Imagine a player who transforms a team’s entire dynamic just by stepping onto the court. That’s Chendall Weaver, the Texas Longhorns’ senior guard, whose return from injury has fans and coaches alike buzzing with anticipation. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Weaver is known for his relentless defense and athleticism, he’s now quietly evolving into a three-point threat—a shift that could redefine his role and impact the team’s success in ways few expected. Let’s dive into how Weaver is preparing for the upcoming season and why his journey is far from ordinary.
During a typical summer workout, Weaver would launch anywhere from 500 to 1,000 three-pointers. When asked about his success rate, he playfully quipped, ‘I’ll say a good percentage,’ leaving room for both humor and intrigue. Despite this focus on long-range shooting, Weaver isn’t your stereotypical high-scoring guard. Instead, he’s become a fan favorite for his lightning-fast court speed, tenacious defense, and ability to rack up rebounds and steals over the past two seasons.
Texas head coach Sean Miller recognized Weaver’s potential long before joining the Longhorns. Last year, during the NCAA Tournament’s First Four matchup between Texas and Xavier, Miller witnessed firsthand how Weaver’s energy off the bench could shift momentum. In that game, Weaver outscored two starters, tallying seven points, two assists, three rebounds, and three steals in a narrow 80-86 loss. ‘Chendall Weaver is one of our best players,’ Miller stated. ‘I don’t know if the outside world fully grasps his talent because he missed so much time last year. When we prepared to face Texas, it was like watching two different teams—one without Chendall and one with him. His impact on winning was undeniable.’
Weaver’s junior season was derailed by a groin injury suffered during a January 7 game against Auburn, sidelining him for 15 crucial Southeastern Conference games. Reflecting on that period, Weaver surprisingly called it ‘a blessing,’ explaining, ‘It helped me refocus and appreciate the game more.’ Now, as he embarks on his senior campaign, Weaver is not only rebuilding his physical strength but also expanding his skill set, particularly in three-point shooting—an area he’s historically averaged just 1.6 attempts per game, converting at a 35.7% clip.
And this is the part most people miss: Weaver isn’t just adding range to his game; he’s doing it strategically. ‘I’m taking all the open threes,’ he asserted. ‘I’d say three to four a game, but I’m not forcing anything.’ This calculated approach aligns with Miller’s vision for Weaver, who has gained 10 pounds to enhance his durability and physicality in his fast-paced playstyle. While Miller is optimistic about Weaver’s three-point development, he emphasizes that it’s Weaver’s two-way versatility—his ability to disrupt defensively, create steals, and dominate in transition—that truly sets him apart.
‘It’s not about points per game,’ Miller noted. ‘It’s everything else he brings—his defensive plays, his energy, his impact on every possession. He’s at his best in transition, where his athleticism shines.’
Weaver and the Longhorns will face their first major test in less than a month at the Dick Vitale Invitational, squaring off against college basketball powerhouse Duke on November 4. ‘We played in Charlotte before,’ Weaver recalled. ‘The environment is electric, and I can’t wait to be back.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Can Chendall Weaver’s expanded offensive game elevate the Longhorns to new heights, or will his defensive prowess remain the cornerstone of his impact? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one player whose evolution is worth watching closely.
