upsaluki
07-01-2008, 02:39 PM
Kyle Whelliston: (4:00 PM ET ) Hoops Nation, WAKE UP! My name is Kyle Whelliston, and I know it's hard to focus on mid-major American-style college basketball with all the humidity, barbecues and bikini action going on. But we're all going to be back inside dissecting the bid races before you know it, so let's bring out the mid-summer hot stove.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:00 PM ET ) CAA! Valley! OVC! Whither and whereat, pray tell, are my dogs?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timmy C. (Lancaster, PA): How good is Davidson next year? Could they win one from Duke or UNC early?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:02 PM ET ) Davidson, of course, isn't our little secret anymore. What'll be interesting in the early going is to see how they deal with losing Boris Meno and Thomas Sander up front. Is Love(dale) the answer? Will freshman Frank Ben-Eze, at 6-10, contribute quickly? And how is this Curry-splitting-time at the point thing going to work? No matter how you slice it, nobody will be shocked if they win an ACC game later this year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mike in morristown n.j.: the Drake Bulldogs had a dream year.....what will they do in the MVC this upcoming season? Can they come near duplicating last year? Can they get an NCAA tourney bid??
Kyle Whelliston: (4:03 PM ET ) I've asked this before, but find me one person who saw that coming. Other than Keno Davis, that is. Not even the Drake diehards figured they'd be that good. I'm just flummoxed that Adam Emmenecker didn't get the same kind of love from the crusty old columnists who empty the "guts"/"grit" section of the thesaurus for David Eckstein. Anyway, I don't see Drake finishing any better than seventh, but that's what we all said last year too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JW: Flora, IL: How is the upcoming recruiting class looking for Southern Illinois and how does it rank with the major programs.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:05 PM ET ) I can't speak to any compare-and-contrast aspects when it comes to the high-majors, but I do know that getting an Illinois Mr. Basketball is big time. Not only is Kevin Dillard a highly capable point, but he can do 20 different things on a drive to the hole. Along with PF Anthony Booker, that's a nice couple of ESPN150 freshman bookends. Several aeons beyond what any of the other MVC teams are bringing on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian (Philly): Kyle how good are my St. Joe's Hawks going to be next year? Will they make a run at the A-10 like last year or slip back with the losses of Calathes and Ferguson?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:10 PM ET ) Those were a pair of very special careers. But now we get to see Nivins take 10+ shots per game, and there's some young size coming in with Bryant Irwin and A.J. Rogers. They'll likely stay solid and fight Xavier and UMass in the upper tier.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ian (Cincinnati): Tell me what you know about the new crop of recruits coming into Winthrop and how quickly they might be able to contribute.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:11 PM ET ) To me, the star of the class is Reggie Middleton, the new point guard. He's going to need to jump in quickly due of the graduation of Chris Gaynor, who deserves a ton of credit for making last year's team look a whole lot better than it really was. He had this samurai attitude that I just loved. And of course, this was going to be De'Andre Adams' year to run point (R.I.P.). From everything I've seen and read, Middleton is what they need.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony (Rochester, MI): Love the chats! keep up the good work. Oakland Univserity seems to have quite the recruiting class (by OU standards), do they have a bigger and brighter future on the horizon?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:14 PM ET ) Thanks, Tony. I'd argue that Oakland has quickly become one of the class teams in the Badlands Conference, two winning records in a row, two straight years with 10+ league wins and top-three tourney seeds. They just haven't been able to win the big one since the improbable '05 run. All the double-figure scorers are coming back while IUPUI and ORU are regrouping somewhat. This could be the year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve (Newark, DE): Kyle - VCU really bummed me out when they fizzled last year. What's your prognosis for them in '08-'09?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:15 PM ET ) I know some CAA fans think otherwise, but this is the best backcourt, best coach, best team in the league going into the season. And on top of that, if Coach Grant proved anything in his second year, it was that shortcomings could be swiftly and effectively shored up over an offseason -- I'm talking about the defense. Add the motivation of that fizzle you mentioned... never bet against a team carrying shoulder chips.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ray GORDON REID JACKSONVILe fl 322O7: QUESTION TO KYLE WELLISTON AT 4.05 pm HI Kyle WHO ;S YOUR TOP TEN 2008/09
