Texas Longhorns all-time starting five: Kevin Durant, Vince Young, LaMarcus Aldridge, T.J. Ford, and Kevin Durant, representing the best players in school history.
In a creative and slightly tongue-in-cheek tribute to the greatest athletes in the history of the University of Texas, fans and analysts have been buzzing about a hypothetical all-time Longhorns starting five—but with an unforgettable twist. The lineup includes not just some of the most iconic names in UT history, but also one that appears twice: Kevin Durant.
Yes, you read that correctly. The official Texas Longhorns “All-Time Starting Five” includes:
- Kevin Durant (SF)
- Vince Young (PG)
- LaMarcus Aldridge (C)
- T.J. Ford (SG)
- Kevin Durant (PF)
While unconventional, the tongue-in-cheek duplication of Durant is meant to underline his unmatched dominance in Longhorns athletics and the unique cross-generational impact he’s had since his arrival in 2006.
Kevin Durant (Twice? Yes—And Here’s Why)
When it comes to basketball greatness in burnt orange, Kevin Durant stands alone. During his one and only season at Texas (2006–07), he averaged:
- 25.8 points per game
- 11.1 rebounds
- 1.9 blocks
- 47.3% FG / 40.4% 3PT
He was the first freshman to ever win National Player of the Year honors, earning the Wooden, Naismith, and AP Player of the Year awards while leading Texas to a 25–10 season and a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance.
His skill set was so transcendent that including him twice is almost a joke based in truth—he could quite literally play every position on the court and still be the best player there.
“KD could’ve played point, power forward, even center if they needed him,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He’s that unique.”
Vince Young (Point Guard Role)
Vince Young may have never played basketball at Texas, but his leadership, court vision, and clutch performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl makes it easy to imagine him running point in this fantasy lineup.
Young’s football IQ and improvisational brilliance on the field mirror what elite point guards do with the ball. He’d be the emotional leader, the floor general, and the engine of fast breaks—just like he was for Mack Brown’s offense.
“You give me Vince at point? I’m good,” joked Durant once in a Twitter Q&A. “Guy sees everything before it happens.”
T.J. Ford (Shooting Guard)
2003’s Bob Cousy Award winner and consensus All-American, T.J. Ford is one of the most important players in UT basketball history. He brought the Longhorns to the Final Four in 2003, the program’s first since 1947.
Though naturally a point guard, Ford’s speed, handles, and perimeter shooting in this fantasy five would slot him into the off-ball guard role, allowing Young to distribute while Ford stretches defenses and slices through zones.
- Career stats at Texas: 12.9 PPG, 8.0 APG
- Drafted No. 8 overall in 2003 NBA Draft
LaMarcus Aldridge (Center)
Aldridge, a former five-star recruit and eventual NBA All-Star, was one of the most polished big men to come through Austin. At 6’11” with a silky mid-range game, Aldridge anchors this lineup with size, rim protection, and scoring versatility.
During his sophomore season (2005–06), he averaged:
- 15.0 points
- 9.2 rebounds
- 2.0 blocks per game
He helped lead Texas to a 30–7 record and an Elite Eight appearance, cementing himself as one of the greatest bigs in school history.
“He was the perfect blend of old-school post and modern stretch forward,” said former Texas coach Rick Barnes.
So why Durant twice? Beyond the joke, the idea points to the fact that no one else comes close to his dominance across multiple positions. In a dream lineup like this, you don’t follow convention—you stack talent. And Durant, with his:
- 7’5″ wingspan
- Guard-like handles
- Elite shooting
- Rebounding instincts
- Defensive versatility
…could realistically slot in as both your 3 and 4, making space for both Young’s explosiveness and Ford’s pace.
“If I could, I’d clone him and run a lineup of five Durants,” joked one Texas fan on Reddit. “He’s the cheat code.”
There’s no shortage of legendary Longhorns across eras, so any starting five is sure to spark debate. Here are players who just missed the cut:
- Slater Martin: A Hall of Famer and five-time NBA champ, Martin was a Texas star in the 1940s.
- Tristan Thompson: The one-and-done forward helped lead Texas to the NCAA Tournament and had a long NBA career.
- P.J. Tucker: A heart-and-hustle fan favorite who won NBA titles and brought a gritty edge to Texas hoops.
- Chris Mihm: A three-time All-Big 12 selection and early 2000s big man who remains one of the top rebounders in UT history.
- Avery Bradley: An elite defender and quick guard who helped spark UT’s modern era resurgence.
Whether you view this as a light-hearted tribute or a serious basketball debate, one thing is clear: the University of Texas has produced athletic legends across multiple sports, and few schools can rival the dual-sport dominance seen in this fantasy five.
Kevin Durant may appear twice—but maybe that’s just the best way to honor a generational talent who left such a massive mark in such a short time.
And with Vince Young running point and Aldridge controlling the paint, it’s a lineup that embodies everything Texas athletics stands for: power, swagger, versatility, and winning DNA.
Hook ’Em.
