Texas 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Prediction, Odds, Lines,

With the College Basketball 2009-2010 Season just around the corner, we are providing season previews & predictions for all NCAA basketball teams to give you the betting edge this year. Follow the best College Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2009-2010 basketball season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Basketball in our recommend online sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2009 NCAA Basketball Season Previews here.

Texas 2008-2009 Record: 23-12, 9-7

Texas 2008-2009 Post Season: NCAA

Texas Coach: Rick Barnes (270-105 at Texas, 472-239 overall)

Texas Projected Starters:

• Dogus Balbay, Junior, Guard, 3.3 points per game
• Justin Mason, Senior, Guard, 6.1 points per game
• Shawn Williams, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
• Damion James, Senior, Guard, 15.4 points per game
• Dexter Pittman, Senior, Center, 10.1 points per game

Texas Player to Watch: Damion James

Texas Key Losses: G A.J. Abrams, C Connor Atchley

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2009-2010 Texas Season Preview

The eyes of Texas are on redemption. The Longhorns are coming off a season that didn’t quite measure up to their standards. A team that many observers thought would be capable of challenging for a conference title finished in a tie for fourth with a 9-7 record. Texas went 23-12 overall and didn’t make it past the first week of the NCAA Tournament.

The return of eight of the top 10 scorers, and the addition of the league’s best recruiting class, provides hope that last season’s stumbles won’t be repeated.

Texas Backcourt

The Longhorns were victimized last season by inconsistent play at the point and from the 3-point line. Texas finished last in the league in 3-point field goal percentage (.328), eighth in assists (12.8) and ninth in assists-to­turnovers ratio.

Florida transfer Jai Lucas is expected to smooth some of the bumps at the point once he becomes eligible at the end of the first semester. He posted solid numbers in his one season with the Gators (8.5 ppg, 1.3-to-1 assists-to-turnovers ratio).

Dogus Balbay made strides at the point as last season progressed. Three-year starter Justin Mason also can help here, but he’ll likely see more action at shooting guard, where he’s more comfortable, once Lucas is eligible.

The Longhorns lost their only dependable 3-point threat with the departure of A.J. Abrams, but incoming freshman Avery Bradley can help in that area. Considered by many to be the nation’s top’ recruit, Bradley combines good range with a flair for getting to the rim. He also possesses lock-down defensive skills.

Sophomore Varez Ward finished strong last season, and the addition of two highly regarded freshmen – Jordan Hamilton and Shawn Williams – will help. Williams, who could start immediately, and Hamilton fit in as big guards-small forwards, further strengthening the Longhorns’ depth and versatility.

Texas Frontcourt

Texas received a big bonus when Damion James pulled out of the NBA Draft, assuring the Longhorns of having a double-double threat in the lineup. The 6-7 James, a three­year starter, averaged 15.4 points and 9.2 rebounds a game last season.

He’ll team with 6-10, 298-pound Dexter Pittman to give Texas a potentially devastating inside combo. Pittman’s role increased significantly as last season wore on, and his size makes him unstoppable at times down low.

Pittman and James should have plenty of help inside. Forward Gary Johnson returns to give the Longhorns another scoring threat, while juniors Matt Hill and Clint Chapman and sophomore Alexis Wangmene have shown enough to be capable role players.

2009-2010 Texas Predictions

Texas appears loaded with a lot of interchangeable weapons, but if the Longhorns want to get back to where they’re counted among the nation’s elite, it will have to start on defense.

Texas Finish in the Big 12: 2nd
Texas Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Texas Betting Odds

Texas Odds to Win 2010 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +600
Texas Odds to Win the Big 12: +250

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