Kyle Whelliston: (4:18 PM ET ) RGR!! That's a tough question. I think Rihanna, Usher and the Jonas Brothers will definitely be there, as well as the ubiquitous T-Pain. And never count out Jay-Z... did you see what he did at Glastonbury last weekend? The man is a genius.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wade (Findlay, Illinois): How do you see the Missouri Valley Confernce playing out this coming season? I'm hoping things get back to normal (no offense to any teams) and we see SIU and Creighton battling for the title again.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:19 PM ET ) Ha! Just remember 10 years ago, having Illinois State at the top was normal too. Holy crap, that's a pun. I think that's a team on a mission, MVP candidate Osiris Eldridge and lots of seniors with serious experience.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:19 PM ET ) But Creighton is going to be monstrous. Last year, you saw every last player on the floor by the second media time out -- and they won 22 games! There's going to be so much competition for playing time, I think Creighton practices on pay-per-view might be a saleable product.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve (Chicago): As a Bobcat alum, I was excited to see the hiring of Groce. I think OU caught a break with O'Shea leaving. OU has a lot in common with traditional Mid-major powers (recruiting base, arena, etc.) like SIU, Creighton, Kent, etc. and I am continually annoyed that they haven't consistently been at that level. Your thoughts on the Groce hire and what he can bring to OU? Thanks.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:23 PM ET ) I think we all know that Coach O'Shea has pined for a different challenge for a while now, and he's going to be great for Bryant as they move up to D-I. As for John Groce, he's an absolute strategy whiz who's very sensitive to his personnel, instead of trying to shoehorn players into his preferred system. Players are going to love playing for him, and the word is going to get out to the prep level.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacob Sartin, Marion IL: With the Salukis having the most highly touted freshman class in the history in the MVC, let alone the country, I can already feel the electricity with fellow dawg fans! Do you think SIU's scheduling helps or hurts their chances of dancing in March this year and the future with Lowery at the healm?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:25 PM ET ) I'd warn against irrational exuberance for 2009, although it's going to be a fun year... losing all that frontcourt scoring will take some adjustments, especially with a tough early-season sked. Unless Anthony Booker can jump in quickly, there's going to be a lot of pressure on Tony Boyle and Carlton Fay to significantly improve beyond previous performance. And then they get Tony Freeman and his 13 points per game from Iowa next season. 2010 looks like the year they go for April. Stay electric, Jacob.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony from Boston: The Siena Saints have put together a killer nonconference schedule for the upcoming year. What are your thoughts about the Saints cracking the top 25?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:28 PM ET ) Kansas (with no returning starters), the Old Spice Classic, Saint Joe's... the Saints have every opportunity to make a big splash and get on the map. The Siena folks and I have had our history (cheerleader booing-Gate, coach's wife-Gate), but I hope they don't mind me coming over a lot more this year. I can't believe how young this team still is, this could go on for another two years easy. Having the MAAC tourney in town was a huge homecourt advantage (all those boxes of foam fingers!), and they get to do it at the Pepsi Times Knickerbocker-torium again next March.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad (NJ): NEC love!! How good is FDU going to be this year?? Any chance on them or anyone from this league turning the corner and knocking of someone in the NCAAs?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:33 PM ET ) FDU is kind of a tough sell, lots of barely-tested freshmen coming back and a huge scoring vacuum with the loss of Manny Ubilla. Think of this as a foundation year. I think there's a Central Connecticut-Mount St. Mary's-Quinnipiac race brewing for 08-09.