Oh Point Guard, Where Art Thou? A Tragedy in Texas Longhorns Basketball

ryan johFeb 9, 2009

After dropping their last three games in Big 12 play, the Texas Longhorns are searching for answers. I find the answer to be written all over their play in bold letters, NO POINT GUARD. Yes, they have one of the best shooting guards in the country in A.J. Abrams, who moves without the ball as well as anyone in the nation.

Yes, they have arguably the most versatile player in the country in Damion James who can knock down the three with finesse, or get to the basket with power. And yes, they have Dexter Pittman inside, who has dominated the glass as of late with his 300 lb frame. With all this talent, why has this team lost their last three games?

Maybe someone should ask the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats traded for D.J. Augustine in the first round of the 2008 NBA draft with the realization that he was the glue that held all the talent around him together at UT. Without him, the Longhorns appear to be lost. Filling Augustine’s void is the junior from Amarillio, Justin Mason.

Mason is averaging four assists to two turnovers, which is hardly impressive considering the talent around him. Mason’s defensive play has been even poorer than his vision. In their home loss vs. Kansas State, KSU’s point guard Denis Clemente had a career high 44 points…Mason, what happened?

In the Longhorns' next loss vs. Mizzou, the Tiger’s leading scorer, who also happened to be the difference in the game, was reserve point guard Zaire Taylor who dropped 17. 17 points for Taylor was 12 more than his five points that he normally averages per contest…Justin Mason, weren’t you guarding him?

In the Longhorns' third loss in a row they traveled to Nebraska, where Cornhusker point guard Ade Dagunduro stole the show and hit the games winning basket. Coincidence? Maybe we should ask Justin Mason.

Now, I don’t want to put this whole losing streak on Mason, but when searching for answers, lack of point guard play is the most clear. Handicappers are expecting too much out of the Longhorns and they aren’t responding. However, their game lines remain very high.

The Longhorns, after losing their last three games, are hosting the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who are led by their star point guard, Byron Eaton. Whatever a point guard averages over the course of the year, can be doubled when playing against Texas. If Eaton averages 14 points and six dimes, then I will give him 28 and 12.

Oklahoma State is a guard heavy team that can really shoot the ball. The Longhorns are desperate for a win, and it is clear to me that when Texas is desperate, they play over aggressive. Look for Mason to turn the ball over in route to Texas’ fourth loss in a row…D.J Augustine, the boosters at UT will gladly pay for your services should you return.

As for the nine point spread on tuesday night, go with the Cowboys.