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Texas Longhorns Brutal schedule won't help young team
Last season24-9, 13-3 Big 12 (NCAA second round, lost to Louisiana State)
CoachRick Barnes (3rd season, 43-22; 245-156 overall)
Projected starting lineup
G Roosevelt Brown, 6-3, So.
G Maurice Evans, 6-5, Jr.
F Brian Boddicker, 6-9, Fr.
F James Thomas, 6-8, Fr.
F Chris Owens, 6-9, Jr.
Top guy off the benchG Darren Kelly, 6-3, Fr. Will miss the first semester due to academic ineligibility, but once back could be to Texas what spinach is to Popeye.
Key gamesvs. Illinois (Dec. 23). One of many highlights on Big 12's toughest schedule.at Arizona (Jan. 27). Just what the 'Horns don't need six games into league play. vs. Oklahoma (Feb. 10). You mean they have to play conference games, too?
OutlookFor the first time, Barnes has no Tom Penders recruits to lean on. Superb center Chris Mihm ducked out a year early and banging forward Gabe Muoneke graduated. The coach seems to have done all right, coaxing Evans and Owens (a Tulane signee) from other D-I programs and studs like Boddicker from the preps. Still, all that change has to produce some uncertainty, especially with a schedule (see Illinois, Arizona, Utah, UConn and the preseason NIT) that resembles a fraternity paddle line. The names may be different, but expect the same grinding, defensive game, with an added touch of versatility and depth. Evans boosts perimeter scoring, a weakness last year. --Adam Thompson
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