At this stage of the offseason, Texas basketball, led by coach Rodney Terry, is in search of one final crucial addition to complete the frontcourt lineup for the upcoming 2024-25 season. With a successful recruitment from the NCAA Transfer Portal, particularly in the guard and forward positions, the team is now focused on securing a quality low-post player to solidify the roster.
Their primary target among big men in the transfer portal is JT Toppin, a standout power forward from New Mexico. While Texas appears to be leading the pursuit, competition from Texas Tech remains a factor.
As options in the portal narrow, Terry and his staff are under pressure to make a decision soon to complete the frontcourt. Exploring alternatives, two potential late additions stand out:
Ven-Allen Lubin, a versatile forward who previously played for Vanderbilt and Notre Dame, offers scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive versatility. His connection with Texas through former teammate Malik Presley adds intrigue to the possibility of him joining the Longhorns.
Berke Buyuktuncel, a skilled forward/center from UCLA, presents an enticing option for Texas. While the Longhorns have expressed interest, they face competition from several other schools, including Nebraska, Ohio State, Kentucky, and Iowa. Buyuktuncel’s offensive skills and potential for development make him an attractive prospect.
Ultimately, Texas’s decision may hinge on factors such as the recruitment of Toppin and the level of interest from other major conference schools pursuing Buyuktuncel.
