Austin, TX

Texas basketball: How Jayson Kent is helping the Longhorns make an NCAA Tournament push

Published

11 months ago

February 21, 2025

Texas basketball: How Jayson Kent is helping the Longhorns make an NCAA Tournament push

Fittingly, Jayson Kent is finally starting to look at home on the court for Texas basketball.

And it couldn’t come at a better time for the Longhorns and Kent, an Austin native who transferred back to his childhood home in the offseason after spending the previous two years at Indiana State.

Over the past two games, Kent, a 6-foot-8 graduate student, has gotten the start for a banged-up Texas squad. He scored a season-high 19 points in a then season-high 25 minutes in a Feb. 11 103-80 loss to Alabama. The points outburst seemed to give Kent a confidence boost when the Longhorns needed it most Saturday against No. 21 Kentucky; in a crucial 82-78 win that boosted the Longhorns’ NCAA Tournament hopes, he played 29 minutes with six points, a season-high eight rebounds and plenty of big plays that don’t get tracked by stats.

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Banging on the boards proved especially critical for a Texas team playing without leading rebounder Arthur Kaluma, whom Kent has temporarily replaced in the starting lineup. The Longhorns have struggled to match up with the long, physical frontcourts found throughout the SEC, and Kent helped Texas edge the Wildcats 41-40 on the glass.

“Obviously, people look at the scoring, but I always look at other things that he does that impact winning,” coach Rodney Terry said. “He’s rebounding the basketball for us, giving us second-chance opportunities. Trying to (have) a guy that can defend these physical forwards in this league has also been a challenge. It’s something that we needed him to do for us.”

Jayson Kent: Smaller role, larger stage in SEC

Serving as a role player wasn’t something Kent did last season with Indiana State when he averaged 13.5 points and 8.1 rebounds in 30.3 minutes a game as a starter. But the fifth-year player knew this season he’d play a lesser role in a much bigger league than Indiana State’s Missouri Valley Conference.

Kent said he came to Texas to pursue a graduate certification in communication and leadership from UT’s School of Communications while testing himself in the SEC and helping the Longhorns reach the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s just understanding what the team needs,” Kent said. “We have a lot of highly skilled guys on the team, and we all want to be successful. But, for me personally, I’m adjusting to this different role of just finding ways to impact winning, to help the team benefit. Whatever my minutes are, I’m going to do what I can in those minutes to leave an impact.”

Kent didn’t make much of an impact early in the season. He averaged a little over six points and three rebounds in 19 minutes a game in the first three contests of the campaign before suffering a wrist injury that sidelined him for eight games. By the time Kent returned to the court for the final nonconference game Dec. 29 against Northwestern State, Terry said Kent needed to adapt from a role he had carved out in the preseason as a big who could step out to the 3-point line.

“It was tough for him, and it was tough for us,” Terry said. “We had already been playing, and now he’s got to try to etch out his identity of who he really needs to be for us. It may not be the same that it was going to be to start the season. Maybe we didn’t need him to stretch the floor for us now. Now, we need him to be more of a flow guy for us.”

Rodney Terry: Coach’s kids ‘cerebral’ players

But things have been flowing for Kent over the past two games as Texas (16-10, 5-8 SEC) makes a push for an NCAA bid. Kent has never played in the NCAA Tournament during his previous stops at Indiana State and Bradley; ending his collegiate career with a March Madness appearance would be a fitting end considering his start.

Kent was born in Austin in 2002, when his father, Jason Kent, served as the head basketball coach at Huston-Tillotson University in East Austin and his mother, Anna Kent, worked in the University of Texas athletics department. The family moved to the Chicago area in 2004 when Jason Kent took a job as Chicago State’s head coach.

And why the same name but a different spelling from his dad?

“My dad wanted a junior, but my mom didn’t, so they compromised,” Jayson Kent said with a laugh.

Basketball runs deep in Kent’s family. Both parents played collegiate basketball, with Jason suiting up at Ohio and Charleston while Anna competed at West Virginia. His sister, Janae, was a highly touted youth player who signed with LSU before transferring to Texas A&M this season.

Terry, himself the son of a coach, knew Jason Kent while he coached at Huston-Tillotson. And even before Jayson Kent returned to Austin, Terry anticipated what type of player the Longhorns were getting in a coach’s son.

“They always think like a coach, they always have a cerebral understanding of the game, because they’ve been around the game their whole lives,” he said. “It’s just instinctive; if you’re sitting there watching the game with your dad, you’re looking at the game through a different lens that maybe a kid that doesn’t have a dad that’s a coach. So, I think there definitely are characteristics of being a coach’s son, just having a great feel for the game. Jason has that cerebral feel for the game and understanding of how to play defensively, cut offensively and space on the floor.”

Saturday’s game

Texas at South Carolina, 7:30 p.m., SEC Network, 1300, 98.1

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Austin, TX

Texas Tech lands K-State LB Austin Romaine out of transfer portal

Published

4 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Texas Tech lands K-State LB Austin Romaine out of transfer portal

The Texas Tech football team landed its first commitment out of the transfer portal on Sunday.

Kansas State transfer linebacker Austin Romaine announced his commitment on social media. A second-team all-Big 12 selection this season, Romaine joins Texas Tech with one year of eligibility plus a redshirt year available.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker has been a fixture in the middle of the Kansas State defense since his true freshman season of 2023 — when he earned five starts and was named Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, an award he shared with his new teammate Ben Roberts. He started all 12 games in 2024 and had 66 tackles, six quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.

What Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine brings to Texas Tech football

Romaine will likely be seen as Jacob Rodriguez’s replacement as the other starting linebacker next to Roberts next season. It would also indicate John Curry will remain at the STAR (the hybrid linebacker-safety position) in which he excelled this season.

For his career, Romaine has three forced fumbles (all in 2024) and had his first career fumble recovery and interception in 2025.

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Austin, TX

Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal

Published

16 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Top 10 Gyms In Austin TX (2026) – Fitness For Every Goal

Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group

As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.

Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!

Full-Service Gyms

Life Time

Image credit: Life Time Austin North

Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.

Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.

Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm

Hyde Park Gym

Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.

Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms

Korrect Fitness

Image credit: Korrect Fitness

Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.

Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.

Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.

Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7

FeV Iron Vault Gym

Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym

Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.

Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Group Fitness & Specialty Studios

Orangetheory

Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.

Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm

F45 Training

F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.

Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm

Big Tex Gym

Image credit: Big Tex Gym

Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.

Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7

Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County

Published

1 day ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

Minor arrested in double-fatal shooting in Williamson County

article

Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.

The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.

Williamson County double-homicide

What we know:

Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.

Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.

Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.

Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Williamson County officials comment

What they’re saying:

“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.

Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.

“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.

What we don’t know:

The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.

The victims were not identified.

The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.

The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

Williamson CountyCrime and Public Safety

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