Dana O'Neil

  (2:00 PM)

Greetings everyone. Sort of a slow week game wise, but always plenty to discuss.. so let's discuss.

Kevin (IL)

Thoughts on the Butler Bulldogs?! Surprised by the tough start? Chances they turn it around? Thanks.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:01 PM)

Kevin: Well I hate to count the Bulldogs out but I do have to say that this year, I don't have that same confidence. I still think Butler can and will get better but by better, I mean able to compete in the Horizon. They lost two great players in Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack and I think we're seeing the natural regrouping from that.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

What did you think of the Brawl Between Xavier & Cincinnati Do you think that the Players inVolved deserves to be Suspended?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:03 PM)

Chris: They absolutely deserve to be suspended. I just wish the suspensions were a little longer. It was horrific, inexcusable behavior by guys old enough to know better. Not just the fight, but the actions after - taunting the crowd - and the postgame. Complete disregard for what they did.

Evan Almighty (Indy)

Just how good do you think the A-10 is this season? X, SLU, Temple look like they are on track for the NCAA, but then there are teams like Dayton, St. Joe's and Richmond, too.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:04 PM)

Evan: Agree with you. Interesting year this year for the A10. The top remains good but there is some movement from teams like St. Joe's and even St. Bonaventure that tells me this league is getting better top to bottom.

Milton (Illinois)

Afternoon Dana, biggest surprises/dissapointments so far?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:04 PM)

Milton: Surprise has to be Missouri. Thought they'd survive without Bowers but not be this good. Disappointment? Vanderbilt, Memphis (not to pick on the state of Tennessee).

Evan (Virginia)

What are your thoughts on the job Lon Kruger has done at Oklahoma? They will most likely return everyone on their team this year for next year, can this team be good in a year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:05 PM)

Evan: Fantastic. Most people figured this to be a disaster or at best, a mulligan year for Kruger. People forget what a good coach he is. He's getting everything he can out of that team.

Alex (Anaheim)

I know the Pac 12 is muddled, but who's the best in the conference in your eyes?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:06 PM)

Alex: The Big Ten to me is tops. Six teams in the top 25. Purdue is right outside. Northwestern is decent. That's eight of 12 teams right there. Pretty good stuff.

Josh (Btown)

So is there still reason for skepticism of the Hoosiers, or will we finally get a little respect in Bloomington?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:07 PM)

Josh: Think you've gotten tons of respect this season and I think this is legit. The way IU played wasn't beautiful but it was smart, tough defense. That's not going to go away.

DJ (Cuse)

What a difference a coach makes? Was Mike Anderson that bad a coach? Actually love watching Flip handle the rock and running actual plays for the POY marcus Demnon.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:07 PM)

DJ: No, I don't think he was a bad coach at all but he had round pegs in the square hole of his system. THis team has a lot of talented offensive players and they need to have the freedom to play that way. They have it now.

Steve (NJ)

Going to Philly and need some serious advice. Genos, Pats, or Jimmys for cheesesteaks?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:08 PM)

Steve: None. Go to the Northeast to Chink's on Torresdale. Tell Joe I sent you and order a milkshake, too.

Andrew (Cedar Falls)

Better conference right now, Valley or Pac 12?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:09 PM)

Andrew: Valley has to be. Creighton, Wichita State and Northern Iowa. Indiana State not bad. Pac 12 has Arizona, a dash of Washington and not much else.

Jim (Columbus)

What is the status of bigman Jered Sullinger for tonights game vs USC-Upstate?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:09 PM)

Jim: Hearing he's likely to play. Which is good news. I'd hate to see him out for an extended period of time. Want the best players to be able to play.

Billy (Baton Rouge)

Is there such thing as a good loss? Arizona's loss to Florida caught my eye. Also, next year when Arizona finally has a front line (3 top 10 recruits who are all big men) to supplement the returning guys of Hill, Parrom, Turner, Nick Johnson, and Chol watch out America. Definitely a preseason top 5 team.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:10 PM)

Billy: Think people in Arizona need to remember you lost a pretty darned good player in Derrick Williams. This team is a work in progress right now but plenty of reasons to be optimistic this year and next.

