ESPN

Andy Katz

  (1:36 PM)

Here to chat. Sorry been taping some podcast interviews.

Eric, Indiana

Do you think that Butler can do some damage in the tourney, or is the Horizon just plain bad?

Andy Katz

  (1:37 PM)

Why not? The Bulldogs play defense as well as anyone and if they can defend and make shots the way they have been then I see no reason why they can't win a game or two.

Mark (Boston)

Thoughts on UCONN's win last night? Do you think Price might finally be back and produce consistently as we all know he is capable of?

Andy Katz

  (1:38 PM)

We'll see. He did this earlier in the season when he went off against Gonzaga and then disappeared. If he keeps this up, then the Huskies would have the requisite balance needed to make a run at the title.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Will Alabama at least go to the NIT this year?

Andy Katz

  (1:40 PM)

Don't give up yet. The SEC West is so balanced (that's a nice way of saying lacking an elite team) that the Tide could still win it without Ronald Steele. Torrence is putting up solid numbers in his place.

Steiny (NYC)

As of right now is Wake Forest a better team than North Carolina?

Andy Katz

  (1:54 PM)

Just because Wake lost to Va Tech doesn't suddenly make them less of a team. It's a tough call. I like Wake's team a lot. But it's hard not to like Carolina when the Tar Heels play as one as they have the past few games.

Ryan (Austin)

Can Arizona turn it around and make it to the Nit

Andy Katz

  (1:54 PM)

NIT? Yes. NCAA. Don't see it happening.

John, Lansing, Michigan

Hi, Andy. With Ronald Steele's injury and the departing statement he made yesterday, is it a safe to say the Mark Gottfried is out at Alabama? There is has been a lot of players to leave the program in recent years and I have feeling a lot has to do with the coach not to mention the state the program is in.

Andy Katz

  (1:57 PM)

Very bizarre. Feel bad for Steele. He wanted to stay in the NBA draft. But he wasn't healthy enough. He came back to Alabam and the Tide stumbled and then he got hurt. The past two years for Steele have been abysmal. So he's clearly frustrated. Maybe both parties moving on is best.

Mark, Orlando

Andy, Love your chats. Give me your thoughts on Tom Crean and Indiana. Will TC be able to recruit five star players or will he have to settle for second tier for at least a few years?

Andy Katz

  (1:58 PM)

Yes. The Hoosiers will play hard. The talent will come and Crean will have IU back in the NCAAs.

billythekid, san jose, ca

OK, Big East or ACC? I take the Big East because of strength at the top and depth. Big East teams will be more tourney-ready than ACC teams due to the nature of conference play

Andy Katz

  (1:59 PM)

Still think there will be two ACC teams in the Final Four and one Big East. Not sure if that means one is better than the other. The Big East has more depth but the ACC is stronger for Final Four teams. Let's just agree that both conferences are atop the country right now.

Sam, Louisville

Hi, Andy. It seems like at this point there are literally a handful of teams who can prevent the Big East and ACC from getting all of the 1 seeds in the dance. Who would you say those teams are right no?

Andy Katz

  (2:00 PM)

Oklahoma out of the Big 12.That's the only team I see with a shot at a No. 1 not in the ACC or the Big East.

Ryan (Bloomington, IL)

Andy, can you answer a college basketball recruiting question for me? Why are schools allowed to sign over the 13 scholarship limit and what happens to that extra scholarship player once the season starts? I am not sure if this is allowed in all conferences, but I know it is allowed in the Big Ten. I can never find a clear explanation for this. Can you help?

Andy Katz

  (2:03 PM)

oversigning used to occur more often when players would get ineligible academically more often. I used to see it when I covered some teams in the Southwest. New Mexico State would oversign and then see who would make it with the assumption there would be attrition. If a school over signs, and no one is ineligible or leaves for the draft, then someone will have to pay their own way.

Tom, Milwaukee, WI

Andy, do you think it's only a matter of time before Marquette falls back into place in the middle of the Big East pack, or have they finally turned a corner and are ready to make a legitimate tourney run?

Andy Katz

  (2:07 PM)

No. I don't see a Marquette drop. I'm convinced the Golden Eagles are here to stay this season. The veteran guards are too good to let it occur.

Nick (Boston)

What's shakin Andy. Saw you at the BC Wake game last week. Keep up the good work. As a BC fan, about what record do I have to hope for for an at-large bid? Will 8-8 with a win in the tourney do it?

Andy Katz

  (2:10 PM)

An 8-8 BC would be in play, but it would depend on how the Eagles got to eight. Is Clemson in there? Duke? Still too early.

Frank Austin

So you are saying that if a school oversigns and noone leaves or becomes ineligible that one of the players will not get a scholorship? Why should this be the athletes fault when he could have gone to a different school on a scholorship?

Andy Katz

  (2:11 PM)

I'm not saying it's the athlete's fault, but more often then not they will be told that something might have to occur. Usually it all works itself out where someone doesn't make it.

DJ Cuse

What are the chances that Mizzou gets back to the dance? Been thru withdrawal for many years.

Andy Katz

  (2:13 PM)

Just have to keep winning. Missouri's non-conference resume isn't bad, especially with the Cal win. But the Tigers have to beat one of the top teams in the Big 12.

Mike, Logan UT

Who do you see the Aggies playing in the bracket buster? How about St. Mary's? 2 Longest winning streaks matched up on ESPNHD?????

Andy Katz

  (2:14 PM)

Not sure about the matchups and who is home or road. But Utah State has to be the most unknown 17-win team in the country.

Mike Spokane

What kind of seed can the Zags obtain if they beat Memphis and win both the regular and tourney title in the WCC?

Andy Katz

  (2:15 PM)

A No. 2 isn't out of the question. I don't see a No. 1 anymore, though.

Mark (Knoxville, TN)

Andy, quick question. Whose your favorite to win the SEC, and why?

Andy Katz

  (2:16 PM)

I'm leaning toward Kentucky now. The play of Meeks and Patterson has been too consistent to dismiss.

john p cottage grove mn

who is your final 4?and winner

Andy Katz

  (2:17 PM)

New Final Four for you John....Wake ForestPittNorth CarolinaOklahomaStill going with Carolina.....This will change weekly I'm sure...

Jodie Meeks (Lexington, KY)

Andy. Am I a legitimate contender for POY, and can I take my Kentucky team deep in the tourney come March?

Andy Katz

  (2:18 PM)

Yes. You can carry your team.Meeks is in the mix for first-team all-American status for sure.Thanks again for the questions. Sorry it was a bit disjointed today while I had to do some podcast interviews.