Enjoying his time on the campus of Bristol U., ESPN.com's Answer Man found the time to dig back into his mailbag. He's was eager to answer a few questions from ESPN.com users.

Andy,
How bout some props to Charlie Coles!! Miami (OH) just released this non-conference schedule: at Purdue, at Maryland, at Xavier, at Wright State, home games against Dayton, Butler and Evansville and a game against Cincinnati at US Bank Arena. With this schedule, 20 wins is sure to get the Redhawks in the dance!!
Scott Forman
Indianapolis, Ind.

Scott,
If Coles' Redhawks can win 20 games with that schedule then they deserve a legitimate look. But they'll probably have to beat at least one of the Purdue, Maryland, Xavier, Cincinnati group, and more likely one of the latter three to get a serious look. But we learned last season that a team can't lose too many games in the MAC and expect to get into the tournament -- even with a few big-time non-conference wins. That team was Ball State.

Is LeBron James really the real deal?
Franklin Tejero
The Phillipines

Franklin,
The answer is yes. James would have been a top three pick in the 2002 draft. But whether or not he's worth 20-25 million up front from Nike or adidas is another story. I'd have a hard time giving a player that much cash up front before he plays a pro game. But he is further along than any other prep player in the past five years. He can do a bit of everything as a point forward. Improving his 3-point shot and shooting off a jump-stop dribble are two of the things that he needs to work on most.

Hey Andy. I am a big Missouri Tiger fan and you said earlier that Missouri assistant Lane Odom was happy about the class of 2003 because of their efforts with their top two prospects, Luol Deng and Olu Famutimi. This was the first I have heard of this. What do you think the chances are that Mizzou can get commitments from one or both of these highly recruited prospects? Also, I haven't read too much about Mizzou's lone 2003 commitment, Ousmane Kouyate. What do you think of him?
Mike H.
St. Louis, Mo.

Mike,
It's not a fable. It's true. Mizzou is doing well with both recruits, but that doesn't mean they'll get either one. They'll have to fight off schools like Duke (Deng), Arkansas and Memphis to sweep the pair. I didn't get a chance to see their latest commitment but the staff is raving about his potential with the intent that he would have a major impact in two to three years.

Tom Izzo said one reason he rejected the Atlanta Hawks offer was because he felt that he had a good shot at having a dynasty at Michigan St. The dynasty seems to be in full effect. He seems to have more talent now than his other 3 Final Four teams in the last four years. Do you agree or disagree with this?
Mark Stucker
West Chester

Mark,
I agree. Michigan State can now be held in the same class as Duke, North Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky and UCLA in discussing elite modern programs -- obviously, Michigan State doesn't have the history (outside of 1979) to be on equal footing with Carolina, Kentucky and UCLA. But as long as Izzo is in East Lansing then the Spartans will be a major player in recruiting and in winning national titles.

What effect do you think Christian Drejer will have on the Florida program this year and how long do you think he will stay? One and then NBA?
Ben
Gainesville

Ben,
Drejer should have an immediate impact and push James White. White's minutes could be cut if Drejer is as good as advertised. He's a point forward who could play either point, shooting guard or small forward. Billy Donovan is in love with his skills. He's probably not going to last more than two seasons unless he absolutely falls in love with Gainesville.

Just curious as to why most analysts have not included Southern Illinois amoung the top 50 teams in the nation entering this coming season. You would think that a team that made the sweet sixteen and has lost only one starter would get more respect. Any thoughts?
P.S. Do you think their lack of a pre-season ranking or votes will cost them later in the season if they put up a good record?
Joseph Rose
St. Louis

Joseph,
It's a valid point. Southern Illinois lost Rolan Roberts but that shouldn't be enough to send them packing from any discussion on the top 50. Kent State lost Trevor Huffman and they might be in a similar situation. I'm still convinced that the Salukis will be in a 1-2 race with Creighton for the top spot in the Missouri Valley. But I don't think SIU will be hurt by not being ranked in the preseason. That won't have any bearing if they pull off a non-conference upset and finish in the top two in the Valley.

Please tell me why you have paid almost no attention to Oklahoma State's basketball program. Hasn't Eddie Sutton proven that he is capable of sculpting a consistent winner season after season? Why then have you ignored Ok State in your top 50 rankings for 2002-03?
Mark Okrant
Plymouth, N.H.

