Running The Forty - Texas A-M

40:00 - Ron Franklin and Fran Frachilla have the call, which actually could be tolerable. The Erwin center seems to be buzzing with excitement, and we're underway. Solid air ball to start off the game, that's a good sign. Kevin Durant plays defense for the first this season to become an underrated defender according to Fran

35:17 - Texas is pushing the pace well not allowing A-M to set up in their defense. It also helps that Durant and Augustin are getting a lot of touches and have come out shooting well. Defensively Texas is struggling to handle A-M inside as Joseph Jones as 2 offensive rebounds. But with Kavaliaskas picking up 2 quick fouls, there's only one guy inside that we won't be able to stop. But don't worry Connor Atchely is here to save the day. Oh, that didn't work. Acie Law just matched up on Durant the last time down the floor, that's an interesting match up, we'll have to see if Durant can take advantage of it.

31:03 - Craig Winder appearance: 0-1 with a foul on a 3 pointer. It seems like Craig was tonight's player to steal a few minutes, can't say it worked out too well. A-M has slowed down Texas' transition and their half court defense has been impressive. Durant hitting a 3 over Pompey has been about the only offense we're getting against the Aggies' half court set. Speaking of Pompey, can we let him touch the ball more? I think he's the only reason we're staying with A-M right now. He is a great reason why A-M was able to go 0-16 in conference a few years ago. Texas has looked a little confused on defense, but they're playing aggressively. A-M has absolutely dominated the boards though.

27:52 - The game is continuing at a fast pace as Texas is trying to buy some minutes for Abrams, Durant, and Augustin, which always makes things interesting. Fortunately, A-M will have to face some foul trouble issues as Josh Carter picked up his second foul. Texas has switched to the zone to stay out of foul trouble and rest a bit. Though it has effectively led to more offensive rebounds for A-M. Marlon Pompey hasn't done anything lately. I think they revoked his touching the basketball privileges. This Gillespie guy is a smart one. What do you think Acie Law's left arm is an essay of? The Magna Carta?

22:42 - Great minutes by Dexter Pittman. A blocked shot and drawing two fouls on Joseph Jones. If only he could hit a free throw. But who cares? He's like a big teddy bear out there. With Jones and Kavailaskas in foul trouble A-M has lost their inside presence, and the zone has stagnated A-M's perimeter players, allowing Texas to go on a bit of a run. It also helps to be 6-9 from 3-point range. Texas is shooting lights out, but Texas A-M having 9 more shot attempts has kept A-M right in this game. Davis picks up his second foul as Texas continues to go at A-M. With only 7 players averaging over 10 minutes a game for the Aggies, we're about to meet some new friends. Does Chris Walker have any eligibility left? What is he doing these days? Dairy Queen? Scottie Reynolds and Damian James both originally signed with Oklahoma. Man, poor Jeff Capel, oh wait, he went to Duke, karma is a bitch.

20:25 - Texas is facing some foul trouble with Abrams, Atchely, and Pittman with 2 fouls a piece. But Texas has taken its largest lead of the game, and it seems like A-M is just trying to make it into halftime without too much damage done. Durant missed an open 3 that would've sent the place into bedlam.

43-36 at the half - Texas shot the lights out in the first half and Texas A-M will surely make adjustments defensively to affect that in the second half. Texas will need to continue to attack and try and keep the Aggies in foul trouble. If they can keep Kavaliaskas and Jones in foul trouble they will make A-M one-dimensional. They will need to continue to hound Acie Law because he can take over a game. The biggest adjustment Texas needs to make is on the glass, as Texas A-M got too many offensive rebounds in the first half. Also, if Texas can get more the Aggies to give Marlon Pompey more offensive touches, that definitely will play into our hands.

15:36 - Texas comes out of the gates shooting well and continuing to attack. Pompey has picked up his second and Jones has picked up his 3rd foul, and a huge offensive foul called on Kavaliauskas for his 3rd foul. Texas needs them both in foul trouble because A-M has continued to go inside effectively. An interesting series of plays as A-M goes on a small run. Texas missed some layups and got a little out of control. Things still look very good with A-M's front line picking up their 3rd fouls quickly.

11:21 - A-M is on a 7-0 run as Kavaliauskas is continuing to get whatever shot he wants. Texas has gone ice cold, as they can't seem to make a shot, layup, or free throw. A-M has gone to a triangle and two to try and take Abrams and Durant out of the game. Offensively, Acie Law is starting to take over and get hot. The defense has worked well as Texas is relying on Atchely and James offensively. Carter and Law are starting to heat up as they are finding open looks in the zone. The Aggies on a big run to erase an 11-point deficit and turn it into a 2-point lead and seized control of the tempo of the game.

