Andy Katz

  (11:09 AM)

Here to chat at the WWLeader

Frank (Indianapolis, IN)

Do you think Brad Stevens draws interest from Georgia or Virginia this year?

Andy Katz

  (11:10 AM)

Hmm, good name for Virginia possibly. But ultimately I think Stevens doesn't chase the cash. I think you'll see him stick it out at Butler. In talking to him I don't think he'll make the same mistake of his predecessor and go for the big time school and leave a good thing.

Arthur, Pgh. Pa.

Hey Andy, Pitt fan, just wondering how much pressure you think this team is under? This is obviously their best squad of the Howland/Dixon era. If they don't advance, will it have lasting effects on this program? With Young, Fields and probably Blair moving on, Pitt will be rebuilding, next year and beyond. Do they need a Final 4 push to keep the program rolling?

Andy Katz

  (11:13 AM)

They don't need to go to the Final Four to keep the progam rolling. The program is doing just fine with or without a deep run in March.

Mike (Chicago, IL)

Why is Arizona a better job for Calipari or Izzo? Don't they have too good of a thing going to leave for a program on the other side of the country that will be decimated by a lack of players the next 2-3 years?

Andy Katz

  (11:13 AM)

It's not. I don't think either one would or should leave. Arizona can't pay what they're making and the facilities don't even compare.

JoeMD

I went to the Kansas City Bracket to support the Terps. But I was one of few.. Michigan Fans are amazing fans I have learned... Anyway after such a poor shooting performance against cal northridge where in the world did this memphis team come from against the terps?

Andy Katz

  (11:14 AM)

That's how Memphis played during the regular season. The poor performance against the Matadors was more out of character.

Mike Chicago

I know that he's really talented, but doesn't Gerald Henderson bog down the Duke offense? He was a miserable 7 for 21 last game and seems to not pass the ball to the open man. There were five times against Texas when he drove into a double team instead of kicking to Scheyer or Smith for an open 3.

Andy Katz

  (11:16 AM)

I'd still rather have Gerald going one-on-one with a game on the line.

Mike (Dallas,tx)

Is Jonny Flynn the best PG in america?

Andy Katz

  (11:17 AM)

Flynn, Ty Lawson and Patty Mills would be my top three still playing.

Corey (Spokane)

Dont you think people are getting a little ahead of themselves with this Arizona talk? Let's be real for a minute, they beat a wildly overseeded Utah team that they were favored against, then a Cleveland State team that was a 13 seed for a reason. Playing those teams in Miami is just a tad different than playing Louisville 2hrs from their home, not to mention the fact they are the #1 seed.

Andy Katz

  (11:20 AM)

That's a fair point but the Wildcats did have some of the top wins this season with victories over UCLA, Washington, Gonzaga and Kansas. So it shouldn't come as a complete shock that Arizona is in the Sweet 16. But a year ago Villanova got into the Sweet 16 without playing an elite team as a 12 seed.

Jim (St Paul, Minnesota)

WE LOVE TUBBY!!!

Andy Katz

  (11:22 AM)

And that's why I don't see him leaving. A lot of these schools are essentially disrespecting the University of Minnesota by assuming they can lure Smith out of the cold. Why are Virginia and Georgia suddenly better situations than Minnesota? Virginia and Georgia do have more access to local talent but neither program has shown it can be run effectively. Smith is content and hasn't ever seemed to be to be someone to ditch a school.

Matt (Omaha NE): [via mobile]

hey andy im a big creighton fan but i dont watch the NIT i like the NCAA tourney where i picked louisville but i happened 2 watch the cu game last night and they lost what do u think is their biggest problem of y they arent in the big dance?

Andy Katz

  (11:23 AM)

Creighton didn't have the overall body of work and losing big in the semifinals didn't help. But what a great atmosphere in Omaha last night? The Bluejays fans are some of the best in the country.

Brad(NM)

How much hot water is Billy Gillespie really in Andy? An NIT appearance is almost insulting for UK basketball, but he constantly has a top recruiting class coming in. Will he right that ship and be back in the NCAA tourney next season?

Andy Katz

  (11:25 AM)

There are a lot of rumors and the upper administration will address them after the season. But Gillispie does deserve more than two seasons. Unless he committed NCAA violations or got in trouble with the law I find it hard to believe that a school would buyout a coach after two seasons. Impatience like that won't serve them well, even if they were to land another high-profile coach. Gillispie told me he wants to be in Lexington.

francisco [via mobile]

Which team in the sweet 16 is playing the fastest brand of basketball right now? How about the most powerful?

