Shaka Smart may soon be tasked with overcoming his second mass exodus since arriving at Texas following the 2013-14 season.
Mohamed Bamba’s departure was expected — the former five-star prospect has made it clear since his arrival on the Forty Acres that his first season as a Longhorn would also be his last. But what’s taken place between early January and now has been almost entirely unforeseen, and thus, a considerable amount of uncertainty now surrounds the perimeter rotation Smart has constructed throughout the past few seasons.
Let’s start at the top, beginning with what’s already known to be fact:
- January 10: After missing four games with a fractured wrist and struggling with stamina issues upon his return, Texas publicly announced that sophomore guard Andrew Jones has been diagnosed with leukemia and will begin immediate treatment.