Texas Reaches Sweet 16 in NCAA Tournament

Former Brownwood assistant Arvid Koopman reflects on the coaching explosion in college basketball

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his latest 'Out of the Box' column, Dallas Huston discusses Texas' surprise run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, as well as Arkansas' chances and his prediction for the women's tournament. Huston also catches up with former Brownwood assistant coach Arvid Koopman, who now lives in Dallas.

Why it matters

Texas' unexpected tournament success has energized fans in the state, while the proliferation of coaches on college basketball sidelines has become a point of discussion. Huston's column provides an entertaining local perspective on these national storylines.

The details

Huston's conversation with Koopman touches on the explosion of coaching staffs in college basketball, with Huston joking that 'you go through the stands and just ask somebody if they'd like to coach in this game, then everybody that raises their hand apparently gets a uniform.' Meanwhile, Huston praises Texas' run to the Sweet 16 after the team had to 'play three and not two the first week' to qualify. He's also high on Arkansas, his pick to win the tournament, though he acknowledges they'll be 'heavy, heavy underdogs' against powerhouses like Michigan.

  • Texas qualified for the Regional Tournament, also known as the 'Sweet Sixteen'.
  • Arkansas is one of the final sixteen teams remaining in the tournament.

The players

Arvid Koopman

A former basketball assistant coach in Brownwood who now lives in Dallas with his wife.

Dallas Huston

The longtime radio voice of the Brownwood Lions and Howard Payne Yellow Jackets, who currently hosts a Men's Bible Study in Brownwood.

Texas

The men's basketball team that qualified for the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament after starting off the grid.

Arkansas

Huston's pick to win the NCAA men's basketball tournament, though they'll face tough competition.

LSU

The women's basketball team that Huston says he can no longer root for as long as their current coach is in charge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You watch a NCAA Division I basketball game and all you see is coaches! Coaches! Bob Derryberry had one. Glen Whitis had one. This thing looks like you go through the stands and just ask somebody if they'd like to coach in this game, then everybody that raises their hand apparently gets a uniform for the game that says 'I'm a coach because I look like the big guy'.”

— Dallas Huston

“Texas came from an unqualified start, which means that you are an automatic out because you qualify as a number off the qualifying grid, and you play like you qualify and then you either get in or you're out. Texas won the first game, then won the second, then won the third. They had to play three and not two the first week, and they came from off the grid to qualify.”

— Dallas Huston

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.