NCAA Basketball FanHouse

Premature Hoops Blog Poll: No. 22, Texas

Nathan Fowler — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NCAA Basketball BlogPoll, Texas

This week, FanHouse is taking a way too early look at the top teams heading into 2007 with a BlogPoll decided on by our college hoops bloggers. It's a time-honored filler for the off-season, and who are we to buck tradition? Today we look at teams 26 through 21.

If there was one defining person in college basketball last season, it was Kevin Durant. His unbelievable season in burnt orange won him unanimous player of the year honors and it also drew national attention to Texas basketball, something that the program is only now getting used to receiving. While Durant's presence alone wasn't enough to catapult Texas over Kansas to win either the Big XII regular season or conference tournament, last year is still one of the most memorable in Longhorn hoops history.

With Durant gone to the NBA, the focus for this season will be on two other members of the Longhorns great freshman class from last year - D.J Augustin and Damion James. Augustin quietly had a terrific season as a true freshman point guard last season, averaging 14.4 points and 6.7 assists per game. He will be the unquestioned leader of this year's Longhorns. Damion James is a widebodied bruiser with a soft touch around the basket who will provide the offensive punch in the paint. While Jones will have two incoming freshman forwards to assist him, he will be looked to carry a lot of front court load.

A.J Abrams returns for his junior season as one of streakiest and most dangerous shooters in the country. Those 3, along with Justin Mason and Conner Atchley, means Texas returns a fair amount of experience, if not anyone used to carrying a team.

Why they should be ranked here: D.J Augustin. He showed at times last year that he could be the type of elite level PG that can carry a team deep in the NCAA Tournament. Pairing him with A.J Abrams, Texas will have one of the highest scoring backcourts in the Big XII.

Why they should be ranked higher: If Augustin makes the jump from very talented freshman to superstar PG in his second season much like T.J Ford did a few years back, this could be an extremely dangerous team.

Why they shouldn't be ranked: How good are Augustin and Abrams going to look when Durant isn't around commanding double and triple teams? Can Damion James carry the load in the post all by himself if the youngsters aren't ready to help early in the season? If Texas doesn't get positive answers to both of those questions, this is a team that could fall out of the top 25.

Premature Hoops Blog Poll: No. 22, Texas originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Durant Can't Bench 185 Pounds

Michael David Smith — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NCAA Basketball Gossip, NCAA Basketball Rumors, NBA Draft, NBA Prospects, Texas

Walk into the weight room of any high school with a decent sports program, and you'll see a few beefy offensive lineman/shot putter types who can bench press 315 pounds and a lot of tight end/power forward/catcher types who can bench press 225 pounds.
You'll also see a lot of skinny teenagers who can't bench press anything close to that. But most of those skinny teenagers aren't about to become superstar pro athletes.

Kevin Durant is about to become a superstar pro athlete, but he turned in a performance typical of a skinny teenager at the Orlando pre-draft camp. Jason Quick reports that Durant was the only prospect in Orlando who couldn't bench 185 pounds even once. That means at almost any gym in the country, the average accountant or lawyer or computer programmer who lifts weights a few times a week after work is stronger than the likely No. 2 pick in the NBA draft.

Combine Durant's poor showing with the phenomenal athleticism of Greg Oden, and it's easy to see why Oden is the clear choice of the NBA scouts even though Durant was the college Player of the Year. But Durant also has a ridiculous wingspan of just under 7-foot-5, which is Shawn Bradley territory. Guys with long arms always have more functional strength than bench press strength. Durant's meager bench press is more a curiosity than an indictment.

Kevin Durant Can't Bench 185 Pounds originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Durant Signs First Endorsement Contract

Michael David Smith — Thu, 10 May 2007 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Texas

If the NBA had allowed him to turn pro out of high school and skip college altogether, Kevin Durant probably would have. But is there any doubt that he'll make many millions of dollars more in his professional career because of the year he spent at Texas?

