Thursday, June 30
Osterman also up for ESPY
Loyal reader Freedom Dip called us to task for failing to mention that UT softball player Cat Osterman is also up for an ESPY, hers as Best Female Athlete. We've pimped Osterman on this site before, so we'll do it again.
And for the record, Dip, check out our manifesto. We aren't gonna cover it all. This time, though, it deserves a mention. Thanks for pointing out the omission.
--PB--
And for the record, Dip, check out our manifesto. We aren't gonna cover it all. This time, though, it deserves a mention. Thanks for pointing out the omission.
--PB--
Rose Bowl victory up for ESPY
Texas' thrilling comeback win at the Rose Bowl has been nominated for an ESPY, one of three contenders for Best Game of the Year. Some of you were there, the rest of us were all watching. Now go to to ESPN.go.com/espy2005 and vote so we can see highlights of the game on ESPY night.
Also nominated was the Michigan State-Kentucky 'Elite Eight' game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, which was played at UT's Frank Erwin Center, as well as Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.
You can bet that this will come down to Red Sox Nation vs. Longhorn Nation. We all know that Sox fans are, well, insane, so count on that game getting the ESPY.
--PB--
Also nominated was the Michigan State-Kentucky 'Elite Eight' game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, which was played at UT's Frank Erwin Center, as well as Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.
You can bet that this will come down to Red Sox Nation vs. Longhorn Nation. We all know that Sox fans are, well, insane, so count on that game getting the ESPY.
--PB--
Garrido named coach of the year
Surprise, surprise: Texas baseball coach Augie Garrido, the only coach to win national championships in four different decades, was named the 2005 Coach of the Year by Collegiate Baseball magazine.
Congrats, Augie.
--PB--
Congrats, Augie.
--PB--
Horns recruit drafted by Jazz
Texas basketball recruit C.J. Miles was drafted in the early second round by the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, but because Miles did not hire an agent, he can still opt to go to Texas instead of the NBA.
This article makes it sound like Miles is going to give it a go with the Jazz. It doesn’t sound like he has any interest at all in being a winning collegiate athlete. Rather, he views college as merely a stepping stone to his professional career.
Two points here. Number one, I hope he doesn’t come to Texas. I have absolutely no problem with the kid putting his professional career at the top of his priority list. It’s his life, his business, his well-being—more power to him. But don’t bring that attitude to Texas, where we’re trying to, you know, win. We’re not a training camp for the pros, so don’t come here if that’s all you want.
Number two, I’d be pretty disappointed to hear that from a player if I were an NBA team. It’s especially surprising that the Utah Jazz don’t seem to have a problem with this me-first kind of attitude. Without ever seeing this kid play, I’ll say that I won't be surprised if this guy drifts around the league and never takes hold as a regular starter, let alone a star. If I’m an NBA general manager, I’ll take a pass on this guy. Give me someone who wants to win any day of the week.
--PB--
This article makes it sound like Miles is going to give it a go with the Jazz. It doesn’t sound like he has any interest at all in being a winning collegiate athlete. Rather, he views college as merely a stepping stone to his professional career.
Two points here. Number one, I hope he doesn’t come to Texas. I have absolutely no problem with the kid putting his professional career at the top of his priority list. It’s his life, his business, his well-being—more power to him. But don’t bring that attitude to Texas, where we’re trying to, you know, win. We’re not a training camp for the pros, so don’t come here if that’s all you want.
Number two, I’d be pretty disappointed to hear that from a player if I were an NBA team. It’s especially surprising that the Utah Jazz don’t seem to have a problem with this me-first kind of attitude. Without ever seeing this kid play, I’ll say that I won't be surprised if this guy drifts around the league and never takes hold as a regular starter, let alone a star. If I’m an NBA general manager, I’ll take a pass on this guy. Give me someone who wants to win any day of the week.
--PB--
Tuesday, June 28
Vegas says...
You're gonna hear a lot of hype in the coming months about UT football, and rightly so. We're returning a strong team with an exciting quarterback, we've brought in a fantastic and dynamic defensive coordinator, and we're riding the momentum of a big game win in the Rose Bowl over Michigan.
You'll also hear stories about Oklahoma being down this year, about them losing their Heisman quarterback, and about their luster being worn after getting whalloped by USC in the title game.
But before you book your plane ticket to Pasadena, keep this bit of information in mind. Vegas has OU at 7/5 to win the Big 12 this year. And Texas? 8/5.
