Even if this isn’t his first time taking over a program, collegiate athletic regulations have undoubtedly changed since Sean Miller, the new head coach of Texas, had to establish a program.
Just four months into his job on the Forty Acres, he has had a difficult time persuading members of the corps from the previous year to remain while also enhancing potential in the gateway and high school. However, it appears that Miller’s and the Longhorns’ time of being gullible has begun to expire, providing a clear picture of the roster for opening night.
I’m not surprised at all, but I’m incredibly pleased with the progress we’ve made together, Miller remarked. Many of the players on this year’s squad have extensive collegiate basketball backgrounds and expertise. That, in my opinion, is still a very strong influence on the top collegiate basketball teams in America.
On the Forty Acres, being the head coach of the Texas men’s basketball team is not the simplest job. Miller is the program’s fourth head coach in the last ten years, making it possibly the program with the shortest leash. Add to that the fact that recruiting and retaining players is objectively the most difficult for men’s basketball.
That was true before to the transfer gateway and the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), but it has since been more difficult.
Instead of renting talent for a cup of coffee, Miller placed a strong emphasis on keeping their most seasoned players. Miller cited Florida, the current national champion, as an example of the Gators’ outstanding recruiting strategy.
We played Florida in Portland during my first year at Xavier, and two and a half years later, they had a couple of young freshmen who are now in their third year as an older upperclassman, Miller said.
Despite having just been on the job for less than six months, Miller needs to figure out how to balance portal, foreign, and high school recruiting this summer and going forward.
“I hope there’s less turnover with regard to those you want to return,” Miller added. Luckily or sadly, the players have a lot of options and are able to act fast.
Miller was able to keep 2024 starters senior guard Jordan Pope and graduate guard Tramon Mark, as well as explosive potential senior guard Chendall Weaver, who missed most of the previous season due to a hip injury but returned late in the campaign, because to his improved mindset in the first season.
In addition to having collegiate basketball experience, Miller stated, “I think there’s real value and experience here when you return.”
Miller was full of praise for Weaver, saying that the Longhorns season may have been quite different if he hadn’t been hurt.
According to Miller, the overall number of victories for Texas would have been fantastic if Chendall hadn’t been hurt a year ago. Chendall has a huge impact on the game.
Miller is considering any potential growing pains that come with a coaching regime change, even though he hopes to be ready right away. This is especially important given the team’s 60% turnover rate from the previous season.
“I believe it will take some time to put everything together,” Miller remarked. A new program for players who weren’t actually a part of our summer program, new language, and new staff. I hope you watch us improve every week.
Miller was able to bring in junior guard/forward Dailyn Swain and Lassina Traore, both of whom are familiar with his system, which may have made the system transition smoother on the court and in the locker room. Miller’s desired experience was further enhanced by the Longhorns’ acquisition of significant upperclassmen in the portal, including forward Camden Heide and guard Simeon Wilcher.
Texas kicks begin the Sean Miller era on November 4 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, against the Duke Blue Devils, a stalwart of collegiate basketball.