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe(Reno, Nevada): Kyle, You thoughts on the Nevada Wolf Pack this next season? Very very inexperienced in the front court, but some intriguing talent coming in with top 100s Luke Babbit, Mark McLaughilin and Indiana transfer Joey Shaw. Thank you. P.S. Dont forget the tire chains when you come out this winter.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:35 PM ET ) I spent so much on those gold-plated things last winter, I should wear them around. The WAC as a whole is a tough read this far out: NMSU lost a lot of size, Utah State and Boise State seemed to have chosen to spackle with juco's, and Nevada is doing its annual pick-up-the-pieces act after the NBA Draft. But there's no way this league is going to be as bad as it was last year. I'm guessing Nevada and NMSU for the bids based on superior talent, with leaps-and-bounds improvements at Idaho and San Jose State.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAY GORDON REID (JACKSONVILLE FL 32277): COMMENT AT 4.30 PM RAY TO KYLE .W I MENT MENS BASKETBALL TOP TEN
Kyle Whelliston: (4:37 PM ET ) I know, Ray-G, just messing with you. I stay clear of the conferences that usually make up the "real" top 10, but Saint Mary's, Davidson, Creighton and VCU are going to be very good. I'll come up with six more over the course of the summer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bucky (Lewisburg, PA): Hey Kyle, Pat Flannery retres. Promising freshman Todd O'Brien transfed. Dave Paulsen is the new coach here in Bisonland. What are the prospects for Bucknell in the Patriot this year?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:38 PM ET ) I wouldn't sell them too short. They'll be okay with Linthicum and Behan up front, and there's enough backcourt goodness to make this season very bearable. Coach Paulsen does need to recruit some size, though, for the intermediate term. I foresee a lot of 7-7 teams in the PL, but American will be the favorite to repeat in 2009, no doubt... all those seniors, and all that confidence from playing Tennessee so tough for 30 minutes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil (De Pere, WI): Is this the year that UW-Green Bay breaks out and rejoins the NCAA Tournament field? The Phoenix returns all five starters and the Horizon League might be down a little bit with Butler losing so many players.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:40 PM ET ) I talked a lot on the Mid-Majority site last year about the potential of UWGB to break through, mid-Nineties style. Turned out they were still too young, horrible on the road. Scoring won't be a problem -- they were the best shooting team in the HL last year -- and Rahmon Fletcher should have a better handle at point after his trial by fire as a freshman. I think this team could take the league by surprise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glass Joe (Ithaca, NY): With almost everyone returning, Cornell looks to be the team in the Ivy League, right?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:41 PM ET ) I think Cornell's a pretty safe pick -- 16-0 in the league last year and they're losing about seven points of production. It'll be interesting how the rest of the race shapes up. Harvard and Dartmouth are returning enough scoring that they should make at least a little noise.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:41 PM ET ) BREAKING NEWS: I just said something about the Ivy League without mentioning Penn or Princeton.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray (San Diego, CA): Still no love for the West Coast? The USD Toreros, do you seem them doing better or worse then they did last year?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:47 PM ET ) With all that talent coming back, one would hope for better. Another Round of 32 shouldn't be the make-or-break point for the season, though. I remember I was listening to a Padres game on XM when they made the announcement that Grier had been extended... the announcers basically quit calling the action for a half-inning to talk about it. USD basketball is the No. 1 sport in that city.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mike (philly): eminem or vanilla ice? greatest white rapper?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:48 PM ET ) I refuse to vote on a ballot that doesn't include MC Serch...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith (Missouri): Kyle: Last year the Southland Conference was one of the most competitive and unpredictable low majors, how do you see it shaking out this year?