Dana O'Neil

  (2:01 PM)

Hey everyone only four weeks til the first round. But who's counting?

Josh (Memphis, TN)

If Memphis runs the table and wins their conference tournament, which is possible in their division, do you see them being ranked #1 and/or getting a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:02 PM)

Josh: Going to be tough to grab a 1 seed probably, what w/ the Big East/ ACC stack but I think the Tigers will get a 2 and be a very, very tough 2.

Steve (muskogee,ok)

Are you on board the OU Sooner bandwagon yet?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:02 PM)

Steve: Always was. You can't not like Blake Griffin and I've been impressed with the Sooners' underappreciated guards for some time. Also like the defense.

David Pierre (Wooster, Ohio)

I have a question about dejuan blair. He is so physical and strong and really has shown how he has developed to a major threat. Should he be a nominee for player of the year? and is there any chance that he will enter the NBA draft this year? Hopefully not because he would be a huge loss to Pitt.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:04 PM)

David: I certainly think he'll be in the conversation but barring a hostile coup, not sure how anyone takes over Blake Griffin. I do think, however, that DeJuan gave people pause about the Big East POY options. As for the draft, he told me he's in no hurry. That said if his team makes it to the Final Four and he's a star it's going to be hard to say no.

Jeff ( Boston)

Dana, Do you think the Friars have any shot against Louisville tonight or Pitt next week? Would a few tight games be enough for the committee to say 10-8 in the big east is sufficient for a tourney bid?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:07 PM)

Jeff: sure they have a shot, though winning at Louisville is going to be difficult. I'd like to see them steal one somewhere - Pitt, Notre Dame, Villanova or tonight - to make things a little less dicey.

Whatcha Think (NYC)

How many teams do you have going to the dance from the A-10? I've got Xavier and Dayton at-large, and my Bonnies upsetting the field and winning the conference (please just let me dream).

Dana O'Neil

  (2:07 PM)

Dream away, my friend. It's why it's called March Madness. Will be interesting to see what happens IF there is an upset in that league.

Brian (Tulsa, Oklahoma)

Is Blake Griffin hands down player of the year in college basketball?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:08 PM)

Brian: Yes

Cedric (Baltimore, MD)

Why is no one talking about the fact that Kansas is making a run at yet another 30-wins season -- and with only one player with any real experience before this year?! It's an crazy story that I think should get some pub.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:09 PM)

Cedric: don't know that no one is talking about it but I do agree. Bill Self has done an outstanding job this year with a very very young Kansas team.

Pat (MN)

In your opinion, does Duke deserve to be in the top-10 after losing two games last week (and 4 of last 6)?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:10 PM)

Pat: No, not in my opinion. but rankings are fairly meaningless, too.

Nick (Morgantown, WV)

Notre Dame and West Virginia tonight. Both coming off pretty nice wins. Who ya got?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:11 PM)

Nick: I like the Neers. Team seems to be coming together nicely right now and at home, they're always tough to beat.

Tee (Charlotte)

Rank'em Dana....OU, UNC, Uconn, Pitt.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:11 PM)

Tee: I'm not jumping OU, so I'd say OU, Carolina, Pitt, UConn

DC (Princeton, NJ)

With Championship week only 2 weeks away, what conference tournaments offer the most intrigue/have the most on the line? You already mentioned the A-10 IF there was an upset. Any others?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:13 PM)

DC: There's a ton. The Valley is wide open. Until we know how healthy Steph Curry is, the SoCon could be interesting. The MAAC, with two very good teams in Siena and Niagara figure to be tough as well.

Wide Right (New York)

what's your pick for Miami vs. Florida State tonight? i can't wait to watch Douglas vs McClinton. do you think both teams make the tourney?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:15 PM)

Sorry about your field goal issues. It's a much bigger game for Miami right now. They really need this to get themselves on the right side of the bubble. I think Florida State, barring epic disaster, is in. I'm going to go w/ the desperate team tonight and say Miami.

ray gordon reid OGDEN UTAH 84408

hi dana will steph curry be ready for bracket busters game vs BUTLER

Dana O'Neil

  (2:15 PM)

Ray: Don't know. They're saying day to day right now. Selfishly I hope so but I also know that this one game won't make or break Davidson. The SoCon tourney might.