Tom (Philly)

Does Boehiem survive defamation suit?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:10 PM)

Tom: In terms of his job? Yeah, I think so. And even legally it's a tough thing to prove.

Mark (Madison, WI)

Did Terrance Jones look as checked out in person as he did on TV?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:11 PM)

Mark: He just looked lost. Not sure what the deal was.

Mike (Chicago)

How was your first trip to Bloomington and Assembly Hall?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:12 PM)

MIke: Not half bad. Actually I may retire. Can't top that... though some folks have begged me to ring in the New Year there for the Ohio State game.

Joe (State College PA)

Why is THE SHOW such a great student section?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:13 PM)

Joe: Reserving judgment on the great until Eamonn and I render our final verdict but having seen The Show in person, I love it for its energy and for being irreverent. Serious fans that don't take themselves too seriously. Great combo.

Doug (Indy)

Media and announcers refer to players as "warriors," "snipers," "assasins," "killers" etc, but a player refers to his team as "gangstas" (and then immediately clarifies it by saying he means tough) and the media goes crazy. Last time I checked, Tu Holloway didn't throw a punch. Double standards?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:14 PM)

Doug: Well for starters, Tu did some serious trash talking to instigate the whole thing and usually when reporters use their terms, they are referring to a player's shooting ability. Not his rationale for being in a streetfight on a court.

rob (alabama)

Do you think Ole Miss is a LEGIT basketball team ?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:15 PM)

Rob: Jury is still out. Think Ole Miss is good, better maybe than I thought. Don't have a lot of real quality wins. May have to wait til SEC season to really know for sure.

Kari (Rochester)

Do you think Syracuse deserves the #1 ranking and how long do you see them hanging onto it?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:17 PM)

Kari: I have no problem with Syracuse being No. 1, even if some say it's by attrition. I will say, however, they have to leave the state of NY to really earn it. Not sure if they win at NC State on Saturday, honestly.

Steve (Jax, Fl)

Dana I listened to last weeks podcast with you and Eamoon about the Best stuednt sections in the nation. After Sat in Assembly Hall at Bloomington: Where do you think IU's Student Body Ranks???? And man....What a Game !!! Hope you metion this on your next Podcast :)

Dana O'Neil

  (2:17 PM)

Steve: Well now I'm probably not fit to judge the longevity/consistency portion. Based on Saturday, it was incredible. Gotta keep it up, though.

Jason (Las Vegas)

Does UNLV bounce back and take down Illinois this weekend?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:18 PM)

Jason: Interesting game. Illinois' occasional inability to score worries me - did they reach 50 against St. Bonaventure? - but think Illini win. I'm usually wrong, by the way.

Tom (Philly)

Chink's? Solid but have you been to D'alessandros on Ridge?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:19 PM)

Tom: I have indeed. Loyal to Chink's, especially when you can get a chocolate milkshake and a bowl of pickles to boot.

Andrew (Utah)

Do you think a win over Baylor on Saturday will be enough for BYU to get into the Top 25? Just because they don't have a once-in-a-generation player like Jimmer anymore doesn't mean they don't deserve any national respect.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:21 PM)

Andew: Don't think this is JImmer backlash. Just need a few quality wins. Baylor helps, sure. NOt sure it alone gets BYU ranked just yet.

Brian (Minneapolis)

What has gotten into Hoyas big man Henry Sims? Love the way he is playing and facilitating JTIII (dont' call it) Princeton offense. Will Sims and the Hoyas, keep improving, hold up through the grind of the Big East and finish top half of the conference?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:22 PM)

Brian: I'm with you 100 percent. Really impressed with Sims and Georgetown in general. Had them pegged as a major question mark without Wright and Freeman but have been a nice surprise eaerly.

