Rick Barnes Talks Hoops During Big 12 Summer Teleconference
by Barking Carnival Staff on Jun 18, 2009 10:10 AM CDT
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PrintGood read from Texassports.com
Here's the transcript and my thoughts on each subject/answer.
On how this incoming class of perimeter players (Avery Bradley, Jordan Hamilton, Jai Lucas and Shawn Williams) ranks among past classes: Well, (Kevin) Durant and (D.J.) Augustin were pretty good now, but we will wait and see. Jai has been here and we have been impressed with him. I think he really understands taking care of the basketball, and he understands the role of a point guard and what needs to happen. We have never recruited a guy who has improved as much as Avery Bradley from the time he committed to us. Jordan obviously we have recruited for a long time. We are excited about all of them. But in terms of comparing them to another class off the top of my head, I don’t think I really can.
The comments on Jai Lucas are right in line with what we've been saying on this site. It's the whole "son of coach" cliche, but in Jai's case it's reality. The kid knows how to play the game and understands the nuances required to play fundamental basketball. A good case in point is the dearth of solid post entry passers the Longhorns have had the last few years. With the advent of the 3 point shot the game has become less post-centric and post entry has become a lost art. Lucas is one of those rare players that understands angles, spacing, timing, and help recognition required to be successful when entering the basketball. As a Longhorn fan, I was tempted to add "willingness to enter the basketball" to the list. Jai's ability to enter the ball will make Dexter Pittman's life much easier.
The absence of Shawn Williams being mentioned is interesting as well. Hell, given the depth and talent of next season's squad, Williams omission is pretty telling. I'd bet dollars to donuts that he'll take a redshirt. Williams is a terrific catch and shoot player, but he lacks the dynamic offensive game that is required to challenge for serious minutes on this team. Shawn also needs to get stronger to make a serious impact on defense and on the glass. Redshirting 4 star top 100 players is a luxury Texas can afford.
On his biggest concerns going into next year: Looking at it right now, we have always had high expectations. We are not afraid of that. I wouldn’t say that I have any concerns right now, but we will obviously think about guys playing roles and accepting roles. That’s our job to put guys in those situations and make sure they accept it. But today, I don’t have any concerns. You know what I love is the fact that we are going to have great competition. I think our players will realize that if they are going to get on the floor, they are going to have to earn their way there. They are going to have to produce and be productive. I like the fact that we have more depth now than we have had in a long, long time.
Before Damion James elected to return to school, rebounding was going to be a glaring weakness on this squad, which is a deficiency that snowballs on itself because not only does lack of rebounding prevent you from closing out possessions but it keeps a deep athletic team like Texas from getting easy buckets in transition. With James returning, Barnes' only real concern is well, umm, coaching. Barnes readily admits he'll have to push the right buttons and find the right personnel combos for this team to operate at peak efficiency. As funny as it sounds, next year will be one of the toughest coaching challenges Barnes has faced in his career. It'll be as tough if not a tougher job than his first year at Texas.
On the team’s point guard situation: I think that Jai and Dogus are both natural point guards. You mentioned Avery could probably do a little bit of it, and I think Justin Mason has proven he can do a little bit of it. Jai, once he got here and started figuring out what we were trying to do, was terrific at the end of the year when we were working all of our special situations and those type things. He really understands the game, and he does the one thing that I think all coaches love about a point guard. He doesn’t turn the ball over, and neither does Dogus for that matter. So I think we will be really solid there. We need everyone to buy into their role and do what they have to do, and then we will figure out what we have to do to try to win some games.
Barnes acknowledges he has two classic point guards or distributors, and two combo guard options he can go to in a pinch. All these guys will play the position well because they're good players and they'll be facing defenses more concerned with getting dunked on by Dexter Pittman or shot out of games by Jordan Hamilton. Notice that word "role" is mentioned again.
