Chendall Weaver’s comeback story is one you won’t want to miss—a journey of resilience, reinvention, and determination as he gears up for the new basketball season after battling a tough injury. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite missing significant time last season, many still underestimate the true impact this senior guard brings to the court.
Picture this: during a typical summer training, Weaver would launch between 500 and 1,000 three-point shots. When asked how many he’d realistically sink, he laughs and says, “a good percentage.” But don’t mistake him for a flashy scorer who lives solely for long-range bombs. Over the last two seasons, what fans have really admired is Weaver’s electric speed, relentless defense, and his knack for grabbing rebounds and pulling steals—game-changing contributions that don’t always fill highlight reels but are invaluable.
Texas men’s basketball head coach Sean Miller knew this firsthand, even before coaching Weaver at Texas. They faced off last year in the NCAA Tournament's First Four, where Weaver came off the bench for Texas against Xavier and played minutes exceeding those of some starters. He scored seven points, dished out two assists, pulled down three boards, and snagged three steals in an 80-86 nail-biter loss.
Miller is candid about Weaver’s underrated talent: “Chendall Weaver is one of our best players. I don’t think many outside of Texas truly grasp how talented he is because he missed so much time last year. When we prepared for that tournament, it was like there were two versions of Texas: one with Chendall and one without him. The difference in their winning potential was clear.”
The story behind that gap? A groin injury suffered during a January 7 game against Auburn sidelined Weaver for 15 games throughout the tough Southeastern Conference schedule. Fast forward to today, and Miller is now Weaver’s head coach at Texas, where Weaver is making a significant return after an injury-plagued junior year.
Weaver reflects thoughtfully on his injury: “In some ways, it was a blessing. It forced me to refocus.” This kind of positive mindset is exactly what’s fueling his preparation for a strong senior year. Not only is he working on overall fitness to stay competitive on the floor, but he's also setting a clear goal to boost his three-point shooting, an area that’s been modest but promising throughout his college career.
To date, including his freshman year at UT-Arlington, Weaver averages just 1.6 attempts per game from behind the arc, making 35.7% of those shots. This upcoming season, expect to see him stepping out more confidently from deep. “I’m going to take all the open threes I get,” he says. “Probably three to four per game, but I won’t force it.”
Adding another layer to his game, Weaver has put on ten pounds, a physical boost Miller believes will help him endure the fast pace and intensity of Texas basketball. Miller sees Weaver’s strength and improved shooting as complementary assets but underscores that it’s his two-way play that truly sets him apart: “It’s not just about points with Chendall—though he’s definitely capable of scoring consistently. It’s the steals, the blocks, the hustle, and making plays on both ends. He’s at his best when running the floor in transition.”
The countdown is on. In less than a month, Weaver and the Longhorns will hit the hardwood at the Dick Vitale Invitational, facing off against the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils on November 4—a thrilling test of their mettle.
Weaver can barely contain his excitement: “We played in Charlotte before; the atmosphere there is electric. I’m really looking forward to it.”
But here’s the kicker—will Weaver’s expanded role as a shooter fundamentally change his impact, or will his value continue to lie in his versatile defense and athleticism? What do you think? Is the increased focus on three-point shooting the right move, or should Weaver stick to what’s made him indispensable? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!