9:24 - Texas A-M continues to mix up their defenses and keep the ball out of Durant's hand as they extend their lead. Carter and Law continue to get open looks forcing Texas out of the zone defense. On an unrelated note, in the studio, does Linda Cohn know where she is? Is she having trouble reading the tele-prompter? Can she just stick to her new found job as ESPN hockey analyst?

7:44 - Texas finally hit an open three and they have a much better chance sticking with A-M in the man to man. Justin Mason continues to be non-existent as he has a layup rejected by Jones. Kavaliauskas hurt his elbow going up for a rebound, but it appears he just hit it hard and lost some of the feeling in his hand. We'll have to see if it's serious, though it's getting to Acie Law time. I think it's on the fourth line of the essay on his left arm, that reads, "Late in the game I will get open looks in the lane".

3:41 - Texas just ran a play to get Durant involved and he knocked it down. He needs to take over down the stretch. A-M just ran the picket fence for Acie Law. Somewhere Gene Hackman is smiling. Huge offensive rebound by Connor Atchely results in a 3 by Abrams. This game is going to come down to the big players for each team, as Acie Law and Durant just exchanged baskets. It is becoming obvious that it will not come from Justin Mason.

1:48 - Acie Law hits a big three and A-M does an excellent job keeping the ball out of Durant's hands. An interesting decision to have Durant cover Acie Law. A huge play by Law to get the hole and get fouled. A-M by three.

1:23 - After two big Durant free throws, a great play by Augustin getting to the hole again. Of course, I think we're fortunate that Law missed an open jumper. He doesn't seem to do that too much. Texas by 1.

50.7 - A great defensive stop by Texas. Damien James continues to have his best game of the season. More importantly was A-M having an offensive possession out of Acie Law's hands.

12.0 - Huge 3 pointer by Kevin Durant puts Texas up by four. Even bigger answer from Dominick Kirk to put the game back to 1. Texas in-bounding the ball. You have to get it to Durant or Augustin.

9.4 - Augustin with two free throws. Carter has fouled out. Not like anyone other than Law will be taking any shots the rest of the way. Texas has a foul to give, which could be very interesting. Why does no one foul if you're up 3? I mean, it's kind of cheap, but I bet you'd win. First free throw good, second free throw good. 3 timeouts taken in a row with no time going off the clock. A-M is out of timeouts. Texas still has 2, let's see if we can use both of those before the Aggies in-bound the ball. That'd be some sort of record, right?

5.5 - Acie Law fouled by Mason after running the ball across half court. Texas uses it's second to last timeout. Good, I didn't want this game to end in the next half hour. Once again, up 3, why not foul? I mean, make sure they're not shooting a 3, but it kind of seems like this could work.

1.4 - Acie Law hits a three pointer in the corner, fading away with Kevin Durant in his face. Did that shot touch the ceiling? What an amazing shot. Acie Law is so good. Which really pains me to say.

0.0 - Hail mary, incomplete, overtime here we come. Great, I wanted to write this thing for another half hour.

I guess it's time to unveil a theory that I formed my freshman year of college. In the five years since then, I've only seen this theory be wrong a few times since then. It has been right many more. It makes no sense, and basketball minds I have shared this with say it makes no sense, but they are shocked when it works time after time. The team that hits the first three will win, unless it goes to a second overtime. Why, I don't know, it just happens that way. If it goes to an extra overtime, whoever hits the first three in that overtime period will win. You get the point. We shall see.

4:37 - Joseph Jones fouls out as Texas had Damion James dribble around long enough for them to trip over each other's legs. Turnover by A-M. Why are they letting anyone other than Acie Law touch the basketball. I don't think Gillespie will make that mistake twice.

3:45 - Gillespie didn't make that mistake twice as Law dribbled out of bounds for a turnover this time. Damion James, about a 60% free throw shooter, and questionable in the clutch is putting on a free throw clinic as he has hit 4 straight now.

3:09 - Acie Law picks up a foul on Justin Mason and will go to the line. I'm okay with that, just don't let the kid shoot another three. Big shot by Augustin, fighting off the defensive pressure of Sloan to hit a jumper in the lane. Acie Law barely misses the three, everyone thought it was money.

