Dana O'Neil

  (1:00 PM)

hey everyone, nothing like hoops in july.

Evan (Garden City, Kansas)

Does Kansas have a legitimate shot at a repeat?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:00 PM)

Evan: Boy, Evan that's a mighty tall order considering what they lost. In fact I'll say it's an almost impossible order.

Steve (Blacksburg, VA)

Can the Hokies improve on last years impressive/surprising season and make a run for an NCAA bid this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:01 PM)

Steve: I like the Hokies this year. THey were right there last year, though perhaps not as close as Seth thought and they've got a nice nucleus back.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Dana, What players are going to be the players to watch for this upcomeing season?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:02 PM)

Brad: The obvious ones - Tyler Hansbrough, Chase Budinger. Add to that Stephen Curry - can he live up to last year's crazy finish; Dominic J ames, can he get out of the funk he was in last year; couple of rookies in Greg Monroe (Georgetown) and Tyreke Evans.

ray (DC)

Dana, Gtown will play more uptempo next season, how do you thing they will do in tough Big East? And do you think Dajuan Summers can finally turn into a superstar?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:03 PM)

Ray: Uptempto, JT3? No. More so than Pete Carril, yes but don't see him abandoning his system and go Runnin Rebels anytime soon. They need Dajuan Summers to be strong this year considering what they've lost.

ray gordon reid jacksonvillebeach fl 32250

QUESTION TO DANA O 'NEIL AT 1.10 PM HI DANA NAME US SOME TEAMS WHO MIGHT SUPRIZE US THIS YEAR IN MENS BASKETBALL

Dana O'Neil

  (1:04 PM)

Ray: Providence maybe. They have everyone back and some new blood in Keno Davis. The problem is, a surprise team in the Big East could finish as low as 9th. I think Miami is gunning for a good year, though not sure if that would be a surprise as much as out of the ordinary.

Brian(Roanoke, VA)

What is the word on Brandon Jennings test score? Is he going to be at Arizona this year or overseas?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:04 PM)

Brian: He is expecting to get his results on Friday, I believe.

Matt (Hartford, CT)

Dana, how would you rank the top 7 or 8 of the Big East this year? Can they get 9 bids or is 8 going to be the max?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:06 PM)

Matt: how do I rank them? Crowded! I can't put them in order yet but I know of 9 teams that appear to be strong, stront candidates - Pitt, Connecticut, Villanova, Louisville, Georgetown, Marquette, Syracuse Notre Damea and West Virginia. Then you've got Providence, which should be very good and that's 10. Gonna be very interesting

Drew (Grand Rapids)

Dana, what do you expect from Tom Izzo and the Spartans next year? With Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan returning, can you see them making a run at the Final Four in Detroit?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:07 PM)

Drew: That would be sweet, wouldn't it? I was a little disappointed at how up and down Michigan State was last year. Final Four is a tall order but they ought to run away with the league and earn a decent seed so it's not out of the question

Marc (IN)

Dana, do you see Purdue being able to continue their high level of play or will the increased expectations this season take their toll.

Dana O'Neil

  (1:08 PM)

Marc: Certainly it's easier to surprise people than have them gunning for you so I'm not sure how they'll fare with teh additional pressure this year. That said, talent is talent and the Baby Boilers were legit.

Sean (Spokane)

Dana, how do you think Gonzaga will do this year? thanks!

Dana O'Neil

  (1:10 PM)

Sean: Well I was very glad to see Pargo return. Not just for the team's sake but for his own. Think Gonzaga will be strong but we'll know fast. THe Old Spice field is impressive

Pat (GUBoards-Spokane)

Dana, how do you see the WCC shaking up next year? Do you see Gonzaga, St. Mary's or San Diego being the favorite?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:11 PM)

Pat: I definitely think the league is going to be more interesting for years to come. I'd go with Gonzaga but by teh slimmest of margins. That is going to be a good 3-way fight.

Travis (Durham, NC)

Is UNC really going to be good next year? I think they were overrated this past season and will finish no better than 3rd in the ACC.

Dana O'Neil

  (1:12 PM)

Travis: Short answer. Yes, UNC is going to be very good this year

Dave (Ithaca)

Which coach has a better chance to get back to the Final Four in his career: Boeheim or Gary Williams?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:12 PM)

Dave: Hmmmm... Gonna have to go with Syracuse based on the young talent they have coming in - over and over again.

BK (minneapolis)

IU...over/under double digit victories?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:13 PM)

BK: Ouch. Told Tom Crean if he wins one game he's getting my coach of the year vote.

Dan (Philadelphia)

(Obligatory Big 5 Question:) St Joe's goes out to the Maui Invitational this season with some very good teams. How can an early seasn tournament help a potential bubble team come Selection Sunday?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:14 PM)

Dan: Obligatory Big 5 answer. Let's put it this way, it can't hurt them. If they lose, the strength of schedule will still be positively affected. If they win a few, even though it's early, they get quality wins. Better than all that computer gobbledygook, a team that challenges itself early, I think, is better served come January through March.

joe

Hey Dana! Apparently Syracuse's Jonny Flynn is impressing everyone at Lebron's skills academy. Do you see big things from him this season? Thanks!

Dana O'Neil

  (1:15 PM)

Joe: That doesn't surprise me. He's a great player and I do expect big things from him and that whole team, Donte Green departure notwithstanding. Devendorf back, tons of experience from last year should equate to a strong year.

Terry (South Dakota)

What do you think about the demise of the Top of the World tournament? Is it bad to lose these bits of college basketball history or is it just part of the modern game?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:16 PM)

Terry: The glut of tourneys is a little insane if you ask me. I can't keep them straight. But I also understand from a school/coach perspective how flying your team across teh country versus sending them to Disney World is an easy pick.

