The College Basketball Post

[allen3xis]

Maybe the game won't show up on too many radars, but it's intriguing nonetheless.[table][tr][td]

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[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Star forward Blake Griffin and Oklahoma should not look past American.[/td] [/tr][/table]Not only were American and Oklahoma - who meet Friday night in Norman - NCAA tournament teams last season, but they were both in the East Regionaland played at the same first-round site in Birmingham, Ala.
The sixth-seeded Sooners won their first-round game, while the 15th-seeded Eagles put up quite a fight against Tennessee beforesuccumbing.

Each is picked to win its conference this season. American is the favorite in the Patriot League, while Oklahoma received the top spot in the Big 12preseason poll for the first time.

That is where the similarities end. The Sooners are a bigger, stronger team than the Eagles. They will run much of their offense through 6-foot-10 sophomorepower forward Blake Griffin, who is a difficult matchup for anyone, much lessthe American frontcourt, which goes 6-8, 6-6 and 6-5.

Griffin shot 100 percent from the field in OU's two exhibition wins. That's not a misprint. He made all 16 of his shots in the Sooners' routs ofDivision II teams Panhandle State and Cameron.

But OU could have its hands full, too. Eagles guards Garrison Carr (5-11) andDerrick Mercer (5-9) are quicker than hummingbird wings. Eagles coach Jeff Jones runs Carr off more screens than Toshiba produces.

Carr is one of the nation's leading 3-point threats. He ranked fifth nationally in 3-pointers per game (4.1) last season. He hit six against Tennesseein the first-round NCAA loss en route to 26 points.

"One person can't guard him," Vols guard Chris Lofton said that day. "He comes off eight or nine screens. I had to take a break in thefirst half. I was dead."

Sooners five-star freshman point guard Willie Warren will have theunenviable task of chasing Carr and/or Mercer for much of the night. It should be an interesting matchup.

 

[allen3xis]

Chris Lowe didn't take care of the ball.

Jrue Holiday was solid in his college debut.

Here's Thursday morning's What You Need To Know:

Notable game from Wednesday: Southern Illinois overcame a double-digit hole in the second half to beat UMass and advance to the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. The final score was 80-73. SIU's Carlton Fay got 17 points and was responsible for one of the nine 3-pointers the Salukis hit in the final 19 minutes. Meantime, UMass senior Chris Lowe finished with no assists and 10 turnovers, which is something I wanted to highlight for the readers who emailed complaining when I left Lowe off the list of top 40 points/combos in the country.

Notable performance from Wednesday: The much anticipated college debut of Jrue Holiday got off to a nice start when the UCLA freshman scored 11 points in the Bruins' 82-58 win over Prairie View A&M in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Holiday made 4-of-8 shots, including 2-of-5 3-point attempts. He was the only UCLA freshman start -- joining veterans Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, Alfred Aboya and James Keefe.

Notable game scheduled for Thursday: Holiday will be back on the court when UCLA plays Miami-Ohio for the right to join Duke, Southern Illinois and Michigan in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Assuming the Bruins win, they'll meet Michigan in one semifinal while Duke plays SIU. Those games are scheduled for next Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

 

[seymore cake]

I take it those games are on ESPNU as well?

 

[allen3xis]

Tonight UCLA/Miami OH is ESPNU

Oklahoma/American is Full court

but semifinals next week with Duke will be ESPN

 

[craftsy21]

I'm thinking American/Oklahoma is a good game. American must have about 28 seniors on their roster this year... the way they slow the game down and shootthe 3 ball oughta keep them in every game they play this year... I think they could spring the upset. But i'm not betting on it.


actually scratch that a bit... their best forward is still coming back from knee surgery and may not even play... and they lost another starter i didn'tknow about this offseason due to him skipping his senior year to pursue a political career or something. So they could be looking at just 2 returning startersin the lineup tonight, but they'll be their starting guards who are both decent as hell.

Still - that's too much going against them in this one.

I still want to check it out..probably a likely 14-16 seed and a likely 5-7 type seed...

 

[dacomeup]

Originally Posted by ShannonsCrooks

Isn't Tyreke Evans an Adidas kid too?

'Reke was a Nike dude. Team Final was sponsored by Jordan/Nike.

 

[allen3xis]

Purdue's two most important players this year will be JaJuan Johnson and Lewis Jackson.

Boilermakers coach Matt Painter knows what he's going to get out of guys like Robbie Hummel, E'Twaun Moore, Keaton Grant and Chris Kramer. All four arelegitimate all-conference players.

Johnson, a long and athletic 6-foot-10 sophomore who averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds last season, and Jackson, a 5-foot-9 freshman point guard, will bethe key in how far Purdue can go.

Painter said he's had no problem controlling the expectations placed upon a young team that went to the second round of the NCAA tournament last season.

``We didn't win the Big Ten, didn't even advance in the Big Ten tournament," Painter said. "We haven't won anything. We should be damnhungry because the only thing we've won is publicity."

Grant still isn't quite 100 percent, but he's only missed a couple of practices. He'll start at point guard, but don't be surprised to seeGrant and Jackson on the court together.

