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Texas Basketball Adds a Big Man — But What’s Still Missing?

by:EvanVieth•04/16/25
Sean Miller
Sean Miller (Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Texas Basketball just landed a much-needed big man through the transfer portal, addressing a major roster hole. But with the offseason still unfolding, what other pieces do the Longhorns need to contend?

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Lassina Traore, a 6’10” traditional big man from Ivory Coast with NCAA experience at St. Louis and Long Beach State, joins Texas. Known for his rebounding and inside scoring, he’s expected to add needed size and physicality to the roster.

Traore brings a bruising post presence, strong rebounding ability (double-digit averages), and some elbow face-up scoring. He’s not a shooter but excels at carving space and finishing around the rim. Questions remain about whether he will start or be a key rotation player.

Potential lineups include combining Traore with Matas Vokeitaitis and Dailyn Swain for a massive, defensively sturdy frontcourt. The emphasis is on rebounding and physicality—key for SEC play. However, lack of floor spacing remains a concern.

The new bigs aim to fix major issues from last season: underwhelming point guard play and lack of interior toughness. Players like Kadin Shedrick and Ze’rik Onyema fell short, making this offseason’s upgrades essential.

Sean Miller’s offense may limit Traore’s mid-range use. The team still lacks a true point guard and consistent shooters. Guard play is the top priority, and spacing with big lineups is a challenge.

Texas has five scholarships left and must address guard depth and perimeter shooting. A combo of veteran transfers and high school prospects is likely. Nyk Lewis is a standout possibility for the point guard role.

Discussion shifts to NBA prospects. Tre Johnson is praised as a top scorer in the draft, with fits like San Antonio or Toronto seen as ideal. The Spurs’ need for spacing and Brooklyn’s scoring void make them good options.

Johnson’s elite shot creation, both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble, makes him a top-8 pick. He’s compared favorably to other guards like Cam Thomas and Gradey Dick and is seen as a future 25 PPG scorer.

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