It's somewhat concering that Ward wasn't mentioned. He's a much better lead guard option than Mason. I'm hoping this was a just a tip of the cap to a blood spilling senior, because Mason was awful on the ball last year. It will sting if Ward transfers, because Varez brings so much on both ends, and he performs on the big stage. Kid was nails vs. Duke, despite the fact that he was the only player on the team that could get his own shot. Flank him with Hamilton and Bradley and watch him wreck shit.
On Dexter Pittman’s improvement and momentum from last season: Dexter continues to work hard. Again, the key will be how long he can play at a very high level. How long can he stay out there at that level. He’s a load for anybody to deal with. He’s a guy that people have a hard time with obviously. What we’d like to do is continue to play at a quicker pace but still find Dexter. As he continues to get his conditioning where it needs to be, that’ll help us more than anything. We’re hoping that’s what he can do.
Dex has to be the bell cow for this team, but the Horns still have the components to change gears and play a more wide open, up tempo style when they want to. The 4 out 1 in scheme can actually do a nice job of accomodating a pound the block style as well as wide open attack in a half court setting. Barnes can pound the strongside block on some possessions and then lift Dex away from the bucket for ball screens and back screens to create driving lanes on others. Or, Texas can elect to use the Memphis Dribble Drive Motion model and park Pittman on the weakside block. The thought of dealing with Dex on the weakside glass or as a dime finisher has to be a hellish one for opposing coaches. Think a 6-10 300 lb basketball skilled version of Joey Dorsey. A version that hits 75% of his foul shots without the propensity to get a neck tat or threaten to shank an SAT proctor.
On defense, Texas has the personnel to hide and rest Pittman with some zone if they so choose. Long and athletic players like Bradley, Hamilton, and James are a Jim Boeheim wet dream, and are liable to get love letters from Jay Bilas. They can get into passing lanes, disrupt jump shooters, and rebound effectively without block out assignments. Lots of options here for Texas to play multiple styles on given POSSESSIONS, not games. And do so on both ends of the floor.
On what kind of player Jai Lucas is: Jai really understands the position he plays. He quickly came in here and became a great teammate to everyone. He is just a guy that loves being in the gym, and I’m sure his brother (John) was the same way. They didn’t evolve too far away from how their dad was as a player. Jai has been a really nice addition. The one thing I really like about him is that he just simply doesn’t turn the ball over, and you want that from a guy who plays that position.
Again, what's not to like? The kid can also punish help with his range. I'll put the over/under on "straw that stirs the drink" references for 2010 at 5,650 and 1/2.
On being adaptable as a coach from season-to-season and what the team’s style might be this year: I want it to always start on the defensive end. I think that we can be an outstanding defensive team, because we’ve got some guys that can play the ball one on one and stay in front of the ball. Offensively, we want to be aggressive and we want to run. We want Dexter to be a part of what we do. I think we’ll have great balance which is what any coach likes. There are certain things we have to do every night. We’re going to play defense. We’re going to rebound the ball, and we’re going to take care of the ball. If you do those three things, then you’re going to give yourself a chance to be in most games. I don’t think there will be a drastic change in the way we play. I just hope we’re a whole lot better on both ends of the court.
A sliver of hope that Barnes is going to adapt his coaching style to his players? I hope so. Varez Ward was yanked a couple of times last year for shooting wide open jumpers within the confines of our offense. That's not encouraging aggression on the offensive end or inspiring confidence.
On Dogus’ shooting ability: Now he’s with his team back home (in Turkey) playing. He had a really good spring, but he knows what he has to do to improve and play the minutes that he wants to play. If not, that’s where Jai is going to have a great impact on our team with his ability to make shots. So the competition is going to be good.
Wow, that's putting it out there. Dogus has a legit role on this team with or without any improvement shooting the ball, but he can't continue to be a source of help for guys like Pittman, Bradley,and Hamilton. George Ackles cost UNLV a National Championship by posing zero offensive threat. Or, it could have been Larry Johnson's hot tub session with a powerful Vegas bookie, but you get the point. Balbay recently sustained a hand injury, and that's not going to help his plight, unless it forces him to shoot right handed. Stay tuned.
