of their coach... and that's the beginning of establishing a culture. 🤘🏿

Edited 13 hours ago by 817 Boxing B

[horns96]

Impressive win at the end of a long week with a lot of travel. 🤘

[Califashorn75]

I just watched the game and there were plenty of moments they could have folded, but didn't.  The effort in the last quarter was right on. They have the pieces to win if they play better defense! They have a bunch of dudes that can score. Pope was really good tonight . 

[UTexas]

Heckuva win by the team and staff. Let’s just hope we can keep the momentum alive going. 

[Joe Zura]

@Jordan91 how you feeling buddy 👀

[Gerry Hamilton]

7 hours ago, AZ Longhorn said:

Call this an overreaction and you'd probably be fair. BUT I think this could be a hinge moment for the Miller era.

He has put his team on blast in the national media—rightfully so, IMO, but that's a version of pushing all your chips in. If you can't back it up yourself, and earn that grudging respect from college kids, then you're just a blowhard whose days are numbered. 

Today's win gives him "proof of concept" and for that reason is a MASSIVE deal, way disproportionate to the one game itself. It's Miller time!

1. I’m going to keep saying Miller is a terrific coach. He’s gone to Sweet 16 or Elite 8 at every coaching stop. He’s an experienced winner. I like what I’m seeing in terms of where the program build will be in future years. 

2. I remain the same on this first year. Fight, scratch and claw out enough W’s to have shot to sneak in NCAA Tournament. Texas’ back is going to be up against the wall because of the Miss State home loss all season IMO 

I’m always going to end discussions with this … first year coaches at their current school that didn’t make the NCAA Tournament year one in the portal era: 

Danny Hurley at UConn, Todd Golden at UF, Nate Oats at Bama, Rick Pitino at St John’s, Chris Beard at Ole Miss, Brad Underwood at Illinois, Mick Cronin at UCLA, etc… 

Miller needs to truly build the program for the future. And I believe he is and will. 

[Roy Hinojosa]

Sean Miller's frustrations were exactly what we needed moving forward. If you don't want to be coached hard, then move on and we'll find someone who will.

[Sundancekid]

  It will be very intersting to see what Miller can/is allowed to do with his own portal window.

[Gerry Hamilton]

10 minutes ago, Sundancekid said:

  It will be very intersting to see what Miller can/is allowed to do with his own portal window.

Going to have a few to grab ...

Only one's for sure Texas will try and get back of those that have played key roles: Swain (could go pro and likely/possibly be a 2nd rounder) and Matas

Possibly back as key role player to split time with freshman Bo Ogden: Cam Heide

Possibly back as a 3rd/4th guard: Wilcher

Texas likes young guys if they want to stay and develop: Declan Duru (Texas staff really likes where he will go) and John Clark (Texas likes a lot as a rebounder and physical defender, but offense will take time) and 7-1 center

Freshman that will start or have key roles: Austin Goosby and Ogden

From portal: Texas will go get experience PG/team runner, backup center/big, floor spacer four that is a perimiter threat, guard with size that can shoot it

*Note on Freshman that will be key role player by year two: Joe Sterling

 

[Sundancekid]

Watching the highlights… Mark and Pope played like senior dogs and Traore played his best game. He definitely brings a more physical presence to the post.

  People need to quit bagging on this team. Leave the negativity for the portal potty.

Edited 5 hours ago by Sundancekid

[ClubWhatever]

Swain does not have NBA skills for a 6-7 guy.  His shot is too flat and easy to block, his handle is average, and his defense is - to put it kindly - less than stellar.

[Sundancekid]

15 minutes ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Going to have a few to grab ...

Only one's for sure Texas will try and get back of those that have played key roles: Swain (could go pro and likely/possibly be a 2nd rounder) and Matas

Possibly back as key role player to split time with freshman Bo Ogden: Cam Heide

Possibly back as a 3rd/4th guard: Wilcher

Texas likes young guys if they want to stay and develop: Declan Duru (Texas staff really likes where he will go) and John Clark (Texas likes a lot as a rebounder and physical defender, but offense will take time) and 7-1 center

Freshman that will start or have key roles: Austin Goosby and Ogden

From portal: Texas will go get experience PG/team runner, backup center/big, floor spacer four that is a perimiter threat, guard with size that can shoot it

*Note on Freshman that will be key role player by year two: Joe Sterling

 

  Seems like Wilcher would be a starter next season not a 3rd/4th option. 

