Texas Fought Hard, But Duke’s Depth Made the Difference
The Texas Longhorns may have fallen short against No. 6 Duke at the Dick Vitale Invitational, but the game offered several valuable takeaways about head coach Sean Miller’s squad. Despite the loss, Texas showcased glimpses of its potential, toughness, and room for growth as the season gets underway. The Blue Devils’ balanced attack and defensive intensity ultimately proved too much, but the Longhorns didn’t back down. For Miller, who is looking to cement Texas as a true national contender, the matchup served as a useful early-season measuring stick.
1. Texas Showed Grit Against a Championship-Caliber Opponent
If there’s one thing Miller’s team demonstrated against Duke, it’s resilience. The Longhorns refused to fold even when the Blue Devils’ defense turned up the pressure. They clawed back from multiple double-digit deficits, fought for loose balls, and made Duke earn every basket. Players like Max Abmas and Dillon Mitchell showed leadership in tough moments, helping Texas stay competitive despite the talent gap.
That grit reflects the kind of identity Miller is trying to instill—defensive effort, physicality, and composure in big games. Although the scoreboard didn’t favor them, Texas’ willingness to fight until the final buzzer signals a team that won’t be easily intimidated this season.
2. Offensive Consistency Remains a Work in Progress
Texas flashed offensive brilliance in spurts, but consistency continues to be an area of concern. The Longhorns relied heavily on individual shot creation when Duke’s defense tightened, often struggling to move the ball effectively. Their perimeter shooting went cold at key moments, while missed opportunities in transition hurt their chances to stay close.
Coach Miller acknowledged the issue postgame, noting that developing better offensive rhythm and spacing will be a major focus moving forward. With talented scorers across the roster, Texas has the tools—it’s just a matter of putting it all together.
3. Sean Miller’s Leadership Is Already Reshaping Texas
Even in defeat, it’s clear that Sean Miller’s presence is being felt. The team played with a sense of discipline and structure rarely seen in early-season games. His emphasis on defensive rotations, rebounding, and tempo control reflects a long-term vision for sustainable success.
Miller’s calm sideline demeanor and strategic adjustments kept Texas competitive against one of college basketball’s deepest teams. While the loss to Duke stings, it also showed that the Longhorns have the right foundation and coach to grow into a serious contender as the season unfolds.
Final Thoughts
The defeat may go down as a learning experience, but for Sean Miller and the Longhorns, it was a valuable one. Texas proved it has fight, talent, and a coach capable of leading them to bigger things. If they can build on these lessons, brighter days are ahead in Austin.