The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team concluded their 2024–2025 season with a narrow defeat in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four, falling to the Xavier Musketeers 86–80. This loss marked the end of a tumultuous season characterized by significant roster changes, inconsistent conference play, and a coaching transition that has set the stage for the program’s future
Entering the season, expectations were cautiously optimistic despite the departure of several key players from the previous year. The Longhorns had bolstered their lineup with a mix of experienced transfers and promising freshmen, aiming to build upon their recent successes. Pre-conference play showcased the team’s potential, as they amassed an 11–2 record, demonstrating cohesion and resilience against a variety of opponents.
However, the onset of Southeastern Conference (SEC) play exposed underlying issues within the team. An early setback occurred when junior guard Chendall Weaver suffered an injury during a January game against Auburn, disrupting the team’s backcourt dynamics. The Longhorns struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 6–12 record in the SEC. Notably, losses to lower-tier teams such as South Carolina and Oklahoma highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities and inability to close out tight games. These conference struggles placed Texas in a precarious position, necessitating a strong performance in the SEC Tournament to secure an NCAA Tournament berth.
The Longhorns displayed resilience in the SEC Tournament, making a commendable run that ultimately secured them an invitation to the NCAA Tournament as an 11th seed, slated to face Xavier in the First Four. The matchup against Xavier was anticipated to be a closely contested battle, with both teams seeking to advance and make a statement on the national stage.
The First Four game unfolded as a tale of two halves. Texas started strong, capitalizing on Xavier’s early foul troubles to build a 13-point lead in the first half. Freshman guard Tre Johnson was instrumental during this stretch, leading the team with 23 points and showcasing his offensive prowess. Senior guard Tramon Mark also contributed significantly, adding 16 points and five assists, providing veteran leadership on the court.
Despite the promising start, the second half saw a momentum shift in Xavier’s favor. The Musketeers, led by Marcus Foster’s 22 points and Zach Freemantle’s 15 points, mounted a comeback. Freemantle, despite early foul trouble, made crucial plays down the stretch, including a pivotal dunk that sealed the victory for Xavier. Texas’s defense struggled to contain Xavier’s offensive surge, and the Longhorns were unable to regain their footing, ultimately succumbing to an 86–80 defeat
In the aftermath of the tournament exit, the Texas athletic department made the decision to part ways with head coach Rodney Terry. Terry had been at the helm for three seasons, with his tenure highlighted by a Big 12 tournament title and an Elite Eight appearance during the 2022–2023 season. However, the subsequent seasons saw diminishing returns, culminating in the early exit from the NCAA Tournament. The administration sought a new direction to revitalize the program and elevate its national standing.
In a swift and decisive move, Texas hired Sean Miller, the former head coach of Xavier, to lead the Longhorns. Miller brought a wealth of experience and a proven track record from his previous tenures at Xavier and Arizona. His hiring signaled the university’s commitment to investing in the basketball program, aiming to achieve a level of success comparable to that of the football program. Miller’s contract, reportedly worth over $5 million annually over six years, underscored the administration’s dedication to this vision.
Miller’s coaching philosophy emphasizes strong defensive play, disciplined offense, and effective player development. His approach aligns with Texas’s aspirations to become a formidable force within the SEC and on the national stage. The university also expressed intentions to embrace Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and revenue-sharing discussions, aiming to enhance the program’s appeal to prospective recruits and ensure competitiveness in the evolving collegiate athletics landscape.
The transition to a new coaching regime brings both challenges and opportunities. Miller’s immediate tasks include assessing the current roster, addressing areas of need through recruitment and the transfer portal, and instilling his system and culture within the team. The returning players will need to adapt to new strategies and expectations, while incoming recruits will play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of the program.
The Longhorns’ fan base, known for its passionate support, has expressed a mix of optimism and anticipation regarding the coaching change. While acknowledging the disappointment of the past season, there is a collective hope that Miller’s leadership will usher in a new era of success. The administration’s willingness to invest in the basketball program reflects a broader commitment to achieving excellence across all sports, recognizing the potential for basketball to complement the university’s storied football tradition.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns face a pivotal offseason. The development of the current roster, the integration of new players, and the implementation of Miller’s system will be critical factors in determining the team’s performance in the upcoming season. The SEC remains a highly competitive conference, with perennial powerhouses and emerging programs vying for supremacy. Texas will need to navigate this challenging landscape with strategic planning and execution.
the 2024–2025 season for Texas men’s basketball was marked by highs and lows, culminating in an early exit from the NCAA Tournament and a significant coaching change. The hiring of Sean Miller represents a bold step toward revitalizing the program and achieving sustained success. As the Longhorns embark on this new chapter, the collective efforts of the administration, coaching staff, players, and supporters will be instrumental in shaping the future of Texas basketball.