Dana (Columbia, MD)

Hypothetical: My Dad and I want to experience college basketball in all its glory, and we have 3 roadtrips we can take anywhere in the country. Where should we go and why?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:18 PM)

Dana: Awesome name if that is indeed your name. Hmm... Because I live here I'd say come to Philly. 6 division I schools plus the palestra. Hit Carolina for the trifecta there and if you can score a ticket to Duke-Carolina, by all means go. And then here's the toss-up. Never seen a game in Hinkle but have been told it's incredible place to see. Have been to Allen Fieldhouse and the Rock-Chalk chant live in that place is awesome. And if you can swing one more, go to the Maui tourney. Just cuz it's Maui.

Chris (Boston)

Dana, Is Arinze Onuaku the worst free throw shooter you have seen in your years of covering college basketball?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:18 PM)

Chris: Oh he's up there but I have seen some doozies.

KENTUCKY FAN

Dana. What has happened to Kentucky? Was Gillispie really the right hire? It seems like other coaches are doing more with less talent.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:19 PM)

Kentucky: Patrick Patterson got hurt, that's what happened to Kentucky. Team is not real complicated to defend when Jodie Meeks is the only option. I don't think Billy is a bad coach at all. Think he's a very good coach. I also think the demands at KY are insatiable.

nagle, big apple

Dana- I'm kind of important around here in that I used to work at ESPN. With that said what do our Nittany Lions have do these next 2 weeks to make the Dance. Would 3-2 and a W in the Big 10 tourney be enough?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:24 PM)

OK internet snafu. Not sure if that answer was posted. Would likee to see Penn STate win one of the road games - tonight or at OSU. Don't want them to count on just a home win against Illinois and then wins over bad IU and Iowa teams to get it done. Definintely can't bow out of Big 10 tourney early.

Mark (Green Bay)

What are Marquette's chances of beating Louisville Pitt and UConn with all three being in a row?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:26 PM)

Mark: Extremely tall order, especially w/ two of them on the road.

Trent (Monticello, IN)

Thoughts on Purdue's impressive victory last night over Michigan State?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:26 PM)

Trent: Very impressive and very good to see Hummel back in the lineup. If he can stay healthy, I think the Boilers will again be the team everyone expected them to be.

MIKE. RI

Any chance you see my uri rams sneaking into the dance if they win out and win 2 games in the A-14 tourny?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:27 PM)

Mike: No. Only A10 teams with viable at-large arguments are Xavier and Dayton

Brian(Milford CT) [via mobile]

hey Dana, i'm going to the garden tomorrow night to see Duke play St. Johns. Any chance the dukies lose d straight?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:28 PM)

Brian: I'd be very very very suprised. St. John's just isn't very good and honestly in New York, I wouldn't be surprised if Duke had more fans than the home team.

Nick (Boston)

BC's RPI of 52 seems absurdly low, considering their big wins. Will the Harvard loss affect them come selection Sunday as much as it has in the RPI?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:29 PM)

Nick: It really shouldn't. From what I understand the committee doesn't kill teams for one bad loss, especially when it has very good wins to erase the loss.

John Charlotte

Dana why is unc getting no respect?? We beat Duke by 14 at duke .We also beat a very good Miami team at Miami yet unc has not move up in the poll and has is not getting any first place vote

Dana O'Neil

  (2:29 PM)

John: Seriously? For starters the rankings came out before the UConn-Pitt game. UConn hadn't lost. I imagine you'll get a few this week but no respect? Seriously?

INSATIABLE KENTUCKY FAN

Circle one: Kentucky.....IN or OUT (in terms of making the bid dance)

Dana O'Neil

  (2:30 PM)

Boy, as of today this moment I'd say out. I think Lunardi had them as a 10 seed, right? THat usually means you're just sneaking in.

Ann (Seattle, WA)

Which team do you think wins the Pac-10 regular season title?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:31 PM)

Ann: Can I answer that tomorrow night after Washington plays UCLA? Very interesting race right now. Winning at UCLA hasn't been easy for the Huskies but I'd love to see them stun the league.

Sean Williams (jail)

I just wanted to watch BC win and rush the court with Jared Dudley. Instead, I get arrested. Do you think BC makes the tourney? Is 8-8 and an ACC tourney win enough?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:32 PM)

Sean: Yeah, what's up w/ that? I think right now BC makes the tourney but they aren't a lock. Can't mess up down the stretch.

