Marcus Carr shares initial thoughts on Xavier matchup

For the first time since 2008, Texas is back in the Sweet Sixteen. To make matters better, interim head coach Rodney Terry has been leading the way. On the court, Marcus Carr has been a consistent leader for the Longhorns and his veteran presence has made a tough season in Austin one of the program’s best.

Xavier will be the opponent as a rematch of the 1990 Sweet Sixteen. Their program has been rebirthed under head coach Sean Miller, especially on the offensive end. Carr knows Texas will have to be ready to play in a track meet at times but that’s nothing new for a Big 12 team.

“Xavier is a really good team,” Carr said. “Obviously, they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t. Great offensive team, likes to push the pace. They can shoot the ball well. They have an inside presence as well. So they’re a pretty good team. That’s why they’re here. We should do a good job of preparing for them.”

Second place in the Big 12 will be going up against second place in the Big East. Ironically, the two teams who finished ahead of them — Kansas and Marquette — have both been bounced. Texas and Xavier will be hoping to represent their respective conferences in impressive fashion.

Marcus Carr, Texas hearing from previous stars

Texas is a proud men’s basketball program, having a laundry list of stars to come through. Even so, that has not always translated to success in the NCAA Tournament. Recent coaches have not been able to figure out how to advance until Terry showed up.

Carr says with the success this season, former players have reached out to show their support. Whether it’s been through Twitter or reaching out personally, Texas is currently receiving a lot of love from their own.

“As far as getting the love from the fans and the alumni, it’s been super surreal,” Carr said. “Having guys like K.D. (Kevin Durant) and LaMarcus (Aldridge) tweet about us, the team, and what’s going on, has been super cool. We’re definitely out there playing for each other but playing to make them proud as well.”

Getting a win against Xavier would open a door Texas has not seen since 2008. They will have the opportunity to play for a Final Four, something they have only done three times in program history. Carr has a massive task ahead of him and will be receiving love along the way.