Texas Longhorns basketball: North Carolina, Michigan State highlight non-conference schedule

If Texas Longhorns basketball coach Rick Barnes has a to-do list of things that will help his basketball team return to the NCAA Tournament following the 2012-2013 hiatus, playing an easy non-conference schedule didn't end up making it.

The 'Horns released the completed portions of the schedule for the 2013-2014 season on Monday and the highlights include games against North Carolina and Michigan State, as well as a trip to play Temple on the road.

Participation in the CBE Classic is another highlight, which will feature early-round games at the Erwin Center against yet-to-be determined opponents and the finals in Kansas City against the likes of BYU, DePaul, and Wichita State, making it a tournament that Texas should have a chance to win to kick-start their tournament bid within the first month of the season.

As usual, the 'Horns should be ready for conference play after a tough December finish that includes the games against Temple, North Carolina, and Michigan State all in a four-game stretch just before Christmas.

Here's the full schedule as it stands currently:

Nov. 12 CBE Hall of Fame Classic at Erwin Center (opponent to be determined)

Nov. 15 Stephen F. Austin

Nov. 18 CBE at Erwin Center (opponent TBA)

Nov. 25 CBE semifinals in Kansas City (Texas, BYU, DePaul, Wichita State)

Nov. 26 CBE consolation and championship game

Nov. 29 Texas-Arlington

Dec. 7 at Temple

Dec. 14 Texas State

Dec. 18 at North Carolina

Dec. 21 Michigan State

Dec. 30 Rice