The latest evidence: Durant has signed his first endorsement contract, with Upper Deck. A big part of the contract is that Durant's autograph will be part of a new line of autographed Upper Deck Authenticated items. Darren Rovell reports:

Because Durant only played for one year at Texas and his star rose so quickly the supply of autographs in the market is very limited, yet the demand seems to be great.

If Durant had entered the NBA draft last year, he wouldn't be anything close the household name he is today, and his autograph wouldn't be worth anywhere near as much money. Ditto for his shoe deal: Whether he chooses Nike or Adidas, he'll get a lot more now than he would have a year ago because he's a lot more famous now than he was a year ago. David Stern's minimum age rule is probably hurting some 18-year-old basketball players and sending some to college when that's not where they belong, but in Durant's case, it turned out to be very rewarding.

Kevin Durant Signs First Endorsement Contract originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 10 May 2007 09:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Questions After Durant Departs

Charles Rich — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NCAA Basketball Campus, NCAA Basketball Coaches, NCAA Basketball Recruiting, NBA Prospects, Texas

With the news/rumor that really should shock no one that Texas' Kevin Durant will enter the NBA Draft, aside from the fun of watching several NBA teams go into full tank mode, the questions start to move to what next at Texas? While Durant only staying one season at Texas was not unexpected when he signed, there is still some fallout from this decision.

Rick Barnes is clearly one of the best recruiters in college basketball. That isn't going to change. His coaching acumen, however, came under a lot closer scrutiny. With so many people watching Texas because of Durant, Barnes tactics and mis-use of Durant became obvious to a lot of people. That second round exit to USC really brought out the second guessers. It won't affect his status with the Texas Athletic Department, or his ability to parlay interest from other schools for more salary. No coach, though, likes to be considered a mediocre game-day coach.

D.J. Augustin has said he's coming back to school, but the freshman point guard averaged 6.7 assists and over 14 points. The point guard class for this NBA draft has been described as exceptionally weak. With Durant making it known that he's leaving, there's a chance he could at least enter his name in the NBA draft to go through the process and see where he would go. Chad Ford at ESPN.com lists Augustin as the 4th best PG prospect this year (behind Conley, Lawson and Acie Law IV). If Mike Conley, Jr. (Ohio State) and Ty Lawson (UNC) both return to school for another year as reported, he would be the top underclassmen point guard in the draft. Both Durant and Augustin happened to be attending a San Antonio Spurs game together this past week. This becomes a more likely possibility if someone whispers in his ear about how Dominic James' draft stock has taken a hit after returning for his sophomore year.

The Texas recruiting class is a top-20 class with top-10 Center and Power Forward recruits in Gary ~~Clint~~ Johnson and Clint ~~Gary~~ Chapman. It's not clear that Barnes will use the scholarship Durant frees up this year. If Augustin even considers going pro, however, Barnes may have to make a move, as there is no one clearly ready to fill in that spot. It might really motivate Barnes to make a late run at Jai Lucas. Probably the best remaining uncommitted point guard.

With or without Durant and possibly Augustin, Texas will still be a pre-season top-25 team with talent like A.J. Abrams and a strong freshman class -- especially in the front court. Texas has talent and their performance in the Big XII the last few years give them the benefit of the doubt in the pre-season polls.

Previously at Fanhouse:
Report: Kevin Durant Will Declare for NBA Draft Next Week

Texas Questions After Durant Departs originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rick Barnes Stays At Texas; Will Kevin Durant Stay Too?

Michael David Smith — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:48:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NCAA Basketball Coaches, NCAA Basketball Gossip, NCAA Basketball Rumors, NBA Prospects, Texas

Before Kentucky hired Billy Gillispie as its new men's basketball coach, the school reportedly told Texas coach Rick Barnes that he was their top choice. So why did Barnes turn Kentucky down?

Perhaps he's just happy at Texas, or perhaps he thinks the expectations at Kentucky are too high. But another intriguing possibility is that he decided to stay at Texas because he thinks his superstar, Kevin Durant, is coming back for his sophomore season.

