Longhorns Update: 31 Seconds

March Madness just won’t feel the same without the Longhorns this year.

No, the teams haven’t been selected yet. According to my calendar, we are still 36 days from the Big 12 tournament, let alone the Big Dance itself. It’s only January, right?

I may be completely wrong, but I project the Longhorns for the NIT at best, if not an early departure to the off-season. The closest thing that the Horns have to a “signature” win is a victory over Temple – who then went on to beat (at the time) #5 Duke. Otherwise, the signature of this team is … well, 31 seconds.

The last 31 seconds of last night’s loss against Missouri summed up the whole season.

#4 Missouri scored with 31 seconds left – on a lay-up. There had been far too many uncontested points in the paint, and this was a lousy time to give up an easy bucket.

The Longhorns called a time-out. There were 27 seconds to play. The Longhorns were playing for the last shot. That would typically make good sense. The clock ticked down … and down … and it was as though the Longhorns were stunned. With one second remaining, Myck Kabongo threw up a desperation shot. Game over: 67 – 66 in Missouri’s favor.

If this was just one game, then it might be easier to stomach. But with previous misadventures against Kansas and Baylor – and a season lacking both a decent conference record and any form of signature win – it was yet another reminder of where this program is these days.

There was a time when Coach Barnes had teams that became stronger defensively as the season progressed. Throughout this season, there have been far too many defensive lapses and uncontested drives in the paint leaving opponents with easy lay-ups. Last night was no different. The one aspect that Barnes has been known for has now seemingly dried up.

And then there is the offense, something that has never been a Barnes high point. Last night was no different. One has to wonder how much of the offensive production over the past decade was due in fact to great solo performances by soon-to-be first-round NBA draft choices as opposed to well-thought-out offensive play-calling.

Stop and ponder this for a moment: Frank Haith, head coach of Missouri, was an assistant at Texas from 2001 – 2004. He recruited McDonald’s All-Americans Brad Buckman, LaMarcus Aldridge, Daniel Gibson, and Michael Williams. In 2002, the team went to the Sweet Sixteen, in 2003 to the Final Four, and in 2004 back to the Sweet Sixteen. Since then, the Longhorns have gone out in the first round (twice), second round (three times), and the Elite Eight (twice).

Coincidence?

Barnes is now in his 13th season. That Final Four appearance is a faded memory from almost a decade ago. Is he the coach that can take the Longhorns to a National Championship? Or is it time for change?

Photo credits: abesselink