Matt (DC)

Why is difficult to prove defamation legally against Boeheim? His comments towards the "victims" are there, in print, and audio.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:24 PM)

Matt: I'm not a lawyer (and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Select) but I believe that the issue will be whether they determine Bobby Davis is a limited (or something like that) public figure. Then I know it becomes more complicated. My guess: they settle. And I"m by no means saying Boeheim didn't defame them. He was 3000 percent wrong.

Jon (Norwalk, CT)

Hi Dana, give me the title chances of the following teams:KentuckyUNCOhio StateSyracuseUconnBaylorOther

Dana O'Neil

  (2:25 PM)

Jon: Still think the first three are likely contenders. After that becomes a smorgasbord. All the teams you mentioned have a good shot. I've been throwing Missouri in lately, wondering if they might be the surprise team of the year. Need a little more consistency out of UConn. Syracuse needs to get out of New York.

SC (Atlanta)

W/Arnette Moultrie missing so much playing time w/his knees, are the Bulldogs destined to come up short late in the season?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:27 PM)

SC: I was really impressed with Moultrie when I saw him in NYC. I don't know how troublesome those knees are, but there's no doubt Mississippi State needs him down the stretch. Team looks good now but it gets tougher in the SEC.

Brian (Media)

Is Nova really a tournament team this year???

Dana O'Neil

  (2:27 PM)

Brian: Not an NCAA one, at least not right now.

Dusty (St. Louis)

Is KU a top 10 team right now or do they need to show you more?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:29 PM)

Dusty: Kinda. Really love the way Thomas Robinson has been playing and asterisk aside of no Sullinger, still a very good win against Ohio State. I still worry slightly bout the backcourt and turnovers. I think they could become a solid top 10 team by March.

Josh (Myrtle Beach, SC)

When will we see something substantial from Florida State?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:29 PM)

Josh: When the Seminoles learn how to score more than 20 points a game.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Dana, Alabama went on the road to dayton and lost do you think Bama is going to have a hard time on the road this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:30 PM)

Brad: Usually is the hardest and often, last, hurdle for a team that is starting to come together. There's no crime in losing at Dayton. One of the most loyal fan bases around and the Flyers are decent. But the TIde definitely needs to get used to hostile environments.

Willie D (FT KNOX)

Dana, why is it that Ohio State loses without Sullinger in the line up and they get mercy from the voters but if Louisville lost a game they would fall 6 to 8 places? This team is getting little respect for their ranking and no sympathy for the 4 guys they are missing right now and 6 total at times during the season. What gives?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:32 PM)

Willie: I get your point and it's not invalid but the difference is, right now, there's nothing to base what Louisville will be/would be/could be when everyone is healthy because it hasn't happened. Ohio State, at least you knew what the Buckeyes were without Sullinger. The good news: doesn't matter where you're ranked in December in college hoops.

Victory (Voorhees, NJ)

Who are the people in Temple, TX cheering for this weekend in the Horns / Owls matchup?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:32 PM)

Victory: I think we need to send an investigative team on that pronto.

Brian (Cottage Grove)

5 seconds left, your team is down one. which player in college hoops are you drawing up the final shot for? Tu? Harrison Barnes? Or someone else?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:33 PM)

Brian: Hmmm.. tough question.... Is second-half against IU Marquis Teague an option? If not, Barnes.

AC (Toledo, Ia)

Best player no one has heard of?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:34 PM)

AC: Casper Ware at Long Beach State, Doug McDermott at Creighton, Andrew Nicholson at St. Bonaventure.

JoJo (NYC)

Hey Dana. Why do they rank teams on how many "nba prospects" a team has and not on wins an losses? no way UNC should be ranked so high. and how is Kentucky #2 and Indiana not ranked?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:35 PM)

Um, Indiana is ranked. And how much should you penalize Kentucky for losing on a buzzer-beating 3 in a crazy atmosphere, with basically 2 All-Americans on the bench?

