Brad Penner-USA Today Sports
On Wednesday night, word emerged that Texas sophomore Sheldon McClellan will transfer from the university.
McClellan is just the latest Longhorn to leave the program, but outside of a potential NBA Draft decision from sophomore point guard Myck Kabongo, he is the worst of the recent departures. On the season, McClellan averaged 13.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season and those numbers are pretty good for a 6-foot-4 guard who has now averaged double-figures offensively in each of his first two years at Texas.
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McClellan’s decision comes on the heels of Jaylen Bond‘s decision to also leave the university and seek a transfer just a few weeks ago.
The biggest domino effect in terms of the Longhorn’s potential however, is Kabongo. If the sophomore point guard bolts for the NBA, Texas will certainly be in a difficult position for the most part next season. Head coach Rick Barnes does have some solid pieces to work with (at this time), but even those pieces this season struggled do to their youth and inexperience.
The Longhorns finished the season at 16-18 overall, by far the worst under Barnes in his tenure. Texas had a pretty fitting ending to their season as well, falling in the first round of the CBI Tournament to Houston.
Texas had a great opportunity to rebound in 2013-14 with a full roster, but the loss of McClellan certainly stings. If Kabongo does return, the Longhorns can still be an improved squad next year, but if not, Texas will have to replace their top two scorers and 27 points of offensive from a group that ranked 227th in points per game in 2012-13.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
