TEXAS 2008-09 BASKETBALL 26 NCAATournament Appearances: 1939, 1943, 1947, 1960, 1963, 1972, 1974, 1979, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Texas Media Relations Office P.O. Box 7399 Austin, TX 78713-7399 (512) 471-6036 FAX (512) 471-6040 www.texassports.com 2008-09 Texas Schedule & Results Date Opponent (TV) Time / Result Nov. 14 Stetson W, 68-38 Nov. 18 Tulane (LSN) W, 76-51 Nov. 24-26 EASports Maui Invitational (at Maui, Hawaii) Nov. 24 vs. Saint Joseph s (ESPN2) W, 68-50 Nov. 25 vs. #8/8 Notre Dame (ESPN) L, 80-81 Nov. 26 vs. Oregon (ESPN2) W, 70-57 Nov. 30 Rice (LSN) W, 77-56 Dec. 4 Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series (at Austin, Texas) #12/9 UCLA (ESPN2) W, 68-64 Dec. 9 Jimmy V Classic (at New York, N.Y.) vs. #15/12 Villanova (ESPN) W, 67-58 Dec. 13 Texas State (LSN) W, 81-73 Dec. 16 Texas Southern (LSN) W, 88-72 Dec. 20 at Toyota Center (Houston, Texas) vs. #19/22 Michigan State (CBS) L, 63-67 Dec. 23 at Wisconsin (ESPN2) W, 74-69 Jan. 2 Appalachian State (ESPNU) W, 78-43 Jan. 6 at Arkansas (ESPN2) L, 61-67 Jan. 10 Iowa State* (Big 12) W, 75-67 Jan. 12 at #6/5 Oklahoma* (ESPN) L, 63-78 Jan. 17 at Texas Tech* (Big 12) W, 71-49 Jan. 24 State Farm Lone Star Showdown Texas A&M* (ESPNU) W, 67-58 Jan. 27 at Baylor* (Big 12) W, 78-72 Jan. 31 Kansas State* (Big 12) L, 81-85 (ot) Feb. 4 Missouri* (ESPN2) L, 65-69 Feb. 7 at Nebraska* (ESPN) 1 pm Feb. 10 Oklahoma State* (Big 12) 7 pm Feb. 14 at Colorado* (ESPN) 1 pm Feb. 16 State Farm Lone Star Showdown at Texas A&M* (ESPN) 8 pm Feb. 21 Oklahoma* (ESPN) 8 pm Feb. 25 Texas Tech* (ESPN2) 8:30 pm Feb. 28 at Oklahoma State* (ESPN) 5 pm Mar. 2 Baylor* (ESPN) 8 pm Mar. 7 at Kansas* (CBS) 3 pm Mar. 11-14 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship (at Oklahoma City, Okla.) Mar. 19-22 NCAA First & Second Rounds (CBS) Mar. 26-29 NCAA Regionals (CBS) Apr. 4-6 NCAA Final Four (CBS) (at Detroit, Mich.) *Big 12 Conference games; All times Central Big 12 = Big 12 Conference Network telecasts (check TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates) LSN = Longhorn Sports Network (check TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates) Texas Media Relations Basketball SID: Scott McConnell Office: 512-471-1345; Cell: 512-748-9313 E-mail: scott.mcconnell@athletics.utexas.edu Web Site: www.texassports.com #16/17 TEXAS (15-6, 4-3 Big 12) at Nebraska (14-7, 4-4 Big 12) Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 1 pm (Central) Devaney Center (13,595) Lincoln, Nebraska GAME DAY QUICK FACTS TELEVISION: The game will be televised nationally by ESPN. Ron Franklin (pxp) and Fran Fraschilla (analyst) will call the action. RADIO: The Longhorn Sports Network and KVET (FM 98.1/1300 AM Sportsradio The Zone) broadcast every UT game on the statewide network and on XM Satellite Radio Ch. 231. Craig Way (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check www.texassports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game. SERIES: Texas leads, 15-4. Last meeting: Texas 70-66 (Mar. 4, 2008; Austin). NOTABLES RECENT SUCCESS AGAINST THE HUSKERS Texas brings a sevengame winning streak against Nebraska into Saturday s contest. The Horns also have posted three consecutive victories in Lincoln. PITTMAN S BIG NIGHT Dexter Pittman posted a career-high 25 points to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes during Wednesday s game against Missouri. He hit 9-of-12 FG and 7-of-10 FT on the night. A HOMECOMING FOR HILL Matt Hill makes his second trip to his hometown of Lincoln as a Longhorn. He did not see game action in his first return trip (Jan. 24, 2007). Hill earned Mr. Basketball and the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Nebraska during his senior season at Lincoln Southeast High School. Texas Projected Lineup ( 08-09 statistics) No Pos Name Ht Wt Yr GP/GS Pts Reb 5 G/F Damion James 6-7 222 Jr 21/21 15.2 8.7 1 F Gary Johnson 6-6 233 So 21/5 11.2 6.4 32 F/C Connor Atchley 6-10 228 Sr 20/20 5.4 3.7 3 G A.J. Abrams 5-11 161 Sr 21/21 16.6 2.3 24 G Justin Mason 6-2 194 Jr 21/21 7.1 4.1 Off the Bench 4 G Dogus Balbay 6-0 176 So 20/0 1.9 2.1* 21 F/C Matt Hill 6-10 241 So 15/0 1.1 1.5 23 G Harrison Smith 6-2 195 Jr 5/0 0.6 1.4 34 C Dexter Pittman 6-10 298 Jr 21/15 9.1 4.5 50 G Varez Ward 6-2 190 Fr 20/1 3.5 2.6 53 F/C Clint Chapman 6-10 235 So 20/1 1.4 1.7 *denotes assists per game Head Coach: Rick Barnes, 262-99 at Texas (11th year); 464-233 overall (22nd year)
Series vs. Nebraska Saturday s contest marks the 20th meeting between Texas and Nebraska. The Longhorns hold a 15-4 lead in the all-time series which dates back to Dec. 18, 1964 (a 77-73 Texas victory in Austin). UT has won seven straight in the series and is 9-1 against the Huskers during the Rick Barnes era entering Saturday s game. The teams have split the previous eight meetings in Lincoln, although Texas has posted wins in each of its last three trips to Nebraska. Series Quick Facts Overall Texas, 15-4 Barnes vs. NU 9-1 Most UT points 105 (Jan. 21, 1998) Most NU points 91 (Jan. 21, 1998) Fewest UT points 62 (Jan. 24, 2007) Fewest NU points 48 (March 15, 1978) Largest UT margin 28 (102-74; Jan. 4, 1995) Largest NU margin 16 (85-69; Jan. 3, 1996) In overtime Texas, 1-0 Road Warriors Texas has proven to be a very successful road team during the Rick Barnes era. Barnes has guided the Horns to a 53-30 (.639) road record in Big 12 games during his 11 seasons in Austin the second-best league record in road games during this span. Best Road Records in Big 12 Conference Play (through games of Feb. 4; regular-season games only) Rk. School W-L 1. Kansas 59-25 2. Texas 53-30 3. Oklahoma 46-38 4. Oklahoma State 35-48 5. Missouri 29-55 6. Texas A&M 22-62 7. Nebraska 