On the conference strength being similar to the 2002-03 season: I don’t think there’s any question that our league is better than it’s ever been. You have outstanding coaches in the league, coaches who understand the schools they’re at and what they have to do to compete at this level. We’ve had a good league though. The perception of this league I don’t think has probably been what it should have been, because this league’s been good for a long time. But if you go back and look, we’ve fared well over the last 10-12 years. Our league is as good as any league in the country. I think it goes back to the way the coaches in this league work at it and the players we’re able to attract. I do think it’s going to be one of the great years in our league.
I agree with coach here. Kansas and Texas could and should be final four teams, unless Keith "Tiny" Gallon decides to eat CJ Henry while being double teamed.
I actually like Texas to win the league because I think they'll be a better defensive team, and a bit more dynamic on offense. As always, if you stop Sherron Collins, you stop the Jayhawks. Until I see one of the KU freshman making creative plays off the bounce, my scouting report stands.
Thoughts?
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Thoughts? Well between our baseball team about to play for a national championship, our football team aiming for another one, and this, my thoughts are that my cock is hard. Wait, that was just one thought. But it’s big enough for two.
by Nordberg on Jun 18, 2009 11:00 AM CDT reply actions
I agree 100% that Barnes needs to let the offensive weapons stay aggressive throughout the season. I believe the whole “less is more” mantra should guide him when it comes to in-game coaching. His main concern should be putting the right players in to create match-up problems for the opposing team that cohesively work together. Defensively, I think we’ll be nails as always. Great write up.
by intellectual type on Jun 18, 2009 11:04 AM CDT reply actions
Lucas is one of those rare players that understands angles, spacing, timing, and help recognition required to be successful when entering the basketball. As a Longhorn fan, I was tempted to add "willingness to enter the basketball" to the list
I just creamed my pants.
by The General on Jun 18, 2009 11:13 AM CDT reply actions
Keith “Tiny” Gallon decides to eat CJ Henry while being double teamed.
I just creamed my pants.
If, you know, it said Jenna Haze and Sasha Grey instead.
by jc25 on Jun 18, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions
I think he meant Xavier Henry, unless he’s counting on the mauling of his brother CJ to traumatize Xavier for the rest of the season.
by kevwun on Jun 18, 2009 11:48 AM CDT reply actions
btw, neither Henry is attending summer school. Xavier Henry can’t state his intention of being a one and done anymore clearly without getting it tattooed on his forehead.
by kevwun on Jun 18, 2009 11:50 AM CDT reply actions
Excellent write-up. I really thought the comments re teh post game were spot on. Pittman will work for the ball, get position and present a target – the only thing missing was the entry pass. Sounds like no mas with Lucas.
by Black Scholes on Jun 18, 2009 12:01 PM CDT reply actions
Great stuff, as usual.
No mention of J’Covan Brown. Is J’Covan going to be a horn next season?
Can you explain the logistics of the scholarship situation?
Barnes is really high on Lucas. I haven’t seen Lucas play but his dad was a really smart player (also a very good tennis player (which requires that you be your own coach on the court)). Can Lucas play D well enough to keep Barnes happy?
It is much easier to coach offense when you have 5 guys on the court who are threats. I predict Dex gets a lot more assists next year by kicking it out from the double team.
"Dexter continues to work hard. Again, the key will be how long he can play at a very high level. How long can he stay out there at that level…What we’d like to do is continue to play at a quicker pace but still find Dexter. As he continues to get his conditioning where it needs to be, that’ll help us more than anything. We’re hoping that’s what he can do.
I think that we can be an outstanding defensive team, because we’ve got some guys that can play the ball one on one and stay in front of the ball. Offensively, we want to be aggressive and we want to run. We want Dexter to be a part of what we do."
