McElroy's Return

Saturday, January 16

Austin, TX

5 p.m.

Oklahoma State University

Texas

January 16, 2016 | Cowboy Basketball

It's been 657 days since Codey McElroy suited up in an Oklahoma State-Texas game.

On that day, the senior walk-on wore a Texas uniform in Allie P. Reynolds Stadium as the Cowboys won the Big 12 series with a 5-4 victory.

Never in his "wildest dreams" did McElroy think he would wear America's brightest orange, much less play basketball against his former school.

"It feels good to be back, I haven't been here in a couple of years so it's exciting to come back," McElroy said. "I've talked to a few of my old teammates and friends that are still in town and we got the chance to eat dinner together."

After graduating from Chattanooga High School, he continued to pursue baseball at Eastern Oklahoma State before transferring to Texas for his sophomore season. One year later, McElroy found himself at Cameron University before taking off for the pros.

Drafted in the 19th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2014 as a right-handed outfielder, the Frederick native's college and professional careers have taken different turns but he doesn't regret one thing.

"It was a great experience for me and made me grow up and mature as a man because I was in Austin on my own," McElroy said.

When McElroy walked-on to the basketball team, one of the first people to call and congratulate him was his Longhorn baseball coach.

"I made some lifelong relationships when I was at Texas," McElroy said. "Meeting great people was the best part of playing baseball."

Today on the hardwood, McElroy will have the opportunity to reflect on his time as a Longhorn while working toward a Big 12 win on the road with his Cowboy family.

"I don't think there's any extra pressure on my part, but it is a big game for us," McElroy said. "We're ready to go out there and do what we need to do."

The Cowboys took both meetings against Texas last season, and have won six of the last seven overall.

Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. on ESPN2.