[Sundancekid]

1 minute ago, ClubWhatever said:

Swain does not have NBA skills for a 6-7 guy.  His shot is too flat and easy to block, his handle is average, and his defense is - to put it kindly - less than stellar.

  Swain is a very good collegiate player and is improving. He will help us win games. Are you a Texas fan?

[Inspired73]

10 hours ago, Califashorn75 said:

Great win. Now maybe the home crowd will show up like they do for the girls. 

You earn crowds.

Play like a champion every game.  Leave your guts on the floor.  And, folks will flock to the stadium.  You earn what you receive.

[Jordan91]

2 hours ago, Joe Zura said:

@Jordan91 how you feeling buddy 👀

Thankful I didn’t have a stroke last night. 

[Jordan91]

1 hour ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Going to have a few to grab ...

Only one's for sure Texas will try and get back of those that have played key roles: Swain (could go pro and likely/possibly be a 2nd rounder) and Matas

Possibly back as key role player to split time with freshman Bo Ogden: Cam Heide

Possibly back as a 3rd/4th guard: Wilcher

Texas likes young guys if they want to stay and develop: Declan Duru (Texas staff really likes where he will go) and John Clark (Texas likes a lot as a rebounder and physical defender, but offense will take time) and 7-1 center

Freshman that will start or have key roles: Austin Goosby and Ogden

From portal: Texas will go get experience PG/team runner, backup center/big, floor spacer four that is a perimiter threat, guard with size that can shoot it

*Note on Freshman that will be key role player by year two: Joe Sterling

 

It will be refreshing to see new players. I really think that game last night was the one where Coach Miller established himself as the unquestionable coach. He has ripped into those players multiple times. They were celebrating with him in the locker room afterwards. Seems like Wilcher hasn’t been the shooting guard with length they envisioned. The wouldn’t be looking for another shooting guard with length in the portal if he was. I actually think he has looked the best, based on expectations. I like his shot, but he really isn’t a threat to get to the rim. I was hoping to see more of him at the point guard position. Swain has the body and athleticism to be a pro, but you nailed it on the mid second round pick. He’s cost Texas games with poor free throw shooting and ridiculous stupid fouls. You can’t give him the ball late in games if he can’t make free throws. Coach Miller is a borderline miracle worker for getting Mark to play defense the entire game. He’s had the body and athleticism to be that guy since he left Houston. Finally, Texas needs a point guard. People can say all they want that it doesn’t matter in Miller’s offense, but it clearly does. My head will drop if I hear, he cost too much during portal time. If Miller gets one high value player and then it’s reported he’s looking for players in Sudan, then it will be obvious Texas still isn’t serious. Give the man the players and watch out. Matas is a good player but he’s a liability in the closing minutes too, he can’t shoot free throws and bully ball won’t work. He needs better footwork and a face up game. He is a horrifically bad fouler. It was his problem at his last school and it’s followed him here. The sad part is most of them are needless fouls. A lot of the times it has nothing to do with the play. Traore finally showed why Miller liked him last night. He was a monster and at one point Miller sat Matas and rolled with him. Huge win for Coach Miller last night. 

[JohnGalt]

Now that we see the difference between what we had the last two years—- Everything we can be as a basketball program is still to come

 I’m very glad w are all realizing this 

Watching us win that game was awesome for the program and vindication at so many levels

[Gerry Hamilton]

2 hours ago, ClubWhatever said:

Swain does not have NBA skills for a 6-7 guy.  His shot is too flat and easy to block, his handle is average, and his defense is - to put it kindly - less than stellar.

As a shooter, got work to do. Improving slowly ... but needs to make big jump in the next 2-3 years as he develops. 

Otherwise, disagree. He has a legit shot. He's a very good all-around player. He's a playmaker off the bounce ... sees the game really well on offense. He's got length to his frame too. 

