Quick Thoughts: Texas wins their first Big 12 Basketball Championship

[Jameson McCausland]

For the first time since the creation of the Big 12, the Texas basketball program has won a conference championship. In a game that featured dominant performances from Jericho Sims and Matt Coleman, the Longhorns defeated Oklahoma State 91-86 to cut down the nets in Kansas City and give themselves plenty of momentum heading into the NCAA tournament. 
 

Here are some quick thoughts and takeaways from the best win Shaka Smart has had in his tenure at Texas.

• Matt Coleman was absolutely dominate all evening. The senior, who has experienced plenty of highs and lows in his Texas career, poured in a career high 30 points, including 4 three pointers. Coleman has continued to rise to the occasion as the games become bigger, and he is the heart and soul of this Texas team.
  
• There was a time early in the season where there were serious questions about the playing time Jericho Sims was receiving. Sims answered those questions and more as the season played out. The senior was dominate all night, scoring 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Not only was he a force on the offensive end, but also turned in a great defensive performance. He is peaking at the right time.
  
• Brock Cunningham has seen sporadic minutes over the last few weeks, but he was needed tonight and turned in a performance that only Brock Cunningham could turn in. Cunningham only scored 7 points, but grabbed 8 rebounds and was all over the floor with hustle plays.
  
• The biggest question mark for Texas heading into the tournament will be Courtney Ramey and Greg Brown. Brown in particular had another rough game and actually did not start for the first time all season. Even if he comes off the bench in the NCAA tournament, Texas will still need Brown to provide valuable minutes in relief of Kai Jones and Jericho Sims. Ramey was 1 for 9 from the field against the Cowboys and seems to be forcing shots right now.
  
• Shaka Smart deserves a ton of credit for the work he did this season. His teams at Texas have had a history of peaking early in the season, but this years team is peaking at just the right time. He has managed the roster very well, from the way he deployed Brock Cunningham to the growth of Jericho Sims. What a difference a year makes after being on the hot seat in 2020.
  

What’s Next?

Texas will await their matchup for the NCAA tournament. The bracket will be revealed Sunday evening. Texas has a real shot of being the last 2 seed, but there is almost no shot they are lower than a 3 seed. 

 

[tejasrulz]

Am I the only one thinking K Jones has played his way to get drafted before G Brown?

Loved Coleman driving to the basket! That one early in the game with Texas ahead something like 18-15 showed how fast he really is! Sims and Brock had very good games with both probably playing their best game as Longhorns. Great win for the team and Smart!

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Am I the only one thinking K Jones has played his way to get drafted before G Brown?

Loved Coleman driving to the basket! That one early in the game with Texas ahead something like 18-15 showed how fast he really is! Sims and Brock had very good games with both probably playing their best game as Longhorns. Great win for the team and Smart!

No, you're not. And it's a timely emergence. Until the last few games, Jones has been in a funk. Glad to see him coming out of it. IMO, Brown simply needs another year of college ball. He really does.

 

[longhorn_mig]

I would take Kai before GB3, and I'm not sure the decision between the two is that close. I think a lot of the issues with Kai's game can be addressed with experience and getting stronger. GB3 needs another year in college, especially to fix his jumper. A little part of me dies every time he shoots a 3.

 

[TB14]

Agreed. GB3 has several areas of his game that can easily be fixed in an offseason that will help him be drafted in the lottery. No way he's a lottery pick this year.

 

[PTA]

I have felt most of our most recent 1-and-done guys needed another year of college. Then they get to the NBA and play way better than they ever did while at Texas.   But, GB3 has shown me nothing.