Ian (Washington, DC)

"I have no problem with Syracuse being No. 1." But we know you have a problem with Syracuse. Besides playing a majority of their games in their home state, what are your other issues with Syracuse?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:37 PM)

Ian: Um, none that I'm aware of. I've been pretty supportive of the team, so far as I know. Have defended Scoop. Said their defense has been terrific. Need a more consistent scorer. And need to leave the state.

Mel (Fulton)

Thoughts on Murray State?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:37 PM)

Mel: Very good team that people finally are hearing of. Could be this year's Morehead out of the OVC ... and the Racers may not lose for a long time.

Chris (Omaha)

Dana, based on the overall weakness and disappointing performances of the conference, whom do you now favor to win the Pac 12?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:38 PM)

Chris: I'd lean Arizona based on talent. Think once they get it together, be the best team in the league. Washington has a chance, too. Like their backcourt.

Josh (Ohio)

Dayton in the top 25? What do you think?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:38 PM)

Josh: I think not.

Brent (CoMO)

Dana, thoughts on the upcoming Braggin' Rights game in STL. Can Mizzou handle Illinois' size down low? Can the Illini keep pace with the Mizzou guards?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:39 PM)

Brent: Those are the key questions, really. Whoever has the answers, wins. I think Missouri is more talented, frankly, and while their offense has been very good, their defense has been as well.

Jon (Owensboro, KY)

Is it time for Murray State to change conferences like MVC?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:40 PM)

Jon: Why? The OVC has proven to be a good league with some legit teams who do damage in the NCAA Tourney.

Alex (Illinois)

I asked the same question as Brent and you responded to him. I think you prefer Mizzou fans over Illinois fans :(

Dana O'Neil

  (2:41 PM)

Alex: No. Just clicked his name. My every move should not be interpreted as a vote for or against (insert name of team here).

Steve (Jax, Fl)

I vote for a Big East / Big 10 early season tourney...Your thoughts??

Dana O'Neil

  (2:41 PM)

Steve: Sure. Line em up. I'd say right now the Big Ten wins.

bill (cleveland)

Back to the xavier-cincy game. You do realize trash talking has been out of control in this series for the last 20 years. Why is Holloway getting all the blame for this? He did nothing different than the past 100 players that have played in this game. Did you watch the game last year in Cincy??

Dana O'Neil

  (2:43 PM)

So that makes it right? They were all out of control. One team wasn't better than the other. Both should be embarrassed. Both should be penalized. Both should apologize. The finger pointing in this is downright silly. If they were worse than us is your best defense, you have no defense. Both were awful.

Frank (NC)

Dana with Kentucky talking about dropping one of its non conference rivalary games isn't it about time the Basketball Nation of Diehard fans who truely live and breath our sport stand up to the weekend warriors of the College Football world. Its a sad day when such a beautiful sport is walked on by a brute of a system that can't even find a true champion.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:44 PM)

Frank: Amen on a lot of levels on that one. Toss in the absurd Big East/Big Country/Big Mess of the future.

Jim (Atlanta)

Dana, are there any concerns for UNC before their game vs appy state?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:45 PM)

Jim: I'd say my only concern about UNC is that they need more of an edge to them. Think Harrison is getting it. That's been my only concern from day one. Great players, great team just need that great attitude.

JoJo (NYC)

Austin Rivers seems like he's getting the hang of this whole college basketball thing. How good can Duke be if he reaches his potential?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:46 PM)

JoJo: Didn't think it would take long. That makes for a very tough backcourt, him and Seth Curry. Solid bigs in the Plumlees and Ryan Kelly. Need to get stronger on the boards.

Scooter (Indiana)

Purdue lost a heartbreaker to Xavier. How do you see the Boilers fairing in the Big Ten? Is top 3 out of the question?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:47 PM)

Scooter: I've been impressed with the Boilers. Didn't know what to expect from them as a team or from Hummel. Pleasantly surprised on both ends. I wouldn't say top 3 is crazy out of the question by any means.

