Could the Texas Longhorns Be a Surprise Cinderella?

The 2011-2012 Texas Longhorns frustrated their fans with an often haphazard and unpredictable style during the regular season.

Rick Barnes’ team managed to slide in sideways to the field of 68 for the 14th straight time with a 20-13 record, primarily due to a Big 12 Tournament win over the No. 8 seed in the South Region, the Iowa State Cyclones.

While no one is certain the Longhorns will make a splash in this year’s version of March Madness, history proves the capability to do so is there.

On first glance at this year’s brackets a few teams stand out as potential “Cinderellas”: Belmont, Wichita State, Creighton, and Harvard. Although they have a No. 11 seed, and are one of the country’s strongest programs, why should Texas be excluded from wearing the glass slipper?

On any given night, the five freshmen required to play substantial minutes for Rick Barnes’ squad can show flashes of brilliance that makes one understand why each was so heavily recruited.

Myck Kabongo has the raw ability to be a strong Division I point guard.

Shelden McClellan is a rising star, and, in my opinion, the best of the bunch and the most likely to play at the next level.

Jonathan Holmes has played with more confidence and swagger as of late.

Jaylen Bond seems to come up with a key rebound or defensive stop when it’s needed most.

Julien Lewis can hit the key three when needed.

What happens if each of these guys–along with unquestioned team leader and prohibitive 2012 draft pick J’Covan Brown– all turn it on at the same time and find the groove they have sought this season?

If the Longhorns find this groove they could be a huge surprise in Nashville.

Matched up against a Cincinnati team that has been inconsistent, but at times very good, Texas just needs to put all the pieces together. A win against the Bearcats would be a huge confidence builder to prepare Texas for a potential second-round match-up with former Texas assistant, and current Florida State head coach, Leonard Hamilton.

If the Longhorns could somehow slip by the Seminoles, things could get very interesting.

It may be far-fetched to suggest this year’s version of the Texas Longhorns is a Sweet Sixteen team, but I wouldn’t sleep on them either.