This is a special team

• Three wins against the Top 5. 3 of our 4 losses against ranked opponents. Barnes doesn't shy away from tough competition. If you're a competitor, which these kids clearly are, you've got to love playing for a program that wants to go up against the best.
• I've been trying to convince my brother PB that Damien James is a 1st Round NBA talent - THIS year. He can do it all. Run, jump, shoot, pass, dribble, defend, and most importantly, he competes. At only 6'7", James took over the game on the defensive backboard last night. He did it by simply willing himself to success. That dude gets off the floor in a hurry, and he has an uncanny knack for timing his jumps just right. James has a ways to go on his shot but the bottom line is its in his repretoire. He'll need summer after summer of thousands of shots, but he has the ability. When I saw him make that bounce pass to a cutting Connor Atchley I saw the final piece of evidence I needed to be convinced a team will take him in the 1st round if he comes out after this year. A solid basketball IQ to go along with that ridiculous physical ability. He's the real deal.

* I sure hope he stays though. Same with DJ. This is a special collection of players that Barnes has assembled in Austin. I'd be very comfortable betting on a Horns National Championship next year if the entire team were to return.

* One player I don't think got enough love from the group for last night's game was Justin Mason. WOW. What a job on the glass and defense he did in the second half. Some of the rebounds he came up with were incredible. Great instincts and anticipation plus an admirable dose of flat-out-desire from Justin. I think he'll play professionally as well if he can get his shot in gear a bit more. Heck, Royal Ivey's still in the League and I think Mason provides more size and toughness.

* What can you say about Connor Atchley. Color me officially impressed by his development, and I'll be the first to admit I underestimated him at the start of the year. He never forces things, plays sufficient help and rotation defense, has a great knack for blocking shots without picking up fouls, and last night, he proved he can finish at the rim, which wasn't something we'd seen much of. Very awesome seeing him slash, go up with two hands and dunk in traffic.

* Anybody else notice Rick Barnes' change in attire? I think i saw him wearing a blue shirt last game. Not last night, but the game before. First time ever not in his usual white shirt and conservative jacket. Stylish Rick finally seems very comfortable in his own skin, and as trivial as that may sound, it's important when you're trying to get young kids to play all-out for 40 minutes.

* AJ Abrams will go down as the leading scorer in UT history, and maybe just maybe if we're able to win a championship while he's here, the most important Longhorn to ever play basketball in Austin. TJ helped get things started. Durant shined bright for a year. Abrams will be a 4-year guy with all sorts of records, impressive wins, and a commendable commitment to the program - something Longhorn fans demand from their 'favorites'.

* 88-6 the past 6 years at the Drum. Not a typo. That's sick. One loss per year for us non-math majors in the group.

* I like DJ Augustin's willingness to hold his head high and keep competing when his shots aren't falling. It's tempting for a superstar to force things, pout, and slack on defense when things aren't going his way. He doesn't. He stays in the moment, finds different ways to get himself and his teammates involved, and never, EVER sulks out there. Again, sounds trivial, but very important in close, tightly contested games like last night's.

* Guys, if you aren't behind this team, jump on board. You clamor for more competitive games in football. Better scheduling. Fewer character issues. More innovative adjustments from the coaches. The basektball team provides all of the above.

* Before the final buzzer sounded, ESPN showed a clip of Michael Beasley and the KSU Wildcats standing on the scorers table celebrating a home victory over the 'Hawks a short while back. The Horns reaction after winning? Excited jubilation, but we acted like we'd been there before. This program's all class and heart. LOVE IT.