Clance (Dayton, OH)

Dana - I just got the worst haircut ever and you answering my question would cheer me up. Should I be worried about Dayton's exclusion from the coach's poll rankings? If Dayton goes 3-2 the rest of the way are they safe?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:34 PM)

Clance: Find yourself a baseball hat. Don't worry about the rankings. This isn't football. Dayton's RPI is 27.That's the important number and it's a very very good one.

Greg(Los Angeles)

What do you think of South Caroloina? Do you think they are a team that can make some noise in March?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:36 PM)

Greg: Don't have them in just yet. If they get in, yes they can. Love Devan Downey

Robert (Memphis,TN)

Do you see the Vols making another Sweet 16 appearance this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:36 PM)

Robert: Not based on what I've seen so far. Team has a ton of talent but just hasn't been right all year and the defense is awful.

Wes (San Diego)

Dana, great read on Tanner Smith of Clemson. After a huge win over Maryland last night what seed do you see Clemson getting for the tourney, and how far can they go? Thanks.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:38 PM)

Wes: Thanks. A story like Tanner's is easy to write. As for the Tigers, definitely a dangerous team. Have been a little up and down but that doesn't negate their talent and athleticisim. Right now, without knowing how they finish in the ACC Tourney, I'd say probably a 3?

Caleb (LA, CA)

Dana, neither Andy or Pat will answer my question. Perhaps you will be the first. Who is going to be coaching Arizona come next season? A guess is all I am asking...

Dana O'Neil

  (2:39 PM)

Caleb: A guess? Me? Honestly I don't know. I've heard names like Tom Izzo but nothing concrete.

Vince (Pittsburgh)

What does Pitt have to do to get away from the west coast. Does beating Marquette and pounding Uconn (again) work?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:41 PM)

Vince: Because the top seeds are so tilted to the East someone is going to get shipped. If Pitt finishes the way you're suggesting than I they'd finish ahead of UConn on the seed line. Then it's a matter of who wins the ACC? I was thinking about that the other day and it will be interesting to see who's with me in Glendale.

justin, california

mizzou is playing very well and on march 4th is going to be there biggest game of the year with the griffin brothers at mizzou arena if we beat them do u think we will be #2 seed

Dana O'Neil

  (2:42 PM)

Justin: Not sure it's the biggest game of the year but it will be a huge, huge game. I think a 2 seed is a bit high but Mizzou is definitely climbing up the seeds now and if OU is still #1, huge huge win.

Zach (Nebraska)

Many "experts" are saying there will be very low numbers of mid-major teams making the dance. While espn's bracket a couple weeks ago had nearly a quarter of the field (16 teams) from the ACC and Big East. Now, I know that the ACC is one of if not the best conference in basketball, but shouldn't a team have team have to finish in the top half of their own conference to deserve the dance? Also, I'm a UNL alum so I could care less if Creighton makes it.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:43 PM)

Zach: I'd suggest you read Pat Forde's Minutes this week if you haven't already. This year is stacking up to be very heavy on the BCS type conferences. Not sure I agree with that, particularly since many of the teams load their schedules with cupcakes early. Personally I think you're right. I think there needs to be more consideration to the mid-majors but not sure how you can do that when the numbers are the numbers.

Bevo (Columbia, KY)

Settle an arguement between co-workers. Does UK get in with only 18-19 wins just because they are UK and fans travel better than any other in america?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:44 PM)

Bevo: No. This isn't the NIT. Tickets will be sold regardless.

Bill Pittsburgh, PA

Hi Dana, with the Tournament right around the corner. I would love to see (even in these though economic times) UNC go to Miami or Philly and either U Conn or Memphis (or Pitt) go to Greensboro...truley level the playing field for everyone. It simply doesn't seem fair for UNC or Duke (or UCLA in LA) to play sooo close to home esp. in this day and age where home courts can mean as much as 3 or 4 pts. Your thoughts?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:45 PM)

Bill: I get your point but the committee always has awarded site preference to top seeds. There has to be some reward for playing a strong regular season, right?

Chris (Kentucky)

Is there some sort policy that ESPN reporters have to say UK will not make the NCAA? UK's resume is as good as any in the SEC. If Kentucky is not in, then the SEC will only have one team in the big dance (SEC Tourney winner).