Andrea, San Diego

What's your take on Brandon Jennings? Will major programs ever just wake up and stop dealing with kids who have no interest in being in college?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:17 PM)

Andrea: I think it's a massive can of worms about to be exploited if he does it and it works. But I also have less of a problem wtih a kid who is honest and says he just wants to play basketball and make money than hypocrites who attend for a semester, barely take any classes beyond ABC and then never attend a single class in the spring. The system is massively fouled up.

Pat (Vancouver)

You mentioned the Old Spice classic earlier. Who do you see winning that?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:17 PM)

Pat: Really good tourney but I like Michigan State

Craig (Norwich, CT)

What school from a non-Major conference has the best chance to surprise?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:18 PM)

Craig: Siena. I know that sounds insane but they have everyone back, love their coach and they're really legitimately good.

Michael (OK)

Dana, how do you see the Big 12 shaping up this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:19 PM)

Michael: Gonna be a lot of changes, what with no more Beasley and no more of 90 percent of the Kansas roster. And even without Augustin, I like Texas.

Campbell(Clarksdale,Ms)

What are the chance that Memphis make it back to the Final Four?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:20 PM)

Campbell: This year? Tall order. They lost a ton. Think about it. NOt just the #1 pick but CDR and Joey Dorsey. Think Tyreke is very special, like Dozier and Anderson but that's a lot to replace.

ryan

Dana,how do you think Keno Davis fares long term at PC? Isn't it hard to recruit to that area with the powerhouses like UCONN and Syracuse only hours away?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:21 PM)

ryan: It is a hard sell, I agree but then again so is Villanova and Jay Wright got it rolling again there. I think Keno will inject some energy upfront (nothing against Tim Welsh, who I like but new blood is always good) but I'll be interested to see him recruit now among the big boys. He can do it, I think, but it's a major adjustment.

Mikey (Philly)

Dana, I heard a craazy rumor that Penn State has a men's basketball team. Is there any chance that they make a little noise in the Big Ten this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:22 PM)

Mikey: I have no knowledge that Penn State has now or ever had (save a strange dream i had involving a pair of brothers named crispin) a basketball team.

Ashley (Portland, OR)

Aside from a famous brother-in-law, how does Oregon State's new coach look?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:22 PM)

Ashley: Full disclosure. Met Craig Robinson at the Final Four and was blown away. If he walked into my living room tomorrow, he could have my 4 year old, 7 year old and my dog as his recruits. What a presence. But... he's got a very very very difficult job ahead of him. I think he's got the drive and personality but it's gonna take time.

John (Detroit)

Dana, can you tell me anything positive about my Michigan Wolverines?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:23 PM)

John: They can't get worse?

Rob (Durham)

What's your favorite place to cover a game?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:24 PM)

Rob: I haven't been to Cameron (don't kill me. i'm working on it) so i have to judge by what i know and what i know is the palestra, when the corners are filled, the game matters, the rollouts are rocking and i can't hear the person sitting next to me is the best place on earth.

Marc (IN)

If Harangody stays in school for his 4th year, will the additions of Ben Hansbourough and Scott Martin make ND the Big East Favorite for 09-10?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:24 PM)

Marc: Boy without the ability to project the rest of the league it's hard but if Harangody stays, they would be among the faves, I think.

Nick (SLC)

Dana, Do you think Boylen will bring the Utes back to their dominance days of the MWC? And maybe back into the dance?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:26 PM)

Nick: He's building a schedule that says to me he wants back in the dance. I wouldn't say immediately but down the road? Sure

Rob (Chicago)

how many big 10 teams if any will make the final 4 this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:26 PM)

Rob: The final four of what? the big 10 tourney? Four. The real final four? Maybe one.

Corey (Philadelphia, PA)

Dana: How will Villanova fare in the Big East this season? They have the guards in Stokes, Fisher, and Reynolds to get it done.

Dana O'Neil

  (1:27 PM)

Corey: Expect Villanova to be very good this year. Surprised at their Sweet 16 run, have to admit, but with everyone back I think they ought to be top 5 of the league.

Art Van deLay (Importing)

With the program that Martelli is building, do you see Phil staying on Hawk Hill for a long time? Or is there a possibility that he jumps at a big-time offer?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:28 PM)

Art: I really don't see Phil leaving. Could be because I simply can't imagine it but I'd be very surprised

Tony (Charlotte NC)

How could you get the first part of your Gary Williams article (Dixon hugging Mouton instead of Baxter) so wrong? Don't you have editors? It ruined your credibility for the rest of the article

Dana O'Neil

  (1:28 PM)

Tony: I looked at the video, cutlines on that picture and all sorts of thing. I thought it was Lonny Baxter but everything I read told me otherwise. Apologize for the error.

KJ(Denver, CO)

Will Tubby Smith and Minnesota be able to make some noise this season? How would you rate their incoming freshman class?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:30 PM)

KJ: Cant' speak too expertly on their freshmen class but I was impressed with what Tubby accomplished last year. THink he's on the right track

alan (nc)

dana, what effect do you think someone going overseas to play for money will have on college bb?

Dana O'Neil

  (1:30 PM)

Alan: Said earlier think it's a bag of worms waiting to be exploited.

Daniel (CA)

Dana, You heard it here first: UNC will go undefeated!

Dana O'Neil

  (1:31 PM)

Daniel: Posting this for posterity. And I've got to roll folks. Off to Rbk U to watch the next best hoopsters. Thanks for the questions in July. Only 3 more months til midnight madness