Grant is a true combo guard while Jackson is a pure point who really pushes and pressures the ball.

``He's been very good so far," Painter said of Jackson. "He's a very good listener and has a good basketball IQ."

Johnson went for 22 points, grabbed 14 boards and had seven blocks last week in an exhibition win against Northern State.

``He gives us size, length and athleticism," Painter said. "He's got to develop into a Hakim Warrick-type of guy."

ABOUT LAST NIGHT

Remember, most of the country gets going with games tomorrow and over the weekend.

- The country didn't really get a chance to see the "real" Matt Janning. The Northeastern junior guard is much better than he showed againstMichigan last night.

- Michigan's Manny Harris was terrific in his new "Mike Gansey-esque" role for John Beilein. Harris was clearly the most dominant player on thefloor and finished with 26 points (on 6-of-9 shooting), 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Wolverines will likely face UCLA in New York next week and a yearago, with less talent, Beilein & Co. stayed in the game against the Bruins for 30-plus minutes.

 

[allen3xis]

Outside and beyond the well-heeled power conferences, there are hundreds of schools entering the 2008-09 season with dreams of NCAA Tournament glory. Hereare 10 teams and 10 players that might have serious bracket impact four months from now.
[h2]Teams[/h2]

Davidson (SoCon)

Since a near-miss NCAA performance against Maryland two seasons ago during StephenCurry's freshman year, Davidson has been squarely on the mid-major radar. So last year's Elite Eight run wasn't a complete shock. Now, thespotlight burns hotter, with nearly every one of the Wildcats' nonconference games being shown on national TV. Among players on Bob McKillop's rosterwho don't wear the number 30, pay attention to the development of junior guard BryantBarr, whose three gigantic second-half 3s kept Davidson in the Kansas game while Curry struggled to find his shot. He would have been the subject ofcountless articles had the Wildcats won, but for now he's still a secret hiding in plain sight.

Creighton (Missouri Valley)

If the MVC returns to multi-bid status after a rare off year, its bellwether program could very well lead the way. The Bluejays have reached the Big Dance16 times and have landed five No. 10 seeds in the past decade, and could make some more March noise if a deep and young backcourt delivers on the promisehinted at in a 22-11 (10-8 MVC) season a year ago. P'Allen Stinnett, a flashy andemotional sophomore guard (12.6 ppg in 2007-0, has already emerged as the player Valley opponents love to loathe.

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AP Photo/Mike Carlson

Siena returns just about everyone, including post player Alex Franklin.
Siena (Metro Atlantic)
The Saints struck a blow for the mighty little MAAC when they upset No. 4 Vanderbilt 83-62 for the league's fourth-ever round of 64 win, the widest NCAAvictory margin in conference history. As a testament to the team's continued potential, Siena loaded the all-league preseason team with three big guns:dynamic guard Kenny Hasbrouck, multiple-position threat Edwin Ubiles and undersized post man Alex Franklin. The trio combined for 48.2 ppg a season ago.

Cleveland State (Horizon League)

The Vikings were one of the first Cinderellas of the 64-team era back in 1986, knocking off Saint Joseph's and Indiana before being denied an EliteEight slot by a single point by David Robinson and Navy. With recent Horizon power Butler replacing the bulk of its scoring from its recent runs, ClevelandState looks poised to make a long-awaited return. Gary Waters' squad led the conference standings until a late losing streak allowed the Bulldogs to sneakby, but J'Nathan Bullock and Cedric Jackson (combined 28.7 ppg last season) will return as seniors with an eye on closingthe deal.

Winthrop (Big South)

The Eagles have to replace four of their top five scorers, but rebuilding is nothing new for the perennial Big South champions. After one season under RandyPeele, Winthrop have reinvented itself as a defensive powerhouse (allowing just 58.5 ppg last season) that defeated two ACC squads from Georgia Tech and Miamibefore nabbing its fourth straight conference title. If the team sticks to those lockdown concepts, it could hold off challenges from Radford and new BSC entryGardner-Webb, and return to the Dance for the ninth time in eleven seasons.

Middle Tennessee State (Sun Belt)

After the two-bid Belt of 2008, Western Kentucky lost league POY Courtney Lee to the NBA, while South Alabama lost mainstay Demetric Bennett to graduation.MTSU, the conference tournament runner-up a season ago, didn't lose anybody. A slow start and a 17-15 record kept the Blue Raiders far from an at-large oftheir own, but with three double-figure scorers and burgeoning depth at every position, this could be their time to break through. Keep an eye on 6-10 Theryn Hudson (9.1 ppg, 64.7 percent FG), a former project who's beginning to find someconsistency.

San Diego (West Coast)

Gonzaga and Saint Mary's were the WCC teams that kept popping up in the national polls last season, but don't forget it ended up being tourneytitlist San Diego that went the farthest. The Toreros' stunning OT win over Connecticut out of a No. 13 seed marked the first time in the past decade thatthe "G" team wasn't the one that struck deepest into the tournament. With former Zags assistant Bill Grier re-upping for a contract extension,the champs will enjoy the benefit of an element they didn't have during their 2008 run: senior leadership.