[Gerry Hamilton]

1 hour ago, Jordan91 said:

It will be refreshing to see new players. I really think that game last night was the one where Coach Miller established himself as the unquestionable coach. He has ripped into those players multiple times. They were celebrating with him in the locker room afterwards. Seems like Wilcher hasn’t been the shooting guard with length they envisioned. The wouldn’t be looking for another shooting guard with length in the portal if he was. I actually think he has looked the best, based on expectations. I like his shot, but he really isn’t a threat to get to the rim. I was hoping to see more of him at the point guard position. Swain has the body and athleticism to be a pro, but you nailed it on the mid second round pick. He’s cost Texas games with poor free throw shooting and ridiculous stupid fouls. You can’t give him the ball late in games if he can’t make free throws. Coach Miller is a borderline miracle worker for getting Mark to play defense the entire game. He’s had the body and athleticism to be that guy since he left Houston. Finally, Texas needs a point guard. People can say all they want that it doesn’t matter in Miller’s offense, but it clearly does. My head will drop if I hear, he cost too much during portal time. If Miller gets one high value player and then it’s reported he’s looking for players in Sudan, then it will be obvious Texas still isn’t serious. Give the man the players and watch out. Matas is a good player but he’s a liability in the closing minutes too, he can’t shoot free throws and bully ball won’t work. He needs better footwork and a face up game. He is a horrifically bad fouler. It was his problem at his last school and it’s followed him here. The sad part is most of them are needless fouls. A lot of the times it has nothing to do with the play. Traore finally showed why Miller liked him last night. He was a monster and at one point Miller sat Matas and rolled with him. Huge win for Coach Miller last night. 

The whole pure PG argument is long gone in college hoops, and in general. Very few of those guys exist. Guys are being skill trained now. The natural creativity and being a true PG is being skill taught out of players at a young age IMO. 

You need a team runner. That can be a SG that developed into a CG ,and then team runner. 

Florida literally won an NC last year with a team runner that did what I talked about above. Not a true PG. 

UConn's second NC team had 2-3 CG's ... not a true PG. 

 

 

[NCHorn]

3 hours ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

1. I’m going to keep saying Miller is a terrific coach. He’s gone to Sweet 16 or Elite 8 at every coaching stop. He’s an experienced winner. I like what I’m seeing in terms of where the program build will be in future years. 

2. I remain the same on this first year. Fight, scratch and claw out enough W’s to have shot to sneak in NCAA Tournament. Texas’ back is going to be up against the wall because of the Miss State home loss all season IMO 

I’m always going to end discussions with this … first year coaches at their current school that didn’t make the NCAA Tournament year one in the portal era: 

Danny Hurley at UConn, Todd Golden at UF, Nate Oats at Bama, Rick Pitino at St John’s, Chris Beard at Ole Miss, Brad Underwood at Illinois, Mick Cronin at UCLA, etc… 

Miller needs to truly build the program for the future. And I believe he is and will. 

Co-sign re: Coach Miller.  He has only had one losing season in his 20 or so years as a HC, as stated during the broadcast last night.  Texas has a good one and the future is bright.

His public call-out post-Tenn was not the reaction of an immature or otherwise emotionally unaware coach.  It was one who saw the prospect of the team either continuing further down that path in regard to effort or providing a public reality check that he ascertained was necessary for them to engage and play at a level more proximate to their ceiling.

The fan base is tracking, the support during the MsSt loss was good and loud.  Getting unbeaten Vandy in here on Wed warrants more of that for another statement win.  Texas needs to defend its home court and can inch forward in the conference standings with two very high quality conference wins under its belt.  If you haven't seen the team play in person yet, I would describe them in general as so-so on defense (last night suggests a better trend though) and an entertaining level of offense.  Moody should be rocking Wednesday.

Hook 'em

[Jordan91]

1 hour ago, NCHorn said:

Co-sign re: Coach Miller.  He has only had one losing season in his 20 or so years as a HC, as stated during the broadcast last night.  Texas has a good one and the future is bright.

His public call-out post-Tenn was not the reaction of an immature or otherwise emotionally unaware coach.  It was one who saw the prospect of the team either continuing further down that path in regard to effort or providing a public reality check that he ascertained was necessary for them to engage and play at a level more proximate to their ceiling.

The fan base is tracking, the support during the MsSt loss was good and loud.  Getting unbeaten Vandy in here on Wed warrants more of that for another statement win.  Texas needs to defend its home court and can inch forward in the conference standings with two very high quality conference wins under its belt.  If you haven't seen the team play in person yet, I would describe them in general as so-so on defense (last night suggests a better trend though) and an entertaining level of offense.  Moody should be rocking Wednesday.

Hook 'em

I saw on X he was telling one of the players during warmups that he doesn’t have to be here. Not sure if it was last nights game. Wild guess is Codie. I don’t think he makes it to the end of the year. They can’t state any more emphatically he’s not wanted. Whatever is going on with him, doesn’t need to spill into the locker room.