Dana O'Neil

  (2:00 PM)

Greetings everyone. Fun night of hoops on tap.Let's get to it.

J Skinner (Baltimore)

Can You see my Arizona wildcats getting an at large bid if we win the regular season pac 12 title? We did play a decent out of conference schedule regardless of the wins, We did play most tough. Suppose to get the best 68 in right????

Dana O'Neil

  (2:02 PM)

J: The Wildcats are playing themselves into contention here late. It's hard to believe someone won't get an at-large bid from the Pac 12. Arizona played a decent non-conf schedule, which should counterbalance the lousy league.

Scott (Michigan)

Is it possible for the BIG or any other conference to have two #1 seeds?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:02 PM)

Scott: For the Big Ten? I'm not sure I see it there. If anyone could make a case, it would be the Big 12, with Missouri, Kansas and Baylor slugging it out.

Rob (Charlottesville)

what does Georgetown need to do to beat Syracuse at the dome tonight?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:03 PM)

Rob: Keep the game at their speed, slow down the Orange's transition offense. Not get murdered on the boards. Hit 3s.

fuzz from erie, pa [via mobile]

do the blue devils have a chance against the tarheels tonight?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:04 PM)

Fuzz: Well sure they do, but I still say Carolina wins. Duke is a bit of a mess right now, obviously, and Carolina is on a roll. Tough for the Blue Devils in Chapel Hill. Could be an obit for Duke's ACC chances, too, what with Florida State.

musix (jeffcitymo)

If you had to guess right now, who do you see winning the big 12 this year?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:05 PM)

Can I answer on Saturday, after I watch Mizzou-Baylor? I'd say Mizzou wins it, the regular season crown, at least. Though tht game in Lawrence is going to be NASTY!

Dusty (St. Louis)

Good call or bad call at the end of the KU/MU game?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:05 PM)

Dusty: You mean the offensive on TRob? I didn't see it from my televised vantage point.

Matt (MD)

Does Rhode Island continue its upset trend or does Xavier hold serve at home?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:06 PM)

Matt: The A10 has been a pick em all season but I think Xavier wins this one.

Mark B (San Diego, CA)

After last night's performance by UK, it is clear that they are the #1 team in the country. Do they have a weakness that could be exploited?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:07 PM)

Mark: Um yeah, they're No. 1. As for a weakness, the only one I'd argue is that Teague has to stay in control at all times. That doesn't mean they'll win every game. Things happen but they don't have a lot of glaring weaknesses.

Laura (Omaha)

What do you make of the Creighton Bluejays 2 consecutive losses? Prediction for the Wichita State game?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:09 PM)

Laura: Just pondering that for a column tomorrow. Not sure if this is a freefall or a blip. The game against Wichita will be telling. Absolutely need to win that one at home. My worry is that McDermott is having to do so much every game. How long can it last?

Justin (Arizona)

Can Pittsburgh get another win tonight vs South Florida?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:09 PM)

Justin: Absolutely. I'd be afraid of Pitt right now if I were a Big East team.

nick (ohio)

any chance murray st gets a number one seed if they finish regular season undefeated?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:11 PM)

Nick: Highly unlikely. I will, however, argue they deserve a very high seed. Winning every game is hard, I don't care what league you're in. And they have some decent non-conference wins to boot.

Justin (Arizona)

Huge game between Kansas vs Baylor tonight..who gets the win?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:11 PM)

Justin: Extremely huge. I'm calling Kansas on this one. Think they want a bounce back.

Ricky (Rochester, NY)

If the season ended today, what four teams have the best shot at a Final Four?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:13 PM)

Ricky: Hmm... Well, Kentucky, Ohio State, Syracuse, and either MIssouri or Ohio State.

John (Syracuse, NY)

The Orange are on pace to get 30,000 fans tonight for a WEEKDAY game against the Hoyas. Why is this not talked about as one of the best rivalries in all of college basketball?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:13 PM)

John: We gave it prominent mention today on the site. It's one of those odd rivalries, where there's no logical reason to detest one another yet they do. Gloriously, I might add.

Daniel (Ohio)

Dana: Big Ohio State fan. But I just don't see this team as being athletic enough to make the final four. When you watch Kentucky or North Carolina, OSU seems slow and unathletic.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:15 PM)

Daniel: Well that's standard in the Big Ten, isn't it? I always feel like my TV is in slo-mo when I switch over to a Big Ten game. And your point is legit but that doesn't mean they don't have the players to hang. What Ohio State needs is for opponents to stop clobbering Jared Sullinger. He's going to need a body cast soon.

Mark B (San Diego, CA)

I see the key for Georgetown tonight being Henry Sims - all the offense seems to trigger through him. I expect to see him at the high post trying to distribute. Opinion?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:16 PM)

Mark Well sure, that's how the Princeton offense is run, with a point center. It will be interesting to see how Fab Melo adjusts to him. It's a different style than he's accustomed to.

