Dana O'Neil

  (2:00 PM)

Hey everyone, still recovering from the rim-rattling show by Pitt on Monday. Nice bounce back. What's on your minds?

Jordan (Philadelphia)

Hey Dana. A player I'm very impressed with is Stefon Jackson of UTEP. He's one of the nation's elite scorers and top shooting guards. (23 ppg.) He possesses a tremendous mid-range game and is one of the best scoring off the dribble and creating space for himself. He also has a great basketball IQ, finding the gaps and seams in defenses and taking full advantage. I feel like the 6'5 standout is very overlooked and underrated so I was wondering what your thoughts were on him and UTEP's chances in the C-USA?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:01 PM)

Jordan: Actually like Stefon as well. Did a story on him last season. I'm not sure that C-USA is a two-bid league this year, to be honest, and as Memphis is getting its act together, I have a hard time now picking against them.

David (Winston-Salem NC)

What has happened to Tennessee? They beat Georgetown and Marquette but now they seem to have forgotten how to play basketball and especially defense. Can they rebound from this? (pardon the pun!)

Dana O'Neil

  (2:02 PM)

David: If they could guard a doorpost, it would help. Jodie Meeks was crazy good against the Vols but the, show the way to the hoop defense was even worse. The league isn't great, so there's definitely room for Tennessee to move up but if they don't decide to defend someone, anyone, any NCAA visit will be short lived

Iraq aka south carolina [via mobile]

Do you think Clemson will beat UNC?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:03 PM)

We've had some pretty big history-making events this week but I don't see that one happening.

daren vallejo CA [via mobile]

Nobody has ever answerd any of my ?'S. On any of the chats so let's try one more..... What do you think of terence Jennings freshman with Rick patino? See him makin noise in college basketball before he is done ?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:05 PM)

Daren: Whining works. Congrats. Terrence Jennings is getting much better. Although I'd rather go to the dentist than watch him shoot free throws. He will continue to improve under Pitino, yes.

Matt louisville ky [via mobile]

Do you think Louisville has a good chance to win the big east?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:06 PM)

matt: I'm feeling slightly vindicated after looking like a baffoon for picking the Cards to win the league AND the national championship. New York and the Big East Tourney is going to be incredible but I'd say, yes, Louisville has the stuff - defensively especially - to win it

mike (RI)

A-10 i see getting 2 teams and 3 if either dayton or xavier don't win the A10 tourny. Rhode island rams have lost @duke, @Ok st. @nova, @providence and home against xavier by a combined of 10 pts...Any chance you see the runnin' rams make it to the NCAA tourny?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:07 PM)

Mike: Not sure I can go there just yet. All quality losses yes but would be great if one was a quality WIN. Frankly don't think anyone has distinguished themselves just yet as an at-large bid, unless Xavier is upset in the tourney.

John (Lexington)

If kentucky takes care of business this week vs auburn and bama. should we expect to be ranked next week?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:08 PM)

John: Beating Auburn and Alabama isn't going to do much on the impressive meter. Bad teams. Here's the deal. Kentucky, to me, is probably playing the best in the SEC. Ranked or not, they get a bid.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Syracuse is shooting 62.5 percent from the FT line with only three players shooting over 70 percent and no one above 79 percent. Will this be a major problem for them in terms of getting through the NCAA tournament?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:09 PM)

JB: I'd say going on last year's national championship game, that could be a decided problem, yes. And some of those guys aren't even close to making their free throws. ouch.

TJ, Vermont [via mobile]

Who do you think will win the Big East? And, I know the conference is so day-to-day, who will win tonight: Uconn or 'Nova?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:10 PM)

TJ: It does change day to day. Today I'd put it between UConn and Louisville. Tomorrow? Seton Hall and South Florida? As for the game tonight, think UConn has too much - depth, talent and size - for the Wildcats. Unless Scottie Reynolds has another 40-point night in him.

Jack (University Park PA)

What are the chances that my Nittany Lions go dancing? I kno the non-conf was weak but right now we hav quality wins vs Purdue vs Michigan and @ Ga Tech. Would a 20+ win season and 10-8 in big ten play be enough to get in?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:11 PM)

Jack: Penn State has to win the right 20 games, that's the problem. Their non-conference schedule was just dreadful. If they can pull off an upset on the road, not lay any major eggs at home, they have a shot.

Robert(ann arbor, mich) [via mobile]

As I sit here in class, I want to know what you think of michigans chance at the tourney since this three game slide? And how they will fair at uconn

Dana O'Neil

  (2:13 PM)

Robert: Glad we're contributing to the education of America's youth. Awesome! Dangerous slide right now for the Wolverines. Not entirely surprising considering the inexperience but they need to fix it in a hurry. The quality wins against UCLA and Duke help but they can't go backsliding in the Big Ten.