Still underdogs.
--PB--
You'll also hear stories about Oklahoma being down this year, about them losing their Heisman quarterback, and about their luster being worn after getting whalloped by USC in the title game.
But before you book your plane ticket to Pasadena, keep this bit of information in mind. Vegas has OU at 7/5 to win the Big 12 this year. And Texas? 8/5.
Still underdogs.
--PB--
Wiggo returns with some commentary
Hey Longhorn fans, I’m back. Sorry for the lack of posts. For those of you who don’t know, I am temporarily homeless (i.e. living with my parents) while looking for a place to live. My internet access is severely limited, but I have been following the Horns. My congratulations and sincere admiration goes out to the UT baseball team. Unlike Bean, I am not a lover of our national pastime. Yet, I love the College World Series and enjoy it even more when Texas is there. I didn’t miss a game this year. The CWS is another example of how great college sports are. The World Series is fun to watch some Octobers. The CWS is thrilling every year. The story lines are real; the players are passionate; and the games are intense. From walkoff homers, seven run comebacks, and masterful pitching performances, this CWS was fantastic. Congratulations also go out to Cat Osterman and the UT softball team. They too made it to the College World Series only to come up short. I still don’t understand how anyone can pitch day after day, overhand or underhand, but Cat is one of the most dominant college athletes I have ever seen.
NBA Draft: Tonight
The NBA draft is tonight from New York City. This year’s draft will be the last of its kind. The NBA and the players association reached an agreement, which allows for an age limit similar to the NFL’s. No player will be allowed to declare for the draft until they are 19 years old or a year removed from their high school graduation. What does this mean for Texas? First, the verbal commitment we received last week from prep star Kevin Durant should hold him in college for at least one year. It is only a verbal commitment and Durant cannot officially sign with Texas until the fall, but no matter what scouts think of him, he will have to go to college or sit out a year before heading to the pros.
There is another compelling reason to watch the Draft tonight: CJ Miles. For those of you who haven’t followed this story, CJ is a 6-6 Texas signee and a McDonald’s All American from Dallas Skyline who has left his name in the draft this year. His father says he has been assured CJ will be drafted in the first round thus receiving a guaranteed contract and millions. If CJ happens to slip until the second round, there is no such guarantee. Miles could and likely would head to Texas in the fall. CJ has excited NBA scouts with his athleticism and feel for the game. He still needs to gain strength and size to compete on the NBA stage. It will be interested to see which NBA team is willing to promise time and money to this prospect. The thinking here is a late first round selection will prevent us from ever seeing CJ in burnt orange.
TJ Cleared for Next Season
In other exciting news, TJ Ford, former Texas star, has been cleared to play next year for the Milwaukee Bucks. TJ hasn’t played in over a year since suffering a spinal injury in May 2004. TJ will likely play with the top pick in this year’s draft next season. The Bucks are expected to take Utah center, Andrew Bogut. I watched Bogut for two games in person during the NCAA tournament. He is a solid player but not a #1 pick. I would draft Marvin Williams if I were the Bucks. Either way, welcome back TJ.
--AW--
NBA Draft: Tonight
The NBA draft is tonight from New York City. This year’s draft will be the last of its kind. The NBA and the players association reached an agreement, which allows for an age limit similar to the NFL’s. No player will be allowed to declare for the draft until they are 19 years old or a year removed from their high school graduation. What does this mean for Texas? First, the verbal commitment we received last week from prep star Kevin Durant should hold him in college for at least one year. It is only a verbal commitment and Durant cannot officially sign with Texas until the fall, but no matter what scouts think of him, he will have to go to college or sit out a year before heading to the pros.
There is another compelling reason to watch the Draft tonight: CJ Miles. For those of you who haven’t followed this story, CJ is a 6-6 Texas signee and a McDonald’s All American from Dallas Skyline who has left his name in the draft this year. His father says he has been assured CJ will be drafted in the first round thus receiving a guaranteed contract and millions. If CJ happens to slip until the second round, there is no such guarantee. Miles could and likely would head to Texas in the fall. CJ has excited NBA scouts with his athleticism and feel for the game. He still needs to gain strength and size to compete on the NBA stage. It will be interested to see which NBA team is willing to promise time and money to this prospect. The thinking here is a late first round selection will prevent us from ever seeing CJ in burnt orange.
