Jason King

  (3:01 PM)

Welcome to the chat everyone. Let's get started

Josh(ohio) [via mobile]

Is Ohio State a legit contender to win the title

Jason King

  (3:02 PM)

Without question. I never make too much out of one loss - unless it's the start of a trend. So as surprising as the Buckeyes loss to Michigan State in Columbus may have been, I"m still high on the Buckeyes. Remember, Connecticut wasn't doing too well at this point last season, either.

forrestal (new york, ny)

Jason, your articles promoting restaurants are fantastic. Your Hinkle's Hamburgers reference in particular was great, that place is amazing. Question re Jim Boeheim --- what do you think the odds are of this being his last season? He's such an upstate NY guy. Just can't picture him wanting to make those long road trips in the ACC. Sounds silly, I know, but the rumors of his retirement seem to be out there, especially if they end up winning a title this year. Thoughts?

Jason King

  (3:04 PM)

Well, I certainly think it would shock a lot of people. The off-court issues surrounding the program may have taken a toll on Boeheim, and your point about the ACC is a valid one. Still, I just can't see it happening. Not yet.

Kyle (St. Louis)

What does the committee value more when it comes to seeding the champion of the conference regular season or tourney?

Jason King

  (3:05 PM)

Great question. Here's the answer: Neither. It's all about top 50 wins, quality road wins, RPI. Sometimes i almost think it's too numbers-heavy (note: I sat in on the mock selection process a year ago). Conference tournaments only matter because the winner gets an automatic berth.

Roy Williams (Chapel Hill)

Can we win the whole dadgum thing in April?

Jason King

  (3:06 PM)

Without question. I still think your team has another gear, though. When are you going to hit it? Kentucky is the only team that can match UNC's talent (although the loss of Dexter Strickland has certainly hurt the Tar Heels' backcourt).

Matt (Austin)

More disappointing: Baylor's offense or defense?

Jason King

  (3:07 PM)

Neither. Baylor is 22-4, ranked in the top 10 and relevant for the first time in school history. Nothing disappointing about that.

Nasty Ned (Fort Worth, TX)

Jason: Who's in your top three for Big East player of the year, and why?

Jason King

  (3:08 PM)

Kevin Jones wins in a landslide. 20.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, all against quality competition in both non-conference and conference play. He's a first-team All-American. Darius Johnson Odom and Herb Pope finish second and third.

steven (phoenix) [via mobile]

Who is the early favorite to win the tournament?

Jason King

  (3:09 PM)

I'm going with Kentucky

Alex (Cincinnati)

What does Xavier have to do to make the tourney this year?

Jason King

  (3:09 PM)

Finish strong and then win the A-10 Tournament, which is certainly a possibility, but not likely. The Musketeers have lost their swag.

Matt (Durham)

Is Kendall Marshall the front runner for the Cousy Award?

Jason King

  (3:11 PM)

That's probably who I'd vote for. Either Marshall or Isaiah Canaan. Actually, I may vote for Tyshawn Taylor, but for some ridiculous reason, he's not on the list.

Zach (Henderson)

Who wins coach of the year?

Jason King

  (3:12 PM)

If the season ended today it'd be Frank Haith. But I think Bill Self should catapult Haith if KU wins the outright Big 12 title. Steve Fisher, Dave Rice, Mike Brey, Tom Izzo should also be considered. Maybe Boeheim and Calipari, too. And Tom Crean

Michael (St. Louis)

When comparing Kentucky to Syracuse, what do you look at to see which team is really better? The records are both so great, that it's tough to compare. Kentucky maybe has a couple of better wins? The Big East is a better conference top to bottom. Kentucky maybe has a little more top level talent. Syracuse has the edge in experience. Which is the favorite heading towards March?

Jason King

  (3:14 PM)

Great question. I look at overall talent. Kentucky has three players (Davis, Jones, Kidd-Gilchrist) that project as first-round NBA Draft picks after this season. Syracuse has zero. that's why I like Kentucky better

Duncan (Lima, Peru)

Which is the best team from the state of Kansas, Wichita St or KU?

Jason King

  (3:14 PM)

Kansas - but it's close. Seriously.

Matt in Cincinnati, OH [via mobile]

Will coach Cal get his first national championship this year with Kentucky? Go big blue!

Jason King

  (3:15 PM)

They're my pick to win it all which probably means they won't

Mike, San Diego [via mobile]

What are your thoughts on sdsu being one of those march surprises this time around? I know we are not half as talented as last year but we play incredible defense and if we have momentum and are playing well at the right time ya think they could win a few games?