20-64 8. Iowa State 19-65 9. Texas Tech 18-66 10. Kansas State 17-67 11. Colorado 14-69 12. Baylor 10-74 A Check of the Polls Texas is ranked No. 16 in the latest Associated Press poll (Feb. 2) and No. 17 in the latest ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll (Feb. 2). UT has now been ranked in The AP Top 25 for 37 consecutive weeks (dating back to the poll on Feb. 19, 2007) and in the Tracking Texas in the Polls Date AP ESPN/USA Today Preseason 7 8 Nov. 17 7 8 Nov. 24 6 7 Dec. 1 8 8 Dec. 8 6 6 Dec. 15 5 5 Dec. 22 9 8 Dec. 29 8 7 Jan. 5 7 tie 7 Jan. 12 11 11 Jan. 19 14 15 Jan. 26 11 12 Feb. 2 16 17 Did You Know? Facts on the Texas Basketball program Texas is one of just three schools to have advanced to at least the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in five of the last seven years, joining Duke (5) and Kansas (5). Texas is one of just eight programs to have advanced to each of the last 10 NCAA Tournaments, joining Arizona, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and Wisconsin. Texas is the only school in the country that can claim two National Player of the Year winners in the last six years (T.J. Ford in 2003; Kevin Durant in 2007). Texas has produced three consensus first-team All-Americans over the last six seasons, the top total in the country during this stretch (Ford in 2003; Durant in 2007; Augustin in 2008). Texas is the only school in the nation to have a Top 10 pick in each of the last three NBA Drafts (LaMarcus Aldridge, No. 2 in 2006; Kevin Durant, No. 2 in 2007; D.J. Augustin, No. 9 in 2008). Texas has produced four Top 10 NBA Draft picks in the last six years, the top total in the nation during this stretch. ESPN/USA Today poll for 39 straight weeks (Feb. 19, 2007). During the Barnes era, the Horns have spent 140 weeks in The AP Top 25, including 60 in the Top 10. A Homecoming for Hill Redshirt sophomore forward/center Matt Hill makes his second trip as a Longhorn to his hometown of Lincoln, Neb. Hill was a true freshman on the 2006-07 Texas team that posted a 62-61 victory on Jan. 24, 2007, but he did not see action during the contest (left heel injury). A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for coach Jeff Smith at Lincoln Southeast HS, Hill set school career records in scoring (1,242 points), rebounds (755) and blocks (244). He averaged 20.1 ppg, 12.7 rpg and 3.6 bpg as a senior while leading Southeast to a 20-5 mark and the state semifinals. Hill was named Mr. Basketball and the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Nebraska in his senior year. Texas-Missouri Game Notes UT lost consecutive home games for the first time since the 2001-02 season (110-103 overtime loss to No. 2 Kansas on Feb. 11, 2002; 85-80 defeat to No. 13 Oklahoma State on Feb. 20, 2002). The Horns posted a 40-33 advantage on the glass. This marked the 16th time in 21 games this year that Texas had outrebounded its opponent. Dexter Pittman (25 points) set career highs in points and field goals made (9-of-12) and tied his career high in free throws made (7-of-10). Pittman topped the 20-point mark for the second time this season and in his career (86 games). He reached double figures in scoring for the eighth time this year and 11th time in his career. A.J. Abrams (11 points) reached double figures in scoring for the 15th time this year and 83rd time in his career (130 games). Damion James (10 rebounds) reached double digits in rebounds for the ninth time this year and the 39th time in his career (94 games). Justin Mason tied his season high in minutes (38).
In Sweet Company Texas has reached the NCAA Sweet 16 five times in the last seven years. The Longhorns are one of just three schools to accomplish this feat, joining Duke (5) and Kansas (5). Texas has made 10 trips to the Sweet 16 since 1960. UT made Sweet 16 appearances in 1960 (25-team tournament), 1963 (25-team tournament), 1972 (25-team tournament), 1997, 2002 and 2004. Texas also advanced to the Elite Eight in 1990, 2006 and 2008 and the Final Four in 2003. An Elite Program Texas has reached the NCAA Elite Eight twice in the last three years and three times in the last six seasons. During the Barnes era, the Horns have made trips to the regional final in 2003 (beat Michigan State to advance to the Final Four), 2006 (lost to LSU in overtime) and 2008 (lost to Memphis). 10-in-a-Row With their bid to the 2008 NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns extended their school-record streak of consecutive NCAA appearances to 10. Texas has advanced to the Big Dance in each of Rick Barnes 10 previous seasons in Austin. Prior to the Barnes era, UT s previous mark for consecutive NCAA Tournament bids was four (set twice). Most Consecutive NCAA Tourney Trips in UT History No. Years 10 1999-present 4 1994-97 4 1989-92 Success Against the AP Top 25 During his 11 seasons in Austin, Rick Barnes has registered a school-record 47 career victories against AP Top 25 opponents (previous mark: 10-44 by Tom Penders, 1989-98). Barnes has guided the Horns to a 47-52 (.475) record against ranked teams. Barnes has posted 77 career victories against AP Top 25 foes. Strength of Schedule To say the Longhorns will play a difficult schedule this season would be a gross understatement. UT has faced five opponents ranked in the AP Top 25 during its first 21 games. The Horns are 2-3 this year against the AP Top 25. During its non-league schedule, Texas faced two opponents each from the Big East Conference, the Big Ten Conference and the Pac-10 Conference and one from the Southeastern Conference. In addition, the Horns scrimmaged No. 20/20 Davidson and No. 10/11 Gonzaga in the preseason. Here s a look at the highlights of this year s