1:57 - Durant drives and draws a foul. After making the first, A LANE VIOLATION on the second. A LANE VIOLATION? They still call those? Are you serious? Law drives on the other end and misses the layup in traffic. James somewhat redeems himself for the lane violation with a big rebound.

1:05 - James completely redeems himself as he puts back an Augustin miss to give Texas a seven-point lead. Kavaliauskas hits the first three pointer of the overtime on the other end. This is why I absolutely hate my theory. Please be wrong. Please, please, please be wrong. A-M timeout down four.

35.2 - Up four and running out the clock, Texas decided to remind everyone that they are playing four freshman. Augustin turnover, followed by a near Durant turnover and Mason goes to the line to shoot two. After making one of two, Texas is up 3.

12.0 - Acie Law hits another big three. I'm sick to my stomach. Runner in the lane by Abrams no good, Sloan shoots a desperation three with 3 seconds left on the clock, and off to double overtime we go. Questionable decision by Texas not to use the timeout and get a play drawn up that gets a shot for Durant or Augustin. Though I guess we should just be pleased that we didn't turn it over any of those three times.I hate Acie Law. Unbelievable. I might not make it out of this thing alive.

4:45 - Three pointer by Abrams in the corner. I hope my theory works. It seems like this would be as good a time as any for it to work out. Law fouled on the other end to shoot two.

4:30 - Both free throws good. Abrams hits an off balance floater in the lane as I screamed NO!!!!!! Where was that shot in the first overtime. Law misses a three, obviously there's too much time on the clock for him to be making 3-pointers.

3:20 - Abrams thinks he's feeling it and forces another 3-pointer and up an air ball. Kavaliauskas hits a three to tie the game after Texas played amazing defense for 34 seconds of the shot clock.

2:12 - Augustin misses a layup and James and Connor both miss a put back opportunity. Is Durant even in the game? More interesting that Damion James is covering Acie Law.

1:24 - Kavailauskas misses a three and Abrams pulls down the rebound. Barnes reads my mind and gets Durant the ball and Kirk fouls him. Durant shooting two…

1:15 - Durant makes both to give Texas a two point lead. Durant's turn to cover Acie Law. Another open three by Kavailiauskas doesn't draw iron, and Pompey gets the offensive rebound but slips on a wet spot and Texas gets the ball.

40.0 - Damion James throws a lob that Kevin Durant doesn't know is coming and turns the ball over. A-M calls a timeout because Acie Law was not in the game. So many questions. Why are we having Damion James in-bound the ball? That I think might rank up there with having Derrick Johnson be the sole football captain for the Arkansas game where we kicked off in both halves. But you can't say Barnes is being out-coached, because why the heck would you take Law out of the game? He's not in foul trouble, he's your best defender and obviously, you're in double overtime, anything can happen. Is he tired? Because I think everyone is. You're in double overtime. I think I may shoot myself if we don't win this game. Just don't let Law hit a shot, tackle him before he can shoot it.

11.9 - HUGE BLOCK by Damion James. Then in the confusion of Acie Law not hitting a shot for once in the clutch, let about 10 seconds run off the clock before they foul Durant. Missed free throw by Durant. Of course, why would we want to go up by 4. Why would we do that. Second free throw good, three point Texas lead. Law has to miss one of these right? I wouldn't even take that chance. I'd foul before he can get a shot off. Seriously, don't tempt fate. Even Fran Frachilla agrees with me. Which is good to see he's alive after he called the entire James/Law block sequence in monotone. Apparently ignoring the fact that there were 11 seconds left in overtime.

5.3 - A-M takes the quick two and on the ensuing in-bounds pass, James throws ANOTHER high lob to Durant. Let's thank the referee for calling a foul before we could turn it over. We owe a huge thank you to whatever Texas booster paid off that ref. Now we need to hit both free throws, so we can't lose to a miracle Law shot. First is good by Durant. Second is good.

1.4 - YES!!!! Augustin fouls Law before he can get a shot off. Thank goodness the referees didn't call an intentional foul since it definitely was an intentional foul. Home refs. Thank you home refs. But isn't fouling up three a smart move? I feel so much better now. Law hits the first free throw. Intentionally misses the second and the put back doesn't go.

Texas wins 98-96 in 2OT. What a game. I'm going to go lay down now. Oh by the way, who hit the first three pointer in 2OT? Oh that would be Texas. I tell you, it makes no sense, but the theory is never wrong.