TJ Cleared for Next Season
In other exciting news, TJ Ford, former Texas star, has been cleared to play next year for the Milwaukee Bucks. TJ hasn’t played in over a year since suffering a spinal injury in May 2004. TJ will likely play with the top pick in this year’s draft next season. The Bucks are expected to take Utah center, Andrew Bogut. I watched Bogut for two games in person during the NCAA tournament. He is a solid player but not a #1 pick. I would draft Marvin Williams if I were the Bucks. Either way, welcome back TJ.
--AW--
Monday, June 27
HORNS WIN COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
Congratulations to the 2005 Texas Longhorns baseball team for winning the national championship, its second in four years! Texas didn't lose a single game in a dominant CWS performance, using ouststanding starting pitching and clutch hitting throughout the lineup to win the championship.
The Horns clinched the title with a 6-2 victory over Florida on Saturday afternoon to complete a two game sweep. Afterward, six Longhorns were named to the All-Tournament team, including third baseman David Maroul, who was named Most Oustanding Player.
--PB--
The Horns clinched the title with a 6-2 victory over Florida on Saturday afternoon to complete a two game sweep. Afterward, six Longhorns were named to the All-Tournament team, including third baseman David Maroul, who was named Most Oustanding Player.
--PB--
Friday, June 24
Texas will face Gators in CWS final
The Florida Gators held off Arizona State last night 6-3 to earn the right to play Texas in the championship series. The series will kick off Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. CST on ESPN. Game 2 will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
--PB--
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Thursday, June 23
Barnes snags prized recruit
Basketball updates abound… Rick Barnes has scored his biggest recruiting coup to date, getting a verbal commitment from Oak Hill Academy swingman Kevin Durant for 2006. Durant, who would likely be a lottery pick in the NBA draft next year (but may not be eligible following the NBA’s new age limit rules), has chosen Texas over—get this—North Carolina and Connecticut, the last two NCAA champions.
Now that’s impressive. As Dave Telep of Scout.com said, “This is clearly (Texas’) most significant national recruit that I can remember. And I’m talking about the history of their program. Kevin Durant gives Texas street cred all over the country.”
I, whiter than Cal Ripken, am probably the last person to comment on street cred, but it sounds like a good thing to me. Regardless, Durant, who stands at 6’9” tall and has NBA level skills, is a huge recruit for the program and, following last year’s lukewarm recruiting job by Mr. Mack, may make Rick Barnes the new Texas Recruiting King.
It’s a very, very good time to be a Longhorn fan indeed.
--PB--
Now that’s impressive. As Dave Telep of Scout.com said, “This is clearly (Texas’) most significant national recruit that I can remember. And I’m talking about the history of their program. Kevin Durant gives Texas street cred all over the country.”
I, whiter than Cal Ripken, am probably the last person to comment on street cred, but it sounds like a good thing to me. Regardless, Durant, who stands at 6’9” tall and has NBA level skills, is a huge recruit for the program and, following last year’s lukewarm recruiting job by Mr. Mack, may make Rick Barnes the new Texas Recruiting King.
It’s a very, very good time to be a Longhorn fan indeed.
--PB--
T.J. Ford to play next season
Former Longhorn basketball star T.J. Ford sat down for an interview with TexasSports.com – transcript available here. After commenting on the T.J. Ford Foundation, Ford was asked about his health status that has kept him off the NBA court for a year and a half. Ford said his rehab is going well, that he’s healthy, and that he expects to be ready for the beginning of next season. Hornsblog wishes Texas’ most exciting point guard ever (no, not you Tommy Penders) a full recovery.--PB--
Texas 4 Baptists 3
The Horns are going to the championship round of the College World Series for the third time in four years after a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Baylor Bears last night. The game, one of the best I’ve ever seen, was a tight, back and forth battle, the outcome never certain until Chance Wheeless blasted a walk off home run to win the game.
Wow. I hope you were watching, kids. I’m as big of a major league baseball junkie as you’ll ever meet, which makes college baseball a little less enjoyable for me, but that was as great a baseball game as I’ve seen in a long time. From Nick Peoples game-tying crash/score in the eighth, to Drew Stubbs diving snag in center field that led to an inning ending double play, the Horns positively refused to be beaten last night.
Texas now gets to rest until Saturday, when they will face the winner of the Florida-Arizona State matchup tonight. The championship round will be a best of three series, ending Monday with the third game (if necessary).
To those poor folks last night at table thirty who wondered why I was jumping up and down and hooting at the television instead of serving them their lasagna, I apologize… Wait, that’s a lie. I love University of Texas sports. A lot. Fuck off , don't leave a tip.