Sounds like Barnes is challenging Dex to get in better shape so that he can play when the horns are in man to man D and fast breaking on offense. Sounds like they are mainly play up tempo in practice already. That should help Dex get in shape. Barnes also makes it clear that Dex’s conditioning is not yet where it needs to be.
Varez Ward: I would hate to lose him. He is both skilled and tough as nails.
by Kafka on Jun 18, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions
I’m going to assume Brown is still in the clearinghouse since we haven’t heard either way yet.
by kevwun on Jun 18, 2009 1:26 PM CDT reply actions
Kafka – Barnes’ has always been on message re Pittman and conditioning. At no point since the kid has been on the 40 has he never stopped emphasizing this. Nothing new there.
by Black Scholes on Jun 18, 2009 2:22 PM CDT reply actions
Brown is still in the clearinghouse and it would be futile at this point to predict how this will end.
For whatever reason, Barnes is determined to get the kid on campus. He’s stuck with him all the way. I’m taking this deal on faith.
Re the scholies – I have to think it should be time for Harrison Smith to take one for the team. A medical scholie – nagging tendinitis? – for his last year is a win-win.
by Black Scholes on Jun 18, 2009 2:24 PM CDT reply actions
“what they have to do to compete at this level.”
In light of our taking (I think) not one, but two guys from whatever this fraud is out in Las Vegas, it does bring the question to mind . . .
by JUICE on Jun 18, 2009 3:22 PM CDT reply actions
Findlay Prep isn’t a diploma factory. I believe Tristan Thompson already has a qualifying SAT score, also.
by kevwun on Jun 18, 2009 3:34 PM CDT reply actions
Can you explain the logistics of the scholarship situation?
The logistics are Gerry Hamilton said that it will work itself out. That is good enough for me.
by The General on Jun 18, 2009 3:36 PM CDT reply actions
6 years ago I moved back from Los Angeles after a 16-year-visit to Hollyweird. Affordable housing, good schools, and proximity to family & friends were big reasons to return.
UT sports was another one. I’m so fucking excited about being a Longhorn fan. Good times now and in the future.
by Texoz on Jun 18, 2009 3:57 PM CDT reply actions
Gerry Hamilton just reported that Bradley is fully qualified.
by HenryJames on Jun 18, 2009 4:18 PM CDT reply actions
Black Scholes
“Barnes’ has always been on message re Pittman and conditioning. At no point since the kid has been on the 40 has he never stopped emphasizing this. Nothing new there.”
It is nothing new to me that Dex needs to improve his conditioning. For some reason some people on this board thought Dex was acceptably fit and just needed to maintain.
BTW, how long does it normally take to clear the clearinghouse (i.e. when can we expect an answer)? If J’Covan clears the clearinghouse, then he plays next year, correct? If he doesn’t clear the clearinghouse, then he probably does not play next season, right? Is the clearinghouse just a group that checks transcripts or is there more involved?
by Kafka on Jun 18, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions
NCAA Clearinghouse:
F Myles Brand, the hypocritical bastard.
by Sailor Ripley on Jun 18, 2009 5:00 PM CDT reply actions
“For whatever reason, Barnes is determined to get the kid on campus.”
I think it’s been a two-way street on this one. Brown has had every opportunity to go somewhere else, but he’s worked through a LOT of bullshit to hold onto his hope to go to UT.
Given the stuff the young man has had to wade through simply to get to this point, it would be almost criminal for Barnes to cast him off.
by CrazyJoeDavola on Jun 18, 2009 7:50 PM CDT reply actions
Is that an illustration of Dante’s rings of hell?
by Kafka on Jun 18, 2009 10:26 PM CDT reply actions
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a good explanation of Jai’s departure from Florida for Texas. If he’s as good as Coach Barnes hints he is, why did he transfer? I suppose there are some obvious reasons — didn’t like Donovan, homesickness — but I haven’t heard much in that regard.
by jimmyjazz on Jun 18, 2009 11:17 PM CDT reply actions
jimmy – if I recall properly, they had recruited to his position and he didn’t see a future in the rotation. At least that’s my sense of it. I think he’s also another Houston kid who really in his heart wanted to be in Austin.
