For the first time since 2016 the Texas Men’s Basketball program makes a return trip to New York City to participate in the UKG Legends Classic presented by Old Trapper.
Playing at the Barclays Center the Longhorns have built themselves a schedule that is going to get them ready for the ultra-tough Big 12 Conference.
Speaking to the Media on Zoom on Tuesday afternoon Head Coach Rodney Terry spoke about the challenges the team is facing thus far and preparing for the first ever clash against Syracuse University.
“We’ve always done things one game at a time,” when it comes time for taking a look at the overall schedule. When it comes time for going up against the Orange Coach Terry said, “We have a ton of respect for Syracuse.”
As for the school’s schedule the Coach had this to say, “We’ve put together a tremendous schedule, it is one that allows for us to see different styles of play and help us to be successful when it comes time for playing in the Conference.”
Thus far Texas is being led by Freshman Tre Johnson has he has a best 23.5 ppg, while also having a 58.9 percent from the floor, including a 17-29 mark from the three-point range and a 11-of-14 mark from the free throw line. Johson is playing tremendously thus far as he is on the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Watch list.
Also having tremendous seasons is Arthur Kaluma as he has 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.
Thus far the Longhorns are outscoring the opposition by an average of 29.0 points per matchup while also having a 3-1 record, those and every game played thus far gives them a chance to, “Build the type of identity that we hope to have. Thus far we are playing with great energy and going up and down the floor. You have always got to play on your A-Game. You are working through a ton of stuff when it comes time for non-conference schedule, and it is great for when things transition to the Conference play.”
This trip for the Longhorns is going to be a special one as for many of the guys on the team they are going to experience New York and the culture that the City brings. Coach Rodney talked about how he hopes to have the guys have a taste of the Culture, “We are going to try to do some different things and get a taste of the City. Get them to the Nike Store and the World Trade Center and allow for them to take that in.”
As for playing at the Barclays and the Legends Classic Coach Rodney had this to say, “We are excited to be able to play at the Barclays and the opportunity that we are getting, this is one of the better events in College Basketball.”
It is going to be an epic clash on Thursday, as thus far Syracuse has a 3-0 overall record with several guys to watch for including. JJ Starling with 64 points while Eddie Lampking Jr has 45 points, and Chris Bell has 43 points.
For those unable to catch the action in person can be sure to see Texas and Syracuse playing on the ESPN2 network as Kevin Brown and Jay Williams is going to be bringing the call on what is going to be a thrilling night of Hoops.
For more information on the Texas Basketball team fans are encouraged to click on the link below:
Men’s Basketball – University of Texas Athletics
For more information on the UKG Legends Classic fans are encouraged to click on the link below: