The Longhorns had just one open scholarship, and they filled it the exact way they wanted to. Vandegrift five-star Greg Brown III announced his commitment to Texas and became the first member of the 2020 Texas recruiting class.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Brown had a final five of Texas, Auburn, Kentucky, Michigan and Memphis. He took official visits to all five schools. Memphis posed the biggest threat and Auburn had a very brief moment when it was rumored to be a major factor.
In the end, the NBA’s G League provided the most difficult challenge for Texas in the final days once Texas emerged as the pick among college options. During the months leading up to the decision, Memphis was the biggest threat to the Longhorns.
MAJOR PROPS
Shaka Smart is one of the best head coach recruiters in the nation when he’s able to lock in and recruit a player for a long time, and made a huge impact. However, the work assistant coach Jai Lucas did deserves a recruiting medal. The former Longhorn and current assistant coach spent years – maybe even as much as five – recruiting Brown, and was a constant fixture at Brown’s games during evaluation periods for years before Brown was even close to being on the main stage in the 17U EYBL.
In the end, Lucas had to go head-to-head with the NBA after recruiting against the likes of Mike Miller, Penny Hardaway, John Calipari, Juwan Howard, and more for a long time.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR TEXAS
A very good case can be made this is Smart’s most important recruiting win because of how extremely talented Brown is and the roster he joins. We know that Smart wanted to get back to four-guard lineups often last season. Brown is a perfect fit as a “four” at Texas, and will be surrounded by experienced, veteran players in the starting lineup. Because make no mistake, no one buys a Corvette and keeps it in the garage except for a very rare spin.
Brown also fits an uptempo system best, which should add even more emphasis on Texas playing much, much, much quicker on offense next season; frankly, it should be the paramount objective this offseason. Texas finished eighth during Big 12 play in offensive tempo, and 271st nationally. That must change.
The Longhorns should be a preseason top 25 team heading into next season with Smart’s best roster in Austin.
As for the rest of the roster, all 12 scholarship players are currently expected to return, but the addition of Brown could lead to some players realizing available minutes just disappeared. So, some attrition for Texas isn’t out of the question with a projected starter now added to the mix.
RIVALS REACTION
“I don't think it's hyperbole to say that Greg Brown is the single most important recruit of the Shaka Smart era and for several reasons,” said Rivals.com National Basketball Analyst Eric Bossi. “First and foremost because he's a potential game changing talent with his athleticism and versatility. Add in that he's been a regular on campus for four years, the Horns looking to seize the late season momentum from 2019-20, and that they also had to overcome a real money offer from the G League, and it's a big deal.
“It doesn't take an expert to understand that Brown is a game changing athlete and one who will excite crowds but there's more to him. Defensively, he's so long and quick that he can defend one through four and guys like that are incredibly valuable in college ball. He finishes lobs, he's a tremendous rebounder and he is a major mismatch as a four because of his ability to drive. He'll need strength and his jump shot is a work in progress but Brown is a freak talent who can help put what should be a pretty deep and experienced Texas team in the heart of the Big 12 race in 2020-21.”
AN OLD QUOTE THAT READS DIFFERENT TODAY…
“We’ve kind of been seeing styles of play, how Greg would fit, different team fits, different players… not too concerned of the win-loss records of the schools just because I think if you put Greg on any of these schools they win instantly another 3-7 games. And so, haven’t really been looking win-loss; looking at the fit, and how they would utilize him and what would be best to win,” said Mr. Brown. “Where and with what guys would it be best to win with. That’s the first and foremost thing that we’re looking at – where can Greg next year and play with who and win.”
SCOUTING REPORT
Brown is one of the best athletes to play high school basketball, and his rare blend of size, length, and athleticism immediately stands out. Everyone notices the dunks Brown often completes so effortlessly even in crowds. However, the five-star prospect has spent a ton of time working on his all-around game, and it’s shown. He’s improved as a shooter beyond the arc; his handle is better; he’s more polished in the half-court offensively; more of his skill is starting to match his tremendous talent.
Defensively, Brown, like all freshmen, will go through an adjustment period understanding how hard a college player must play on defense each possession. He has the tools to defend one through four and could be an impact defender in help situations because of his jumping ability, anticipation, and shot-blocking presence.
Brown should be a mismatch at the four position against almost everyone he plays against at the position. Once he adjusts to the increased speed of the new level of basketball and competition, Brown’s ability to put the ball on the floor and attack should show while he’ll grow into being able to knock down open perimeter shots at a decent or better rate.
Make no mistake, Brown looks like a future lottery pick, and can impact the game in every way imaginable.
HIGHLIGHT TAPES
HOW IT HAPPENED
Brown had a final five of Texas, Auburn, Kentucky, Michigan and Memphis. He took official visits to all five schools. Memphis posed the biggest threat and Auburn had a very brief moment when it was rumored to be a major factor.
In the end, the NBA’s G League provided the most difficult challenge for Texas in the final days once Texas emerged as the pick among college options. During the months leading up to the decision, Memphis was the biggest threat to the Longhorns.
MAJOR PROPS
Shaka Smart is one of the best head coach recruiters in the nation when he’s able to lock in and recruit a player for a long time, and made a huge impact. However, the work assistant coach Jai Lucas did deserves a recruiting medal. The former Longhorn and current assistant coach spent years – maybe even as much as five – recruiting Brown, and was a constant fixture at Brown’s games during evaluation periods for years before Brown was even close to being on the main stage in the 17U EYBL.
In the end, Lucas had to go head-to-head with the NBA after recruiting against the likes of Mike Miller, Penny Hardaway, John Calipari, Juwan Howard, and more for a long time.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR TEXAS
A very good case can be made this is Smart’s most important recruiting win because of how extremely talented Brown is and the roster he joins. We know that Smart wanted to get back to four-guard lineups often last season. Brown is a perfect fit as a “four” at Texas, and will be surrounded by experienced, veteran players in the starting lineup. Because make no mistake, no one buys a Corvette and keeps it in the garage except for a very rare spin.
Brown also fits an uptempo system best, which should add even more emphasis on Texas playing much, much, much quicker on offense next season; frankly, it should be the paramount objective this offseason. Texas finished eighth during Big 12 play in offensive tempo, and 271st nationally. That must change.
The Longhorns should be a preseason top 25 team heading into next season with Smart’s best roster in Austin.
As for the rest of the roster, all 12 scholarship players are currently expected to return, but the addition of Brown could lead to some players realizing available minutes just disappeared. So, some attrition for Texas isn’t out of the question with a projected starter now added to the mix.
RIVALS REACTION
“I don't think it's hyperbole to say that Greg Brown is the single most important recruit of the Shaka Smart era and for several reasons,” said Rivals.com National Basketball Analyst Eric Bossi. “First and foremost because he's a potential game changing talent with his athleticism and versatility. Add in that he's been a regular on campus for four years, the Horns looking to seize the late season momentum from 2019-20, and that they also had to overcome a real money offer from the G League, and it's a big deal.
“It doesn't take an expert to understand that Brown is a game changing athlete and one who will excite crowds but there's more to him. Defensively, he's so long and quick that he can defend one through four and guys like that are incredibly valuable in college ball. He finishes lobs, he's a tremendous rebounder and he is a major mismatch as a four because of his ability to drive. He'll need strength and his jump shot is a work in progress but Brown is a freak talent who can help put what should be a pretty deep and experienced Texas team in the heart of the Big 12 race in 2020-21.”
AN OLD QUOTE THAT READS DIFFERENT TODAY…
“We’ve kind of been seeing styles of play, how Greg would fit, different team fits, different players… not too concerned of the win-loss records of the schools just because I think if you put Greg on any of these schools they win instantly another 3-7 games. And so, haven’t really been looking win-loss; looking at the fit, and how they would utilize him and what would be best to win,” said Mr. Brown. “Where and with what guys would it be best to win with. That’s the first and foremost thing that we’re looking at – where can Greg next year and play with who and win.”
SCOUTING REPORT
Brown is one of the best athletes to play high school basketball, and his rare blend of size, length, and athleticism immediately stands out. Everyone notices the dunks Brown often completes so effortlessly even in crowds. However, the five-star prospect has spent a ton of time working on his all-around game, and it’s shown. He’s improved as a shooter beyond the arc; his handle is better; he’s more polished in the half-court offensively; more of his skill is starting to match his tremendous talent.
Defensively, Brown, like all freshmen, will go through an adjustment period understanding how hard a college player must play on defense each possession. He has the tools to defend one through four and could be an impact defender in help situations because of his jumping ability, anticipation, and shot-blocking presence.
Brown should be a mismatch at the four position against almost everyone he plays against at the position. Once he adjusts to the increased speed of the new level of basketball and competition, Brown’s ability to put the ball on the floor and attack should show while he’ll grow into being able to knock down open perimeter shots at a decent or better rate.
Make no mistake, Brown looks like a future lottery pick, and can impact the game in every way imaginable.
HIGHLIGHT TAPES