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Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Kent State returns MAC player of the year Al Fisher as the Flashes try to extend their 20-win streak.
Kent State (Mid-American)
While the fortunes of mid-major programs generally rise and fall depending on coaching retention and uneven recruiting classes, the Golden Flashes'streak of 10 consecutive 20-win seasons is remarkable indeed. Kent State scored the MAC's first single-digit seed (a No. 9) with a 28-win season, butcouldn't back it up, suffering a crushing 71-58 first-round loss at the hands of UNLV. Now, with assistant Geno Ford assuming control after JimChristian's flight to TCU, returning league POY Al Fisher (13.9 ppg) and thereturning Flashes will try to keep the decade-long run of excellence alive.

Belmont (Atlantic Sun)

As a 15-over-2 upset slipped away in the final seconds against Duke, the CBS cameras caught Bruins coach Rick Byrd mouthing an uncharacteristic curse word.A long summer has soothed the frustration from that one-point loss, and Belmont returns more formidable than ever. The multifaceted Andy Wicke (14 points and four 3s in that Duke game) leads a core of four senior startersthat combined for 42.9 ppg last season, and that could easily be described with a different four-letter word: good.

North Dakota State (Summit League)

The Summit has been the domain of Oral Roberts for the past three seasons, but these Bison have been building for this moment since the league was known asthe Mid-Continent. NDSU, a fledgling Division I program, redshirted an entire class four years ago so their senior campaign would coincide with theschool's first year of national postseason eligibility. Now that it's arrived, players like PG Ben Woodside (20.7 ppg, 5.1 apg last season) and undersized big Brett Winkelman (19.2 ppg,8.3 rpg) could reach March's big stage . If those names sound familiar, it's because they have a track record -- the Bison have upset nationally rankedWisconsin and Marquette within the past three years.
[h2]Players[/h2]

Stephen Curry, Davidson, Jr.

The nation's returning leading scorer has, in two short years, taken down college basketball's giants with his killer jump shot and ensured thatnobody will ever mispronounce his name again (remember, it's STEFF-in). But can he play the point? With the graduation of rock-steady Jason Richards,Davidson enters the third year of the Curry Plan, a blueprint that originally dictated that he would assume his natural position as a junior, the one he playedin high school at Charlotte Christian. While his scoring output may go down a bit from his 25.9 ppg total from last year, his dynamism and impact on gamesshould only increase.

Patty Mills, Saint Mary's, So.

The West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and a conference first-team selection in 2007-08, the 20-year-old Aussie phenom became known one of thenation's most exciting new guards. This summer, Mills made a global impact as well. The "Canberra Cannon" led the Australian national team with14.2 ppg at the Beijing Olympics (all off the bench), including 20 against the gold-medal-bound U.S. team in the quarterfinals. If he can help lead the Gaelsto a second consecutive NCAA bid, Mills might end up in the NBA draft next summer. It would be the only real challenge left for him.

Matt Howard, Butler, So.

On a team that won 30 games, hung around the Top 25 all season and reached the round of 32, the Bulldogs' 6-foot-8 newcomer was an instant-impactperformer down low, scoring 12.3 ppg and grabbing 5.5 rpg. With the graduations of five of Butler's top seven scorers, Howard becomes somewhat of an elderstatesman as a sophomore. The program's ability to keep its momentum going after a pair of NCAA seasons will hinge greatly on the big man's ability toscore while a young backcourt finds its way.

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AP Photo/Kevin Wolf

Eric Maynor, known for knocking out Duke in the 2007 tourney, is back for his senior season at VCU.
Eric Maynor, Virginia Commonwealth, Sr.
The VCU star guard's college career was crystallized by the 3-pointer that felled Duke in the 2007 first round, a shot that capped a 22-pointperformance and has come to be known in CAA circles as "The Dagger." After Maynor's POY campaign (17.8 ppg, 5.4 apg) helped lead VCU to aregular-season championship in 2008, the Rams' semifinal loss to upstart William & Mary in the league tournament ensured that last season's BigDance was a cutlery-free zone. After flirting with the NBA draft process, Maynor returned to school for a senior season to become a greater all-aroundthreat.

Tremaine Townsend, Cal State Northridge, Sr.

The Matadors finished the 2007-08 season 20-10 and in a three-way tie for first after the Big West regular season, but weren't taken by the NIT. None ofthis was the fault of CSUN's 6-9 center, who compiled 10 double-doubles down the stretch, including the 16-and-16 performance in a first-round tourney lossto eventual titlist Fullerton. He finished with a conference-best 9.8 rpg, establishing himself as the league's superior inside force. Rewarded with apreseason all-conference nod, Townsend looks to lead the red and black to their first-ever BWC title.

Lester Hudson, Tennessee-Martin, Sr.

When a player declares early-exit intentions from the Ohio Valley Conference, a league that hasn't yielded an NCAA tournament win since 1989,there's got to be a punchline somewhere. But when the Skyhawks' star guard made the pre-draft camp rounds last spring after his junior season, nobodywas laughing. After scoring 25.7 ppg as a juco transfer (including an ultra-rare quadruple-double), the rangy 6-2 combo guard was pegged as a second-roundpick, but elected to return for a college degree and a chance for a better draft position. You can catch him in action Nov. 18 when UTM plays Tennessee.