The return of Durant would make Texas one of the favorites -- if not the favorite -- to win the 2008 national championship. But would Durant really turn down the NBA millions?

It seems unlikely, but Barnes talked to Durant before he said "no thanks" to Kentucky. And the Austin-American Statesman reports,

the Longhorns keep Barnes, who has a decent chance of getting Kevin Durant back. Barnes still puts the chances of him staying at 50-50. Expect a decision perhaps as early as next week after he visits with his family during the Wooden Award weekend in Los Angeles this weekend.

I still think Durant will go to the NBA. But this has been a week of good news for Texas fans. Maybe next week will give them some even better news.

Rick Barnes Stays At Texas; Will Kevin Durant Stay Too? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rick Barnes, Billy Gillespie Now Favorites to Coach Kentucky

Michael David Smith — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Texas A&M Basketball, Texas Basketball, Kentucky Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, SEC Basketball, NCAA Basketball Coaches, Texas, Texas A&M, Kentucky

With the news that Billy Donovan will stay at Florida, where will the Kentucky administration turn next in its basketball coaching search? Most likely, they'll turn to the state of Texas. The early favorites are Texas coach Rick Barnes and Texas A&M coach Billy Gillespie.

Gillespie's lack of actions -- specifically, declining to sign a contract extension -- strongly suggests that he'd like to look elsewhere. Gillespie is coming off a great season at Texas A&M, but can that greatness be sustained? I doubt it. This season was fueled by one Acie Law clutch shot after another. Law is done, and I can't imagine the Aggies being nearly as good without him.

Barnes seems somewhat less intent on leaving, but he, like Gillespie, is facing a 2007-08 season that will almost certainly be significantly less successful than this season was. (Unless you actually think Kevin Durant will be back next year.)

Most indications are that Barnes is Kentucky's first choice and Gillespie is No. 2. But Gillespie seems a little more eager to go than Barnes does. It's not clear what the next step will be, but all eyes are on the Lone Star State.

Rick Barnes, Billy Gillespie Now Favorites to Coach Kentucky originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duke Women's Coach Leaves: Is Texas a Better Job?

Michael David Smith — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Duke Basketball, Texas Basketball, ACC Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NCAA Basketball Coaches, Texas, Women's Sports

The biggest question in men's college basketball for the coming week will be whether coach Billy Donovan considers Kentucky a better job than Florida. In women's basketball, Duke women's coach Gail Goestenkors has already answered a similar question, declaring by her decision to quit and become the new coach at Texas that she considers Texas a better place than Duke.

That's a big loss to the Blue Devils. Duke will always be best known for its men's basketball program, but with the obvious exception of football, Duke prides itself on having first-class programs in every sport. Goestenkors led the Blue Devils to an undefeated regular season this year, and her departure means it will be hard for Duke to remain near the top of the women's basketball world.

On Saturday Goestenkors was named the national coach of the year. When she accepted the award, she acknowledged that she was considering leaving Duke, adding, "Texas is a job that I've always thought was one of the best jobs in the country." The Duke administration likes to believe there's no better place than Durham, but Goestenkors apparently disagrees.

Duke Women's Coach Leaves: Is Texas a Better Job? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Wilbon Sees 'Racial Undertones' in Durant Discussions

Michael David Smith — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:19:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NCAA Basketball Gossip, NCAA Basketball Media Watch, NCAA Basketball Rumors, NBA Prospects, Texas

On Pardon the Interruption today, Mike Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser discussed Texas freshman Kevin Durant, and whether he'll jump to the NBA or stay at Texas for his sophomore season. Kornheiser asked, "Do you believe Kevin Durant when he says it's a hard decision to go pro?" Wilbon had this to say:

"Yes, I believe Kevin Durant. Anybody who's paid attention all year has heard Kevin Durant say 'I love school.' If they've paid attention to his story all year they'd know he got a 3.5 at Texas grade-point average his first semester. I'm annoyed and perhaps even offended by what I perceive, Tony, as some sort of racial undertones to that question as if people can't see a black kid who also plays basketball wanting to go to school more than one year, more than two years, maybe four years."