Hook 'em Horns.
--PB--
Wow. I hope you were watching, kids. I’m as big of a major league baseball junkie as you’ll ever meet, which makes college baseball a little less enjoyable for me, but that was as great a baseball game as I’ve seen in a long time. From Nick Peoples game-tying crash/score in the eighth, to Drew Stubbs diving snag in center field that led to an inning ending double play, the Horns positively refused to be beaten last night.
Texas now gets to rest until Saturday, when they will face the winner of the Florida-Arizona State matchup tonight. The championship round will be a best of three series, ending Monday with the third game (if necessary).
To those poor folks last night at table thirty who wondered why I was jumping up and down and hooting at the television instead of serving them their lasagna, I apologize… Wait, that’s a lie. I love University of Texas sports. A lot. Fuck off , don't leave a tip.
Hook 'em Horns.
--PB--
Wednesday, June 22
Horns set to take on Baylor in CWS
Texas will face Baylor tonight in the College World Series after No. 1 ranked Tulane's stunning collapse allowed the Bears to come all the way back from a 7-0 deficit after six innings. Baylor got three runs in the ninth, with the winning run scoring on a Tulane throwing error, to cap the comeback.
Texas beat Baylor 5-1 in the CWS opener, and will have two chances to beat the Bears to advance to the CWS championship round. Because the College World Series is a double-elimination tournament, Baylor will have to take two games from the Horns to advance. Tonight's game will be played at 6:00 p.m. CST on ESPN2.
--PB--
Texas beat Baylor 5-1 in the CWS opener, and will have two chances to beat the Bears to advance to the CWS championship round. Because the College World Series is a double-elimination tournament, Baylor will have to take two games from the Horns to advance. Tonight's game will be played at 6:00 p.m. CST on ESPN2.
--PB--
Tuesday, June 21
Texas 5 Tulane 0
Sophomore Kyle McCulloch and junior J. Brent Cox combined for nine shutout innings to lead No. 5 Texas to a 5-0 shutout victory over No. 1 Tulane in front of 26,941 fans at Rosenblatt Stadium during the second round of the College World Series on Monday.
Notably, the shutout not only marked the 12th for the Horns this season, which is the most for a UT team since 1976 (12), but was also the first for Texas in the CWS since June 3, 1983 (a 12-0 win over James Madison in the opening round). The Longhorns (53-16) will now face the winner of an elimination game between Baylor and the Green Wave (55-11), on Wednesday, June 22nd at 6 p.m. Central on ESPN2.
--PB--
Notably, the shutout not only marked the 12th for the Horns this season, which is the most for a UT team since 1976 (12), but was also the first for Texas in the CWS since June 3, 1983 (a 12-0 win over James Madison in the opening round). The Longhorns (53-16) will now face the winner of an elimination game between Baylor and the Green Wave (55-11), on Wednesday, June 22nd at 6 p.m. Central on ESPN2.
--PB--
Monday, June 20
Texas 5 Baptists 1
The Horns opened up the CWS with a 5-1 win over the Baylor Bears on Saturday night, and now earn another game in the winner's bracket tonight against Tulane (6:00 CST). The game can be seen live on ESPN.
--PB--
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Rivals.com says Mack recruiting well for 2006
With more than 300 players signing Division I scholarships in Texas for the past seven years and 180-plus players in the class of 2006 with scholarships already on their resumes, picking the cream of the crop in the Lone Star State is always a daunting task. That's why there is always plenty of debate when Rivals.com releases its preseason Texas Top 100 list.
But it's Texas, so the debate between the local teams is always heated. And with an elite crop of three five-star prospects and plenty of other blue-chippers in the Lone Star State this season there is plenty of big and better talent to discuss.With signing day still a long eight months away, the Texas Longhorns and Mack Brown have raced out of the gates and look on track to possibly eclipse their amazing run in 2002. Vincent Young highlighted that class, which included six five-star prospects and 15 four-star players.UT already has commitments from five-star players Sergio Kindle, ranked as the No. 1 player in the state, and Eddie Jones, who is No. 3. The Horns also have pledges from top 25 players in running back Emmanuel Moody, offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb, cornerback Deon Beasley, receiver Phillip Payne and running back Vondrell McGee.In all the Horns have commitments from 16 of the top 50 players in Texas.