Gary Wilkinson, Utah State, Sr.

The tattered WAC, coming off a rare one-bid year, now has to find a new set of stars -- every member of the postseason all-league teams from 2007-08 hasmoved on except one. So Wilkinson, the lone holdover, was granted preseason player of the year honors heading into the new season. The 6-9, 240-lb. Wilkinsonis most effective when bullying his way to the basket, something he did early and often in compiling a 13.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg stat line last season. Like Hudson andTownsend, the former Salt Lake City CC product is a second-year senior who made the transition from juco standout to D-I level star.

Tywain McKee, Coppin State, Sr.

The Eagles found themselves with an abysmal 12-20 record heading into the MEAC tournament, but three straight game-clinching free throws and shots by 6-2Philly native McKee sent Coppin to an improbable NCAA ticket, a run that ended in Dayton's play-in game. A Proposition 48 case at the start of his collegecareer, he gained his lost year of eligibility with good grades, so he'll be a senior for a second straight season. If McKee is able to continue his stringof last-minute magic, Coppin State might be known for something other than its endless guarantee-game road trips (the home fans won't get to see him playuntil Jan. 10).

Louis Dale, Cornell, Jr.

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J. Meric/Getty Images

Athletic swingman Marqus Blakely leads a reloaded Vermont squad.
Cornell emphatically ended the Ivy League's Penn and Princeton era last season, after one P or the other had won every league championship since1988. The Big Red's 5-11 mighty mite had a great deal to do with that, scoring 13.7 ppg, including at least 20 in three of the past four regular-seasongames as Cornell iced the title. Dale's load will be heavier with the temporary loss of fellow guard Adam Gore, who tore an ACL in practice and will be out until at least January. Gore should beequal to the task -- he's an all-purpose slicer-dicer, finishing in the Ivy's top 10 in six different categories.
Marqus Blakely, Vermont, Jr.

Vermont was last seen at the NCAA tournament four seasons ago, upending Syracuse as a No. 13 seed and sending loquacious coach Tom Brennan to a cozy"retirement" in Bristol. While Albany and UMBC have been representing the America East at the Dance, the next generation of Catamounts has beentaking shape. As a freshman, the 6-5 forward became a YouTube star for his ferocious leaning dunk in alosing title-game effort, but blossomed into the league player of the year with 19.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg (both league highs) and 15 double-doubles. With an improvedsupporting cast this year (including Michigan State transfer Maurice Joseph), Blakelycould help write the next chapter of Vermont NCAA lore.

 

[allen3xis]

Welcome to The Show! On Thursday, ESPN.com college basketball writer Dana O'Neil will stop by to chat about the new season in college hoops.
Send your questions now and join Dana in The Show on Thursday at 2 p.m. ET!

O'Neil Archive: Columns | Chats

DanaO'Neil: (2:00 PM ET ) welcome back hoop heads. bout time we started this eason.

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Aaron (Bar Harbor,ME) : i dont understand how syracuse isnt getting as much consideration as they should be. returning 2 great shooters thatwere missed last year and a top 3 pg in the country with a great supporting cast and A LOT more depth how are they not rated better?

Dana O'Neil: (2:01 PM ET ) Aaron: Thinka lot of people want to be sure Rautins and Devendorf are OK. But I agree w/ you. Think Jonny Flynn is fantastic and Syracuse should be a team making somenoise in a crazy Big East.

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Dan: Kansas City, MO: Do you think Frank Martin is the right fit at Kansas State and will he get top recruiting class to Mantattan?

Dana O'Neil: (2:02 PM ET ) Dan: Jury isout for now. Looks like he has a good recruiting class - two more guys from the DC Assault pipeline for next season. It will be interesting to see how theyfare sans Mr. Beasley

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James, Philadelphia, PA: Good afternoon Dana. I always love hearing your insights. Please tell me why Villanova isn't more highly regardedgoing into the season. Few coaches have had more success than Wright over the past four or five years. Over that time span Nova's appeared in thetournament regularly and it has played pretty well once it got there. This year it returns everyone from a squad that went to the Sweet 16 last year. Only thistime around, the guard play should be much more consistent as Stokes and Fisher have a year under their belt. This is a dangerous team that looks a lot likethat grossly under-hyped 2005 team that smoked Kansas and probably would have knocked off UNC in the Sweet 16 save for a horrible traveling call.

Dana O'Neil: (2:04 PM ET ) James: Sawthe exhibition game. Was under impresesd but could have been quality of competition. If Dante Cunningham can hit jumpers, they're in business. As for theguards, they are very talented but Stokes and Fisher need to jack up the consistenchy, especially Fisher. Expect them to get much better as the season goes on.

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ADC (AZ): What names are possible replacements for Lute Olson at UofA?

Dana O'Neil: (2:05 PM ET ) ADC: purelyconjecture but West Coast guy Jamie Dixon has to be in the mix. Ditto Mark Few and Tony Bennett. Whoever it is, he can sell available playing time and thepromise of stability

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Raymar Morgan (east lansing): hey dana...quick question....am i the big ten player of the year?