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:50 PM ET ) First of all, the SLC is not low-anything. Nobody was calling Northwestern State low-major in 2006. With the returning talent, I think Stephen F. Austin is the early front-runner. And watch out for Nicholls State, they were the best 10-win team in the country last year. That's a team that has endured so much bad luck and injuries, the Hoop Gods have to smile on them at least once.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shockerfan (wichita KS): Sure, well all know how great SIU and Creighton's recruiting is. But on paper you can't really put Wichita States class too much farther down the list. What are your thoughts of the recruits Marshall is bringing in and how do you feel the future looks for WSU? I know I'm pretty excited about the direction it seems we are going with regards to athleticism and height..2 things you can't teach.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:53 PM ET ) Speaking of bad luck... yeah, there's nowhere else to go but up. And having a pair of 7-footers to help you rise is a good thing. Make no mistake, Gregg Marshall will have that team in bid contention eventually, and he deserves patience. Last year didn't really happen, as far as I'm concerned.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin (Richmond, VA): Have you heard anything about the Cancun Challenge? VCU is participating along with Drake, Vandy and New Mexico as host teams. Which of these four teams do you think will prove the most during the event? Have you heard any other teams mentioned as being involved?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:54 PM ET ) I'll leave the Vanderbilt and UNM angles to those more qualified, but it'll be a great way to pick up a couple of easy wins at home. And for well-heeled VCU alumni to play a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course over Thanksgiving weekend. It's what I like to call a Hybrid Multi-Team Event (two non-elimination games on campus, then a four-team round-robin in paradise), of which there are at least 20 last time I counted. Tons of competition to fill out these eight-team fields. Expect at least one D-I independent.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brodie (atlanta, GA): The Missouri Valley Conference failed to produce as many teams to compete in the Big Dance last season, most notably, Southern Illinois was missing. Will the new recruiting class help Coach Lowery take the Salukis back to the tournament, and do you think that the conference will only have one or two bids considering its lackluster peformance in 2008?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:56 PM ET ) I disagree with the conference being lackluster as a whole (and, in general, by judging a league by its number of bids), I saw some great and memorable basketball in the MVC in 07-08. But you've hit on the perfect adjective for SIU. The thing about the Salukis last year was the complacency, players too settled in their roles. Few seemed worried early on about getting their minutes stolen from them, that hunger that's fueled this team's defense in the past. When they woke up in February, it was too late. Underclassmen with major talent is exactly what SIU needs.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:57 PM ET ) They'll be in the mix, no doubt about it. From this far out, I see the Salukis third, behind Creighton and Illinois State. I'll wager a good chunk of my credibility and self-esteem on two Valley bids in 2009.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryan (Overland Park, KS): What are your expectations of Conzo Martin at Missouri State? All reports indicate he will make them a tough hard working team.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:59 PM ET ) I remember him as an incredible defensive player, and from all reports that's what his teams are going to be full of. I can't wait to see the Mo State-SIU 36-32 battles a few years from now.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:00 PM ET ) CAA! Valley! OVC! Whither and whereat, pray tell, are my dogs?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timmy C. (Lancaster, PA): How good is Davidson next year? Could they win one from Duke or UNC early?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:02 PM ET ) Davidson, of course, isn't our little secret anymore. What'll be interesting in the early going is to see how they deal with losing Boris Meno and Thomas Sander up front. Is Love(dale) the answer? Will freshman Frank Ben-Eze, at 6-10, contribute quickly? And how is this Curry-splitting-time at the point thing going to work? No matter how you slice it, nobody will be shocked if they win an ACC game later this year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mike in morristown n.j.: the Drake Bulldogs had a dream year.....what will they do in the MVC this upcoming season? Can they come near duplicating last year? Can they get an NCAA tourney bid??