I like Wilbon, but that's ridiculous. When Matt Leinart announced that he was returning to USC for his senior season, many fans were surprised. That had nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with the fact that he was delaying the opportunity to make millions and play at the highest level.

My attitude toward Durant is exactly the same as my attitude toward Leinart: If they want to stay in school, more power to them, but my advice would be to make the money now and don't risk a career-ending injury in college. I see no racial undertones here.

Mike Wilbon Sees 'Racial Undertones' in Durant Discussions originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Texas Fans Would Do to Get Kevin Durant to Stay

Michael David Smith — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:54:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NCAA Basketball Fans, NBA Prospects, Texas

Texas fans know it's an extreme long shot that freshman sensation Kevin Durant will be anywhere other than the NBA next season. But they'd do just about anything if it means Durant will return for his sophomore season.

That's what Burnt Orange Nation found out when it asked its readers to finish this sentence: "If Kevin Durant returns to Texas for another year, I will ____"

The resulting comments were often hilarious and demonstrated just how much the football-mad school has fallen in love with its basketball superstar. Some of the best included:

I will attempt to convince my future wife that our first son's name should be Kevin Durant Collins rather than Vincent Young Collins. (NB: I have yet to convince her on the Vince Young idea.)...

If Durant comes back, I will buy a dog, name him Kevin Durant, and force him to watch Air Bud repeatedly for three years. At that time, I will challenge the human Kevin Durant to a 1 on 1 basketball game with dog Kevin Durant. It will be the most epic 1 on 1 basketball match ever played. Win or lose, both Kevin Durants will go down as legendary players in a historic interspecies battle for hoops supremecy that will be remembered for ages....

I will shave KD in my chest hair.

Read the whole thing. I don't think Durant will return, but I know if he does, he'll make some people very, very happy.

Previously at FanHouse:
Durant Doesn't Need Another Year in College
Danny Ainge Cozying Up To The Durants
Kevin Durant Is Smooth
Naismith Race: Kevin Durant Wins
Don't Be Surprised if Kevin Durant's Story Changes
Kevin Durant Tells Teammates He's Staying at Texas

What Texas Fans Would Do to Get Kevin Durant to Stay originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ty Lawson: Kevin Durant 'Stressed Out' About NBA

Michael David Smith — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:11:00 EST

Filed under: UNC Basketball, Texas Basketball, ACC Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NBA Prospects, North Carolina, Texas

North Carolina freshman Ty Lawson and Texas freshman Kevin Durant are buddies. Lawson plays against Georgetown today for a spot in the Final Four, while Durant's season (and, presumably, his college career) is over.

Lawson says that presumption that Durant will leave Texas for the NBA, where he'll most likely be the second pick in the June draft, is starting to get to Durant, who would like to have some privacy while he weighs his options.

"Everybody is calling his phone, leaving him text messages, asking him if he's going to the NBA or not. That's a lot to put on him.
"He's really not used to stuff like that. He's kind of stressed out right now about stuff like that."

On the one hand, there's a part of me that wants to react by saying I don't have a lot of sympathy for a guy whose biggest source of stress is that he's about to realize his dream in life and make millions of dollars. But the fact is, this is an 18-year-old facing a huge decision, and he's under a lot of pressure. I think he should go pro and I think he will go pro, but I can't blame him for having a hard time working out all the details.

Ty Lawson: Kevin Durant 'Stressed Out' About NBA originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Is Done, Time for Kevin Durant to Move On

Michael David Smith — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, March Madness, NBA Prospects, Texas

USC has eliminated Texas from the NCAA Tournament, and just like that, the career of Kevin Durant (who scored 30 in a losing cause) has, I have to assume, come to an end.

Sure, Durant has said he's not sure that he'll go to the NBA, but that's what players say when the season is going on. It just doesn't make any sense for Durant to stay in college and risk a serious, Shaun Livingston-like injury, when the NBA millions await him. Durant will almost certainly be the second pick in the draft in three months, behind only fellow freshman Greg Oden of Ohio State.