Dana O'Neil: (2:06 PM ET ) Raymarepends. If your squad lives up to my out on the limb prediction of a Final Four spot, than yes. If Purdue's Baby Boilers are as good, then Robbie Hummel

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Lemmer (Baltimore): Once again I'm seeing numerous publications that don't even have WVU in the tournament. When will these"experts" learn that WVU always plays better then expected finally give them their due respect?

Dana O'Neil: (2:07 PM ET ) Lemmer:Couldn't agree more, especially when you add the fact that Bob Huggins coached the bejesus out of guys last year who weren't even used to playing forhim. With a year to change styles, think the Neers will be very tough.

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Dan (Buffalo, NY): Dana, how long can UNC stay number one without Psycho T? I am confident up until the early game in december against MSU.Thoughts?

Dana O'Neil: (2:08 PM ET ) Dan: Mauicould be tricky, I'd say. That said, if he's not ready I'd risk the early-season loss for the late-season run

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Dan (Media, PA): Dana, why did the "Holy War" move from February to December? Seems unfortunate for St Joe's that theirpotential "resume-builders" are so early in the season. How do you think they will fare this year? Chance to dance?

Dana O'Neil: (2:09 PM ET ) Dan: Movedbecause the game has been an ugly blowout for years. Not very grippingg to watch. As for the Hawks, got a lot to replace but Nivins should help.

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Andrew (Austria): If UNC doesn't win the National Championship this year, what do you think the fall out from the media will be like,especially pertaining to Roy Williams?

Dana O'Neil: (2:10 PM ET ) Andrewepends. if they lose in the national championship or even the Final Four, it happens. The beauty of hte tourney is it's unpredictability. If they lose inthe second round, warm up the barbecue. They're gettin roasted.

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Mark Orlando: Dana, Can you please talk about Tom Crean and his newly signed class?

Dana O'Neil: (2:11 PM ET ) Mark: Sure Ican. Part of the reason that Crean is a great choice to get Indiana out of this mess is because he's an insanely good recruiter. Landed a very good class,especially considering the uncertainties the program is facing.

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Gilbert (Phoenix, AZ): In your perspective, which of the small conference teams would be the most successful?

Dana O'Neil: (2:13 PM ET ) Gilbertavidson is too easy. Siena is loaded and already proved what they could do last year, beating Vandy. With Eric Maynor, VCU is very good. Think the talk aroundNortheastern is legit, at least in conference.

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Matt (Chicago): Dana, how do you see the midseason additions of Stanley Robinson and Ater Majok affecting UConn's title run

Dana O'Neil: (2:14 PM ET ) matt: willbe interesting to see how Calhoun fits them in, presuming the engine is running along smoothly as it should be by December. but both will cerrtainly bewelcome, especially right in time for the Big East.

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Robert (UL '06) : Dana good afternoon - will Samardo Samuels "instantly" make us more physical in the long haul, and how I lovethe Rick Pitino has a foothold in the NYC metro area for recruiting - come on down Lance Stephenson - j/k...thanks!

Dana O'Neil: (2:15 PM ET ) Robert: Youcan take the boy out of New York but New York out of the boy. Rick will always do well in the Northeast. I know Pitino has been downplaying Samardo'simpact - apparently he hasn't been rebounding to his satisfaction - but this kid is ready to play in the middle in the Big East. That should tell you abouthis physicality.

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Tom(Memphis): Dana, do you think the Memphis Tigers can make another final four run this year with Evans?

Dana O'Neil: (2:16 PM ET ) Tom: No, Idon't. Memphis is never going to be bad but they lost a lot. I mean a whole lot and as good as Tyreke is, he's not enough.

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Steve (Toledo, OH): What do you think of Dayton this year. I know we lost our big time scorer in B-Rob, but Chris Wright is the real deal andwe return our top three rebounders from last year. I'm expecting an at-large bid.

Dana O'Neil: (2:21 PM ET ) sorry,internet crashed. i'm back. where were we
ok.. dayton... i llike chris wright and believe the league will come down to xavier, temple or dayton.

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Dominic (Minneapolis): Dana, how good do you think Kansas will be this season and if so do you see them being back to Final Four Contentionwithin the next two years?

Dana O'Neil: (2:22 PM ET ) Dominic: Istill think they're good, very good. Like Aldrich a lot. Expect them to be a second weekend tourney team by march.

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John Boy (Kentucky): Can't believe we're 5 days away from Kentucky UNC. Do the Cats have enough to take down no. 1 without hansbro?

Dana O'Neil: (2:23 PM ET ) John Boy:Honestly if you asked me three weeks ago I'd say no way. But now ... maybe. Patterson is healthy and playing well and if Hansbrough is still out changesthings

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Eric (Pullman, WA): You ESPN folk really need to stop mentioning Tony Bennett for every available job opening, our football team is badenough, we don't need any more things to worry about.

Dana O'Neil: (2:24 PM ET ) Eric: Hey, iwent to penn state. let's not talk about football please.