Mike (Connecticut)

Dana, Uconn has been pretty quiet the last couple of weeks; With a win tonight and another one on the road at Notre Dame, what will that say about them restoring their position as the team to beat in the big east??

Dana O'Neil

  (2:14 PM)

Mike: I agree. Sort of fallen off the map w/ all the attention on Wake Forest, Louisville, etc and they are a very, very good team. I'll go on the limb now and say they end Notre Dame's home streak and remind everyone how good they are.

jermaine (jackson,mi) [via mobile]

Hey dana, do u think michigan state can go undefeated in the big ten? And do u think they have what it takes to win a national title?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:16 PM)

Jermaine: First saw your name next to your hometown, almost asked how Michael and Tito are. Sorry. Punchy today. Undefeated? Not sure about that. There are some very good teams in the Big Ten and winning on the road is tricky. But with a healthy Goran Suton and with Devlon Roe getting better and stronger, I definitely think the Spartans have a shot at the Final Four at the very least.

Randy (Chicago) [via mobile]

how do you think blake griffin will fare in the NBA?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:16 PM)

Randy: Well. He has an OK jumper, is strong, tough and also very smart.

Reagan san antonio tx [via mobile]

What do u think about the texas longhorns

Dana O'Neil

  (2:18 PM)

Reagan: Not sure. Liked them early but from what I saw last week at Oklahoma, team is in a bit of a funk. This can't be the AJ Abrams show. Need James and Johnson to be consistent and Atchley needs to start contributing, too. Still talented but need to regroup.

Jodie Meeks (Lexington)

What wull it take for me to be a legit POV candidate? A Kentucky SEC title?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:19 PM)

Jodie: here's the problem as I see it, fair or unfair. The guys you're fighting with, namely Blake Griffin and Tyler Hansbrough play for top 5 teams. THe other guy, Steph Curry, has a huge name cache, plays on a team that isn't going to lose in its conference. Your numbers are great, your team is improving but that's what you're up against.

Doug Elgin (St. Louis, MO)

Which team in the Missouri Valley do you see winning the regular season conference crown?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:21 PM)

Hey Doug, nice league: Two losses notwithstanding I still like Illinois State. Losses were on the road

Kyle (wisconsin) [via mobile]

Do you think Duke can beat Wake Forest coming up? I think everyone is now seeing how special of a player Gerald Henderson is

Dana O'Neil

  (2:23 PM)

Kyle: I expect a very good game. Both teams can run. Turnovers could be problematic for Deacs, what w/ Duke's scrappy defense. At home, think Wake will be tough to beat. At Duke, maybe another story? And absolutely yes about Gerald Henderson. Great great player.

Wayne (Memphis TN)

Memphis has gotten its act together...thank god !!! How do you like us aginst the Vols this weekend ?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:24 PM)

Wayne: Like the Tigers a lot, frankly. I just have a hard time w/ the lack of defense from Tennessee and the crazy shots on the other end.

Pullman, WA

What do you think about Gonzaga? They might win out if they handle St. Mary's twice and home against Memphis. What kind of seed what this get them?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:26 PM)

Zags fell off the radar for obvious reasons but they played a criminally insane schedule and if they win out, I could see them with a decent seed. I hate figuring that stuff out, but I'll take a stab at a 5?

Jeff Pittsburgh, PA

No matter what happens in the Big East Tourney and elsewhere in the country , do you feel that if Pitt wins the Big East regular season title, it will automatically translate into a number 1 seed for the big dance?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:27 PM)

Jeff: That's a hard question to answer. Depends on if Pitt loses 2 more games, 5, none. Depends on who they lose to. I could make a strong case for the Big East regular-season champ earning a 1 seed, definitely but it's hard to know for sure. That's an honest answer, albeit wishy washy.

Natalya, Astoria, NY [via mobile]

what do you know about these rumors that memphis will join the big east?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:28 PM)

Natalya: Heard that last year and unless things have changed dramatically, I say it's no more than a rumor. Mike Tranghese told me no way. On the hoops side the league is already too big.

Sean (Norristown) [via mobile]

Dana, do you see a freshman player this year who is going to put his team above the rest a la Carmello, Derrick Rose, Greg Oden, in the 2nd half of the year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:29 PM)

Sean: All by himself? No. See a lot of very good freshmen on good teams but I don't see that one guy who will get it done alone.

Dan(Big ten)

Does Talor Battle have a chance to win Big Ten Player of the year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:30 PM)

Dan: I'd say a long shot, considering his team isn't tops in the league (yet) and he's just a sophomore. BUT... he has been absolutely fantastic for Penn State. If they can stun people and finish high in the league, I change my opinion.