Aggies Coming to Town

Maybe they were tired of us circling OU games on the calendar. Perhaps it was the fact that it just didn't have the same fire from our end of the rivalry. Whatever it was, over the past year, Texas A-M has made this a rivalry again. While this past season, the Aggies got the win in football to renew the rivalry, it has been the strides of the basketball program that has made the country take notice of Texas vs. Texas A-M.

Texas A-M has become one of the top teams in the country behind point guard Acie Law IV, and the physical, aggressive style that Billy Gillespie has instilled into the program. While they have become a team that hangs its hat on defense, they proved against Texas in College Station that it can play an up pace style as well.

Texas executed their game plan solidly against aTm, pushing the tempo and getting A&M in all sorts of foul trouble. But when it came down to it, Acie Law controlled the game in the clutch and the Aggies exploited Texas' weakness by pounding it inside through an exceptional game by Kavaliauskas. In the return trip, Texas will have to improve their defense while attempting to provide an answer for the interior presence of the Aggies. A-M will run lots of bodies at Durant, so Texas will need some solid play from Mason, Abrams, and most of all DJ Augustin.

What better way to find out if Texas can pull of their signature win of the season to improve their position in the field of 65, then to count down the Forty.

Kevin Durant and USA Basketball

Colangelo said he plans to invite University of Texas player Kevin Durant to Team USA training camp this summer.

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Hook'em Horns

Spring Practice Recap.

As a spectator to today's first spring practice, I would like to offer up some observations. I'm not that good with summarizing so I'll just do a brief one and then continue with individual player observations.

In general, both the offense and defense look good. The secondary looks about the same as last year, with Palmer, Foster, and Ma Griffin leading the way, but newcomers Beasley and Wells both showed flashes of competence. As you expect, Colt practiced with the first teamers, Sherrod with the second teamers, and Chiles with the second/third teamers. Coach Mac Duff also was very "hands-on" with the linebackers, giving them instruction and coaching after every drill.

Colt: looks strong and didn't see any signs of his lingering injury from last year. Threw the deep ball well, and also connected on a lot of intermediate and short routes. Has good velocity on his throws.

Sherrod: very impressive outing for the first practice of the year. He is a big and strong quarterback with the ability to run and throw. Although he is slower than Vince, he still looks like he can pick up yardage when necessary. He had very good velocity on his short-medium throws and a nice touch on his deep throws. He had a sick pass to Montre Webber that was about 45-50 yards. Not that it matters much but he seems to have a big windup. Also, he threw a pick to straight to a linebacker (I forgot which...maybe Muckelroy...) during 7 on 7 drills.

Chiles: his calves are huge. He had excellent velocity on his short and intermediate throws but hasn't yet developed a great deep ball. During individual workouts he was connecting with his receivers, but during 7 on 7s and full team drills he was having trouble making some completions. I expected him to struggle a little at first, b/c he only played a year and a half at qb in HS. There is no doubt he will improve his passing, and he ran a few zone-read keepers as well, displaying his running ability.

Zepeda: let's just put it this way...he is way worse than Matt McCoy...

Charles: glad he is practicing football instead of track. he was looking very fast although he slipped at least 2 times on the grass without being touched. he also had a sick catch from Sherrod maybe?

McGee and Whittaker: both these guys are fast and tiny. I expect both to be able to contribute to our running attack this year...especially McGee.

Quan: caught just about every pass thrown in his direction, even if they were not on the money.

Billy: looked like the Billy we already know...nothing that different

Webber: the guy made a diving 50 yard grab...it was sick. He is def taller than 6'3".

Marshall and Payne are both really tall targets and hopefully both will contribute to the team this year.

Sergio: easily the biggest/strongest/scariest looking guy on defense

That's about all I got for now. All in all it was a good practice. Didn't see any new plays or formations but I think we usually keep our new stuff secret anyway.

Beat TCU.

Hook'em.

Damion James Returns Home (Well Sort of)

Nothing feels better when it comes to sticking it to a rival than having their prize recruit suit up against them. Maybe this is why we're making a habit of welcoming opposing Big XII players into the program. Damion James follows in the footsteps of Kenny Taylor and returns to what was supposed to be his home for his OU career. After Kelvin Sampson left, Damion must have realized he was about to go to Oklahoma, and would have to look at this kid for four years.

The fact that Damion James is visiting the school he spurned, it is a UT/OU rivalry game, and that Texas needs a win, give this match up the makings of being a close one. However, given that Texas is riding a four game winning streak and appears to be playing its finest basketball of the season, and the fact that OU is coming off three straight losses give reason to believe it might not be that close.

