OTF Premium No. 7 Texas 109, Chicago State 59: Longhorns react to season-opening win

Miller: "We don't have that problem where guys are trying to do things individually and lose sight of the togetherness and teamwork that this game requires."

As deep as Texas is right now, Miller knows the Longhorns will be better and deeper when they get Mikey Lewis back.

The great challenge in coaching Isaiah Johnson, Miller said, "is not where he is right now, but where he can get to."

Miller "loves that he's a part of our program."

Miller: "Marcus was outstanding tonight."

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Miller: "Marcus was outstanding tonight."

Miller said Spears had a few defensive lapses on the perimeter, but "you'd rather pull a guy back than hit him in the butt and tell him to speed it up."

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Miller said Spears had a few defensive lapses on the perimeter, but "you'd rather pull a guy back than hit him in the butt and tell him to speed it up."

Spears will develop patience as he gets more experience, Miller said. His defense tonight "was outstanding," Miller said.

Amari Evans "can play a really good game and not make a three," Miller said.

He's a capable shooter with winning experience from one season at Tennessee. Miller loves Evans' physicality.

"He's invaluable for us in that role," Miller said, referring to Evans' physicality on defense.

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Amari Evans "can play a really good game and not make a three," Miller said.

He's a capable shooter with winning experience from one season at Tennessee. Miller loves Evans' physicality.

"He's invaluable for us in that role," Miller said, referring to Evans' physicality on defense.

Very important role player... good to put some makes on tape tonight 

Miller said Texas didn't pass the test at MSG against St. John's. They were better in the second half, "but you've got to be ready from the start," he said.

It was a difficult trip, but Miller said it was, "difficult in a lot of good ways."

Texas was "better and ready tonight" than they would've been had they not had the St. John's experience.

Miller: "When you look at our stat sheet this year, we'll have a balanced roster."

Miller liked that Texas only had 10 turnovers against a Chicago State team that can muck the game up and turn you over.

Specifically, Isaiah Johnson and Austin Goosby had four combined turnovers in the first half and finished the game with four.

Marcus Spears Jr.'s rim protection gives Texas an element it didn't have last season, Miller said.

Miller liked that David Punch finished the game with three assists and no turnovers. Like Matas, Miller and Texas need Punch to be a tone-setter, he said.

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Miller liked that David Punch finished the game with three assists and no turnovers. Like Matas, Miller and Texas need Punch to be a tone-setter, he said.

 

Miller on Punch: "I'm not worried about him. He could score 20 points in the next game."

When asked about Oklahoma's loss to East Texas A&M (who Texas plays later in non-conference play), Miller said that in the early part of the season, it's about improving and being ready for every game.

Austin Goosby is playing point guard and off the ball. Whether he's on the ball or not, Miller wants Goosby to be a playmaker.

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Austin Goosby is playing point guard and off the ball. Whether he's on the ball or not, Miller wants Goosby to be a playmaker.

There's a lot that goes into playing point guard. Miller said playing both guard spots is a great way for Goosby to develop. Miller felt Goosby learned a lot from the St. John's experience. 

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

There's a lot that goes into playing point guard. Miller said playing both guard spots is a great way for Goosby to develop. Miller felt Goosby learned a lot from the St. John's experience. 

Miller: "You don't have to speed Austin up. You have to pull him back... He's a smart guy. We're asking him to do a lot, but he's made for it. That's why he came here."

That's it for Sean Miller and for the postgame press conference.

A good opening night for the local cagers is in the books! 

5 minutes ago, Jeff Howe said:

Austin Goosby is playing point guard and off the ball. Whether he's on the ball or not, Miller wants Goosby to be a playmaker.

7 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists (2 TO), 1 steal

13 made three's .. second most in Sean Miller era ... made 16-32 in Maui vs NC State

Marcus Spears Jr... post game on ESPN

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/50365595