The long wait of summer is over, and basketball has returned to the Forty Acres. The Texas Longhorns open the 2007-08 campaign with an exhibition game against the Xavier Gold Rush of the NAIA. Admission is free and seating is open, so be sure to get to the Frank Erwin Center early to grab the best seats. But for those of you who won’t be able to make the game, TexasSports.com is offering a free internet broadcast.

While Xavier missed its entire basketball season just two years ago due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Gold Rush have quickly bounced back from adversity. They finished last season with a 22-10 record and earned an at-large bid to the NAIA tournament, where they won their first playoff game since 1973 . This year, they find themselves ranked 10th in the NAIA pre-season poll.

Last year’s game was dominated by the Longhorns, who won 103-53 after a slow start. A hot-shooting A.J. Abrams was the story of the night, as he hit six of seven three pointers and finished with 24 points on the night. Damion James also looked strong in last year’s exhibition, scoring 15 points in only 22 minutes of work.

This year, injuries make the prognosis a little murky for the Horns. Dogus Balbay will be unavailable after going under the knife on Tuesday, and Matt Hill could possibly miss the entire season due to injury. Clint Chapman is sporting a protective wrist brace, while Dexter Pittman has been seen in a boot that is rumored to be only precautionary following a deep bruise. Gary Johnson, while cleared to play tonight, will be closely monitored and then re-evaluated following the contest.

That leaves the usual suspects for Rick Barnes in the backcourt — D.J. Augustin running the point, A.J. Abrams at the 2-guard, and Justin Mason. J-Mase has been hitting the gym with aplomb this offseason, and reports say he is in the best shape of his young career. Connor Atchley and Alexis Wangmene should see a lot of minutes down low, especially if Chapman and Pittman have their minutes limited.

Meanwhile, Xavier coach Dannton Jackson will be overseeing a veteran squad this season. They return all five starters, including senior standout Mark Stewart, who already holds the record for most career three-pointers at the Louisiana university. Against Texas last year, Stewart led all Gold Rush scorers with 13 points despite coming off of the bench. Even the Xavier reserves are experienced, as five of last year’s six bench players are still on the squad this season.

With Xavier’s tallest player checking in at 6’9″, tonight should see the new Texas frontcourt dominating on the glass. Fans should also keep an eye on how Barnes mixes up the personnel with four new faces and a rash of injuries. While Justin Mason will likely be used in some three-guard sets, I fully expect to see some traditional lineups with the timely addition of Gary Johnson to the game plan.

For those of you in Austin, be sure to swing by the Frank Erwin Center before heading out for the bars and parties. Big-name recruit Tyreke Evans is in town, so it is even more important that the Texas fans show up and be loud. While we all know that is a far-fetched dream with Longhorns fans before Big 12 play, I’m going to live in denial of that fact until the game actually tips off. So, bring your friends, your family, and even your enemies……surprise me and give this team the crowd they deserve.