Mark,
These are all valid points. Losing Mo Baker, Antoine Broxsie and Fred Jonzen doesn't help, but the Cowboys have enough returning -- especially with Victor Williams and a decent recruiting class. Oklahoma State should be in the top five-six in the Big 12 and on the bubble for the top 50.

Hey Andy. First off just want to tell you that you do a great job. You are straight to the point with your analysis and you don't just give players love because their popular. I'm a big Sebastian Telfair fan but word has it that his stock is slipping of late. They say he plays to the crowd and is too flashy. I also hear that he is unbelievable with the ball, a great passer and see's the floor extremely well. He'll probably be the #1 player in next year's class. Do you think he can, and will make the jump to the NBA after high school or do you think he's not ready and should go to college. Just based upon the hype and his family pedigree i'm sure someone would take him in the first round of 2004. Your thoughts?
Jason Platzer
Port Chester, N.Y.

Jason,
I'm not sold on him being the top player in the class of 2004. He has all the ball skills but he's got to tone down his game and improve his shot. There's no reason he should even consider leaving for the NBA, if he is. Point guards haven't made the jump and he's in no position to do so in 2004. A player must clearly be better than everyone else to make the jump. That was the case with Amare Stoudemire last year and LeBron James in this class. That isn't true with Telfair.

Is ESPN going to televise any of the Duke games in England this October? That would be fun to see. GO DUKE!!!
Joel Mathwig
Fall Creek, Wis.

Joel, No chance. I'm sure Duke will tape the games, though.

I saw the list for the preseason Wooden Award. My question is, Why wasn't Brett Blizzard from UNC-Wilmington on the list? Is it just a case of playing for a mid major and getting any respect?
Stephen
Wilmington, N.C.

Stephen,
Blizzard doesn't get the respect he deserves. It's another close call with omitting him from the list of the Wooden Award. He needs a stellar non-conference to make the midseason list, but he should have a shot.

I have a two part question. First off, I would like to know how you feel about Arizona's home opener with Western Kentucky. I know that last year Chris Marcus and his Hilltoppers went into Rupp and shocked the highly ranked Kentucky Wildcats, if an up and comming player like Channing Frye can hold his own with a future lottery pick in Marcus how high will his stock rise. Second ,yes being preseason number one is great but can the Wildcats make the final four and win another championship for Lute Olson?
Peter Guevara
Tucson, Ariz.

Peter,
Playing Western is a dangerous opener. Kentucky can attest to that fact from last season. But Marcus might not be as effective early in the season. Western Kentucky also had a significant fan base at Rupp Arena in the upset of Kentucky. That won't be the case in Tucson. Frye's stock is already climbing after playing well on two summer trips overseas and at the Nike camp. Arizona will be in the mix for the title but the 'Cats have to get tougher inside to win the title.

You didn't even mention who won the World Junior Tournament in Venezuela -- Puerto Rico won. Also, Ron Everhart from Northeastern was there checking out the play of NU's top recruit, J.J. Barea from Miami Christian. I know we're a bad team in a low major conference, and we don't have a showman like Tom Brennan for a coach, but from what I heard, Barea played VERY, VERY well.
Mike Brodsky
Boston, Ma.

Mike,
The word out of the Northeast is that Everhart is turning the Huskies around. You're right on your assessment of Barea, too. The Huskies could be a player in the America East before season's end.

I like your top 50 player list better than the Wooden preseason one. More midmajor schools represented. All the great players in the country are not in major conferences, as you know. Got one question. How could you leave off Kevin Johnson from the University of Tulsa? Look at his league numbers from last year. He'll lead the Golden Hurricane back to the promised land. Tulsa will surprise this year unless you're in the know. Antonio Reed and last year's 3-point percentage leader Dante Swanson make a formidable backcourt. Can they beat Kansas in early December in Tulsa?
Gabe Pitman
Charleston, S.C.

Gabe,
Valid points. Johnson should have been considered but not sure he would have made my ballot on a second look. Tulsa has a legit shot to upset Kansas but don't think it will happen.

Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com. He answers questions on college basketball weekly.