Jason King

  (3:16 PM)

Sure you could - and it wouldn't be all that big of a "surprise." This is a very, very good team. If the match-ups are favorable, you never know what can happen. Just ask Butler and VCU

Ty(Cincinnati) [via mobile]

What number seed do you think cIncinnati will Receive?

Jason King

  (3:17 PM)

Right now I'm not sure Cincinnati gets in at all. If the Bearcats do they'll be one of the last teams in. They've got a lot of work to do in the next few weeks. Beating Marquette at home would be huge.

colin (Boston)

Do you think Marquette could become a 2 seed if they win out?

Jason King

  (3:19 PM)

Maybe but the Golden Eagles would need some other teams to lose, too. At this point I'd expect a three seed. But if they win out they'd definitely be deserving of a No. 2 in my opinion

Ryan (Cedar Rapids, Ia)

How far can Iowa St make it in the tourney? They seem to be able to play with anybody, I think if they stay consistent on defense they could be tough to beat come March.

Jason King

  (3:21 PM)

So, so impressed with the job Fred Hoiberg has done this season. Royce White definitely presents matchup problems for opposing teams. Still, teams that live by the 3-pointer kinda scare me in tournaments. Not conducive to a deep run.

Mark B (San Diego, CA)

Which is more embarrassing: a mascot that is a jolly piece of fruit that grows nowhere near the school, or having a mandatory exclamation point in your venue name (KFC Yum! Center )?

Jason King

  (3:21 PM)

I have no answer to that question, but wanted to post it anyway.

Mickey (Michigan)

What are the Spartans chances at another Final Four run? Seems you can pencil them in just about every other year.

Jason King

  (3:22 PM)

Yeah, they missed it last season, so they're due back this year, right. haha. I think they can make it, without question. Although I don't think this team is as good as the ones that have made it in recent years.

Cliff H. (Land O Lakes, FL)

Why does it seem that no one gives Syracuse props for being where they are. It seems many at ESPN only can talk about how they have not played anyone on the road. When they do and win, all anyone can talk about is their weaknesses. Tell me one other program that could shoot 1 for 29 outsdie of the paint and still win.

Jason King

  (3:24 PM)

They're ranked No. 2 in America, so they're definitely getting their well-deserved props. I can't recall anyone at ESPN dissing them.

Jordan (Krzyzewskiville)

Kansas has 5 losses, including 1 to a 4-loss Duke team. Explain to me why they're ranked ahead of us in this week's AP Poll?

Jason King

  (3:25 PM)

Because they're playing better than you right now and they're doing it in a conference that's much tougher than the ACC.

Darron (Dover, Delaware)

Jason- Does Darius Johnson Odom have an outside shot at Big East player of the year? Has K. Jones' Big East POY stock fallen since WVUs recent slide?'

Jason King

  (3:27 PM)

Good question. DJO should definitely be in the mix, but I don't think it's fair to knock Jones because he's surrounded by mediocre teammates. Jones flat-out brings it, night-in-night-out. He's still my pick with DJO coming in second. And I'm a huge DJO/Marquette guy.

JP (At Work (Lex, Ky))

Cuse/UK on a neutral floor: Who wins and what is the score?

Jason King

  (3:27 PM)

Kentucky 65-56

Tim (Pennsylvania) [via mobile]

Will Notre Dame be a threat in the tournament?

Jason King

  (3:27 PM)

Nah. Well, maybe to win a game or two. But I can't see them going deep.

Dusty (St. Louis)

Looks like Withey has a little confidence going for him. The guy has been a monster lately.

Jason King

  (3:28 PM)

I honestly think that Withey and Thomas Robinson have become the country's top 1-2 punch in the paint.

orlando [via mobile]

SDSU-UNLV games have been decided by a combined 4 points. Who is the better team?

Jason King

  (3:29 PM)

I like UNLV a little better. I just think they have better players and chance to make a deeper run. That's certainly not a knock on SD State

Jay (Michigan)

Minnesota have a shot tonight at giving the Bucks back to back losses?

Jason King

  (3:29 PM)

No sir.

Jay (Michigan)

FL/Bama tonight, who you got?

Jason King

  (3:30 PM)

Florida

Justin (Lawrence)

What was up with the Big Monday Games? All that hype and Some of the ugliest basketball games I have seen all year. And Who is your favorite to win the Big 12? Also could you elaborate on exactly what a charge is? I do not seem to understand it at all!! Most of the charges against KU in the MU game and KSU game i thought should have been blocking calls.