Petey(ny, ny)

Big East POY looks like it will come from Pitt or Lville..Blair, Young, Williams, Clark...Unless Lil Jonny starts playing better again. Who do you think will get it?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:32 PM)

Petey: I'd add Harangody to the mix based on his numbers. If I was giving it out today, I'd give it to T-Will.

jake (twin falls, idaho) [via mobile]

Dana, which acc team has the best chance of surprising people in the big dance?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:34 PM)

Jake: Utah State. Absolutely no one is talking about them. No one. They've got one loss, play a unique system and Stew Morrill is one of the tragically underappreciated coaches around.

Andrew (NY)

Dante Cunningham for Most Improved Player this year? I don't think I have seen a bigger 180. He has such great confidence now and has emerged as the "Go to" guy on a team that only spoke of Scottie Reynolds.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:35 PM)

Andrew: Agree Dante has completely upped his game. I can remember NBA people telling me how much they loved his size but wished he had a jumper. He went and found himself one.

president barack obama washington DC 200o1

QUESTION TO DANA O'NEIL at 2.45pm hi dana WILL MY ILLINOIS GET IN NCAA

Dana O'Neil

  (2:36 PM)

Prez: Wow, thought you'd be busy today. .Honored you've popped in. Definitely think the Illini will be back in the tourney. Now go fix the economy, will ya?

Chris (tampa)

Dana, When did Utah State join the ACC?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:37 PM)

huh?

Al Bloomington Indiana

Dana lets get some mid-major hoops discussion going! How do you feel about the Butler Bulldogs? Legit Sweet 16 team this year? These freshman are only going to get better...

Dana O'Neil

  (2:38 PM)

Al: LOVE Butler. Watched their game against Illinois-Chicago the other day. For a young team to come back like that, don't care about the competition, that was very impressive. Could be Sweet 16, yes.

chris (tampa)

jake (twin falls, idaho) [via mobile]: Dana, which acc team has the best chance of surprising people in the big dance? Dana O'Neil: (2:34 PM ET ) Jake: Utah State. Absolutely no one is talking about them. No one. They've got one loss, play a unique system and Stew Morrill is one of the tragically underappreciated coaches around

Dana O'Neil

  (2:39 PM)

OK misread the question!!! Thought it was which team. Not ACC team.. Thanks for the edit help. ACC team.. surprise? If they can keep their act together well enough to actually get IN the tourney, Maryland.

Colton Tulsa, OK [via mobile]

Oklahoma's chances of winning a national title

Dana O'Neil

  (2:40 PM)

Colton: I'd say they have the makings of a Final Four team, which means they have the makings of a national championship team. Play great defense, have a great player in Blake Griffin and if Austin Johnson keeps playing as he has, they're going to be very hard to beat.

BK, Needham,. MA

Blond moment, no doubt

Dana O'Neil

  (2:40 PM)

BK: been known to have a few.

Roy Williams Chapel Hill NC

Dana i must admit that i don't understand the people who voted in the AP poll.We beat a good Virginia team at Virginia by 22 we beat a very good Miami team by 17 yet we have not move up in the poll.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:42 PM)

Roy: Guess you're thinking you jump Pitt? Don't see it. Lost on the road to a very good team in a dogfight. And Virginia isn't good and Miami is eh.

DJ Cuse

Mizzou versus Ok St-who you like and why?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:42 PM)

DJ: Interesting battle of styles but I like Mizzou, better defense.

Wayne ellington chapel hill nc

Dana why is no one talking about us.All you hear in the ACC how good is Wake and Duke are.Such Wake is number 1 and Duke is 2.But we are as good or even better then both of this team

Dana O'Neil

  (2:44 PM)

Wayne: Seriously? an 0-2 league, coupled with the emergence of Wake, will do that to you. But simmer down. For the 3 months before the season every other word out of my mouth was Carolina. You'll get your turn again.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

What do you think of Alabama after them loseing Ronald Steele?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:45 PM)

Brad: Bout cried for that kid. Talked to him before the season for a story and he was so happy to be back and healthy. The injuries had just crippled him emotionally and now this. .Gonna be tough, or even tougher, for Bama without him.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Is PSU performing above your expectations or about where you expected?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:45 PM)

JB: I'd say slightly above. Thought they'd be better this year but the wins over Michigan and Purdue were impressive and the near miss against Michigan State even more so.

