Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Austin, TX (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruiting class as they bow out of the tournament; because there's always next season.
Next up are the Texas Longhorns, who had their hearts ripped out on a last second shot by Paul Jesperson. Now, Shaka Smart and company will have to regroup and get ready for next season.
The Longhorns will be without Javan Felix, DeMarcus Holland, Prince Ibeh, Cam Ridley, and Conner Lammert next season. Texas does have some talented recruits coming in though. Big man James Banks is a fantastic shot blocker with a burgeoning offensive arsenal. Joining him is a top 35 prospect in Andrew Jones, who should step in to Holland's role almost immediately. Point guard Jacob Young is a sharp shooting leader who is also a late bloomer and the brother of former Oregon guard Joe Young.
With three high-upside freshmen coming into the fray, it will be up to the coaching staff to retain the rest of the roster and make sure no one transfers or leaves early. If they can do that, Texas is in line for a top three finish in the Big XII and another tournament birth.
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