After being suspended for 23 games, Myck Kabongo will see his first action of the season and start Wednesday vs. Iowa State. Today Kabongo released a statement commenting on his suspension and the remaining games: Statement from University of Texas sophomore guard Myck Kabongo - TexasSports.com - Official website of University of Texas Athletics - Texas Longhorns
Though he won't be a "cure-all" for the Longhorns, Myck Kabongo's return will undoubtedly help improve the struggles on offense. Currently the offense is built almost entirely on jump-shots that are often contested. Because of this, it's no surprise the Longhorns are 8th in the Big12 in scoring offense, 7th in field goal percentage, and last (10th) in 3-point percentage. But Myck Kabongo has the ability to improve these stats. Unlike anyone on the roster, Kabongo can get into the lane, attack the basket, and finish at the rim. And his success finishing plays like these will greatly effect whether or not Texas elevates it's play towards the end of the season.
Texas has no one the turn to as a reliable option in the post. We've seen flashes form Cameron Ridley, Prince Ibeh, and a few of the other post players. But there isn't one big-man who can be a consistent scoring threat in the paint for the Longhorns right now. Because of this, Texas is forced to rely on their guards. Unfortunately, none of their guards possess the ability to consistently get into the lane. Which then molds the Texas offense into a jump-shooting attack. I'm not a huge fan of a team that relies heavily on jump shots but it can work. The key hinges on finding open shots and higher-percentage shots, rather than simply passing on the perimeter and jacking up off-balance or contested shots. Kabongo's ability to attack the rim can change that. If he is successful at getting into the lane, he can either go up and finish at the rim, dump the ball off to an open post player (who's man has shifted over to help on Kabongo), or pass the ball out to one of the guards who are set to take a jump shot if their defender has also shifted inwards to help on Kabongo. Attacking the lane with a legitimate threat to score at the rim opens up the offense and creates better opportunities for the shooters.
Though Felix has done a great job with his given circumstance, Kabongo also brings speed to the open court that will help Texas get easier bucks on fast breaks. And Texas needs buckets any way they can get them right now.
There are still other problems, such as rebounding, that Texas needs to address. Kabongo's return will not fix all of the Longhorns' woes. But if coach Barnes can put Kabongo in a position that uses his quickness and athleticism to the Horns' advantage we may see a Texas team that can capitalize on it's above-average defense and actually find a way to score more points than the other team.
Hook'em
Though he won't be a "cure-all" for the Longhorns, Myck Kabongo's return will undoubtedly help improve the struggles on offense. Currently the offense is built almost entirely on jump-shots that are often contested. Because of this, it's no surprise the Longhorns are 8th in the Big12 in scoring offense, 7th in field goal percentage, and last (10th) in 3-point percentage. But Myck Kabongo has the ability to improve these stats. Unlike anyone on the roster, Kabongo can get into the lane, attack the basket, and finish at the rim. And his success finishing plays like these will greatly effect whether or not Texas elevates it's play towards the end of the season.
Texas has no one the turn to as a reliable option in the post. We've seen flashes form Cameron Ridley, Prince Ibeh, and a few of the other post players. But there isn't one big-man who can be a consistent scoring threat in the paint for the Longhorns right now. Because of this, Texas is forced to rely on their guards. Unfortunately, none of their guards possess the ability to consistently get into the lane. Which then molds the Texas offense into a jump-shooting attack. I'm not a huge fan of a team that relies heavily on jump shots but it can work. The key hinges on finding open shots and higher-percentage shots, rather than simply passing on the perimeter and jacking up off-balance or contested shots. Kabongo's ability to attack the rim can change that. If he is successful at getting into the lane, he can either go up and finish at the rim, dump the ball off to an open post player (who's man has shifted over to help on Kabongo), or pass the ball out to one of the guards who are set to take a jump shot if their defender has also shifted inwards to help on Kabongo. Attacking the lane with a legitimate threat to score at the rim opens up the offense and creates better opportunities for the shooters.
Though Felix has done a great job with his given circumstance, Kabongo also brings speed to the open court that will help Texas get easier bucks on fast breaks. And Texas needs buckets any way they can get them right now.
There are still other problems, such as rebounding, that Texas needs to address. Kabongo's return will not fix all of the Longhorns' woes. But if coach Barnes can put Kabongo in a position that uses his quickness and athleticism to the Horns' advantage we may see a Texas team that can capitalize on it's above-average defense and actually find a way to score more points than the other team.
Hook'em