Kaylyn (Raleigh)

Who do you see as winning the ACC title this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:47 PM)

Kaylyn: UNC.

Jon (NY)

Why do all of the ESPN experts think Syracuse will lose against Marquette? Marquette hasn't proved anything more than Cuse has this year.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:49 PM)

Jon: Not saying they will beat Cuse, but Marquette has a decent resume - beat rival (and ranked) Wisconsin on the road. Beat Washington in NYC. Think Marquette is constantly underappreciated.

Jim (Atlanta)

How has James Michael Mcadoo been progressing durring the first ten games of the season for the heels?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:51 PM)

Jim: Tons of potential there and he's fortunate that there isn't a lot of pressure on him, so he can find his way quietly. Typical freshman - great one night, average the next -but expect plenty to come from him.

Stephen (Tampa)

Duke has played the best early season schedule, hands down. Dont you think that they need to start getting a little love on the National Contender front?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:52 PM)

Stephen: I'd say most people have them in the mix. Maybe not in the top 3 with Ohio State, Kentucky and Carolina, but in the next group.

Dusty (St. Louis)

Which conference will have a closer race down the strech to determine the champion: Big 12 or Missouri Valley?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:53 PM)

Dusty: I think the Valley, frankly. Some really good teams there already - Creighton, Wichita State and Northern Iowa. Should be a fun tourney.

PJ (Hawk Hill)

Will you be at the Holy War on Saturday and do you have a prediction?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:53 PM)

PJ: I will not be there, though I am tempted since it's the first on the St. Joe's campus. Think St. Joe's wins, actually. Tough environment for a young Villanova team.

Pete (Chicago )

I think Alex was making a joke about Ill Mzzou - please try to maintain a sense of humor.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:54 PM)

Pete: And I was being sarcastic. Please maintain your ability to find a tongue inserted firmly in a cheek (that's more sarcasm).

Randy (Lexington)

How is Sean Miller getting all of these top recruits over Kentucky and Kansas? Something doesn't seem right. Who would honestly go to Arizona over Kansas and Kentucky, top tier programs.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:56 PM)

Randy: Well, Arizona has a nice history. Sean Miller is a good coach and I dunno, Tucson versus Lexington or Lawrence?

Jeff (NY)

Marquette beating Wisconsin doesn't count, they didn't leave the state.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:56 PM)

Jeff: Touche.

Frank (NC)

At the Beginning of the Year I was thinking this could be a repeat of 2008 where all four 1 seeds make it to the Final Four. Now I will be impressive if more then one make it. Do you think the gap is huge from 1-4 compared to 5-20?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:57 PM)

Frank: I'm not sure I agree. Maybe not all four #1s, but I still think the top is pretty darned good. The gap is not huge, though, you're right about that.

Jim (Virginia)

Do you think the Virginia basketball team is up and coming with Tony Bennett and how long it will take for them to compete for the acc title

Dana O'Neil

  (2:58 PM)

Jim: Absolutely do. Think people expected that to happen with Bennett's hiring. Very good coach. Just things don't happen overnight. Starting to get some payoff now. Still a ways to go to reach the top 2, but it's not insurmountable.

Matt (Maryland )

Moving away from the brawl for a moment and focusing on the game that was played on Saturday, What do you think of Xavier seeding prospects and will they be hurt by the brawl or helped by their actual play on the court?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:58 PM)

Matt: It shouldn't come in to play for their seeding at all - unless they lose games when Tu and Lyons are out.

JoJo (NYC)

My two cents on xavier-cincy... Is there any blame to put on the media, Refs, and coaches? The audlts lol?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:59 PM)

JoJo: The refs? Absolutely. The coaches? Yep. The media? I'm not sure what the people with the laptops and microphones were supposed to do to stop it?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:59 PM)

Alright folks, time for me to go. Thanks for the questions as always.