Texas center Cameron Ridley could return to the Longhorns' lineup as soon as this week's Big 12 tournament, coach Shaka Smart told ESPN.com, adding he is "really, really optimistic" that the senior will be back for the NCAA tournament.
"It depends on how he responds, but he's not definitely out [for the Big 12 tournament],'' Smart said. "It all depends on how he does and how he feels later this week."
Ridley has not played since breaking a bone in his foot during practice Dec. 28, missing the past 20 games for Texas.