non-conference schedule (ranking at time of game). Non-Conference Strength of Schedule Opponent Date Result/Site vs. St. Joseph s Nov. 24, 2008 W, 68-50 vs. #8/8 Notre Dame Nov. 25, 2008 L, 80-81 vs. Oregon Nov. 26, 2008 W, 70-57 #12/9 UCLA Dec. 4, 2008 W, 68-64 vs. #15/12 Villanova Dec. 9, 2008 W, 67-58 vs. #19/22 Michigan St. Dec. 20, 2008 L, 63-67 at Wisconsin Dec. 23, 2008 W, 74-69 at Arkansas Jan. 6, 2009 L, 61-67 Beating the Best UT posted two victories against AP Top Three teams during the 2007-08 season. Texas win at No. 2 UCLA last year equaled the highest-ranked (AP) opponent that the Longhorns have defeated in school history. The Horns also claimed a home win against No. 3 Kansas last season. Four of UT s seven all-time wins against AP Top Three teams have come in the Rick Barnes era. All-Time UT Wins Against the AP Top Three Opponent Date Result at #2 UCLA Dec. 2, 2007 W, 63-61 vs. #2 Louisville Nov. 30, 1986 W, 74-70 #3 Kansas Feb. 11, 2008 W, 72-69 #3 Villanova Jan. 14, 2007 W, 58-55 vs. #3 Michigan State Nov. 27, 1999 W, 81-74 #3 Arkansas March 3, 1991 W, 99-86 #3 Arkansas Jan. 14, 1978 W, 75-69 Defending Big 12 Champs Texas claimed a share of the Big 12 Conference regular season championship and the No. 1 seed in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship during the 2007-08 season. This marked the second time in the last three years and the third time overall that Missouri 69 #16/17 Texas 65 Feb. 4, 2009 Austin, Texas Missouri min fg-a ft-a reb ast pf tp Carroll 28 5-12 3-7 4 1 4 13 Lyons 27 7-11 0-1 3 2 2 14 Tiller 29 3-6 4-6 3 5 4 10 Taylor 35 6-9 2-3 3 3 2 17 English 20 1-3 0-0 2 0 0 2 Paul 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 0 Denmon 14 2-6 0-0 2 0 2 5 Ramsey 17 1-3 0-0 4 1 4 2 Bowers 5 1-5 0-0 3 0 1 2 Safford 2 0-1 0-0 2 0 1 0 Lawrence 20 1-5 1-2 3 0 0 4 Totals 200 27-61 10-19 33 12 21 69 Johnson 17 2-10 3-5 1 0 2 7 James 27 3-8 0-0 10 2 1 6 Atchley 15 1-5 0-0 5 0 2 2 Abrams 40 4-9 0-0 0 2 3 11 Mason 38 2-6 2-4 6 7 3 6 Balbay 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 Pittman 23 9-12 7-10 7 0 4 25 Ward 28 2-4 0-1 4 4 1 4 Chapman 10 2-5 0-0 3 0 1 4 Totals 200 25-59 12-20 40 15 17 65 Missouri 29 40-69 Texas 34 31-65 The Missouri Recap FG Pct: MU 44.3, UT 42.4 3-Pt FG Pct: MU 33.3, UT 30.0 FT Pct: MU 52.6, UT 60.0 3-point goals: MU 5 (Taylor 3, Denmon, Lawrence), UT 3 (Abrams 3) Turnovers: MU 7, UT 15 Blocked Shots: MU 5 (Carroll 2, Lyons, Ramsey, Lawrence), UT 5 (Pittman 2, James, Abrams, Mason) Steals: MU 8 (Taylor 3, Ramsey 2, Carroll, Tiller, Denmon), UT 5 (Mason 2, James, Atchley, Ward) Attendance: 13,095 Records: MU (19-4, 6-2 Big 12), UT (15-6, 4-3 Big 12) Television: ESPN2 (national) Zaire Taylor had a team-high 17 points, including the decisive three-point play with five seconds remaining, to lead Missouri to a four-point win at the Erwin Center before an ESPN2 national television audience. The loss spoiled a career night for UT s Dexter Pittman. Pittman tallied 25 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes off the bench. He converted 9-of- 12 field goals and 7-of-10 free throws on the night. Texas dropped back-to-back home games for the first time since the 2001-02 season. Missouri jumped out to an 8-1 advantage following a DeMarre Carroll jumper at the 16:30 mark. Trailing 10-3 after a Leo Lyons putback with 15:48 remaining, the Horns used a Pittman threepoint play, a Justin Mason layup and an A.J. Abrams three-pointer to grab an 11-10 lead at the 14:16 mark. The contest saw five lead changes in the next two-anda-half minutes. Trailing 16-15 after a Lyons layup with 11:51 left, Texas used a Clint Chapman layup, a threepoint play from Gary Johnson, back-to-back three-point plays from Pittman and a Damion James layup to run off 13 straight points and build a 28-16 cushion at the 6:56 mark. Trailing 34-23 with 4:00 remaining, the Tigers closed the half on a 6-0 spurt to trim the margin to 34-29 at the break. Texas held Missouri to 35.3% FG shooting in the opening half. UT extended its advantage to 38-31 on a Johnson layup with 18:33 left, but the Tigers responded with a Lyons layup and a Taylor three-pointer to cut the gap to 38-36 at the 17:37 mark. After a Chapman dunk gave the Longhorns a 42-40 lead with 14:02 left, Missouri used a Keith Ramsey layup, back-to-back layups from Carroll and a J.T. Tiller layup to build a 48-42 cushion at the 9:53 mark. Trailing 50-45 with 9:30 remaining, Texas used a Varez Ward layup and a Pittman dunk to trim the margin to 50-49 at the 8:00 mark. After a James dunk gave the Horns a 53-52 advantage with 6:16 left, the Tigers responded with a 6-1 run to take a 58-54 lead following a Matt Lawrence three-pointer at the 5:05 mark. UT answered with a Mason free throw, a Pittman three-point play and a James jumper to build a 60-58 advantage with 3:57 left. After another Pittman dunk gave Texas a 62-60 cushion at the 3:01 mark, Missouri answered with backto-back baskets from Lyons to take a 64-62 lead with 2:15 left. An Abrams floater in the lane tied the count at 65-65 with 1:05 remaining, setting the stage for Taylor s heroics in the final 10 seconds. Following Taylor s three-point play, the Longhorns turned the ball over. A single free throw from Carroll with four seconds left iced the victory. Taylor was joined in double-figure scoring by Lyons (14), Carroll (13) and Tiller (10). Abrams added 11 points, while James had six points and a game-high 10 boards. Mason also tallied six points, six rebounds and seven assists. Missouri converted 15-of- 27 (.556) field goals and committed just two of its seven total turnovers in the second half. The Horns recorded a 40-33 advantage on the glass and a 20-8 margin in second-chance points.