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Jeremy (Russellville Ky): Dana, how do you see the Louisville Cardinals this year? With the depth and leadership they have, can you see themin Detroit at the end of the year?

Dana O'Neil: (2:24 PM ET ) jeremy: wellyour own rick bozich said i was being a renegade but i picked the cardinals to win the national championship. so... that tells you what i think of em.

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Phillip (Huntsville, AL): Dana, I see you don't think much of the SEC this year, don't blame you. Do you think Alabama can make a runin the West with the return on a healthy Ron Steele and newcomer JaMychal Green?

Dana O'Neil: (2:25 PM ET ) Phillip:Yeah sorry but just not impressed by the SEC. If Ron Steele is healthy and is the same Ron Steele, I think Alabama should be a team to reckon with in the west.And for his sake, hope that's true. Kid has been through a ton.

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Tom (Austin): Duke... back on top or still struggling in March this year?

Dana O'Neil: (2:26 PM ET ) Tom: Notsure about all the way on top but don't see them laboring through the first weekend.

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Darrell (Milwaukee): Dana, who do you believe will win the Big 12 and do you think any can make it to the Final Four?

Dana O'Neil: (2:28 PM ET ) Darrell: Ilike Oklahoma a lot but I like Texas even more. Yes, even without DJ Augustin and I think they can make it to the Final Four, to be honest.

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Matt (Chicago): Dana, can you give us your top 5 teams?

Dana O'Neil: (2:29 PM ET ) Mattresume you mean for right now.
I went Carolina, Louisville, UConn, UCLA and Pittsburgh.

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Landon Tucker (Owensboro, KY): UNC: are we winning it all this year?

Dana O'Neil: (2:29 PM ET ) Landon: Notby my pick. But that's just me...

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David (St Louis, MO): Can UCLA finally break through and win a national championship this year? If not, is the window closing?

Dana O'Neil: (2:31 PM ET ) David: Thewindow has been propped open for an awful long time now, so it's gotta slam shutt eventually. Love Jrue Holiday but gotta wonder about the frontcourt. Thatto me would be the major obstacle.

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Matt (CT): Dana, Big East this year- best conference of all time?

Dana O'Neil: (2:32 PM ET ) Matt: Justmaybe. Stood around the Garden on media day and counted 10 teams I could argue into the tourney without sounding silly. gonna be a slugfest.

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Jeff, Seattle: Can anybody (UW?) challenge UCLA for the Pac 10 or is UCLA winning it again?

Dana O'Neil: (2:34 PM ET ) jeff: ithink USC can give them a run for their money, provided Demar DeRozan is all he's cracked up to be.

Dana O'Neil: (2:34 PM ET ) jeff: ithink USC can give them a run for their money, provided Demar DeRozan is all he's cracked up to be.

---

Murph (Lexington, KY -Basketball Capital USA): Kentucky vs North Carolina? If Hansborough doesnt play; what do you predict?

Dana O'Neil: (2:35 PM ET ) Murph: if itweren't in carolina, i'd go for the upset but have a hard time seeing the Heels lay an egg at home that early. Should be a game though.

---

Drew (Baltimore, MD): Dana, it's great to have you back. Please tell me there's hope for my Nittany Lions this year. An NIT berthmaybe? If not, how much longer does Curley give DeChellis?

Dana O'Neil: (2:36 PM ET ) Drew: Ohdear. Well here's the good news. There's a whole lot of room to move up in the Big Ten this year. Really lilke Cormley as a leader, not just a playerand Battle is legit. So maybe, yes, maybe an NIT. Other than that, you can coach a looooooonnnnggg time in Happy Valley and not get canned.

---

Murph (Lex, Ky): Dana...Do you avoid questions concerning the Kentucky Wildcats...Sure seems that way...UK vs UNC, without hansborough...whatsyour prediction. PLEASE

Dana O'Neil: (2:37 PM ET ) Murph: OKnext chat, all Kentucky hoops all the time. Answered it. Games a home game for Carolina. Too tough.

Dana O'Neil: (2:37 PM ET ) Murph: OKnext chat, all Kentucky hoops all the time. Answered it. Games a home game for Carolina. Too tough.

---

John (Richmond, VA): Does VCU have the OOC schedule (Oklahoma, New Mexico, Vanderbilt/Drake, Akron, Rhode Island, ECU, Bracketbuster)for atlarge consideration? If so, how far do they dance?

Dana O'Neil: (2:38 PM ET ) John: Theyhave the schedule but they need the results! If they make it to the dance, they'd be a team to watch i think. Like Maynor a lot.

---

Alan, Portland: What are you most excited to see this season?

Dana O'Neil: (2:39 PM ET ) Alan: THehotel in Puerto Rico next week? Like everyone curious to see how Carolina handles the pressure. But as a long-time Big East watcher, I'm excited to see howthat league plays out. Who wins? Who survives? How many get in to the tourney?

---

John (Richmond, VA): Let's talk bracketbusters. How badly does ESPN want a VCU/Davidson, Maynor/Curry matchup??

Dana O'Neil: (2:39 PM ET ) John: Not atliberty to speak on behalf of the company but this tiny little corner wants very much to see it.