Andy Katz

  (11:27 AM)

Missouri wins the fastest but Connecticut is playing the best basketball through two rounds.

Joe,New Castle,PA.

Have you heard any rumors about Jamie Dixon possibly going to Arizona?

Andy Katz

  (11:28 AM)

No shot. I'm coninced he's not going anywhere. He loves Pittsburgh. He's got a great gig. His family is very happy in Pittsburgh.

PJ (Boston)

Do you want to change your vote, and go with UConn to win it all?

Andy Katz

  (11:30 AM)

Nope. I will change my Midwest regional and go with Louisville now that Wake is out!

ALL 5 PHILA. PA [via mobile]

DO U THINK BLAKE GRIFFIN WILL BE EFFECTIVE AGAINST SYRACUSES 2-3 ZONE?

Andy Katz

  (11:31 AM)

Yes. If he catches the ball he can make something happen. The length of Syracuse might bother Griffin but I don't think he'll be that flustered. The bigger issue is will the OU guards make perimeter shots.

Alan, Glenview, Il

If its not Dixon or Izzo (who I never thought was a possibility). Realistically who are the front runners to be the next Arizona Head Coach. I've heard some Jay Wright rumors and of course Mark Few. Also, you said Nic Wise is probably gone. Where would he go? He is definitely not ready for the NBA. Do you think that if Wise does return Arizona could make it 26 in a row? Fogg, Johnson and Horne are all decent players.

Andy Katz

  (11:33 AM)

Nope. Even if Wise returns I don't think they'll have enough to make the NCAAs next season. I won't be surprise if it "falls" down to someone like Randy Bennett or Reggie Theus. Ultimately, I'll be surprised if they're able to pull off the $2 million plus it would take to get any of the coaches mentioned like Mark Few, Jamie Dixon, Rick Pitino, Tom Izzo or Sean Miller. I just don't see any of them leaving their respective gigs.

Andy (St. Louis, Mo)

If Mike Anderson makes the Final Four, does he stay in Columbia?

Andy Katz

  (11:34 AM)

It's more about whether Alabama wants him and if he wants to bolt on turning the corner in Columbia.

Andy (Rochester, NY)

There was a short article in the Syracuse Post-Standard yesterday where Jonny says "There is no 'as of right now.' I'm coming back to Syracuse." Good move?

Andy Katz

  (11:35 AM)

Sure it's a good move but I reserve judgment on players saying they're coming back when the NCAA tournament is still ongoing. Yo ucan't take those statements as gospel at this point of the season.

Alan, Glenview, Il

If its Theus or Bennett are they good enough coaches to bring Arizona back to the National Power they were for 20 plus years?

Andy Katz

  (11:35 AM)

No one is going to be Lute Olson. But yes they can recruit and win. That's all you need to know.

John (Boston)

Not that I want it to happen, but I'm always surprised when big name jobs open and I dont hear Al Skinner's name mentioned as a possibility. How is he regarded nationally? He seems to do more with less than any coach out there. thanks

Andy Katz

  (11:36 AM)

He's respected as one of the best coaches in the biz. He maximizes his talent as well as anyone. Skinner is comfortable at BC and I don't see him leaving.

Kevin (ATL)

You talk about Brad Stevens not making the mistakes of predecessors. What about Sean Miller at Xavier? Not saying that Gillen, Prosser or Matta made mistakes by leaving, but an argument can be made that Xavier is the best program of all of those 4, and he does love it at X and the school has his back 150%.

Andy Katz

  (11:37 AM)

of his predecessor -- Todd Lickliter. I'm not sure going to Iowa was a great move as compared to staying at Butler. I agree on the rest.

Carmello Anthony, No Love in 'Cuse?

Can you see a big east final 4? Or even get 3 teams into the final 4?

Andy Katz

  (11:39 AM)

I would say two.

Red (Oklahoma City, OK)

If Georgia is indeed willing to pay the 2 million plus that it's rumored to be offering Jeff Capel, does Oklahoma match?

Andy Katz

  (11:41 AM)

I have been told that Capel won't leave for Georgia. Georgia isn't one of those can't-miss jobs. Thanks for the questions. Enjoy the Sweet 16.