the Horns have won the Big 12 title. All three championships have come during the Rick Barnes era. UT won the crown outright in 1998-99 and shared the league title with Kansas in 2005-06 (No. 1 seed in the conference tourney that year as well). 20 Wins Again With a school single-season record 31 victories in 2007-08, the Longhorns reached the 20-win mark for the ninth straight season. Texas also reached the 30-win plateau for the second time in the last three years (30-7 mark in 2005-06). UT s current streak of nine straight 20-win campaigns is a school record. Prior to the current streak, the previous school mark for most consecutive 20-win seasons was four (1988-89 to 1991-92). 10 League Wins Again Texas recorded a 13-3 mark in Big 12 play during the 2007-08 season en route to claiming a share of the conference title. This marked the ninth time in 10 seasons under Rick Barnes that the Horns have reached double digits in league wins. Texas posted a 9-7 conference mark in 2004-05. UT has reached 12 league wins in each of the last three seasons (13-3 in 2005-06, 12-4 in 2006-07 and 13-3 in 2007-08) and recorded at least 13 conference victories in five of Barnes 10 seasons in Austin (13-3 in 1998-99, 13-3 in 1999-2000, 13-3 in 2002-03, 13-3 in 2005-06 and 13-3 in 2007-08). Defense Wins Solid defense continues to be a Texas trademark under coach Rick Barnes. In its first 21 games this year, Texas has held its opponents to an average of 63.0 points per contest and a combined 39.4% FG shooting, including a 125-of-377 (.332) mark from three-point range. UT has limited 13 of its first 21 opponents to under 40% FG shooting, including two to under 30% FG shooting. Since Barnes arrived in Austin, the Horns have held 178 of their 361 opponents to under 40% FG shooting. Texas sports a 162-16 (.910) mark in the Barnes era when accomplishing the feat (11-2 record this year). More Defensive Details Texas held Stetson (Nov. 14) to 38 points on 26.0% FG shooting (13-of-50). This marked a tie for the fifth-lowest shooting percentage by a UT opponent since the 1960-61 season. The Horns limited Stetson to just one field goal over the first 11:16 of the game. Texas held Tulane (Nov. 18) to 51 points on 31.0% FG shooting (18-of-58). The Horns limited Saint Joseph s (Nov. 24) to 29.3% FG shooting (17-of-58). Texas held Oregon (Nov. 26) without a field goal for a span of 12:29 in the first half (from 15:49 to 3:20). Most NCAA Tournament Wins (Last Seven Years, dating back to the 2002 NCAA Tournament) School No. of NCAA Wins Kansas 21 TEXAS 15 Connecticut 15 North Carolina 15 UCLA 15 Most NCAA Tournament Appearances (The Last 20 Years, since the 1988-89 season) School No. of NCAA Trips Arizona 20 Duke 19 Kansas 19 TEXAS 18 Indiana 18 North Carolina 18 UCLA 18 UT limited Rice (Nov. 30) to 25.9% FG shooting (7-of-27) in the second half. The Horns held No. 15/12 Villanova (Dec. 9) to 38.0% FG shooting (19-of-50), including a 4-of-18 (.222) mark from beyond the arc. Texas limited Appalachian State (Jan. 2) to 43 points on 30.2% FG shooting (16-of-53), including a 3-of-18 (.167) mark from three-point range. The Mountaineers entered the contest averaging 82.8 ppg (UT held ASU 40 points below its season average). The Horns held Iowa State (Jan. 10) to 38.8% FG shooting (26-of-67), including a 9-of-28 (.321) mark in the first half. Texas limited Texas Tech (Jan. 17) to 34.0% FG shooting (18-of-53). The Longhorns held the Red Raiders scoreless for a span of 6:47 in the first half (from 17:14 to 10:27). UT held Baylor (Jan. 27) to 37.5% FG shooting (24-of-64), including a 9-of-31 (.290) mark in the first half. Cleaning the Glass Texas has outrebounded its opponent in 16 of its first 21 games to start the season. UT posted a 41-29 rebound margin during the win against Texas A&M (Jan. 24). The Horns also registered a 40-25 advantage at Wisconsin (Dec. 23) and a 50-37 margin at Arkansas (Jan. 6). Texas has recorded at least a +10 rebound margin in seven of its first 21 games. Abrams a Finalist for Lowe s CLASS Award Senior guard A.J. Abrams is one of 10 male finalists for the Lowe s Senior CLASS Award, the premier honor for senior student-athletes. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School (CLASS), the award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages those leaders to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact on their circle of influence. A nationwide fan vote began on Feb. 4 and concludes on March 22. Fans can vote online at www.seniorclassaward.com. Lowe s will announce and present the men s basketball winner with the distinctive Lowe s Senior CLASS Award in front of a national television audience during the CBS telecast of the NCAA Final Four in Detroit. Abrams, James on Wooden Top 50 List... Senior guard A.J. Abrams and junior swingman Damion James are among the Top 50 preseason candidates for the 2008-09 John R. Wooden All-American team (Nov. 7). Texas is one of just seven schools to have at least two players on the preseason award list, joining North Carolina, Louisville, Duke, Marquette, Pittsburgh and Connecticut.
... And Same Duo on Naismith Watch List A.J. Abrams and Damion James also are among a group of 50 players selected to the Naismith Trophy Early Season Watch List (Dec.. 18). Texas is one of eight schools to have at least two players on the watch list, joining Connecticut, Gonzaga, Marquette, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Purdue. Abrams Getting Better by the Year A.J. Abrams is the most experienced player in the Texas lineup, having played in 130 of a possible 131 games (94 starts) to date in his career. Through the first 21 games this year, Abrams has averaged a team-best 16.6 ppg while hitting 38.1% (61-of-160) from three-point range. A.J. Abrams: By the Numbers Stat Fr. Soph. Jr. Sr. Points per game 6.4 15.5 16.5 16.6 3 FG %.390.423.382.381 Abrams Sets Big 12 Career Triples Mark A.J. Abrams became the all-time leader in career three-point field goals made in Big 12 Conference history against Kansas State (Jan. 31). With his first 3-pointer of the game at the 13:13 mark of the first half, Abrams made his 339th career three-pointer. This topped the previous mark of 338, set by Jeff Boschee of Kansas (1999-2002). Abrams enters Saturday s game with 345 career triples in 130 games. Most Career 3-Pointers in Big 12 Conference History No. Name (School) Seasons 350 A.J. Abrams (Texas) 2006-09 338 Jeff Boschee (Kansas) 1999-2002 Abrams Climbs UT, Big 12 Career Scoring Lists A.J. Abrams continues his steady climb up the UT career scoring chart. He currently sits in sixth place on the school s career points list (1,738 points). Abrams also enters Saturday s game in 14th place on the Big 12 Conference career scoring list. Most Career Points in UT History