AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Got here just before the game started. Traffic was bad, but nothing compared to my three-game jaunt a year ago in Los Angeles.

After just a few minutes of watching this one, I forgot one thing: How slow the last game was because of UCLA and Michigan.

These two teams - Michigan State and Texas - push the ball. This could turn into one of the more exciting games of the year. Terrific guard play for both clubs - the Spartans have Drew Neitzel and Kalin Lucas while Texas boasts arguably the nation's best - D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams.

Another quick note: Texas big man Connor Atchley is already carrying himself with far more confidence than he was when I saw him a few weeks ago in New Jersey. Now he knows he's a player.