Dana O'Neil

  (2:45 PM)

Chris: Yes it's in our contract right after the part that says we must love Duke

Matt (Philly, PA)

The top of the A-10 beat up on the top of the SEC earlier in the year (Xavier over LSU and Temple over Tenn) yet some experts project the SEC to have 5 bids? With their weak out of conference schedules why's the SEC getting so many bids?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:47 PM)

Matt: I honestly don't know. I understand the argument for the 5 teams in the SEC but you also have to look at how teams play, not just their RPI. The league is down this year. Does that mean one of them couldn't pull an upset? No but 5 seems like a lot to me.

Confused

Dana, If i'm not mistaken, you didn't go to UK right? So why all the UK questions, show Xavier some love!!!

Dana O'Neil

  (2:47 PM)

love xavier. now stop losing bad games, will you?

Charles (Chapel Hill)

Do you agree with Tyler Zeller's decision to give it a go at Carolina? Do you think he will be able to contribute?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:48 PM)

Charles: Personal decision there. I've seen kids go both ways with that, taking the redshirt and not taking it. As for his contributions, I think it would be unreasonable to expect him to be huge right awyay. He's been out a while but as Carolina gets ready for a stretch run, depth is important. He brings it.

Adam (Michiga)

Dana, please answer a Michigan question. After winning at Northwestern, if Michigan can beat Minnesota and win at Iowa on Sunday, will they get into the dance?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:50 PM)

Adam: ON those two games alone, no. I mean they can't nosedive at the end, especially against Wisconsin and Minnesota, teams also looking to build a case.

O'Keefe Hanny (Kentucky)

How much will the loss of Dyson hurt Uconn down the stretch? Do you see them dropping a few games they wouldn't have lost previously?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:51 PM)

OKeefe: I think we saw that it does hurt. Kemba Walker has to get better in a hurry. I don't think UConn will tank. Too many good players for that but it does make things more difficult

John (Memphis, TN)

Who do think should be coach of the year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:52 PM)

John: boy I could come up with a bunch off the top of my hea: Russ Pennell, Lorenzo Romar, Bill Self, John Calipari for doing the unexpected jump out to me. I know there are others.

Mike (CT)

Dana, what do you think about Uconn & Pitt potentially meeting 4 times this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:53 PM)

Mike: After what I saw on Monday night, I like it. That was an incredible game played at an extremely high level.

Mike Anderson

What about me for coach of the year after cleaning up Quin's mess?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:54 PM)

Mike: Yep. See I told you I'd forget someone. Absolutely deserve to be in the mix.

Brett (Heath, OH)

Dana - What would you consider the better coaching job? Bruce Weber in 04-05 with that group or him possibly winning the Big 10 with this year's group?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:55 PM)

Brett: I'd say this year's group. Remember that guy was projected to lose his job last year and really nothing was expected of this team.

IVANHOE, Chicago

in regards to your COY response earlier, by other you mean Sean Miller right? This guy lost 3 sstarters from last years team! He might be the best coach in college basketball.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:55 PM)

See. This is like thanking people at the Academy Awards. Someone is always forgotten.

Jason (Iowa)

Everyone seems to be jumping on the Creighton bandwagon. But I don't think they're a lock to win the MVC. They still trail Northern Iowa by 1 game, and Illinois St is another good team. What are your thoughts on the MVC?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:56 PM)

Jason: I'm with you. Creighton looks very good right now but I see that league as pretty wide open. Think the Valley tourney is going to be very fun to watch.

matt ohio-Louisville alum

You picked Louisville as your early national champ. Still got them? If not how far do they go?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:57 PM)

Matt: No one wanted to remind me of that when they were winning 8 games in a row... I still think the Ville can go far. The defense is outstanding. I'd like to see Earl Clark play like the player he is - consistently. I also think they could be a 2 seed, so it's not out of the question that they win it.

Tee (Charlotte)

what has happend to Wake in your opinion?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:58 PM)

Ted: Couple of things. I think people have figured out how to play them for starters. Also this is a young team not accustomed to wearing a bullseye. Seems like they get up for big games and not so much the others. Still have a ton of talent so discount them at your own risk.

Cindy (Pgh, PA)

Do you think Pitt gives UConn another Thabeetdown in the rematch?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:59 PM)

Cindy: I'd be surprised. I really like the way Blair played him. It was very smart but I also imagine Thabeet took that personally. I'm not saying he kills Blair but I think it will be a more even match.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

29 days until the greatest 2 days in sports! I can't wait!!

Dana O'Neil

  (3:00 PM)

Cosmo: Me either. And on that note. Time to get back to work. Thanks for the questions. Chat w/ you next week.