Rk. Name (Seasons) Points 1. Terrence Rencher (1992-95) 2,306 2. Travis Mays (1987-90) 2,279 3. Reggie Freeman (1994-97) 1,958 4. Ron Baxter (1977-80) 1,897 5. Joey Wright (1989-91) 1,819 6. A.J. Abrams (2006-09) 1,738 Most Career Points in Big 12 History Rk. Name, School (Seasons) Points 1. Andre Emmett, Texas Tech (2002-04) 2,256 11. Jake Sullivan, Iowa State (2001-04) 1,810 12. Arthur Johnson, Missouri (2001-04) 1,759 13. Kirk Hinrich, Kansas (2000-03) 1,753 14. A.J. Abrams, Texas (2006-09) 1,738 More Record Watch: A.J. Abrams Entering Saturday s game, A.J. Abrams ranks first in UT history in career three-pointers made (345) and attempted (871), sixth in career three-point field goal percentage (.396) and sixth in career games played (130). Most Career 3-Pointers in UT History No. Name Seasons 345 A.J. Abrams 2006-09 246 Travis Mays 1987-90 Most Career 3-Pointers Attempted in UT History No. Name Seasons 871 A.J. Abrams 2006-09 739 Reggie Freeman 1994-97 Highest Career 3 FG % in UT History (min. 200 att) Pct. Name (3M-A) Seasons.415 Joey Wright (175-422) 1989-91.404 Kevin Durant (82-203) 2007.404 Brian Boddicker (159-394) 2001-04.402 D.J. Augustin (119-296) 2007-08.401 Kenton Paulino (139-347) 2003-06.396 A.J. Abrams (345-871) 2006-09.389 Maurice Evans (86-221) 2001.389 Brandon Mouton (198-509) 2001-04 Most Career Games Played in UT History No. Name Seasons 134 Brian Boddicker 2001-04 134 James Thomas 2001-04 133 Royal Ivey 2001-04 133 Brandon Mouton 2001-04 131 Jason Klotz 2001-05 130 A.J. Abrams 2006-09 Abrams and 30 A.J. Abrams hit the 30-point mark for the first time this season with 31 points in the win against No. 12/9 UCLA (Dec. 4). He repeated the feat for the second time in a three-game span with his 30-point effort against Texas State (Dec. 13). Abrams has topped Big 12 Conference Update (through games of Feb. 4) Conference Overall W-L W-L Oklahoma 8-0 22-1 Kansas 7-0 18-4 Missouri 6-2 19-4 Texas 4-3 15-6 Kansas State 4-4 15-7 Nebraska 4-4 14-7 Oklahoma State 3-4 14-7 Texas A&M 3-5 17-6 Baylor 3-5 15-7 Iowa State 1-6 12-10 Texas Tech 1-6 11-11 Colorado 1-6 9-12 Recent Results & Upcoming Schedule Feb. 4 Oklahoma 77, Texas A&M 71* Oklahoma State 81, Texas Tech 80* Missouri 69, Texas 65* Nebraska 55, Colorado 53* Feb. 7 Feb. 9 Feb. 10 Colorado at Oklahoma* Texas at Nebraska* Oklahoma State at Kansas* Kansas State at Texas A&M* Missouri at Iowa State* Baylor at Texas Tech* Kansas at Missouri* Oklahoma State at Texas*
Success in the Big 12 Under Barnes The Last 10 Years in the Big 12 (since 1998-99) (regular-season league games only; through games of Feb. 4) Rk School W-L 1. Kansas 135-32 2. TEXAS 124-43 3. Oklahoma 113-55 4. Oklahoma State 99-68 5. Missouri 88-80 6. Iowa State 75-92 7. Texas Tech 69-98 8. Nebraska 67-101 9. Kansas State 65-103 10. Colorado 63-104 11. Texas A&M 63-105 12. Baylor 43-125 the 30-point mark a total of four times in his collegiate career (30 vs. Arkansas-Monticello on Nov. 18, 2007; 31 vs. New Mexico State on Nov. 23, 2007). Abrams from Beyond the Arc A.J. Abrams has established himself as one of the top three-point shooters in UT history. Abrams has hit 61-of-160 (.381) threes in the first 21 games this season. Last year, he converted 38.2% (118-of-309) from beyond the arc. As a sophomore, Abrams set the Big 12 and UT season record for most threes made (120). Most Single-Season 3-Pointers in UT History No. Name Season 120 A.J. Abrams 2006-07 118 A.J. Abrams 2007-08 Most Single-Season 3-Pointers in Big 12 History No. Name (School) Season 120 A.J. Abrams (Texas) 2006-07 118 A.J. Abrams (Texas) 2007-08 118 Clarence Gilbert (Missouri) 2001-02 Most Single-Game 3-Pointers in UT History No. Name (Opponent) Date 10 Al Coleman (vs. Kansas State) Jan. 12, 1997 9 A.J. Abrams (vs. New Mexico State) Nov. 23, 2007 9 Daniel Gibson (at Baylor) Jan. 21, 2006 9 Travis Mays (at Rice) Jan. 11, 1989 8 A.J. Abrams (vs. Arkansas-Monticello) Nov. 18, 2007 8 A.J. Abrams (vs. Chicago State) Nov. 10, 2006 8 B.J. Tyler (at Rice) Mar. 5, 1992 A.J. at the Stripe A.J. Abrams has established himself as one of the top free throw shooters in UT history. Abrams ranks third in school history in career free throw percentage. He has converted 86.2% from the line in his career (225-of-261). Highest Career Free Throw % in UT History (min. 100 att.) Pct. Name (FT-A) Seasons.897 Brandy Perryman (183-204) 1995-98.869 Jim Krivacs (279-321) 1977-79.862 A.J. Abrams (225-261) 2006-09.849 Harry Larrabee (141-166) 1972-74 Highest Single-Season Free Throw % in UT History (min. 50 att.) Pct. Name (FT-A) Season.924 A.J. Abrams (73-79) 2006-07.910 Jim Krivacs (101-111) 1978-79 Abrams Steals the Show Known more for his production on the offensive end of the court, A.J. Abrams has matured into a solid technical defender. Abrams enters Saturday s game in ninth place on the school s career steals list (157). Most Career Steals in UT History Rk. Name (Seasons) Steals 1. Terrence Rencher (1992-95) 255 6. Albert Burditt (1991-94) 170 7. Roderick Anderson (1994-95) 165 Joey Wright (1989-91) 165 9. A.J. Abrams (2006-09) 157 Abrams by the Minutes A.J. Abrams has emerged as one of the most durable players in UT history. Abrams topped the 4,000-minute mark in his collegiate playing career during the win against Texas A&M (Jan. 24). He enters Saturday s contest having played 4,133 minutes in 130 career games (31.8 mpg). Abrams is averaging 37.1 minutes per game in his senior season. The school record for career minutes played is 4,352 by Terrence Rencher (1992-95). James Improves Across the Board Junior swingman Damion James is off to a solid start while transitioning to playing primarily on the perimeter. In the first 21 games this year, James leads the team in rebounding (8.7 rpg) and double-doubles (eight) and ranks second in scoring (15.2 ppg). Damion James: By the Numbers Stat Fr. Soph. Jr. Points per game 7.6 13.2 15.2 Rebounds per game 7.2 10.3 8.7 James Joins 1,000-Point Club Damion James became the 30th player in UT history to reach the 1,000-point milestone during the game at No. 6/5 Oklahoma on Jan. 12. James joined the club with his three-pointer at the 11:15 mark of the second half. He currently ranks in 25th place on the school s all-time scoring list entering Saturday s contest with 1,086 points in 94 career games (11.6 ppg). Most Career Points in UT History Rk. Name (Seasons) Points 1. Terrence Rencher (1992-95) 2,306 23. Dan Krueger (1973-76) 1,130 24. Brad Buckman (2003-06) 1,102 25. Damion James (2007- ) 1,086 James Joins 800-Rebound Club With his 12-rebound effort in the win at Baylor (Jan. 27), Damion James became the seventh UT player to record at least 800 career rebounds. James has grabbed 828 rebounds in 94 career games (8.8 rpg). He set the single-season rebound mark (393) last year as a sophomore.