Kyle Whelliston: (4:03 PM ET ) I've asked this before, but find me one person who saw that coming. Other than Keno Davis, that is. Not even the Drake diehards figured they'd be that good. I'm just flummoxed that Adam Emmenecker didn't get the same kind of love from the crusty old columnists who empty the "guts"/"grit" section of the thesaurus for David Eckstein. Anyway, I don't see Drake finishing any better than seventh, but that's what we all said last year too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JW: Flora, IL: How is the upcoming recruiting class looking for Southern Illinois and how does it rank with the major programs.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:05 PM ET ) I can't speak to any compare-and-contrast aspects when it comes to the high-majors, but I do know that getting an Illinois Mr. Basketball is big time. Not only is Kevin Dillard a highly capable point, but he can do 20 different things on a drive to the hole. Along with PF Anthony Booker, that's a nice couple of ESPN150 freshman bookends. Several aeons beyond what any of the other MVC teams are bringing on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian (Philly): Kyle how good are my St. Joe's Hawks going to be next year? Will they make a run at the A-10 like last year or slip back with the losses of Calathes and Ferguson?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:10 PM ET ) Those were a pair of very special careers. But now we get to see Nivins take 10+ shots per game, and there's some young size coming in with Bryant Irwin and A.J. Rogers. They'll likely stay solid and fight Xavier and UMass in the upper tier.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ian (Cincinnati): Tell me what you know about the new crop of recruits coming into Winthrop and how quickly they might be able to contribute.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:11 PM ET ) To me, the star of the class is Reggie Middleton, the new point guard. He's going to need to jump in quickly due of the graduation of Chris Gaynor, who deserves a ton of credit for making last year's team look a whole lot better than it really was. He had this samurai attitude that I just loved. And of course, this was going to be De'Andre Adams' year to run point (R.I.P.). From everything I've seen and read, Middleton is what they need.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony (Rochester, MI): Love the chats! keep up the good work. Oakland Univserity seems to have quite the recruiting class (by OU standards), do they have a bigger and brighter future on the horizon?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:14 PM ET ) Thanks, Tony. I'd argue that Oakland has quickly become one of the class teams in the Badlands Conference, two winning records in a row, two straight years with 10+ league wins and top-three tourney seeds. They just haven't been able to win the big one since the improbable '05 run. All the double-figure scorers are coming back while IUPUI and ORU are regrouping somewhat. This could be the year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve (Newark, DE): Kyle - VCU really bummed me out when they fizzled last year. What's your prognosis for them in '08-'09?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:15 PM ET ) I know some CAA fans think otherwise, but this is the best backcourt, best coach, best team in the league going into the season. And on top of that, if Coach Grant proved anything in his second year, it was that shortcomings could be swiftly and effectively shored up over an offseason -- I'm talking about the defense. Add the motivation of that fizzle you mentioned... never bet against a team carrying shoulder chips.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ray GORDON REID JACKSONVILe fl 322O7: QUESTION TO KYLE WELLISTON AT 4.05 pm HI Kyle WHO ;S YOUR TOP TEN 2008/09
Kyle Whelliston: (4:18 PM ET ) RGR!! That's a tough question. I think Rihanna, Usher and the Jonas Brothers will definitely be there, as well as the ubiquitous T-Pain. And never count out Jay-Z... did you see what he did at Glastonbury last weekend? The man is a genius.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wade (Findlay, Illinois): How do you see the Missouri Valley Confernce playing out this coming season? I'm hoping things get back to normal (no offense to any teams) and we see SIU and Creighton battling for the title again.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:19 PM ET ) Ha! Just remember 10 years ago, having Illinois State at the top was normal too. Holy crap, that's a pun. I think that's a team on a mission, MVP candidate Osiris Eldridge and lots of seniors with serious experience.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:19 PM ET ) But Creighton is going to be monstrous. Last year, you saw every last player on the floor by the second media time out -- and they won 22 games! There's going to be so much competition for playing time, I think Creighton practices on pay-per-view might be a saleable product.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve (Chicago): As a Bobcat alum, I was excited to see the hiring of Groce. I think OU caught a break with O'Shea leaving. OU has a lot in common with traditional Mid-major powers (recruiting base, arena, etc.) like SIU, Creighton, Kent, etc. and I am continually annoyed that they haven't consistently been at that level. Your thoughts on the Groce hire and what he can bring to OU? Thanks.