Jason King

  (3:32 PM)

You didn't enjoy that riveting KU-K-State game last night? I mean, KSU had 18 points in the first half. How could you not like that? As far as charges go ... I don't have the official rulebook in front of me. A friend of mine who's an official borrowed it. He obviously hasn't read it yet.

Charlie (BMORE)

Do the Mountaineers have a shot out making March Madness?

Jason King

  (3:33 PM)

They've played a great schedule and definitely have a shot. But man ... they need to turn things around- FAST. It' be a shame if Kevin Jones wasn't in the tournament.

Jonathan (Fort Worth, TX)

Fact or Fiction: New Mexico will make the Sweet 16.

Jason King

  (3:33 PM)

Fiction

Laura (Omaha)

Thoughts on Creighton's skid? What do they need to do/avoid in order to make the NCAA tournament?

Jason King

  (3:34 PM)

Their defense has been atrocious. They need to find a way to stop or slow down teams that are more athletic. Wichita State sliced them up

cj (Boston)

Do you think Marquette has the ability to win a national championship?

Jason King

  (3:35 PM)

I don't, unfortunately. But again, I know I keep saying this, but it's all about match ups. What if Kentucky, Ohio State and UNC get upset in the Elite Eight and, all of a sudden, Marquette finds itself in the Final Four. In that situation, sure, the Golden Eagles could do it.

Andrew (Chicago)

Let's end the debate. The Big10 is the most defensive oriented conference in the country and teams in the conference value possessions - they don't just score 50 point games because they are "overrated"

Jason King

  (3:36 PM)

I agree with you. It's just a different style of basketball. That doesn't make it a bad one.

connor (vancouver)

hey, which pangos game was better? 27 points and 2 assists on 5-6 from three vs st. marys. Or 21 and 9 on 5-7 from three vs a pretty solid road team in LMU?

Jason King

  (3:36 PM)

I'll go with the St. Mary's game. Bigger stage, more pressure.

JP (St Louis)

The refs seemed one sided last night in the kU KSU game the Big 12 must of told the refs "make sure kU wins" but kU tried to give the game to KSU just poor basketball last night.......

Jason King

  (3:37 PM)

Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly how it happened.

Scott (Missouri)

Can Mizzou make a deep run in the tourney with few bigs and all shooters?

Jason King

  (3:38 PM)

I think they can. But I wouldn't like their chances against other elite teams (UK, UNC, CUSE, KU on a neutral court) But that wouldn't happen til the Final Four

Jim (Missouri)

Was K State was one of the more pathetic shooting performances I've seen all season, agree?

Jason King

  (3:39 PM)

It definitely wasn't pretty, but I'm still not ready to give up on this KSU team. I think they're going to make a late push.

Joe (St. Louis)

Seen a lot of Michigan st. and Missouri banter lately... which team has the better resume right now?

Jason King

  (3:41 PM)

I actually think it's pretty close. Both teams have had some solid wins. Michigan State lost its first two games to UNC and Duke. I think the Spartans are a little more battle-tested because of that and because they play in a better league.

Mark B (San Diego, CA)

Watching Fab Melo run the court last night, hit free throws, and blck shots showed just how much he has improved. Who are your most improved players for 2012?

Jason King

  (3:43 PM)

Melo, Jeff Withey at Kansas, Brock Moten at Washington State, Jamaal Franklin at SD State, and Cooley at Notre Dame.

Mike Krzyzewski (Durham)

Same question as Roy up there, without the "dadgum," of course.

Jason King

  (3:44 PM)

The question about winning a national title? Can't see it happening at Duke this year. Blue Devils need to get tougher on the glass.

Steven (Okemos, MI)

What is Michigan State's ceiling? Can they cut down the nets? Where do you put Izzo in terms of active coaches?

Jason King

  (3:44 PM)

I can't see them winning the title but a Final Four run isn't out of the question. Best coaches in the country: Boeheim, Calipari, Self, Izzo, Boeheim, Coach K

Jason King

  (3:45 PM)

And that wasn't in any particular order

James (Milwaukee)

After Marquette has prevailed a good amount against much larger teams (ie seton hall and cincinnati) without anyone over 6-6 Do you think that the match up problem in the tournament is less of a big deal than it seemed earlier on? Also how far could they get with a 3seed?

Jason King

  (3:46 PM)

I just think it's hard to win six straight games with that kind of a lineup. Those teams you mentioned are good but not elite like UNC, UK, CUSE, etc

Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas City)

Are you concerned about my play at the end of tight games... or should everyone get off my back and credit me with being one of the top point guards in the country? I am a bit confused myself.