Most Career Rebounds in UT History Rk. Name (Seasons) Rebounds 1. James Thomas (2001-04) 1,077 2. LaSalle Thompson (1980-82) 1,027 3. Chris Mihm (1998-2000) 945 4. Ron Baxter (1977-80) 916 5. Albert Burditt (1991-94) 897 6. Damion James (2007- ) 828 Top Season Rebound Totals in UT History Rk. Name (Year) Rebounds 1. Damion James (2007-08) 393 2. Kevin Durant (2006-07) 390 James Sees Double Damion James enters Saturday s game with a team-best eight double-doubles through the first 21 games this year. He had 14 points and 12 rebounds during the win at Baylor (Jan. 27), before posting 19 points and 12 boards against Kansas State (Jan. 31). He had 15 points and 10 rebounds (four offensive) against No. 19/22 Michigan State (Dec. 20). James returned to post 18 points and a season-high 15 rebounds in the win at Wisconsin (Dec. 23). He had 11 points and 12 rebounds against No. 8/8 Notre Dame (Nov. 25). James posted 21 points and 12 rebounds against Oregon (Nov. 26). He added 13 points and a game-high 13 boards against No. 12/9 UCLA (Dec. 4). Most Career Double-Doubles in UT History Rk. Name (Seasons) Double-Doubles 1. LaSalle Thompson (1980-82) 55 2. Chris Mihm (1998-2000) 47 3. Ron Baxter (1977-80) 40 4. Damion James (2007- ) 29 Larry Robinson (1972-74) 29 James by the Blocks Damion James continues to make improvements on the defensive end of the court during his time in Austin. James currently ranks seventh on the UT career blocked shot list. He has posted 110 blocks in 94 career games entering Saturday s contest. Most Career Blocks in UT History Rk. Name (Seasons) Blocks 1. Chris Mihm (1998-2000) 264 5. Chris Owens (2000-02) 159 6. LaSalle Thompson (1980-82) 145 7. Damion James (2007- ) 110 James Summer Internship While enrolled in summer classes, Damion James spent the entire month of June working out with current Oklahoma City Thunder swingman and former UT star Kevin Durant, as Durant returned to campus to attend classes. The duo usually started their daily workouts at 6:30 a.m. in Cooley Pavilion (UT s practice facility). Gary Johnson = Most Improved Sophomore forward Gary Johnson has been one of the most improved players in the Big 12 Conference thus far this season. Through the first 21 games, Johnson ranks second on the team in rebounding (6.4 rpg) and third in scoring (11.2 ppg) in 25.2 minutes per game. He recorded his first collegiate double-double with 14 points (5-of-8 FG, 4-of-5 FT) and a career-high 10 rebounds in just 23 minutes against Saint Joseph s (Nov. 24). After Behind the Scenes with the Horns The A.J. in A.J. Abrams stands for Adrian Junior. A.J. s full name is Adrian Glenn Abrams II. His parents gave him the nickname A.J. at birth. His father s real name is Adrian, but he prefers Andy. Andy previously worked as a bodyguard for former Texas governors Ann Richards and George Bush and now is a college basketball official. A.J. wears jersey number No. 3, because he admires Allen Iverson s style of play. Connor Atchley earned his bachelor s degree in corporate communications in May 2008. Atchley is currently enrolled in classes in the Graduate School of Advertising. He was a successful pitcher during his high school days. Atchley spent the spring seasons of his freshman, sophomore and junior years as a pitcher on the baseball team at Clear Lake HS rather than playing in AAU basketball tournaments. He wears jersey No. 32 because it was his father s (Jay) number in high school. Clint Chapman s father, Kenny Chapman, is a senior firefighting pilot for Erickson Air-Crane. Mr. Chapman has been deployed throughout the U.S. and the world to fight forest fires. The Chapman family actually lived in Australia twice for three-month stretches during the winter when Clint was nine and 10 years old. Gary Johnson wears jersey No. 1 to pay tribute to both T.J. Ford (11) and Daniel Gibson (1), former UT stars from the Houston area who had the No. 1 in their respective jerseys. Dexter Pittman is the son of Johnny Pittman, who played basketball at Oklahoma State (1989-91). Harrison Smith comes from an athletic heritage, to say the least. His father, Doug, played football (defensive tackle) at Auburn (1982-83) and for the Houston Oilers for eight years (1985-92). His mother, the former Becky Jackson, was an All-American in basketball at Auburn (1981-84). She is still the school s career leader in points (2,068) and rebounds (1,118). Alexis Wangmene s legal guardians are R.C. and Beth Buford. R.C., who is the general manager of the San Antonio Spurs, discovered Wangmene in 2004 during the NBA s Basketball without Borders trip to South Africa, when Wangmene was 15. Wangmene s native tongue is French, the language spoken in Cameroon. He learned English in six months during his sophomore year at San Antonio Central Catholic High School. Wangmene attended the same prep school (Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J.) as former Texas player Royal Ivey. Wangmene changed his jersey number from 15 to 20 this year to honor his father (Teophile Mang-Ikri), who wore the same number when he played in Cameroon. Varez Ward s full name is Kyievarez Ward. He was given the nickname Varez by his mother (Sharon) at birth. Ward began wearing jersey No. 50 in the seventh grade, after he saw former Auburn guard Doc Robinson (1997-2000) wearing the number. coming off the bench in each of UT s first 16 games, Johnson has earned the start at power forward in each of the last five contests. Gary Johnson: By the Numbers As a Frosh Stat As a Soph 5.6 Points per game 11.2 3.7 Rebounds per game 6.4 Johnson Steps It Up Gary Johnson has posted solid offensive performances in eight of the last 11 games entering Saturday s contest. Against No. 19/22 Michigan State in Houston (Dec. 20), Johnson posted 20 points (8- of-12 FG, 4-of-4 FT) in 35 minutes. He returned to record 16 points (7-of-10 FG, 2-of-2 FT) and eight rebounds in 33 minutes at Wisconsin (Dec. 23). During the loss at Arkansas (Jan. 6),
