Longhorns Soar in SEC Basketball Rankings: A Promising Season Ahead

The Texas men's basketball team has solidified its place among the elite programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), earning a spot in the prestigious Associated Press Top 25 Men's College Basketball Poll. With a No. 19 ranking, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact on the court this season.

Longhorns Climb the SEC Ranks, Primed for Success

A Powerhouse Lineup in the SEC

The Texas Longhorns are one of nine SEC teams that have secured a spot in the AP Top 25 poll, showcasing the conference's depth and competitive landscape. Joining the Longhorns in the rankings are Alabama at No. 2, Auburn at No. 11, Tennessee at No. 12, Texas A&M at No. 13, and Arkansas at No. 16. This impressive representation of SEC teams underscores the conference's basketball prowess and the challenges the Longhorns will face in their quest for success.

Longhorns' Consistent Presence in the Preseason Poll

The Longhorns' inclusion in the preseason top 25 poll is not a new phenomenon. For the past five years, the team has consistently made an appearance in this prestigious ranking, showcasing their sustained excellence and the high expectations surrounding the program. In the school's history, the Longhorns have made 21 appearances in the AP Top 25 poll, further cementing their status as a basketball powerhouse.

Exceeding Preseason Expectations

While preseason rankings do not necessarily guarantee a team's performance, the Longhorns have consistently lived up to the expectations set by the preseason poll in recent years. The team has become one of only eight programs to advance to at least the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 in the past three seasons, demonstrating their ability to translate preseason hype into on-court success.

A New Era Under Rodney Terry

The 2022-23 season marked a significant transition for the Longhorns, as Rodney Terry took over as the team's head coach. In his first year at the helm, Terry led the Longhorns to a remarkable run, guiding them all the way to the NCAA Elite Eight. Now, with a roster fully built by Terry, the team is poised to take the next step, with a mix of familiar faces and new additions ready to make their mark.

Tramon Mark: A Versatile Addition to the Longhorns

One of the new faces joining the Longhorns is graduate guard Tramon Mark, who has earned a spot on the Preseason All-SEC Third Team. Mark's impressive collegiate career includes three years at Houston, where he started in all 37 games during the 2022-23 season and helped the Cougars secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Although the Cougars were eliminated in the Sweet 16 that season, Mark's experience in the tournament, including a Final Four appearance as a freshman, will be invaluable to the Longhorns.For his senior year, Mark transferred to Arkansas, where he led the team in scoring with 16.2 points per game, steals with 36, and minutes played with 32.5 per game. His versatility and proven track record of success make him a valuable addition to the Longhorns' roster, as they look to build on their recent tournament runs.

Texas Ranked 7th in the SEC Preseason Poll

In addition to Mark's individual accolades, the media has also recognized the Longhorns' potential, voting them as the No. 7 team in the SEC preseason poll. This ranking, with Alabama leading the conference, further solidifies the Longhorns' status as a team to watch in the upcoming season.As the Longhorns prepare to tip off their 2024-25 campaign, the anticipation is palpable. With a roster that blends experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the team is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and cement their place among the elite programs in the SEC and the nation.