Jason King

  (3:47 PM)

A little concerned but i also think you're worn out. You need a five-day break, which you'll get this week. There is no point guard in the country playing better than you. Congrats, you proved us all wrong.

Damacio (Albuquerque) [via mobile]

How safe are the UNM Lobos to securing a bid? Where do they deserved to be ranked?

Jason King

  (3:48 PM)

I can't see how the Lobos don't get a bid. Not quite ready to break into the rankings yet, though. Need a few more quality wins.

Waco [via mobile]

Baylor has only lost to 2 top 5 teams albeit twice and has beaten everyone else. They have the talent and have shown they know how to play tournament style basketball in the past couple years. How likely do you see them make a run in the tourney cause I'm not sure they lose till the elite 8?

Jason King

  (3:49 PM)

They could make it to the Elite Eight but they could also lose in the first round. Their offense is sloppy and they're winning on talent alone. It doesn't have that crisp feel like it did in 2010. still, anything short of an elite eight would be a disappointment.

Braxton (Big Apple)

Jason, Many analysts are starting to use the word "Great" when referring to Kentucky. In thinking of great teams, most look back to 2009 UNC squad as the last great team. Is this Kentucky team on that level?

Jason King

  (3:50 PM)

I think they might be. I actually thought the 2010 Kentucky team was better than this one. But I'm sure some would disagree.

Will (Austin)

Big time Horns fan here (I go to school at UT). How realistic is it to think that the selection committee will give Texas "mercy points" for losing to great teams and playing a really tough schedule in an equally tough conference? Will there be any real value to be taken from the horns' tough losses to ranked teams? I feel like if we win 4 of our last 6, the games we are supposed to win, we should get in. That would put us at 10-7 in conference and give us a 20-win season. What do you think?

Jason King

  (3:52 PM)

Texas will make it at 10-8. Beating KSU was big. I also like their chances Monday against Baylor.

James (MS)

Jason how've you been? This question is going to sting a little bit but, frankly with all the talent that coach Rick Stansbury has brought through Miss State over the years.. Rhodes and Varnado come to mind, we have never made it out of the 2nd round of the NCAA tourney. This is in part to the team not playing to their strengths and not playing like champions. I say that falls on the coaching. Thoughts?

Jason King

  (3:53 PM)

Pains me to say it, but I think that's a fair assessment. Stansbury needs to get this team to the Sweet 16 at worst or there will be people calling for his job. No excuse for this team losing at home to Georgia.

Frank Haith (Columbia)

I think I've already locked up the COY what do you think? Also what are the chances of my team making it to our first final 4?

Jason King

  (3:54 PM)

Sorry, coach. You've still got some work to do. The Final Four is a definite possibility

Erik (Green Bay)

If Long Beach State doesn't win their tourney, do they deserve an at large bid?

Jason King

  (3:54 PM)

Without question. If this team doesn't get an at-large bid it will be a travesty

Matt S (Indy)

As an IU grad, just making it into the dance this year is gravy. But now I'm pulling for Indiana to nab a 4-seed and play close to home that first weekend. Are you buying or selling on the Hoosiers finishing the year strong? How do you think they'll perform in the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments?

Jason King

  (3:55 PM)

I'm definitely buying a strong finish. Four of the last six games are at home, including the big one against Michigan State

Tim (Philadelphia)

How far do you think Notre Dame will go in the tournament?

Jason King

  (3:56 PM)

Not past the first weekend

Chris (Scottsdale)

Who are the favorites for Big Ten Player of the Year?

Jason King

  (3:56 PM)

It's either going to be Sullinger or Draymond Green. As of now, I'd vote for Green.

jason kansas [via mobile]

is uconn a tournament team?

Jason King

  (3:58 PM)

Lunardi has them in as of today. But I can't see it happening unless they finish strong, and at this point, there's no reason to believe that will happen.

Lenny (Elizabethtown.KY)

Who you think is going to be this year's George mason?

Jason King

  (3:58 PM)

Wichita State or Long Beach State

Mark B (San Diego, CA)

Big game this Saturday: St. Mary's @ Murray St - how do you see this game playing out?

Jason King

  (3:59 PM)

I'll be at that game. Excited. I'm going with St. Mary's

casino mike (springfield, mo)

does kansas have enough with an emerging 3 headed monster of taylor, robinson and now withey. withey is making anthony davis a second page story right now.

Jason King

  (4:00 PM)

haha. I'm not read to take Withey over Davis. But Withey's emergence has turned KU into a national title contender. I don't think that was the case before.

Jason King

  (4:00 PM)

Thanks for all the great questions. Looking forward to doing this again next week.