The Texas Honor Roll in 2008-09 A.J. Abrams One of 10 finalists for the Lowe s Senior CLASS Award Phillips 66 Big 12 Co-Player of the Week (Dec. 8) Naismith Trophy Early Season Watch List Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 List Preseason All-Big 12 First Team (coaches) Connor Atchley One of 30 preseason candidates for the Lowe s Senior CLASS Award Damion James Naismith Trophy Early Season Watch List Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 List Preseason All-Big 12 First Team (coaches) Head Coach Rick Barnes Wooden Award Legends of Coaching Recipient Johnson recorded his second career double-double with 15 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. The Glue Guy If you re looking for the individual who does all the dirty work and holds the team together, look no further than junior combo guard Justin Mason. He has earned the team s Most Outstanding Defensive Player honor in each of his first two seasons. As a sophomore, he was named to both the Big 12 All-Defensive and Big 12 All-Underrated teams and was selected to Sports Illustrated s fiveperson All-Glue Team. Through the first 21 games this year, Mason leads the team in assists (5.0 apg) and steals (28), ranks fourth in rebounding (4.1 rpg), fifth in scoring (7.1 ppg) and second in minutes played (30.9 mpg). Mason Returns to Form Against Tech Justin Mason had one of his finest all-around performances in a Texas uniform during the win at Texas Tech (Jan. 17). Mason tallied his first collegiate double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The 10 boards tied his career high. Six of his 10 rebounds came off the offensive glass. He converted 5-of-8 field goals (1-of-1 threes) and 4-of-5 free throws in 29 minutes. Mason s 15 points marked his highest scoring output, since he had a season-high 18 against Oregon on Nov. 26. Mason Dishes the Rock In the last 15 contests (four against Top 25 opponents), Justin Mason has recorded 76 assists against just 26 turnovers (a 2.9- to-1 ratio). He had six assists against just one turnover (along with five points, six boards and three steals) against No. 12/9 UCLA (Dec. 4). Mason tallied seven assists against two turnovers against No. 15/12 Villanova (Dec. 9) in New York at the Jimmy V Classic. He also had eight assists against just one turnover in the win at Wisconsin (Dec. 23). He tied his season-high with nine assists against Kansas State (Jan. 31). Top Career Assist-to-Turnover Ratio in UT History (since 1982-83) Ratio Name (Seasons) A-TO 2.21 T.J. Ford (2002-03) 527-238 2.05 D.J. Augustin (2007-08) 452-220 2.00 Justin Mason (2007- ) 282-141 1.80 Alex Broadway (1985-88) 457-254 Atchley in Action In his first 20 games, Connor Atchley leads the team in blocked shots (33) and ranks fifth in rebounding (3.7 rpg) and sixth in scoring (5.4 ppg). The Atchley Factor Coach Rick Barnes has repeatedly said when Connor Atchley is a factor on the offensive end of the court, Texas usually is playing its best basketball. The numbers back up Barnes thoughts. When Atchley has reached double figures in scoring during his career, Texas is a perfect 21-0 (including a 3-0 mark in 2008-09). Atchley s Block Party Connor Atchley led the Big 12 Conference in blocked shots (80, 2.11 bpg) during his junior season. He recorded 42 blocked shots over the final 16 games (2.63 bpg) last year. Atchley has posted a team-high 33 blocks in his first 20 games this season. He has recorded 12 blocked shots in the first seven Big 12 contests. Most Career Blocks in UT History Rk. Name (Seasons) Blocks 1. Chris Mihm (1998-2000) 264 2. Albert Burditt (1991-94) 236 3. Connor Atchley (2006-09) 177 Most Career Blocks in Big 12 Conference History Rk. Name, School (Seasons) Blocks 1. Chris Mihm, Texas (1998-2000) 264 8. Brian Skinner, Baylor (1996-98) 195 9. Connor Atchley, Texas (2006-09) 177 Most Single-Season Blocks in UT History Rk. Name (Season) Blocks 1. Chris Owens (2000-01) 92 2. Chris Mihm (1999-2000) 90 Chris Mihm (1997-98) 90 4. Chris Mihm (1998-99) 84 5. Connor Atchley (2007-08) 80 Atchley Injury Update Senior forward/center Connor Atchley suffered a split tongue at the 15:25 mark of the second half against Appalachian State (Jan. 2). The injury required 20 to 30 stitches to repair. He was held out of action in the loss at Arkansas (Jan. 6). Atchley returned to practice on Jan. 5, before earning the starting nod and playing 25 minutes during the Big 12 opener against Iowa State (Jan. 10). The Elder Statesman Connor Atchley has played in 122 career games, making 62 starts. He is in his fifth year with the program, having redshirted as a true freshman in 2004-05. Atchley, the Graduate Connor Atchley earned his bachelor s degree in corporate communications in May and is now enrolled in classes in the Graduate School of Advertising. He is a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection (one first-team honor, two second-team accolades).
Balbay Thinking Pass Sophomore guard Dogus Balbay has proven to be an improving distributor of the basketball in the last 11 games entering Saturday s contest. In these last 11 games, Balbay has registered 34 assists against just nine turnovers (a 3.8-to-1 ratio). Balbay registered five assists against one turnover in 14 minutes against No. 19/22 Michigan State (Dec. 20). He returned to post four assists against one turnover while adding two steals in the win at Wisconsin (Dec. 23). Balbay added three assists without a turnover against Appalachian State (Jan. 2) and tallied four assists against just one turnover at Arkansas (Jan. 6). He recorded six assists against just one turnover at No. 6/5 Oklahoma (Jan. 12). Balbay Better in Big 12 Play In his first collegiate season, Dogus Balbay has been much more productive and efficient since the start of Big 12 Conference play. During UT s first seven league contests, Balbay has posted 18 assists against just six turnovers. He also has averaged 3.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg while hitting 10-of-15 (.667) field goals in 17.7 minutes per contest. During the win at Baylor (Jan. 27), Balbay had eight points (tied his career high) on 3-of-3 FG, four rebounds and four assists in a career-best 31 minutes. Dogus Balbay: By the Numbers Non-Conf Games Stat Big 12 Games 24-10 Assists-to-Turnovers 18-6 0.9 Points per game 3.6 1.2 Rebounds per game 2.6 13.7 Minutes per game 17.7 23.8 (5-21) FG % (FG-A) 66.7 (10-15) Balbay s Career Night Dogus Balbay had his most complete all-around performance in a Texas uniform during the loss at No. 6/5 Oklahoma (Jan. 12). Balbay had eight points (4-of-5 FG), seven rebounds and six assists against just one turnover in 28 minutes. He set career highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goals made and minutes played. Background on Balbay Dogus Balbay missed UT s season opener against Stetson due to a violation of the NCAA s amateurism rules which occurred prior to his enrollment at Texas. The NCAA determined that Balbay participated in a total of 11 games for a professional team in Turkey during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. The NCAA penalized Balbay on a 1-for-1 basis, meaning that each game Balbay played professionally in Turkey equaled one game that he would be withheld from competition at UT. Balbay injured his right knee on Oct. 4 and had surgery on Oct. 30 last year. He was medically cleared to play prior to UT s game at Texas Tech on March 1. Since Balbay did not participate in UT s final 10 games of the 2007-08 season (beginning with the game at Texas Tech), he served 10 of his 11-game suspension last year. He made his collegiate debut against Tulane (Nov. 18). Balbay s International Experience After fully recovering from his right knee injury and going through spring individual workouts, Dogus Balbay returned home to Turkey to play for his country this summer. Balbay led Turkey to a fourth-place finish at the Under-20 European Taking the Program to New Heights (Rick Barnes era in Bold) Most Wins in a 10-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 247 1999-2008 19-24-25-22-26-25-20-30-25-31 2. 