Matt (Spokane)

Is Gonzaga's reign as WCC champs over?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:16 PM)

Matt: We're going to know very soon, aren't we? But I"m leaning toward a yes on that one.

Jared (Overland Park)

Who are you picking to win the A10?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:17 PM)

Jared: Temple. Like always, Fran Dunphy has this team getting better as the season progresses.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Dana, have we seen the last of Jim Calhoun on the bench?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:17 PM)

Tony: I don't think so. Heaven knows he's been through worse, far worse. He told Andy Katz he has every intention of returning and I believe that.

Ricky (Rochester, NY)

Who has a better defense, Kentucky or Syracuse?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:19 PM)

Ricky: Completely different, yet both ridiculously long. Anthony Davis is the difference for Kentucky. He changes what everyone does against the Wildcats.

nick (ohio)

do you see any conference getting more than 6 bids to the ncaa tourney?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:20 PM)

Nick: Maybe the BIg Ten, though starting to eat one another up a little bit here. Outside of that, boy it's hard. Though the committee has to get 68 fro somewhere.

Zolty (NY)

Do you foresee UCLA becoming a top program again?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:21 PM)

Zolty: Someday. Not this day. It's hard to imagine a team with the history that UCLA has won't right itself.

Jason (Cincy)

Your POY vote as of today? Anthony Davis? Thomas Robinson?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:22 PM)

Jason: Tough one, but I"d have to lean Davis right now. Still lots of season left.

Greg (Georgia)

Who is the most overrated team in the country in your opinion?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:23 PM)

Greg: I'll get heat for this but I'll say Duke and it's not just based on the last few weeks. Haven't loved the Blue Devils all year. Think they have a lot of weaknesses, lack leadership and direction.

John (Lexington)

First off, are the children feeling any better or still under the weather? Beyond that, my 'Cats looked pretty good last night, but the Gators did miss some wide open looks. In a knockdown, drag out fight on a neutral floor, do you think UK can beat UNC/Cuse/OSU if those 3's do fall?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:26 PM)

John: Kids are better, thanks. Certainly made 3s will help an awful lot and Syracuse, Carolina and OSU have the personnel to make them. I'll be honest. I haven't loved Florida all year. Like em, don't love em because of the guards. So that's my lone caveat to that ridiculous win.

Greg (Georgia)

Can I follow up and ask most underrated team? and tourney sleeper?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:27 PM)

Greg: Sure you can. I'd say Murray State. Everyone thinks this team is a joke. I don't. The Racers can flat out play, have a sensational player in Isaiah Canaan, seniors, play defense.

Ryan (Detroit)

Come on Dana, give my Wolverines some pub. What is their seed ceiling and also how do you like their chances a week from Saturday against the Luckeyes when college gameday invades Ann Arbor?!

Dana O'Neil

  (2:28 PM)

Ryan: Sorry. Lost the question. Seed ceiling? Ugh. I'm awful. 6? And the Wolverines have proven to be very good at home. If they can shoot it, they can beat Ohio State in that atmosphere. Just make sure Denard Robinson gets a good seat again. Was fun watching him have a good time.

Mark B (San Diego, CA)

You know we're all wondering ... what's in the DVD player today?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:29 PM)

Mark: Ha, kids are at school, so nothing! Though we did rock some Mr. Popper's Penguins over the weekend.

Scott (Saginaw)

How far can Michigan State go in the tournament?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:30 PM)

Scott: Well now that we know Draymond Green is alright, I'd say they can go far. Not sure they're Final Four good but I never count Tom Izzo out of any fight.

Al (Liberty)

If Towson goes on a miracle run and wins their conference tournament, will they be the worst team to ever play in the NCAA Tournament?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:30 PM)

Al: That would be a helluva story, wouldn't it? I'd have to guess they'd be worse. ... unless Binghamton made it, too.

Johnny (NJ)

Seems like Syracuse always gets disrespected in the media and poll voters..why is this?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:32 PM)

Johnny: Um, they're No. 2 in the country.

MARK (CONN.)

dana...if UMass wins out and goes 24-6 can they get an at-large bid or do they need to win the tourney

Dana O'Neil

  (2:33 PM)

Mark: I'm not sure there's enough non-conference meat on the bone for the at-large bid. Take this to heart: Derek Kellogg has the Minutemen back on track.

Dusty (St. Louis)

How much of a chance are you giving Vandy to win on Saturday against Kentucky?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:36 PM)

Dusty: Well, it will be interesting to see how Wildcats handle a hostile environment, so that gives them an edge, certainly. Huge game for Vandy.

Mike Lunkhead (Rocky Mountains)

Feel so bad for poor Timmy Frazier. He is so much improved but stuck on a horrific team. Why wouldn't he just transfer (even if he has to sit 1 yr) so I can enjoy being part of a winning team?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:37 PM)

I actually respect him more for staying. Honor the commitment. Help the team rebuild. He's a terrific player and it's hard but kudos for him to sticking around.