Quite a legacy, TJ.
by Black Scholes on Jun 19, 2009 1:05 AM CDT reply actions
Jimmy: Jai wanted to play the point. Nick Calathes was a better PG, and Donovan wanted Jai to play SG. When Jai played the first exhibition at the two, he realized that Donovan meant what he said and so Jai decided to leave.
Of course, now Calathes is gone. So it goes…
by Bob in Houston on Jun 19, 2009 8:09 AM CDT reply actions
It’s not like he won’t face pretty steep competition for playing time here. Anyway, glad to have him.
by jimmyjazz on Jun 19, 2009 8:54 AM CDT reply actions
I think Black Scholes is right. Texas was probably Jai’s first choice in high school, but we already had Augustin and no one thought he would be a two year player at the time.
by kevwun on Jun 19, 2009 9:00 AM CDT reply actions
You do good work, Trip. I say that despite the fact that following your advice destroyed my March Madness bracket.
by Blueshorn on Jun 19, 2009 10:56 AM CDT reply actions
“A version that hits 75% of his foul shots without the propensity to get a neck tat or threaten to shank an SAT proctor.”
allsome.
I too would like some details concerning the ’ships…
by scagnetti on Jun 19, 2009 12:57 PM CDT reply actions
Guys with neck tats don’t take their own SATs. Duh!
by Sailor Ripley on Jun 19, 2009 1:00 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah, for about 20 minutes on the first Sunday, Trips bracket looked Genius. Exactly one week later, I had the whole office laughing at me.
by BatesHorn on Jun 19, 2009 2:27 PM CDT reply actions
My bracket next season will look much more prescient considering I’ll have Texas as the national champion. Plus, Barking Carnival will be upgrading its interns next season. At least that’s what Sailer promised if we could get Scipio to cut his fucking hair.
by Trips Right on Jun 19, 2009 3:22 PM CDT reply actions
You guys were supposed to be recruiting interns from Cheetah’s during that Vegas trip we sent you on.
by Sailor Ripley on Jun 19, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions
Yep, I know. But everytime I thought we had some looker reeled in, Scipio would start in with his, “let me take you away from all of this”, bullshit.
by Trips Right on Jun 19, 2009 6:27 PM CDT reply actions
What a romantic. Was he quoting Pretty Woman again?
by Sailor Ripley on Jun 19, 2009 6:43 PM CDT reply actions
“We write for Barking Carnival. Wanna get naked?”
by HenryJames on Jun 19, 2009 6:46 PM CDT reply actions
Everything was going great until you guys made me dress like a Japanese school girl version of Bob Stoops.
by Former BC Intern on Jun 19, 2009 6:59 PM CDT reply actions
I knew we were fucked when the hottest chick in the club challenged him on his Hannibal North African campaign take. I tried to diffuse the situation with, “hey, we’ve got a limo and shit”.
by Trips Right on Jun 19, 2009 7:22 PM CDT reply actions
Trips Right u killing me with this Shawn Williams taking a redshirt bullshit. Do u have any clue what u r talking about or do u say shit because it sounds good to u. Mark my words he will play significant minutes this sdeason. How do u know anything about his offensive game, u probably have seen him play about the same number of times that it takes for me to say F*** u with my fingers. Thats alright though, I guarantee that I will have the last laugh when the season starts.
by ipowers on Jun 20, 2009 1:35 AM CDT reply actions
So if I’ve got this right, you won’t laugh again after the season starts? That makes me sad. Laughter is, in fact, the best medicine.
"This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth which is that Shawn Williams will probably redshirt, Love to complete your life."