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:23 PM ET ) I think we all know that Coach O'Shea has pined for a different challenge for a while now, and he's going to be great for Bryant as they move up to D-I. As for John Groce, he's an absolute strategy whiz who's very sensitive to his personnel, instead of trying to shoehorn players into his preferred system. Players are going to love playing for him, and the word is going to get out to the prep level.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacob Sartin, Marion IL: With the Salukis having the most highly touted freshman class in the history in the MVC, let alone the country, I can already feel the electricity with fellow dawg fans! Do you think SIU's scheduling helps or hurts their chances of dancing in March this year and the future with Lowery at the healm?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:25 PM ET ) I'd warn against irrational exuberance for 2009, although it's going to be a fun year... losing all that frontcourt scoring will take some adjustments, especially with a tough early-season sked. Unless Anthony Booker can jump in quickly, there's going to be a lot of pressure on Tony Boyle and Carlton Fay to significantly improve beyond previous performance. And then they get Tony Freeman and his 13 points per game from Iowa next season. 2010 looks like the year they go for April. Stay electric, Jacob.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony from Boston: The Siena Saints have put together a killer nonconference schedule for the upcoming year. What are your thoughts about the Saints cracking the top 25?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:28 PM ET ) Kansas (with no returning starters), the Old Spice Classic, Saint Joe's... the Saints have every opportunity to make a big splash and get on the map. The Siena folks and I have had our history (cheerleader booing-Gate, coach's wife-Gate), but I hope they don't mind me coming over a lot more this year. I can't believe how young this team still is, this could go on for another two years easy. Having the MAAC tourney in town was a huge homecourt advantage (all those boxes of foam fingers!), and they get to do it at the Pepsi Times Knickerbocker-torium again next March.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad (NJ): NEC love!! How good is FDU going to be this year?? Any chance on them or anyone from this league turning the corner and knocking of someone in the NCAAs?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:33 PM ET ) FDU is kind of a tough sell, lots of barely-tested freshmen coming back and a huge scoring vacuum with the loss of Manny Ubilla. Think of this as a foundation year. I think there's a Central Connecticut-Mount St. Mary's-Quinnipiac race brewing for 08-09.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe(Reno, Nevada): Kyle, You thoughts on the Nevada Wolf Pack this next season? Very very inexperienced in the front court, but some intriguing talent coming in with top 100s Luke Babbit, Mark McLaughilin and Indiana transfer Joey Shaw. Thank you. P.S. Dont forget the tire chains when you come out this winter.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:35 PM ET ) I spent so much on those gold-plated things last winter, I should wear them around. The WAC as a whole is a tough read this far out: NMSU lost a lot of size, Utah State and Boise State seemed to have chosen to spackle with juco's, and Nevada is doing its annual pick-up-the-pieces act after the NBA Draft. But there's no way this league is going to be as bad as it was last year. I'm guessing Nevada and NMSU for the bids based on superior talent, with leaps-and-bounds improvements at Idaho and San Jose State.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAY GORDON REID (JACKSONVILLE FL 32277): COMMENT AT 4.30 PM RAY TO KYLE .W I MENT MENS BASKETBALL TOP TEN
Kyle Whelliston: (4:37 PM ET ) I know, Ray-G, just messing with you. I stay clear of the conferences that usually make up the "real" top 10, but Saint Mary's, Davidson, Creighton and VCU are going to be very good. I'll come up with six more over the course of the summer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bucky (Lewisburg, PA): Hey Kyle, Pat Flannery retres. Promising freshman Todd O'Brien transfed. Dave Paulsen is the new coach here in Bisonland. What are the prospects for Bucknell in the Patriot this year?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:38 PM ET ) I wouldn't sell them too short. They'll be okay with Linthicum and Behan up front, and there's enough backcourt goodness to make this season very bearable. Coach Paulsen does need to recruit some size, though, for the intermediate term. I foresee a lot of 7-7 teams in the PL, but American will be the favorite to repeat in 2009, no doubt... all those seniors, and all that confidence from playing Tennessee so tough for 30 minutes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil (De Pere, WI): Is this the year that UW-Green Bay breaks out and rejoins the NCAA Tournament field? The Phoenix returns all five starters and the Horizon League might be down a little bit with Butler losing so many players.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:40 PM ET ) I talked a lot on the Mid-Majority site last year about the potential of UWGB to break through, mid-Nineties style. Turned out they were still too young, horrible on the road. Scoring won't be a problem -- they were the best shooting team in the HL last year -- and Rahmon Fletcher should have a better handle at point after his trial by fire as a freshman. I think this team could take the league by surprise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glass Joe (Ithaca, NY): With almost everyone returning, Cornell looks to be the team in the Ivy League, right?