Coach Barnes said freshman Gary Johnson will be allowed to play at some point this season, just not this weekend.

We could use him on Friday as the Horns face a much bigger and more talented team in New Mexico State. And after watching UCLA and Michigan State play a very physical game last night in Kansas City, the Horns will definitely need his services in LA and in Detroit.

Without Johnson, the Horns will likely remain in their small three-guard starting lineup and continue to struggle on the defensive glass and particulary against bigger, more physical teams. Without Johnson, Texas is probably only the fourth best team in the Big 12, behing Kansas, A&M, and Kansas State. With Gary, the Horns are probably the second best team in the league and a legit top 20 team in the country.

Hopefully he's cleared soon and can return to the court safely to deliver 12 points and eight boards per game. We need ya!

--AW--