Shaka Smart Sets: Texas Longhorns at Kansas; 1/23/16 By Erick Blasing

Written by Erick Blasing

Erick and his wife reside in Baraboo, Wisconsin where he teaches social studies at Baraboo High School. In 2016, Erick will begin his first season as a Men’s Assistant for University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, a two year campus that competes in the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference. Men’s Basketball Assistant; August 2016-Present UW-Baraboo/Sauk County, Baraboo, WI Assistant Coach Boy’s Basketball; May 2015-August 2016 Baraboo High School, Baraboo, WI Head Coach Varsity Boy’s Basketball; July 2011-May 2015 Sparta High School; Sparta, WI Tripled opportunities for K-3rd grade basketball players in 2013-2014 Led team to 4th & 7th most wins in program’s previous 20 seasons. Hired as one of the youngest head coaches in the state of Wisconsin. Varsity Assistant Girl’s Basketball; November 2009 – April 2011 La Crosse Central High School; La Crosse, WI 8th Grade Assistant Boy’s Basketball; November 2008 – December 2008 Riverside Middle School; Watertown, WI Head Coach 5th-12th Grade Boy’s Basketball; October 2006 – March 2008 Monroe County Christian School; Tomah, WI CAMP COACHING EXPERIENCE University of Wisconsin-Madison Tubby Smith Camps, University of Minnesota University of Iowa North Dakota State University Butler University University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Coach Z Hoop Camp by Don Zierdan Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Exposure Camp Snow Valley Iowa Basketball School



Basketball Set Plays | Horns Set Plays



0 Comments(s)



February 11, 2016

Shaka Smart Sets: Texas Longhorns at Kansas; 1/23/16
By Erick Blasing

Initially, it looked as if the Texas Longhorns could pull off another impressive road victory after opening on a 12-2 run in Lawrence, KS on 1/23/16. The Texas Longhorns entered 12-6 overall record and 4-2 Big 12 conference record and it seemed to be the perfect storm with a Kansas team that had been playing in a rut. Kansas and Texas battled throughout the first half and Texas was able to walk out with 35-30 lead at halftime. Kansas rebounded, however, with a 24-6 second half run and pulled away for a commanding 76-67 victory over the Longhorns.

In the second half, the Texas Longhorns ran several great sets to try and get some solid offensive looks at the rim. Overall, Texas finished the game shooting 48.2% from the field, 37.5% from 3, and 53.8% from the line. These numbers were not good enough to top the Jayhawks as Kansas outscored the Longhorns by 14 in the second half.

This game followed an exciting and impressive 56-49 road victory of the then 6th ranked West Virginia in Morgantown. The Texas Longhorns showed persistence and the ability to overcome adversity in the victory over another top 25 ranked opponent. These back to back road games vs. top 10 ranked opponents marks the first time since the 11-12 season that Texas had consecutive games against top 10 ranked opponents and the first time in program history that Texas had true road contests vs. top 10 ranked teams.

texas longhorns

The attached sets come from a couple different looks using a 4 out and a 3 out guard sets. The mix of spacing for dribble drives, ball screens, and flare screens gave Texas some great looks at the rim during this game. Coach Smart’s team have utilized the ball screen consistently since his time at VCU. I would assume that we will continue to see many different ball screen looks for the Longhorns as they get more familiar and comfortable with Coach Smart’s offensive strategies.

As many of us are heading into the second half of our conference schedules (probably high school) or getting deep into our conference schedules for the first time, hopefully, these wrinkles can give you a couple crucial points needed to gain that tough February road victory. Good luck and keep hooping! – Erick

Click on the pdf link to download the Shaka Smart Sets: Texas Longhorns at Kansas; 1/23/16:

0 Comments