The only question left about Durant's brief college career is how history will remember it. On the one hand, March so defines college basketball that when you leave with just one Tournament win on your resume, it's hard to see your career as a great one. But on the other hand, Durant dominated this college basketball season like few players I can remember: He'll become the first freshman to be named player of the year, and it won't even be a close vote.

Note: I don't know if CBS fully appreciates how much Durant has captured the attention of basketball fans across the country. Few fans saw more than passing moments of either one of Texas's tournament games, as CBS decided to show other games to most of the country.

UPDATE: When asked after the game about his plans for next year, Durant said, "I don't really think that's an appropriate question right now."

Previously at FanHouse:
Durant Doesn't Need Another Year in College
Danny Ainge Cozying Up To The Durants
Kevin Durant Is Smooth
Naismith Race: Kevin Durant Wins
Don't Be Surprised if Kevin Durant's Story Changes
Kevin Durant Tells Teammates He's Staying at Texas

Texas Is Done, Time for Kevin Durant to Move On originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas Takes the Tough Shots

Charles Rich — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 22:44:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, Mid-Majors Basketball, Texas

You would think that after a full season of hype and attention would be better prepared to go into the NCAA Tournament to take the best shot from any and every team they face. Yet against New Mexico State, the Longhorns seemed stunned at points that the Aggies did not merely wilt in the presence of their talent.

Through most of the first half, New Mexico State was the aggressor, taking it right at Texas. Putting them back on their heels and making them have to respond. They did, and slowly took control of the game, but were not able to put the game out of reach.

In fact, the Aggies kept fighting back and making things more than a little uncomfortable for the Longhorns. Ultimately, Texas prevailed and advanced. If they have finally realized everyone wants to take them down. If they realize everyone wants to say they beat Kevin Durant and play accordingly, then they will at least make it to the Sweet 16.

Texas Takes the Tough Shots originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 22:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Naismith Race: Kevin Durant Wins

Michael David Smith — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:21:00 EST

Filed under: UNC Basketball, Wisconsin Basketball, Texas A&M Basketball, Nevada Basketball, Texas Basketball, North Carolina, Texas, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Nevada

Each week we've looked at the players who had the best shot at the Naismith award. With the college basketball regular season over, we present our final Top 5:

1. Kevin Durant, Texas: He's been running away with it for a couple months, and he deserves to be the first freshman ever to win player of the year. The question is, will he win this award again next year? He tells his teammates he's coming back, but I'll believe it when I see it.

2. Nick Fazekas, Nevada: The only question about this race, really, is who comes in second place. I vote for Fazekas because he's the country's leading offensive player on a team that will be a real threat in the tournament but would be nowhere without him.

3. Acie Law, Texas A&M: If clutch exists, Law is clutch. He's been great in late-game situations for the Aggies, and I think we might just see him lead his team to the Final Four.

4. Alando Tucker, Wisconsin: He's practically a one-man team with Brian Butch out. Wisconsin could still get a top seed, but I'd be very surprised if they win more than two tournament games.

5. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina: Give the guy points for toughness. In my opinion, he's the best player on the best team.

Naismith Race: Kevin Durant Wins originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCAA Previews: Recognize the Texas Longhorns

Nathan Fowler — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 22:36:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, March Madness, Texas

Conference: Big XII Conference (Big XII)
Record: 22-8, 12-4 in conference
RPI: 29
How They Got In: At-Large
Seed/Bracket: #TBD

Mascot: Longhorns. Unfortunately Bevo can't fit inside basketball arenas, so we're stuck with the standard costume mascot "Hook'Em" for the tournament.

Big Wins: Texas was involved in the two best games of the Big XII season, including their huge win over Texas A&M in 2OT - overcoming Acie Law's heroics.

Notable Loss: Remarkably for such a young team, Texas had no truly "bad" losses. Their worst loss was probably the home game they dropped to Kansas State, but Kansas State was a quality squad this year.