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:41 PM ET ) I think Cornell's a pretty safe pick -- 16-0 in the league last year and they're losing about seven points of production. It'll be interesting how the rest of the race shapes up. Harvard and Dartmouth are returning enough scoring that they should make at least a little noise.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:41 PM ET ) BREAKING NEWS: I just said something about the Ivy League without mentioning Penn or Princeton.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray (San Diego, CA): Still no love for the West Coast? The USD Toreros, do you seem them doing better or worse then they did last year?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:47 PM ET ) With all that talent coming back, one would hope for better. Another Round of 32 shouldn't be the make-or-break point for the season, though. I remember I was listening to a Padres game on XM when they made the announcement that Grier had been extended... the announcers basically quit calling the action for a half-inning to talk about it. USD basketball is the No. 1 sport in that city.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mike (philly): eminem or vanilla ice? greatest white rapper?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:48 PM ET ) I refuse to vote on a ballot that doesn't include MC Serch...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith (Missouri): Kyle: Last year the Southland Conference was one of the most competitive and unpredictable low majors, how do you see it shaking out this year?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:50 PM ET ) First of all, the SLC is not low-anything. Nobody was calling Northwestern State low-major in 2006. With the returning talent, I think Stephen F. Austin is the early front-runner. And watch out for Nicholls State, they were the best 10-win team in the country last year. That's a team that has endured so much bad luck and injuries, the Hoop Gods have to smile on them at least once.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shockerfan (wichita KS): Sure, well all know how great SIU and Creighton's recruiting is. But on paper you can't really put Wichita States class too much farther down the list. What are your thoughts of the recruits Marshall is bringing in and how do you feel the future looks for WSU? I know I'm pretty excited about the direction it seems we are going with regards to athleticism and height..2 things you can't teach.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:53 PM ET ) Speaking of bad luck... yeah, there's nowhere else to go but up. And having a pair of 7-footers to help you rise is a good thing. Make no mistake, Gregg Marshall will have that team in bid contention eventually, and he deserves patience. Last year didn't really happen, as far as I'm concerned.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin (Richmond, VA): Have you heard anything about the Cancun Challenge? VCU is participating along with Drake, Vandy and New Mexico as host teams. Which of these four teams do you think will prove the most during the event? Have you heard any other teams mentioned as being involved?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:54 PM ET ) I'll leave the Vanderbilt and UNM angles to those more qualified, but it'll be a great way to pick up a couple of easy wins at home. And for well-heeled VCU alumni to play a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course over Thanksgiving weekend. It's what I like to call a Hybrid Multi-Team Event (two non-elimination games on campus, then a four-team round-robin in paradise), of which there are at least 20 last time I counted. Tons of competition to fill out these eight-team fields. Expect at least one D-I independent.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brodie (atlanta, GA): The Missouri Valley Conference failed to produce as many teams to compete in the Big Dance last season, most notably, Southern Illinois was missing. Will the new recruiting class help Coach Lowery take the Salukis back to the tournament, and do you think that the conference will only have one or two bids considering its lackluster peformance in 2008?
Kyle Whelliston: (4:56 PM ET ) I disagree with the conference being lackluster as a whole (and, in general, by judging a league by its number of bids), I saw some great and memorable basketball in the MVC in 07-08. But you've hit on the perfect adjective for SIU. The thing about the Salukis last year was the complacency, players too settled in their roles. Few seemed worried early on about getting their minutes stolen from them, that hunger that's fueled this team's defense in the past. When they woke up in February, it was too late. Underclassmen with major talent is exactly what SIU needs.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:57 PM ET ) They'll be in the mix, no doubt about it. From this far out, I see the Salukis third, behind Creighton and Illinois State. I'll wager a good chunk of my credibility and self-esteem on two Valley bids in 2009.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryan (Overland Park, KS): What are your expectations of Conzo Martin at Missouri State? All reports indicate he will make them a tough hard working team.
Kyle Whelliston: (4:59 PM ET ) I remember him as an incredible defensive player, and from all reports that's what his teams are going to be full of. I can't wait to see the Mo State-SIU 36-32 battles a few years from now.