But despite those losses, OU has played everyone close and is a tough out on their home court. Also, unlike in Austin, Oklahoma will have leading scorer and rebounder Longar Longar (it's easier for the athlete to remember if the first name and the last name are the same). While Longar Longar is not of the same caliber as a Mario Boggan, Texas has proved at times this year that you don't necessarily have to be a skilled post player to dominate inside. The other main threats for Oklahoma are Nate Carter and Michael Neal, while both are solid and can get hot, neither pose a consistent threat to beat you. Texas might have to watch out for freshman point guard Bobby Maze, a teammate of Kevin Durant's for five years, who started last Tuesday against Missouri and played well. Though, he probably is realizing it's harder when Kevin Durant isn't on your team. The rest of Oklahoma's rotation is filled out by David Godbold, Tony "Betty" Crocker, and Austin Johnson, all of whom can knock down the shot if given the chance.

Texas comes into this game playing well and riding a four game winning streak. Depending on how you look at it, Texas has been getting great team efforts as Abrams looks to have shot his way through his slump, Mason has gotten over his freshman lull, and Damion James has found his role within the offense. Even Connor Atchley has been providing solid minutes, which I don't think we've ever seen those words used together in the same sentence before. Though if you want to be pessimistic, you could say that Kevin Durant hasn't been as dominant in the last few games, and might be getting fatigued due to the 38 plus minutes he averages on any given night. Personally, I think defenses are gearing even more to stop Durant and he's deferring to his teammates more often and they're stepping up.

While this game will be closer than it needs to be due to our inconsistent play on the road, we should be able to handle NIT bound Oklahoma (That has a surprisingly nice ring to it). Texas is more talented and more athletic and Oklahoma shouldn't be able to score with the Horns. Oh, and Texas has Kevin Durant, he's kinda good. Texas needs a win, as 21 wins would pretty much seal a tournament appearance and get them to 11 wins in conference, which may be all we get with A&M and Kansas on tap to close out the regular season.

Prediction: 77-71 Texas.

Starting 5 Putting Horns in 'Power 16'

The Texas basketball team seems to be picking up its play at the most important time of the year. But how long can the Horns survive on the legs of five starters who have rarely had the luxury of resting on the bench this season? (Though some might argue their legs are getting plenty of rest on the defensive end of the court)

Texas' starters (Kevin Durant, DJ Augustin, Damion James, Justin Mason and AJ Abrams) are averaging nearly 32 minutes a game, with only 8 minutes coming from the likes of Conner Atchley and Dexter Pittman. Now, no one at ‘Drinking the Forty’ is calling for Rick Barnes’ head if Harrison Smith and Ian Mooney don’t start seeing significant playing time, but UT’s players are going to need some rest down the stretch if they hope to have the energy to make a lengthy post season run.

Despite the extra minutes, Texas is becoming a more legitimate pick, rather than just a sexy one, for tournament success. You might even say that this young team has morphed from an Anna Kournikova into quite the Maria Sharapova over the course of the season. ESPN’s latest 'Power 16' now even has the team poised as a potential 4 seed going into March.

There’s no doubt that Durant and his teammates have the star power and talent to shoot for Carmelo Anthony-like run in the Tourney. However, it’s worth worrying that the Horns just aren’t going to survive without the bench improving upon its contribution of barely over 10 points a night. But, at this point it seems more likely that Barnes is going to pass up Nike as the nation’s leading over-user of child labor for basketball purposes.

So who’s the answer? Is it Connor Atchley? (I will wait for you to climb back into your chairs.) JD Lewis? (Who may or may not still be on the team.) Or Dexter Pittman? (Apparently there is no truth to the rumor that he will be the next to appear with Jared arguing the finer points of “More meat vs. Less fat.”)

It’s likely that there will be no one who steps up and takes over the roll of the “go to” 6^th man. So, sorry fellas. Looks like you starters are on your own the rest of the way. Now, I’m not suggesting that all starters take time off from classes to rest up for the Big Dance. But I hear Sydmill Harris is proficient in several foreign languages and Brian Boddicker may just have some old term papers from Intro to American History. Just thought I should mention it.

inaugural post.

i would like to start off this blog with a pic from a folder on my computer called: pictures i downloaded from the internet:

spring practice to start TOMORROW (friday).

HOOKEM!