- L. Buttercup
by Black Scholes on Jun 20, 2009 3:28 AM CDT reply actions
Hey shit head, I bet what I have and what u don’t have that Shawn Williams will not redshirt, like I said mark my words. See I’m not one of these idiots who shoot their mouth off on a message board, I happen to have a lot of info that none of ya’ll have the privilege of having. Motherfuckers like ya’ll have to read interviews from Barnes and try to analyze what he’s saying, because this site couldn’t get an interview with Rick Barnes, that’s why they have to post some shit from somebody else’s interview and try to read between the lines. I just came from Texas Elite Camp homeboy and saw and heard everything that I’m telling u.
by ipowers on Jun 21, 2009 6:09 PM CDT reply actions
The real funny part about it and this just dawned on me is that when Barnes talked about the 06 class with D.J. and Durant, he didn’t mention Damion James who was also in that class, so what does that mean ? The fact that he didn’t Shawn William’s name don’t mean shit, get some inside info before ur dumb ass tries to make an analysis about something.
by ipowers on Jun 21, 2009 6:16 PM CDT reply actions
Since ya’ll like to analyze articles to figure out what Rick Barnes is going to do with his lineup this season read this shit. For u idiots just cut and paste it to pull it up. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4178652&name=katz_andy
by ipowers on Jun 21, 2009 6:31 PM CDT reply actions
Barnes said, with or without James, the Longhorns will be a “really good” next season with Gary Johnson and Dexter Pittman up front, along with newcomer Shawn Williams. Barnes said Pittman has the potential to be a lottery pick. The perimeter would have a rotation of Justin Mason, Dogus Balbay and newcomers Avery Bradley and Florida transfer Jai Lucas, whom Barnes said is “better than I thought.” Lucas will be eligible in mid-December. Hmmm no mention of Jordan Hamilton, wonder what that could mean ? Nothing dumb ass.
by ipowers on Jun 21, 2009 6:33 PM CDT reply actions
You’re right, Shawn Williams will lead Texas to a National Championship, NEXT YEAR muthafuckas.
by Pervis Ellison on Jun 21, 2009 7:49 PM CDT reply actions
2010 Texas commit Daniel Bejarano’s father was shot and killed last night in his apartment.
On Father’s day no less …
by Vasherized on Jun 22, 2009 4:07 PM CDT reply actions
Barking Carnival writers-you guys are good-looking! I’ve seen Scipio, too…wow…
by Linda H. on Jun 23, 2009 7:53 PM CDT reply actions
I agree with you Linda. I personally think that SLX looks the best :)
by Bob in Houston on Jun 23, 2009 8:00 PM CDT reply actions
Scipio is just a blondie. But if your still interested in him, Linda, just e-mail him any recent pix you have that are not digitally altered. Its 2009 and we’re not stupid. No lifted cougars, either. You must be under the age of 28. All races are welcome. No fatties. Trannies are always welcome as long as you look good and don’t have big hands, feet, shoulders or neck. Big tits a plus. Some of the older Barkers may classify this comment as chauvinist.
by Romeo Void on Jun 24, 2009 11:01 AM CDT reply actions
Looking at it right now, we have always had high expectations. We are not afraid of that. I wouldn’t say that I have any concerns right now, but we will obviously think about guys playing roles and accepting roles. That’s our job to put guys in those situations and make sure they accept it. But today, I don’t have any concerns. You know what I love is the fact that we are going to have great competition. I think our players will realize that if they are going to get on the floor, they are going to have to earn their way there. They are going to have to produce and be productive. I like the fact that we have more depth now than we have had in a long, long time.
Got damn, from a fan’s perspective, does Rick Barnes say the right things or what? I eat this shit up.
If he had a real offensive system/philosophy the man would be a HOF legend. I reckon he’ll end up a legend at Texas in any event.
by Hookah Horns on Jun 26, 2009 9:48 PM CDT reply actions
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