Marcus Carr announces his return to Texas

Texas guard Marcus Carr announced Friday he will return to Texas for a second season with the Longhorns and head coach Chris Beard. Carr, a senior who transferred to Texas from Minnesota, was a third-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021-22.

“Standard set. Expectations remain high,” Carr said. “Bar Risen and never been one to walk underneath. Longhorn Nation, I have a promise to keep. See you in the Moody!”

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A 6-foot-2, 195-pounder from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Carr averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in 2021-22. He was asked to be a facilitator more often than a scorer, leading to a small dip in his production, but found his stride toward the end of the year.

In Big 12 play, Carr averaged 13.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He shot 40 percent from the field versus Big 12 opponents, and hit 79 percent of his free throws in 18 conference games.

He scored 15 points in Texas’ first-round NCAA tournament victory over Virginia Tech, and 23 points in the season finale versus Purdue.

The roster as it stands

G Marcus Carr, senior with four years of high-major experience

F Timmy Allen, senior with four years of high-major experience

PF Christian Bishop, senior with four years of high-major experience

CG Jabari Rice, senior with four years of college experience

F Brock Cunningham, senior with four years of high-major experience

PF Dillon Mitchell, freshman, On3 Consensus five-star

CG Arterio Morris, freshman, On3 Consensus five-star

PG Rowan Brumbaugh, freshman, On3 Consensus four-star

Disu’s decision remains in question

IT continues to hear Dylan Disu is not a lock to be back. There has been more positive thoughts in recent days, but not a lock. The 6-foot-9 junior didn’t have the season many anticipated after a long recovery from offseason knee surgery. The Texas staff believes Disu could take a big step to return to prior for next season, should he return.

Top targets in the portal

Louisiana Tech power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. continues to be the top target in the transfer portal. The former state champion at Port Arthur (Texas) Memorial is seen as a difference-making paint scorer the program lacked this season. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound skilled forward with quick feet and a mid-range game averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds this season. He burst onto the national scene after leading the 2021 FIBA U19 Team USA in scoring last summer. He led a team in scoring that included Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren, Purdue star guard Jaden Ivey, and other NBA draft prospects.

Lofton Jr. is the cousin of former Texas and NFL running back Jamaal Charles. The Longhorns’ main competition is Houston, who covets Lofton as well. Texas and the Lofton family have been having positive conversations, but the same can be said for Houston.

Another big man Texas continues to have communication with is Utah Valley State transfer Fardaws Aimaq. The 6-foot-11, 245-pounder averaged 18.9 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, along with converting 43.5% of his attempts from distance. Gonzaga and Washington have been considered the favorites in recent days to land the skilled big man.

Both Lofton and Aimaq are considered difference makers.

Texas is also kicking the tires on N.C. State rim protector Manny Bates and Washington State rim protector Efe Abogidi. There have been multiple conversations with both players. Both players are considered role players with rim protection.

The Longhorns would not walk away from Iowa State transfer guard Tyrese Hunter, but that is not currently expected to move much in a positive direction. His future home may already be decided.

One more high school prospect is possible

The Texas staff is considering extending an offer to forward Alex Anamekwe after meeting with him following a release from his SMU letter of intent. The near 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward is a Chris Beard fit, and would bring added toughness, rebounding and defensive presence. While not a scorer on the McKinney Lions state finalist team, he displayed an improved perimeter game as a senior. He had multiple games with multiple made three-pointers as he expands his game. He played big in the biggest moments for McKinney in the playoffs.

Anamekwe would be considered a player that could develop in year one playing behind Timmy Allen and Dillon Mitchell.

Gerry Hamilton co-authored this story