Texas’s problem: Texas has been nothing short of dominant, holding opponents to a low shooting percentage and using their size and athleticism to stifle any attempts to score from distance…

Texas’s problem: Texas has been nothing short of dominant, holding opponents to a low shooting percentage and using their size and athleticism to stifle any attempts to score from distance…

 

In a basketball world dominated by the 3-point shot, the Texas Longhorns’ success this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Head coach Rodney Terry has led the team to impressive victories, all without relying heavily on the three-point line, a staple of contemporary basketball. This unconventional approach has sparked curiosity and admiration across the nation as the Longhorns continue to thrive in a game increasingly shaped by perimeter shooting.

 

For decades, the three-point shot has revolutionized basketball, with teams relying on deep shooters to stretch defenses and create high-scoring affairs. From the NBA to college basketball, it has become nearly impossible to find a successful team that doesn’t heavily feature the 3-pointer in their offensive strategy. Yet, the Longhorns have shown that it’s possible to succeed without leaning into this trend, focusing instead on a more traditional approach that relies on inside scoring, mid-range shooting, and stifling defense.

 

One of the key reasons for the Longhorns’ success is their ability to dominate the paint. The team’s interior game, both offensively and defensively, has been the foundation of their season. With a roster that includes skilled big men and aggressive forwards, the Longhorns have been able to dictate the pace inside, scoring efficiently in the low post and on the fast break. Their rebounding has also been a critical factor in their success, allowing them to control possessions and limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities.

 

While their 3-point shooting may be more conservative compared to other teams, Texas has not been entirely absent from beyond the arc. Rather than making the 3-pointer a focal point, the Longhorns use it as a complementary tool when necessary. Their approach is based on shot selection, with the team focusing on taking high-percentage shots that play to their strengths. The result has been a balanced offense, one that doesn’t rely on the unpredictability of the 3-point shot but instead plays a more deliberate and methodical style.

 

Defensively, Texas has been nothing short of dominant, holding opponents to a low shooting percentage and using their size and athleticism to stifle any attempts to score from distance. The team’s defense has been one of the most consistent in the country, creating turnovers, blocking shots, and forcing teams to take difficult, contested shots. This emphasis on defense has been vital in ensuring the Longhorns’ success, even without the high-volume 3-point shooting that many teams depend on.

 

The decision to limit the 3-point shot has come with some criticism, especially in an era where teams are expected to outshoot their opponents from deep. Critics argue that in a game increasingly driven by the 3-pointer, the Longhorns’ strategy could eventually catch up with them against more perimeter-oriented teams. However, coach Terry has remained resolute, sticking to his philosophy that a balanced, versatile team is the key to winning games in March.

 

Terry’s coaching has been pivotal in adapting his team to this style of play. While many teams have embraced analytics that push the use of the 3-point shot, Terry’s decision to prioritize a more physical, inside-out game speaks to his belief in adapting the game to his team’s strengths, not the other way around.

 

As the season continues, the Texas Longhorns remain one of the most intriguing teams in college basketball, proving that success does not have to come from chasing trends. Whether or not they can continue to thrive without heavy reliance on the 3-point shot remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in a world of 3-point shooters, the Longhorns have found a different path to success. And so far, it’s working.