Rick Barnes has brought Texas basketball to a level that it has never been before. Ranked number 3 in the country, above conference foes like Oklahoma and Kansas. The Horns have been featured on ESPN’s “Big Monday” game 3 times in the last 4 weeks, and are the talk of all the college basketball analysts as they proclaim the incredible talent of TJ Ford, Brandon Mouton, and James Thomas.

Today I read that the Horns are expected by several analysts to be seeded number 1 in the Midwest Region for March Madness, the NCAA College Basketball Tournament. It would be the first time in the school’s history to receive a top seed in an NCAA basketball tournament.

My first reaction was amazement – I know how good the Horns are but there are still some tough games ahead, including one in Norman OK where the Sooners are waiting to exact revenge for their loss in Austin on national television.

But I am so exceedinly proud of what Rick Barnes has accomplished in Austin. The students are camping out overnight for the chance to see his team. The Erwin Center is a loud and exciting place, and this football centered city is starting to understand what a collection of incredible talent has been assembled to wear the burnt orange on our basketball floor.

Coach Barnes buys doughnuts and pizza for the students who camp out to see the Horns. Augie Garrido may have brought UT a national championship in Omaha last year, and Mack Brown may have brought two 11-win seasons to the football team for the first time in school history, but Rick Barnes is still my favorite Longhorn coach. Here’s hoping the good guys finish first this year.