Texas Longhorns basketball: A look ahead to next season

The Texas Longhorns’ first season under Chris Beard saw the first Round of 64 win since 2014, and a building of the culture in the program. 

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Normally, waiting until the end of the college season would be the timeline for a look ahead at the possibilities next season. But we are now fully engaged in the portal dominated days of college basketball. There are already over 570 players in the portal since season’s end, and the Texas staff has had contact with more than one.

There are several questions to be answered with the season having come to a conclusion. Inside Texas takes a swing at looking ahead to the 2022-23 season. 

Who will return from the current team

Here is the answer as it stands right now, the Texas staff doesn’t know for sure. Those questions are likely be answered in the next two or three weeks.

Timmy Allen, F, 2018 class

Allen has one more season to play, should he opt to return. The 6-foot-6 versatile forward was the team’s best, and most consistent, player this season earning NABC All-District honors. Allen’s decision would be moving on to professional basketball in some capacity versus another year in college with NIL possibilities to offset. Texas would love to have Allen back for another season.

Courtney Ramey, G, 2018 class

Ramey also has one season remaining to play in college should he go that direction. The 6-foot-3 guard is the best perimeter defender in the program, and would not be easily replaced in that role. Ramey was so willing to be that defender, that he sacrificed offense and opportunity at times. Inside Texas has heard more chatter that he won’t return, than he will. That is subject to change, of course.

Andrew Jones, SG, 2016 class

Yes, Jones could technically get a seventh year of college basketball. The 6-foot-4 guard would likely have the most lucrative NIL possibilities of the players that could return to the program.

Christian Bishop, PF, 2018 class

Bishop is another player from the 2018 class that has one more year of college eligibility, if he chooses to stay for a fifth season. The 6-foot-7 forward quietly showed improvement this season. His perimeter game showed some signs of life for the first time in college, but it was a much improved free throw stroke that should be commended. He improved this season in Austin.

Dylan Disu, F, 2019 class

Disu went from averaging 15 points and leading the SEC rebounding last season to off-season knee surgery, and struggling to find a flow and consistency this year after a longer recovery than expected. It’s difficult to see Disu returning to the player he was expected to be in the fairly large sample size offered up this season. He can be an improved player next season, however.

Devin Askew, CG, 2021 class

Askew should see an increased role in the 2022-23 season, but also has to become more of a scoring threat. He has a quality mid-range game, and could become a 35% three-point shooter with more opportunities. Askew is expected back.

Brock Cunningham, F, 2018 class

There was some confusion if Cunningham posted his goodbye tweet to Longhorn nation after the loss to Purdue. It was just a thank you to the university and fans. Cunningham has unfinished business with the Texas program as the works toward his master’s.

I grew up wanting to represent those 5 letters. That burnt orange and white was a dream. Thank you to the team, the fans, and everyone in between. I loved it all❤️ #Texas #1point8 pic.twitter.com/tlRe5Hxfzl

— Brock Cunningham (@Brockolli13) March 21, 2022

Not expected back

Marcus Carr, PG, 2017 class

Avery Benson, G, 2017 class

What the three 2022 prospects bring to the program

CG Arterio Morris, Dallas (Texas) Kimball

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 20 (5-star)

The 6-foot-3 Morris is an electric open court player with NBA draft pick ability. Beard has always had a guard he would let “wiggle within the offense,” as a prominent coach told Inside Texas on Monday. Morris is accustomed to playing with a lot of freedom. He’s a quick, fast and high-flying finisher in transition, with the ability to get his own shot and score in bunches. He’s also a sneaky offensive rebounder. There will be two huge keys for Morris to be the player he can potentially be as a freshman. Playing hard on both ends for longer stretches will be required. Learning to play with flow and pace in the half-court while coveting each possession will also be required. Opponents will play under the screen at the high-major level until Morris proves he can consistently shoot the three. Morris will play in the McDonald’s All-American Game Tuesday.

F Dylan Mitchell, Spring Hill (Fla.) Montverde Academy

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 7 (5-star)

The 6-foot-7 forward is arguably the most athletic prospect in the 2022 cycle. Mitchell’s special quickness and explosiveness shows up on both ends of the floor with great length and timing. He possesses high-level defensive instincts, can guard on or off the ball, and switch up and down a lineup. He can handle the ball and make plays, as an initiator, out of the pick and roll. Played on the move without the ball exceptionally well as a senior. The ability to improve his jump shot from outside 17 feet will be paramount to maximize his talent. A future NBA lottery selection. Mitchell will play in the McDonald’s All-American Game Tuesday.

PG Rowan Brumbaugh, Northfield (Mass.) Mount Hermon

On3 Consensus ranking: No. 94

Brumbaugh has a pure point guard game, feel and mindset. He has the ball on a string, and is a creator. He possesses sneaky quickness and good size. Brumbaugh creates opportunities for his teammates through feel and instinct. The ability to shoot the three, especially off the dribble, is a must to become a difference maker player at the high-major level. Opponents will be able to play under the screen until Brumbaugh proves he can be a consistent perimeter threat. Brumbaugh is a willing and capable defender with very good understanding.

Needs that remain for Texas

The Longhorns certainly need to address rim protection and size in depth in the front court no matter who returns. Perimeter knock-down shooting and scoring ability off the bounce is as much of a need. Texas was inconsistent at best on the perimeter this season, and that must improve. Another strong ball handler to provide options getting into offensive sets is also a potential need. That player would have to possesses high-end quickness to make a difference. A fourth high school prospect in the class is not out of the question. That would come down to near perfect fit at a need position. The Longhorns intend to “stay old” next season.