243 2000-09 24-25-22-26-25-20-30-25-31-15 3. 230 1998-2007 14-19-24-25-22-26-25-20-30-25 Most Wins in a Nine-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 228 2000-08 24-25-22-26-25-20-30-25-31 2. 219 2001-09 25-22-26-25-20-30-25-31-15 3. 216 1999-2007 19-24-25-22-26-25-20-30-25 Most Wins in an Eight-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 204 2001-08 25-22-26-25-20-30-25-31 2. 197 2000-07 24-25-22-26-25-20-30-25 3. 194 2002-09 22-26-25-20-30-25-31-15 Most Wins in a Seven-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 179 2002-08 22-26-25-20-30-25-31 2. 173 2001-07 25-22-26-25-20-30-25 3. 172 2003-09 26-25-20-30-25-31-15 172 2000-06 24-25-22-26-25-20-30 Most Wins in a Six-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 157 2003-08 26-25-20-30-25-31 2. 148 2002-07 22-26-25-20-30-25 148 2001-06 25-22-26-25-20-30 Most Wins in a Five-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 131 2004-08 25-20-30-25-31 2. 126 2003-07 26-25-20-30-25 3. 123 2002-06 22-26-25-20-30 Most Wins in a Four-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 106 2005-08 20-30-25-31 2. 101 2006-09 30-25-31-15 101 2003-06 26-25-20-30 Most Wins in a Three-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 86 2006-08 30-25-31 2. 75 2005-07 20-30-25 75 2004-06 25-20-30 Most Wins in a Two-Year Period in UT History Rk No. Years Wins by Year 1. 56 2007-08 25-31 2. 55 2006-07 30-25 3. 51 2003-04 26-25 Championships (Riga, Latvia) on August 1-10. He ranked fourth on the team in scoring (8.3 ppg), led the squad in assists (4.9 apg) and minutes played (29.0 mpg) and ranked second in steals (10) and third in rebounding (4.1 rpg) during the eight-game tourney. Hill Breaks Out at Texas Tech Forward/center Matt Hill had a solid performance during the win at Texas Tech (Jan. 17). Called the most valuable player on the court today by Damion James in a post-game interview, Hill posted six points (3-of-5 FG), five rebounds and one block in a
career-high 27 minutes. Hill s six points marked a season high and the most since he had six against Nicholls State on Nov. 21, 2006. His five rebounds also marked a season high and the most since he had six against Texas State on Dec. 16, 2006. Hill Climbs Back into the Rotation Matt Hill returns for his redshirt sophomore year after missing the entire 2007-08 season with a left heel injury. Last year, he had surgery on his left heel (Dec. 21) and was granted a medical redshirt year. Hill has played in 15 of UT s first 21 games this season. As a true freshman in 2006-07, he played in 23 games. Hill saw action in all 18 games to start his career prior to a left foot injury that sidelined him on Jan 23. He missed 11 consecutive Big 12 Conference games before returning to play in five of the last six contests that year. Pittman Producing Junior center Dexter Pittman ranks fourth on the team in scoring (9.1 ppg) and third in rebounding (4.5 rpg) in just 13.4 minutes per contest. He has converted a team-best 60.9% (70-of-115) field goals and 51-of-69 (.739) free throws. Pittman has reached double figures in scoring eight times in the first 21 games after achieving the feat just three times in his first two seasons (65 games). Dexter Pittman: By the Numbers First 2 Years Stat As a Junior 2.7 Points per game 9.1 2.1 Rebounds per game 4.5 6.2 Minutes per game 13.4 52.0 (39-75) FT % (FT-A) 73.9 (51-69) Pittman s Career Night Dexter Pittman had a breakout performance during Wednesday s game against Missouri. Pittman posted 25 points while hitting 9-of-12 field goals and 7-of-10 free throws. He also added seven rebounds (five offensive) and two blocks in 23 minutes off the bench. Pittman set career highs in scoring and field goals made and tied his career best in free throws made. Pittman Likes Home Cooking Dexter Pittman has been at his best inside the friendly confines of the Erwin Center this season. In 11 home games, Pittman has averaged 12.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while hitting 68.9% (51-of-74) from the floor and 75.5% (37-of-49) from the free throw line in 15.5 minutes per contest. During UT s last seven home games (dating back to the Texas State game on Dec. 13), Pittman has averaged 15.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest while hitting 70.2% (40-of-57) field goals. The Barnes Factor By the Numbers UT Pre-Barnes Stat UT Under Barnes (1906-98) (1999-current) 3 Weeks ranked in AP Top 10 60 50 Weeks ranked in AP Top 25 140 4# NCAA Sweet 16 trips 5 16-19 NCAA Tournament Record 16-10 23 Wins Against AP Top 25 47 1 McDonald s All-Americans 8 # this does not include NCAA appearances for UT in 1939, 1943 and 1947 when the NCAA used an eight-team tournament Dex-a-Trim Dexter Pittman has dropped nearly 70 pounds since reporting to campus as a freshman at 366 pounds. Pittman also is expected to play a more prominent role in the frontcourt rotation this year. After a solid showing in spring individual workouts, he attended the prestigious Pete Newell s Big Man Camp in Las Vegas this summer. The Lone Freshman Combo guard Varez Ward is the only freshman on the 2008-09 Texas Basketball team. After a solid preseason, he has played in 20 of the first 21 games (missed the Tulane contest on Nov. 18 with a right ankle injury) and is averaging 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game (sixth on the team). He made his first collegiate start during the game at Arkansas (Jan. 6). Ward Making Improvements Varez Ward has put together three consecutive solid performances heading into Saturday s game. In these last three contests, Ward has averaged 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game while hitting 11-of-14 (.786) free throws. During the win at Baylor (Jan. 27), he tallied eight points (6-of-6 FT), four rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes. Ward followed with nine points (5-of-7 FT) and four rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench against Kansas State (Jan. 31). He then added four points, four boards and four assists in 28 minutes against Missouri on Wednesday. Chapman Looking for More Consistency Sophomore forward/center Clint Chapman returns to the frontcourt rotation. Chapman played in 35 of 38 games (one start) and averaged 1.3 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 6.6 mpg last year. He has played in 20 of the first 21 games (started the season opener against Stetson) and is averaging 1.4 ppg and 1.7 rpg in 8.0 mpg this year. Chapman tied his career high with six rebounds (three offensive) during the win against No. 15/12 Villanova (Dec. 9) at the Jimmy V Classic. Barnes in Elite Company Current Consecutive NCAA Tournament Appearances (Active coaches only) Rk Name (Schools) No. 1. Roy Williams (Kansas/North Carolina) 19 2. Rick Barnes (Clemson/TEXAS) 13 Mike Krzyzewski (Duke) 13