The University of Texas Longhorns basketball team in the 2006-07 season was a force to be reckoned with. Led by Kevin Durant and D.J. Augustin, they were unstoppable. But, what if we could imagine a roster with Kevin Durant at its core? This story takes us on a journey of "what-ifs," showing how the Longhorns' story could have changed.

We'll look back at the Big 12 Conference and Rick Barnes' coaching style. We'll also see what fans expected from the Longhorns before Durant's arrival. Then, we'll dive into Durant's impressive freshman stats and how he changed the game for the team.

By analyzing the original team and thinking about different players, we'll explore the impact of an enhanced roster. This could have changed the team's NCAA Tournament chances and Durant's career path. Get ready for a thrilling ride filled with "what-ifs" and the possibilities that could have been.

The Legacy of Kevin Durant University of Texas Longhorns

Kevin Durant's time at the University of Texas Longhorns left a lasting impact. His standout freshman season made him a rising star. It also set the stage for his NBA success.

In the 2006-07 season, Durant was unstoppable. He averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.9 steals per game. His achievements included the National Player of the Year award and Big 12 Player of the Year award.

Durant's presence in Austin brought new life to the Longhorns' fan base. His talent drew attention from fans and recruits nationwide. This raised the program's national profile.

Season	Points per Game	Rebounds per Game	Blocks per Game	Steals per Game
2006-07	25.8	11.1	1.3	1.9

Though the Longhorns lost in the NCAA Tournament that year, Durant's legacy remains strong. His freshman year made him a top NBA draft pick. It also paved the way for his professional success.

"Kevin Durant's impact on the University of Texas basketball program was truly remarkable. He elevated the team's profile, inspired the fan base, and left an indelible mark on the game's history."

The University of Texas and its fans cherish the Kevin Durant era. It was a time of excitement, success, and promise for the future.

Setting the Stage: Texas Basketball in 2006

The 2006-07 college basketball season was about to start, and the Texas Longhorns were excited. The Big 12 Conference was going to be tough, but Coach Rick Barnes was ready to lead his team to success.

The Big 12 Conference Landscape

The Big 12 Conference in 2006 was filled with top teams. Schools like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M were all aiming for the championship. Texas, under Coach Barnes, was ready to compete for the top spot.

Rick Barnes' Coaching Philosophy

Rick Barnes focused on defense and teamwork. He pushed his players to work hard and play together. The Longhorns were expected to show off Barnes' successful coaching style.

Pre-Durant Expectations

Fans were excited about the Longhorns' chances before Kevin Durant joined.
They saw Texas as a top contender in the Big 12 and a strong NCAA Tournament team.
Coach Barnes had a talented team, with players like D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams leading the way.

With high hopes and a strong team, the Texas Longhorns were ready to make a mark in 2006-07. The arrival of Kevin Durant would only add to their potential and ambitions.

Durant's Freshman Season Statistics and Impact

Kevin Durant as a University of Texas Longhorn

Kevin Durant's 2006-07 freshman season with the Texas Longhorns was incredible. He dominated the stats and helped the team win big. This made him one of the top college basketball players of his time.

Durant's stats were amazing. He scored an average of 25.8 points per game, breaking many freshman records. He also grabbed 11.1 rebounds per game and blocked 1.9 shots per game. This showed he was a complete player.

Durant's college basketball records and freshman performance helped the Longhorns go 25-10. They even made it to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament. His talent and teamwork were crucial to their success.

"Kevin Durant was a once-in-a-generation talent. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor as a freshman was truly remarkable."

Kevin Durant's stats and his impact on the Texas Longhorns were unforgettable. His freshman season set the stage for his future success in the NBA.

The Original 2006-07 Longhorns Supporting Cast

The 2006-07 Texas Longhorns team was led by D.J. Augustin, A.J. Abrams, and Damion James. Their teamwork made the team unstoppable. Around Kevin Durant, their skills helped the Longhorns win big that season.