Mad Dog (Baltimore)

So can I say this for the first time in my life: Loyola (Maryland) is the best college hoops team in the state of Maryland?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:37 PM)

Mad Dog: Wow, I think so... DC doesn't count, so go for it.

Edwin (Memphis, TN)

Dana- please give your thoughts on Memphis joining the Big East in 2013 and especially how you think Josh Paster will perform in the basketball rich tradition of the conference?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:38 PM)

Edwin: Long term it's great for Memphis. Elevates the profile of an already high-profile team. Helps them get even more good players but it's going to be harder and fans need to understand that. They won't waltz through the BIg East as they typically do C-USA.

Joe (Raleigh)

Is it me or has the Carolina/Duke "rivalry" lost it's luster?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:39 PM)

Joe: I don't know if it has. A lot more people are saying that, certainly. I think maybe others are nastier - Kentucky-Louisville but this still heated and good, between two terrific programs.

Mark B (San Diego, CA)

Do you think Steve Fisher will be able to continue to build his program, given that he'll be moving into a (very weak) Big West? Will he still be able to recruit?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:42 PM)

Mark: I think so. He's got the name brand going and his own personal name brand, too. The student section is fun and that has to be intriguing, too. THink he'll be fine.

Tom (Blue Springs)

No mention of the hatred between KU and Mizzou?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:43 PM)

Tom Well yeah, that's a good one, too!

Matt (Spokane)

St. Marys at the kennel who you got?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:43 PM)

Matt: St. Mary's. I think it's their year.

nick (ohio)

who's home winning streak ends first, kentucky's or ohio state's?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:44 PM)

Nick: Based on what I saw last night, OHio State's. Kentucky doesn't look to be ceding homecourt advantage anytime soon.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Ten years from now, who will prove to be the better guard, Austin Rivers or Bradley Beal? I say that ladder. Your thoughts?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:45 PM)

Tony: I'd agree that Brad Beal would be the leader.

Mike B (New York)

Hey Dana (your the best!!!)Quick question on Pitt:If you had to give a yes or no answer RIGHT NOW, Does Pitt make the NCAA Tournament??

Dana O'Neil

  (2:46 PM)

Well right now, no. I mean they'd have to really push far into the Big East Tourney. That's not logical. Which is why it will happen.

Zack Bauer (Worcester, MA)

Who would you take in a 2-on-2 matchup: Roy Williams and Harrison Barnes or Coach K and Austin Rivers?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:47 PM)

Zack: Crazy question. Roy and Harrison. Maybe!

Chris (Omaha)

How many more games will Mizzou lose prior to the Big XII tourney? I say they'll be undefeated at home, but still may lose to A&M and will probably most definitely lose at AFH for a total of 4 conference losses. What say you?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:49 PM)

Chris: That's not out of the question. I, frankly, thought they'd lose to Oklahoma on Monday. Impossible situation. The margin for error isn't huge but then again, as they keep winning big games, the confidence grows. Allen will be almost impossible.

Anthony (MD)

What do you think of the job Mark Turgeon is doing in College Park? They're playing a lot better than people expected and I think the future is looking very bright for the next couple of years.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:50 PM)

Anthony: I agree with that. Give him time. He's a very good coach, has a great recruiter and a great tradition to build on.

Jason (Lee's Summit)

When will dogs finally learn to use the toilet?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:50 PM)

Jason: Well soon, would be nice. I have a golden retriever.

Ryan (Cedar Rapids, Ia)

Hi Dana! Do you think Iowa has a legit shot at making the tourney if they finish the regular season with 18 wins? that would probably put them in the top 5 of the Big 10.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:51 PM)

Ryan: Not happening. Sorry.

Jon (Richmond)

What does your first team all ACC look like? Mike Scott + 4 UNC players? (seriously, you know what can happen if you don't mention mike scott)

Dana O'Neil

  (2:52 PM)

Jon: Haha MIke Scott makes the list. Does that protect me?

Rob (Olathe)

MWC or MVC - which one has a better chance of putting a team in the Final Four?

Dana O'Neil

  (2:56 PM)

Rob: Oooh good question. Wow, do I have to pick? All longshots, obviously. I'm going to lean Valley. Why? No idea!

Johnny (Hiawatha)

What is your take on Bill Self's comments about not playing Mizzou anytime soon? Mizzou fans hate him for it but KU fans are completely behind him.

Dana O'Neil

  (2:57 PM)

Johnny: Understandably. KU fans are angry, so they're glad Bill Self is angry. Mizzou fans hate KU, so they hate Bill Self. I hope cooler heads prevail and they resume this rivalry somehow. It's too good to go by the wayside.

Mike (Cleveland,MS)

Who will make it further in the Conference Tourny..... Memphis or SMISS

Dana O'Neil

  (2:57 PM)

Mike: Well .. it's in Memphis...

Dana O'Neil

  (2:58 PM)

Alright folks, I have to bolt. Enjoy the great midweek games!