---

Nolan (Albany, NY): How do you believe Georgetown fares this year? Seems as if Greg Monroe has gone from #1 recruit to overlooked right now,just because of a few All Star games.

Dana O'Neil: (2:41 PM ET ) Nolan: Thatis curious, I agree. This is a young team but they're loaded and with Wright at the point, I think you might see a more uptempo Princeton offense (or isthat an oxymoron?) Anyway Monroe is already more athletic than Hibbert so I'm not sure all those counting the Hoyas out are right.

---

Jacob (Madison, WI): True or False: Wisconsin has as much of a chance to win the Big Ten as Purdue or MSU? Lunardi says yes, what sayeth you?

Dana O'Neil: (2:43 PM ET ) Jacob: Letme break out my Chaucer here. ... Look it's impossible to count out a Bo Ryan team. Just is. They're always good, always right there. On paper do theyhave as much a chance? Maybe not. Could they wint the league? Absolutely.

---

Horace (GA): If your son was good enough to go anywhere he wanted, which coaches would you want him playing for?

Dana O'Neil: (2:44 PM ET ) Horace: Wowsince he's currently a handful 4 year old, I'd say he needs John Chaney.

---

john [Cali]: hey Dana! What's up with Seton Hall dragging in all of these talented transfers?? Do you suspect any foul play on the part oftheir coach??

Dana O'Neil: (2:45 PM ET ) john: SetonHall is the new hoops Ellis Island. Crazy. Not sure if Gonzo is up to foul play but he's certainly willing to take a chance on kids that a lot of otherpeople are staying away from. if it works and he gets them in order, he's brilliant. If not, he may be unemployed.

---

Will (Philadelphia): Dana! 2 Questions. Totally off topic first: Did you go to the parade? I didnt see you anywhere on the coverage. Two: Whatdo you think of the Owls chances this year? Sweet 16 possible? Or am I day dreaming?

Dana O'Neil: (2:46 PM ET ) Will: I did.My daughter was an awesome tooth fairy and my son, a great underdog. Oh wait... Phillies? Nope. I like Temple to win the league (Dunph just screamed). If LavoyAllen can really play up to his abillity and the point guard from Argentina is as good as everyone says (JT3 and Bob McKillop raved to me about him) than Sweet16 isn't entirely crazy.

---

Dan (Buffalo, NY): Dana, Chances that Psycho T's stress reaction turns into a stress fracture?

Dana O'Neil: (2:47 PM ET ) Dan: I'mno doctor, nor am I Doogie Howser nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express but from what I understand, the reason he's resting is to prevent that fromhappening. I covered a player, Casiem Drummond, who rested, rested, rested and than was done because it did turn into a stress fracture. No idea if that'sthe norm.

---

John (Dallas): Dana, sort of need clairification on one of your answers, you said, about UCLA and window closing, "so it's gotta slamshutt eventually". You are talking about making it to the Final Four, or do you think they'll fall on hard times?

Dana O'Neil: (2:48 PM ET ) John: Sure,sorry. Making it to the Final Four every single solitary year. Ben Howland is a great coach, great recruiter. UCLA isn't going away for a long time.

---

Matt, Las Vegas Nevada: Dana: How far are my UNLV Running Rebels going to go this year?

Dana O'Neil: (2:50 PM ET ) Matt: Mypick to win the league. Love Wink Adams. Makes both all-name team and all-league team.

---

alec (knoxville, TN): Hey Dana! There seems to be a lot more hype around freshmen like Tyreke Evans, Demar Derozan, Jrue Holliday, etc. Whydoes it seem like Scotty Hopson isn't getting enough love?

Dana O'Neil: (2:52 PM ET ) Alec: Notsure that's the case. He was ranked top 10 in his class and people certainly know who he is, not just in Tennessee.

---

GDF [Boston, MA]: Jamie Dixon's name comes up every time someone asks about Lute Olson's replacement. But a day after Arizonaannounced Olson's retirement, Dixon signed an extension that should keep him in Pittsburgh through 2016, a school that gave him a great chance to start hiscareer and that has made him its highest-paid employee. Do you really think he's going to leave any time soon?

Dana O'Neil: (2:52 PM ET ) GDF: Noidea. Seems content in Pittsburgh, yes and has a good thing going there. But contract extensions aren't worth the paper they're printed on. NormRoberts has one at St. John's.

---

David (Champaign, IL): Ill try to ask the question a different way. Was this recruiting class for Illinois strong enough to save Bruce Webersjob? Please say no and let me have hope for the future.

Dana O'Neil: (2:53 PM ET ) David:It's a good class and I think that was a huge knock on Bruce, especially in lieu of the Eric Gordon fiasco. Be stunned if he was gone unless the Illinitotally implode this year.

---

Blake(Dallas, TX): Dana, How good do the think Texas A&M will be this year? Also What do you think of A&Ms incoming freshmen? Willthey make us a tournament team this year? PLEASE ANSWER!!

Dana O'Neil: (2:56 PM ET ) Blake: Depthcould be an issue but there's no reason to think A&M won't make the tourney this year. None.

---

Bill (Pottsville, PA): Dana, is Lebo on the hot seat at Auburn?