Player You Should Know: Kevin Durant is the best player in the country, a disgusting combination of size, athleticism and shooting ability that we have never seen in college before. There's rumors he's considering returning to school for his sophomore season, though that might just be wishful thinking for a player who's a lock for one of the top two picks in the upcoming NBA draft. In addition to Durant, Texas has another spectacular freshman in point guard D.J Augustin who is the engine that keeps the Longhorns running smoothly.

Outlook: Dangerous, dangerous, dangerous. Carmelo Anthony and Pervis Ellison led their teams to NCAA Championships as freshmen, and while it's maybe unrealistic to to expect any freshman to match that, Kevin Durant is one of those special players who could leave his mark permanently on college basketball history with a 6 game stretch of brilliance. Every Texas game in the tournament will be must see TV, just to see what Augustin and Durant will do.

NCAA Previews: Recognize the Texas Longhorns originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 22:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Durant Tells Teammates He's Staying at Texas

Michael David Smith — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NBA Prospects, Texas

The news that Texas freshman point guard D.J. Augustin says he's definitely returning for his sophomore season isn't particularly earth-shattering. Augustin is a solid player, but not the kind of player who makes a big enough difference to either the NCAA or the NBA to make his return front-page news.

But Augustin dropped a potential bombshell when he made his announcement: He said Kevin Durant has told him he's coming back, too.

That's big news in both college and professional basketball. Durant is the national player of the year and likely the second overall pick in the NBA draft. But I wouldn't overreact to anything Durant says now. At this stage in their careers, players always claim they're going to return. Right now Durant is focused on the Big 12 tournament and the NCAA tournament, and he doesn't want to create any distractions. In a month I expect Durant to be singing a different tune, but Augustin's comments are music to the ears of Texas fans.

Kevin Durant Tells Teammates He's Staying at Texas originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Has Kevin Durant Gained 35 Pounds in the Last Year?

Michael David Smith — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, NBA Prospects, Texas

That ridiculously skinny kid you see here is Kevin Durant, currently the best college player in the country, from his high school days. There's been some talk lately about whether Durant's frame is just too small to withstand the pounding he'll take in the NBA, so let's explore that a little more deeply.

First of all, how much does Durant weigh? In high school he was listed as 6-foot-9 and 190 pounds. That looks about right to me. Texas officially lists him at 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, and his official biography says he gained 20 pounds during the Longhorns' conditioning program. If a football or baseball player gained 20 pounds during the team's conditioning program we'd be hearing whispers about steroids, but Durant looks more like an anorexic than a steroid abuser.

But if he was 190 in high school and gained 20 pounds, why is he listed at 225? His listed weight at Texas suggests that he gained 35 pounds. My best guess is that Durant weighs about 200 (Rivals probably gets it about right, listing him as 6-foot-9 and 204 pounds) and that Texas didn't want to reveal just how underweight he is. So they bumped his weight up to 225. NBA scouts will weigh him before the draft, and some might shy away from him because he's so skinny. But anyone who has watched him knows he can play, so to me, his weight is just a curiosity.

Has Kevin Durant Gained 35 Pounds in the Last Year? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What If Shaun Livingston Had Been Kevin Durant or Greg Oden?

Michael David Smith — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 05:48:00 EST

Filed under: Ohio State Basketball, Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, Big Ten Basketball, NBA Prospects, Ohio State, Texas, Columbus

The injury suffered by Clippers guard Shaun Livingston was gruesome, and it's made worse when you consider how much it hurt Livingston financially. Some people are looking at this injury and seeing it as evidence that Livingston should have gone to college.

But I think that gets it exactly backward, and Dan Wetzel at Yahoo Sports has a much more perceptive view. If the injury demonstrates anything, it's the unpredictability of basketball (and life), and the importance of striking while the iron is hot.

Let's say Kevin Durant or Greg Oden suffered a similar injury. Wouldn't everyone say it was a tragedy that it happened before they were able to cash in on their basketball talent? Wouldn't it cause people to question the fairness of the NBA's minimum-age rule?

