Sean Miller says Texas not Cinderella despite Sweet 16 run PORTLAND, Ore. — Coach Sean Miller dismissed the idea that Texas is a Cinderella team, despite the Longhorns’ stunning 74-68 victory over third-seeded Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament. The win, which propelled Texas to the Sweet 16, marked the program’s 11th tournament win as a double-digit seed since seeding began in 1979. Miller emphasized that the team’s status as the University of Texas and its representation in the SEC should not be overlooked. “I don’t think we ever want to sign up to be the Cinderella story, because we are the University of Texas, and what we represent in the SEC,” Miller said after the game. The 11th-seeded Longhorns advanced to the Sweet 16, a feat Miller called a testament to the team’s preparation. His record in the round of 32 now stands at 9-1 (including vacated games), surpassing the previous best by coaches since the tournament expanded to 32 teams in 1975. Texas’ path to the Sweet 16 included a first-round upset over sixth-seeded BYU, despite a 35-point performance from freshman AJ Dybantsa. The team’s success was bolstered by a rigorous regular-season schedule in the SEC, featuring victories over Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, and Texas A&M. Miller credited the conference’s competitiveness for preparing the team for the postseason. “There’s no easy game in the SEC. The league itself prepares you for the postseason,” he said. “Sometimes the lessons you learned along the way strengthen you. We’re a much better team right now than we would have been a month ago.” The Longhorns became the sixth team to start in the First Four and reach the Sweet 16 since the format began in 2011.#ncaa_tournament #texas_longhorns #sec #university_of_texas #sean_miller
Darius Acuff Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Arkansas star is expected to land March Madness has begun, offering college stars an opportunity to solidify their positions in the 2026 NBA draft class. The draft is set for late June, and USA TODAY’s latest mock draft places Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. in the first round. The projection outlines how his draft night might unfold, with the Dallas Mavericks selecting him at pick No. 6 overall. The mock draft is based on Tankathon’s lottery projections, which suggest Acuff’s high potential. Kalbrosky’s analysis highlights the Mavericks’ need for offensive contributors, and Acuff’s skills align perfectly with that goal. As the SEC Player of the Year, Acuff excels in creating scoring opportunities, whether operating from ball screens or playing off the ball. His efficiency is evident in his ability to generate points per 40 minutes, ranking among freshmen leaders at 43.1. Acuff’s versatility as a scorer is another key factor. He can effectively attack from both sides of the court and has emerged as a standout in transition play, with 62 field goals made in such situations. His playmaking ability is further showcased by his 15 alley-oop assists, demonstrating his capacity to elevate teammates. Rival coach Sean Miller has praised Acuff’s potential, suggesting he could be a top-1 overall pick, underscoring his elite status as a generational guard. The player profile details his performance as of March 15, emphasizing his impact on the court. The Mavericks’ projected draft picks, based on Tankathon’s model, reflect the team’s strategic approach to building a competitive roster. Acuff’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility positions him as a high-value asset for any franchise looking to strengthen its frontline.#arkansas #darius_acuff_jr #dallas_mavericks #tankathon #sean_miller