D.J. Augustin's Point Guard Leadership

D.J. Augustin was the team's heart, known for his great passing and vision. He set up teammates for success, letting Durant focus on scoring. Augustin's leadership was key to the team's success.

A.J. Abrams' Shooting Touch

A.J. Abrams was the team's sharpshooter, adding a threat from outside. His shooting made defenses worry, opening up the court for Durant and Augustin.

Damion James' Defensive Presence

Damion James was a defensive force, guarding different players with his length and speed. His defense helped limit the opponents' scoring and boosted the Longhorns' fast breaks.

The team's success came from the teamwork of Augustin, Abrams, James, and Durant. Their skills together made the 2006-07 Longhorns a strong and balanced team.

Reimagining the Roster: Alternative Player Scenarios

Thinking about the 2006-07 Texas Longhorns roster with Kevin Durant is fascinating. Adding a few top college basketball recruiting prospects could have boosted the team. The Texas Longhorns prospects were already strong, but more talent could have taken them even higher.

Imagine if the Longhorns had a top big man like Greg Oden or Tyler Hansbrough. This would have given them a strong frontcourt with Durant's scoring. It would have been tough for opponents to defend against such a duo.

Potential Roster Additions	Impact on Longhorns
Greg Oden or Tyler Hansbrough	Dominant interior presence to complement Durant's perimeter skills, creating a formidable frontcourt duo
Mike Conley Jr. or Darren Collison	Elite point guard to orchestrate the offense and facilitate Durant's scoring
Chase Budinger or Thaddeus Young	Versatile wing players to provide additional scoring options and defensive flexibility

Adding a top point guard like Mike Conley Jr. or Darren Collison would have been great. They could have helped the offense and Durant's scoring. Also, having a versatile wing player like Chase Budinger or Thaddeus Young would have added more scoring and defense.

There are many possibilities when thinking about the 2006-07 Texas Longhorns roster. With a few more college basketball recruiting stars, the team could have reached historic levels. This would have left a lasting impact on Texas Longhorns basketball history.

Modern NBA Talents Who Could Have Been Longhorns

The 2006-07 Texas Longhorns could have been unstoppable. They missed out on some top NBA draft prospects and college basketball transfers.

Five-Star Recruits from the 2006 Class

The 2006 recruiting class was filled with elite talent. Players like Greg Oden, Kevin Love, and Michael Beasley were top choices. Their skills could have made the Longhorns a national title contender.

Transfer Portal What-Ifs

The Longhorns could have also gained from key transfers. Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Blake Griffin were transfer options. Their addition could have changed the Longhorns' path.

Player	Position	2006 Ranking	Actual College
Greg Oden	Center	1st	Ohio State
Kevin Love	Power Forward	2nd	UCLA
Michael Beasley	Power Forward	3rd	Kansas State
Derrick Rose	Point Guard	N/A	Memphis
Russell Westbrook	Point Guard	N/A	UCLA
Blake Griffin	Power Forward	N/A	Oklahoma

Adding these talents could have greatly improved the Longhorns. It would have changed their history in the 2006-07 season and beyond.

Strategic Changes: Alternative Offensive Schemes

Adding Kevin Durant to the 2006-07 Texas Longhorns roster called for new offensive strategies. Coach Rick Barnes needed to rethink his college basketball strategy and offensive tactics to fit Durant's skills.

One possible change was to play faster, using Durant's scoring and ball-handling. This could mean more fast breaks and Durant leading the team. It would have shown off his talent in open play.

Another option was a motion-based offense. This would have added more movement and cutting for Durant and others. It would have focused on spacing and screens to get better shots and use mismatches.

Uptempo, fast-paced offense to showcase Durant's skills
Motion-based offense with increased off-ball movement
Leveraging Durant's versatility as a primary initiator
Adapting Rick Barnes' coaching principles to maximize the roster

Changing the offense could have made the Texas Longhorns a top team in college basketball.