College basketball stars like Durant and Oden are risking their futures every time they step on the floor. Both of them are amateurs now, playing a waiting game until they can make their millions. The only thing more sickening than Livingston's injury would be a similar injury to a player who never got his chance in the NBA.

What If Shaun Livingston Had Been Kevin Durant or Greg Oden? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 03 Mar 2007 05:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Naismith Race: 1. Kevin Durant, Texas 2. Acie Law, Texas A&M

Michael David Smith — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:11:00 EST

Filed under: UNC Basketball, Wisconsin Basketball, Texas A&M Basketball, Nevada Basketball, Texas Basketball, North Carolina, Texas, Texas A&M, Wisconsin

Each week we'll look at the players who would have the best shot at the Naismith award if the season ended right now.

1. Kevin Durant, Texas
2. Acie Law, Texas A&M: Is there any doubt that we watched the two best players in the country last night? Law isn't an insanely talented pro prospect like Durant is, but he just does so much for A&M that I do think you can make the case that he's the Big 12 MVP, even though Durant is the best player.

3. Nick Fazekas, Nevada: Still the country's leading offensive player.

4. Alando Tucker, Wisconsin: He'll have to carry the Badgers on his shoulders now that Brian Butch is done.

5. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina: It's a year without a clear-cut favorite, but I think North Carolina is the best team. And when you look at North Carolina's scouting report, it's clear that Hansbrough makes them go. He's not a great athlete and therefore not a great NBA prospect, but like Law, he's brilliant in college.

Naismith Race: 1. Kevin Durant, Texas 2. Acie Law, Texas A&M originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Durant, Law Deliver As Texas Beats A&M in Double Overtime

Michael David Smith — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:18:00 EST

Filed under: Texas A&M Basketball, Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, Texas, Texas A&M

If it's possible to be overshadowed while scoring 30 points, grabbing 16 rebounds and leading your team to a huge victory over its biggest rival, Kevin Durant was last night. Although Durant was great as Texas beat Texas A&M 98-96 in two overtimes, Acie Law was amazing in a losing effort, scoring 33 and hitting three-pointers at the end of regulation and the end of the first overtime.

Texas-Texas A&M is usually known for football, but it may have been the biggest basketball game in the history of the rivalry:

"I'm not sure there's ever been a bigger basketball game for both teams," Texas coach Rick Barnes said. "I've got respect for both teams they way they laid it out there tonight."

Although Texas fans chanted "three more years," it was, presumably, Kevin Durant's last home game as a Longhorn. It was an incredible way to go out for an incredible player. And I'm hoping we'll see another Aggies-Longhorns game in the Big 12 Tournament, and maybe even one more after that in the Big Dance.

Durant, Law Deliver As Texas Beats A&M in Double Overtime originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas-Texas A&M: Kevin Durant the Best, Acie Law the MVP?

Michael David Smith — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: Texas A&M Basketball, Texas Basketball, Big 12 Basketball, Texas, Texas A&M

This doesn't happen often, but tonight's Texas-Texas A&M basketball game might be bigger than November's Longhorns-Aggies football game. After all, Texas A&M is two wins away from at least a share of the Big 12 regular-season title and playing for a chance at a No. 1 seed. Texas has less to play for, but there's still a chance that the Longhorns could be on the bubble on Selection Sunday, and a win tonight would erase any doubt that this is a tournament team.

And the team matchup might take a backseat to the fact that the two best players in the Big 12 will be on the floor. Texas's Kevin Durant is a nearly unanimous choice for player of the year. But you can also make the case that the most valuable player in the Big 12 is Texas A&M's Acie Law.

For the Aggies, everything goes through Law, and he's by far the biggest reason that this is a potential Final Four team. He's not the spectacular athlete that Durant is, but he's a smart, hard-working player who puts the team on his back. If Durant weren't such an obvious choice, he'd be getting some Naismith Award consideration himself.

The game starts at 9 ET on ESPN2.

Texas-Texas A&M: Kevin Durant the Best, Acie Law the MVP? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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