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But it's Texas, so the debate between the local teams is always heated. And with an elite crop of three five-star prospects and plenty of other blue-chippers in the Lone Star State this season there is plenty of big and better talent to discuss.With signing day still a long eight months away, the Texas Longhorns and Mack Brown have raced out of the gates and look on track to possibly eclipse their amazing run in 2002. Vincent Young highlighted that class, which included six five-star prospects and 15 four-star players.UT already has commitments from five-star players Sergio Kindle, ranked as the No. 1 player in the state, and Eddie Jones, who is No. 3. The Horns also have pledges from top 25 players in running back Emmanuel Moody, offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb, cornerback Deon Beasley, receiver Phillip Payne and running back Vondrell McGee.In all the Horns have commitments from 16 of the top 50 players in Texas.
--PB--
Thursday, June 16
Omaha breakdown
Get the skinny on Texas and the College World Series at TexasSports.com's fantastic College World Series Insider Page, found here.
--PB--
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Two Horns named All Americans
University of Texas junior closer J. Brent Cox and senior shortstop Seth Johnston were named to one of the three National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-America teams announced on Wednesday, June 15. Cox's (Bay City, Texas) first-team honor marks his third All-America accolade of the 2005 campaign as he was also named a second-team All-American by both Baseball Weekly and Collegiate Baseball. Johnston (Boerne, Texas), meanwhile, garnered second-team recognition for the second time this season after also being tabbed with the same honor by Collegiate Baseball. --PB--
Tuesday, June 14
Street joins blogosphere
If you haven't been reading former Texas closer Huston Street's new weblog on ESPN.com, you should be. Street, the Oakland A's closer, has begun writing a weekly column for the online site, chronicling his rookie season as the A's young closer. Not only is Street an outstanding pitcher, already with one of the game's elite sliders, he apparently paid attention in his English classes. He writes succinctly, with clarity and a deft touch for the right words. Check out the original column here, then peruse the subsequent articles in the archive. You'll be glad you did.
--PB--
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Horns 2nd in Vegas odds to win Rose Bowl
ESPN's Bruce Feldman recently returned from a trip to Vegas and reports that oddsmakers favor USC to win the football national championship, with the second best odds belonging to Texas. From his blog:
"I took a little road trip to Las Vegas this weekend with some buddies and I know "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," but I'm going to make an exception in this one case. I was in the sports book at the MGM watching games for a minute and took a glance at the odds to win the BCS championship. It's interesting stuff and to be honest, I'd put more stock in Vegas' ersatz preseason rankings than I would in any of the so-called experts' Top 25s. Here's the rundown, without prices because I don't think I should be encouraging anyone to do anything of this nature, at least that's what my sometimes-flawed judgment is telling me:
1. USC
2. Texas
3. Miami
4. (tie) Tennessee, Oklahoma
6. (tie) Florida, FSU, Michigan, Ohio State
10. (tie) Iowa, LSU
12. Virginia Tech
13. (tie) Auburn, Georgia, Texas A&M
16. Louisville
17. (tie) Alabama, Boston College, K-State, Nebraska, Wisconsin
23. (tie) Arizona State, Cal, Texas Tech
--PB--
"I took a little road trip to Las Vegas this weekend with some buddies and I know "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," but I'm going to make an exception in this one case. I was in the sports book at the MGM watching games for a minute and took a glance at the odds to win the BCS championship. It's interesting stuff and to be honest, I'd put more stock in Vegas' ersatz preseason rankings than I would in any of the so-called experts' Top 25s. Here's the rundown, without prices because I don't think I should be encouraging anyone to do anything of this nature, at least that's what my sometimes-flawed judgment is telling me:
1. USC
2. Texas
3. Miami
4. (tie) Tennessee, Oklahoma
6. (tie) Florida, FSU, Michigan, Ohio State
10. (tie) Iowa, LSU
12. Virginia Tech
13. (tie) Auburn, Georgia, Texas A&M
16. Louisville
17. (tie) Alabama, Boston College, K-State, Nebraska, Wisconsin
23. (tie) Arizona State, Cal, Texas Tech
--PB--
Horns advance to CWS
Congratulations to the Texas baseball team, which advanced to the College World Series (again) after defeating Mississippi 6-4 last night on ESPN2. The Horns took two of three from the Rebels to win the series, getting back-to-back wins after dropping the first game. The win puts the Horns in the College World Series for the fourth year in a row, and an NCAA record 32nd time.
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