Dana O'Neil: (2:56 PM ET ) Bill: Yep.

---

Vic (NJ): Dag, Dana. Why so hard on Coach Roberts? He inherited a totally disfunctional program at St. Johns.

Dana O'Neil: (2:57 PM ET ) Vic:You're absolutely right but the continued flight of kids out of New York isn't helping his cause any. It's almost impossible to pull out of the BigEast basement. If Burrell and Mason Jr. can pull them out, he's safe but that's a Herculean task in that league.

---

Levi (Louisville): What's your thoughts on UK and what kind of season do you see them having?

Dana O'Neil: (2:59 PM ET ) Levi: Ithink without a question and for certain that Kentucky will win the contest for most questions about one team in a single chat. You guys are impressive. Ithink Kentucky is going to be vastly improved and in the tourney.

---

Andrew (Providence, RI): How does Providence fare this year? Do you think the combo of a healthy Sharaud Curry and some energy instilled byKeno Davis will take PC to the NCAA's?

Dana O'Neil: (3:00 PM ET ) Andrewefinitely. The whole lineup is back, Keno will be a breath of fresh air and Curry's return cannot be underscored enough. When I made that list of 10 BigEast teams that could make it, they were 10th.

---

Matt Milwaukee: Dana, what are marquette chances of being in the top 5 of the big east? what do you think of them in the tourney?

Dana O'Neil: (3:02 PM ET ) matt: Verygood. Buzz Williams inherits as good a trio off guards as there are in the country. Thought McNeal was outstanding down the stretch.

Dana O'Neil: (3:02 PM ET ) Ok since Isee no more Kentucky questions gonna wrap it up. Enjoy the weekend and welcome back to hoops.



..

Nolan: That is curious, I agree.
Damn right it is, Dana.

 

[tmay407]

Nolan (Albany, NY): How do you believe Georgetown fares this year? Seems as if Greg Monroe has gone from #1 recruit to overlooked right now, just because of a few All Star games.

SportsNation Dana O'Neil: (2:41 PM ET ) Nolan: That is curious, I agree. This is a young team but they're loaded and with Wright at the point, I think you might see a more uptempo Princeton offense (or is that an oxymoron?) Anyway Monroe is already more athletic than Hibbert so I'm not sure all those counting the Hoyas out are right.


Allen?

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Yep.

 

[seymore cake]

Originally Posted by tmay407

Nolan (Albany, NY): How do you believe Georgetown fares this year? Seems as if Greg Monroe has gone from #1 recruit to overlooked right now, just because of a few All Star games.

SportsNation Dana O'Neil: (2:41 PM ET ) Nolan: That is curious, I agree. This is a young team but they're loaded and with Wright at the point, I think you might see a more uptempo Princeton offense (or is that an oxymoron?) Anyway Monroe is already more athletic than Hibbert so I'm not sure all those counting the Hoyas out are right.

Allen?

Knew it was him as soon as I read it

 

[craftsy21]

Damn right it is, Dana.

at allen asking questions he already knows the answersto, just to test these people at ESPN.

 

[mr subliminals]

 

[bigmike23]

 

[ricardo malta]

Allen, er, I mean Nolan, I know damn well you got a diary of questions ready to ask ESPN analysts and that's the one you go with? If anything you shouldaasked about this dude Monroe tryin' to get it in every weekend since the school year started

InMyMind, where the pics at?

 

[allen3xis]

I've gone the vulgar route with topics...particularly to Gottleib, with no success

 

[jamesonnt]

Nolan, eh?

Anyway, people been asking the same damn questions in all the chats you've been posting.

 

[wildkycat]

Originally Posted by JamesOnNT

Anyway, people been asking the same damn questions in all the chats you've been posting.

Levi (Louisville): What's your thoughts on UK and what kind of season do you see them having?

Dana O'Neil: (2:59 PM ET ) Levi: I think without a question and for certain that Kentucky will win the contest for most questions about one team in a single chat. You guys are impressive. I think Kentucky is going to be vastly improved and in the tourney.

 

[scuse7]

I see the same Syracuse questions every time.

"Why aren't we getting any props. We have Rautin and Devo back...."

 

[craftsy21]

Originally Posted by SCuse7

I see the same Syracuse questions every time.

"Why aren't we getting any props. We have Rautin and Devo back...."

Just wait they'll change...usually goes like this...

About Mid January - "how can you have us seeded so low? you're an idiot"

About Mid February - "how can you not have us in the tournament? The 12th best team in the big east is still more deserving than the 2nd best from theMVC"

About Mid April - "how are we not top 5 in your preseason rankings? look at who we have coming back! you're an idiot!"

 

[wildkycat]

 

[kgdakid21]

SIU vs. Duke next week

Go Salukis!

 

[philballa09]

we're never going to see the ucla game

@#$@ MAC football!

 

[worldbeefreeg]

Originally Posted by SCuse7

I see the same Syracuse questions every time.

"Why aren't we getting any props. We have Rautin and Devo back...."

I expect that to change this year, Greene hurt this team last year with his chucking, this year will give my boy Flynn the chance to take over finally.