The Impact on Big 12 Conference Dynamics

If Kevin Durant had joined the University of Texas Longhorns in 2006-07, the Big 12 basketball conference would have changed a lot. Durant's talent would have made the Longhorns a strong team in the conference.

Rivalry Game Outcomes

With Durant on the Longhorns, they would have been a big challenge for their rivals. The Texas A&M Aggies and Baylor Bears would have faced a tough opponent. Durant's skills would have made the Longhorns a team to watch.

Conference Tournament Scenarios

Durant's arrival would have also changed the Big 12 Conference tournament. The Longhorns would have been a top contender for the title. Durant's great play could have led them to win the tournament.

"Kevin Durant's presence on the Longhorns' roster would have created a seismic shift in the Big 12 basketball landscape, altering the dynamics of the conference and the outcomes of key rivalry games and tournament scenarios."

The Texas Longhorns, with Durant, would have been a powerful team in the Big 12. Their games against Texas A&M and Baylor would have been more intense. They would have had a better chance to win the conference tournament. Durant's impact on the Longhorns would have been huge in the Big 12 basketball world.

NCAA Tournament Path With a Enhanced Roster

Imagine the journey of the reimagined Texas Longhorns men's basketball team. They had Kevin Durant and other talented recruits. How would their path to the NCAA Tournament have unfolded? Let's explore the potential March Madness scenarios that could have played out.

With Durant leading the charge and an improved supporting cast, the Longhorns would have been a formidable contender in the March Madness tournament. Their enhanced roster would have likely earned them a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament bracket. This would have positioned them for a deep run in the college basketball playoffs.

Some potential outcomes could have included:

A dominant performance in the opening rounds, securing convincing wins and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen or Elite Eight.
A potential showdown against powerhouse programs in the later stages of the tournament, where the Longhorns' depth and talent could have been the difference-maker.
A chance to reach the Final Four, showcasing the team's ability to excel on the biggest stage of the March Madness tournament.

The presence of Durant and the reimagined roster would have undoubtedly elevated the Longhorns' chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their combination of individual skill, team chemistry, and strategic adaptability could have propelled them towards a potential championship contention.

"With Kevin Durant leading the charge and an improved supporting cast, the reimagined Texas Longhorns would have been a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament."

While speculation can only go so far, the allure of this hypothetical scenario lies in the what-ifs and the potential for greatness that could have been unleashed. The March Madness journey of the 2006-07 Longhorns may have taken on a truly unforgettable form with the presence of Durant and a strengthened roster.

Durant's Development in Different Scenarios

Imagine the 2006-07 Texas Longhorns with Kevin Durant leading the team. It's fascinating to think about how his career might have turned out. By looking at different paths and strategies, we can see how Durant's NBA potential, draft projections, and college player development could have changed.

NBA Draft Stock Impact

If Durant had teammates who were just as talented, his stats and team wins might have gone up. With better support, Durant could have shown off more skills. This could have made him the clear number one pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Statistical Projections

With a stronger Longhorns team, Durant's scoring might have hit 25-27 points per game. This is up from his 25.8 ppg as a freshman.
His rebounding and assists could have gone up too. This would have shown his great all-around talent.
With more help on offense, Durant's shooting might have gotten even better. This could have raised his field goal and three-point percentages.

These stats, along with the Longhorns' possible success, would have made Durant a standout talent. He would have been a top-2 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft for sure.

Long-term Effects on Texas Basketball Program

If Kevin Durant had joined the Texas Longhorns in the 2006-07 season, it would have changed everything. The Longhorns would have quickly become a top team in Texas basketball. They would have become a powerhouse in the NCAA for many years.

With Durant's amazing talent and leadership, the Longhorns would have seen huge success. They might have won the Big 12 Conference and gone far in the NCAA Tournament. This would have made the program famous across the country, drawing the best players to Texas.

This success would have also brought more money and support to the basketball program. The university could have built better facilities and hired top coaches. This would have helped the program stay successful for a long time. The impact of such a season would have lasted for decades, shaping the program's future.