A silver lining in Texas injury?

Texas' much-needed win Saturday against Texas Tech did come with one bit of bad news – point guard Dogus Balbay tore the ACL in his left knee and is gone for the season. Tough luck, too. A quadriceps injury ended Varez Ward's season back in November.

Does that put a stake into the Longhorns' season? Before beating Tech, they'd lost six of their last nine, and will likely turn to freshman J'Covan Brown the rest of the way.

Yet … maybe that's a good thing.

That notion is making the rounds on the Web, and with good reason. Balbay was the better defender, but Brown's a far superior scorer. Provided he limits his turnovers, the Longhorns may finally be a more consistent, dangerous offense. And if Rick Barnes wants some defense, he can always turn to senior Justin Mason.

Perhaps more important is the idea of Texas now finding a consistent rotation. As Rush the Court points out, a crowded backcourt wasn't helping the 'Horns. It's all about that silver lining.

Because if Texas can use this disappointment to finally figure out how to get consistent heady play and scoring from the perimeter, they suddenly become that team we all thought they could be. And isn't that what Barnes and Texas fans all ultimately want? 

Do they ever.

Mike Miller's also on Twitter, usually talkin' hoops. Click here for more.