Jim (Philadelphia, PA)

what is villanova's ceiling? floor?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:47 PM)

Jim: Hmmm, think there are hanging lights in the ceiling and hardwood on the floor.... ba-dum-bump. Sorry. I'm still not sure what to make of villanova. Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher just have not been good enough yet. That said, they stunned me by making the Sweet 16 last year

NO LOVE FOR NOLES (Tallahassee, FL)

Dana...Us Noles are still waiting for some national respect. 21 in the RPI, 15-3 with wins over Cal, UF, Western Kentucky, and Cincinatti and Losses to Pitt, Duke and NW...will you be the first to talk us up?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:47 PM)

NO LOVE: Sure. Be glad to. All that is very true but still need a knock the pants off someone impressive win to prove you're legit

David (Arlington, VA)

Dana, you seem to be a getting a little too excited about Louisville. Their offense is still a huge question mark, and their 3 big wins were by the slimmest of margins. Records in close games tend to even themselves out

Dana O'Neil

  (2:49 PM)

David: Could be true. Wish they had one great shooter. But still say their defense is very good right now and that will keep them in closes games.

John Buffalo NY

Dana any word as to when you plan to do a live game on espn?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:50 PM)

John: Believe I'm scheduled for the 12th of never, which is OK by me.

OU: (Chicago, IL)

Purdue needs to mix up the lineups to match the bigger competition. Painter should play the lineup of 1.Grant, 2. Moore, 3. Hummel, 4. Calasan, 5. Johnson I'm not saying all the time but this lineup would mitigate the rebounding problems against bigger teams and actually give the size advantage to Purdue. What do you think?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:51 PM)

Not a bad thought. Rebounding has been a big problem. .

darrell(Arkansas)

What happened to us? 2 huge wins and than we go down first 3 games in sec!

Dana O'Neil

  (2:52 PM)

Darrell: Welcome to road games with a young team. I'm not stunned and I wouldn't jump entirely off the bandwagon. Think the Razorbacks are getting better. They aren't great yet, thouogh.

Justin ( Tempe,AZ)

Who do you like tonight: Arizona St at Arizona?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:52 PM)

Justin Should be a good game, but I like Arizona State.

Jeremy Grand Forks ND [via mobile]

Dana do you think with Henderson this year duke has a legit shot at making a run in the tourney or will the 3 ball come back to haunt them again this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:54 PM)

Jeremy: I really like this Duke team. They play tougher, smarter. Really good on defense, tons of guys who can score off the dribble and Henderson is incredible right now. So yes, they have a legit shot in my opinion.

Colin(Kentucky)

Since your a huge U of L fan. Are you a kentucky hater?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:54 PM)

Colin: Not even a little. I don't have UL pom-poms here. Just like the way the team is playing. .

Markees Serrano (Davenport, IA) [via mobile]

Do you think Iowa has a chance at the NCAA's or the NIT? If not what about in the future, they are young.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:55 PM)

Markees: NCAA? No. NIT? Maybe. Young team, yes so I expect them to get better.

Steiny (NYC)

What team is the best in the ACC??

Dana O'Neil

  (2:55 PM)

Steiny: As of this moment, I'm going with Wake. As of tomorrow I could change my mind.

john... st. louis, mo [via mobile]

Why no love from anyone on Marquette? I relaize they haven't played many of the top BE teams yet and are fairly small. That having been said they have a lot of upside and uniqueness with the 3 guard attack. Plus Dominic James can leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:56 PM)

John: Think you answered your own question. Haven't played the top level of the Big East yet. I have no problem with a three-guard attack, so long as the three guards are very good. James, McNeal and Matthews are very good

mike nashville [via mobile]

Do you still have louisville going to the championship?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:57 PM)

Mike: I do. I'm stubborn.

that guy (michigan) [via mobile]

Whats ur thoughts on steph curry? NBA READY? Whos ur national champ pick right now?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:57 PM)

from this girl: I think Step Curry can play in the NBA, yes. Don't care about his size. As I said previously, stubbornly sticking w/ my Louisville pick.

Dan(Big ten)

Dana whered you go to college?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:58 PM)

Penn State. No, not Louisville.

Harris: boulder colorado [via mobile]

Will jeff bzdelick ever turn the buffs around? He has yet to bring in any premier recruits and things dont look like they are getting any better this year. Will this program ever return to the level it was a few years ago even if that was not so great?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:58 PM)

Harris: Boy I don't know. Looks pretty grim right now. I think you have to give him a little more time, though.

s

can you please answer the jon xavier question? I asked pat forde yesterday with no response..

Dana O'Neil

  (2:59 PM)

if i knew what you asked pat, sure. but i don't.

Nelson (DE)

Do you think some recruits avoid SEC schools because of how important football in that region? Could that explain why the conference isn't as highly regarded as other ones (ACC, Big East, etc)?

Dana O'Neil

  (3:00 PM)

Nelson: You could argue that except for the contradictions of those 2 titles from Florida, the tradition that is Kentucky, the really good players Bruce Pearl keeps getting. Just think it's a down year. Cyclical.

Dana O'Neil

  (3:00 PM)

Alright folks. I have to bolt. Enjoy the rest of the week. Thanks for the questions.