With the 2002-03 season in full swing, ESPN.com's Answer Man continues to see a full mail bag each week. As always, he's eager to answer a few questions from ESPN.com users.

Andy,
I love your column and your work on the tube. But can the Patriot league ever get any love? You covered almost every league but the Patriot in your rundown of "what we know". For the record, Bucknell knocked off UC Santa Barbara recently! And if you've read "The Last Amateurs", you'll know that there is some great basketball in the Patriot league! Anyway, keep up the good work, and remember the Patriot League when you can!
Dave Vosseller
Columbus, Ga.

Dave, you're right.
I could have gone further with the conferences. I'm still partial to Holy Cross in the Patriot League, especially after the Crusaders beat Boston College. But the Patriot League champ won't get much love from the NCAA selection committee. Expect a No. 15 or 16 seed.

Is there any conference in the country that is more wide-open than the WAC? Boise State's upset of Hawaii is enough for me to know that this is one race that will last until March. In nine conference games so far, the home team has won eight times, and Fresno State, La Tech, Hawaii, Rice, and SMU are a combined 30-0 at home overall. Is the conference really as wide open as I think it is, and what do you think it will take for Rice to beat Tulsa at home this weekend? Thanks, and keep up the great work.
Adam
Virginia Beach

Wow, Adam,
The WAC must really spread across the country if you're interested in Virginia. The conference race still should come down to Tulsa, Hawaii and maybe Fresno State and Rice. I don't see Boise State being able to win on the road. The same is true of SMU, Louisiana Tech or Nevada. Rice missed a golden opportunity to pick up a huge road win at Fresno State, but lost in the final seconds. Tulsa must steal a few road wins at Rice or Hawaii to win the title. Rice must keep Kevin Johnson off the backboard if the Owls have visions of winning this weekend.

On your breakdown on the A-10: You name David West and Jameer Nelson. But you did not say anything about Marques Green from St.Bonnies. He is the A-10's leading scorer and he led the A-10 in assists. His stats are 22.0 ppg, 7.5 apg and 2.8 spg -- and he is only 5-foot-7. Is the reason you haven't some said anything about him because you have not paid attention to him?
Micaiah Green
Philadelphia

Not true Micaiah. We mentioned Marques in our players on the radar, or on our watch in the Weekly Watch this week. The problem for Green is the Bonnies haven't won some of the close games like B.C. and Ohio. He would get more recognition if St. Bonaventure were winning those games.

Why is there no mention of Villanova in the Big East section of your Jan. 3 article about the start of conference play? To me, they are one of the most interesting teams in the Big East because of their reliance on their freshmen and the number of close games they've lost this season. What do you see them doing when they start playing their Big East schedule?
Dan Dodd
Cincinnati

You're right. What we don't know about the Big East is whether Villanova will be a factor. The Wildcats have been really inconsistent so far. The Wildcats aren't playing tough defense and that's causing some major concerns with the staff. Losing to Dayton is fine. And a loss to Penn isn't going to crush them. But the Wildcats need to get back to being a tougher, defensive-minded squad before the Big East.

Why no MAC preview? I know how you love Ohio and coach O'Shea, but not even mentioning Kent?
Jon Greenberg
Yuma, Ariz.

Jon, here you go:
What we know: Kent State is still the class of the MAC. Antonio Gates is the best player in the league. Ohio has a case of senioritis and isn't playing defense with passion. Western Michigan, Toledo and Central Michigan all have legitimate shots to be the second best team in the league behind Kent State.
What we don't know: Will Ohio smooth out team chemistry issues and become a consistent offensive threat? Can Miami of Ohio, Bowling Green, Ball State and Akron disrupt the conference race? Will this league get only one bid again?

Why is Kent State getting no national publicity? They are one of a few teams with either 0 or 1 loss, and only one of three not in a major conference to do so. The other two in their similar position, Creighton and Butler, are all over watch lists, top 25s, and teams to watch for possible at large bids, or make a run to the Final Four. Kent was an Elite Eight team last year, hasn't lost a game at home since 2000, hasn't lost in Gund Arena (where the MAC tournament is) in over a year, have one of the best players no one knows about in Antonio Gates. I know with a new coach, and the loss of some key seniors not much was expected. But with what looks like another 20-win season, and probable return trip to the NCAA, why doesn't this team get the press it deserves?
Ethan
Cleveland

Ethan,
Part of the problem is Kent State wasn't on national television and hasn't beaten a top 25 team yet. Beating Boston College helps, but the Golden Flashes weren't able to get a single made-for-TV, or simply a real high profile non-conference neutral court game. BC could have been the one, but the Eagles have slid. Butler has the Duke game pending. Creighton beat Notre Dame and played Xavier. Kent State is legit and could make another deep run in the tournament if the seed breaks right for the Flashes. But not getting any national TV games hurts the profile of this club. No one knows as much about Kent State because few people have seen the Flashes play.

I want to know how long does it take for one mid-major team's success to evolve into the respect given to a team such as Gonzaga? Kent State has started out 7-1 this season, and coming off of a big win over Boston College. Kent State has made a postseason tournament the past four seasons (3 NCAAs, 1 NIT). They have a probable NBA prospect in Antonio Gates, and another quality backcourt this season. They haven't lost a home game in over two seasons, and over the last 150 games, they have never lost back-to-back games. What else must Kent State do in order to gain the attention of the country, make the Final Four?
Kevin Forrer
Canton, Ohio

Unfortunately, Kent State hasn't been able to get television to notice during the regular season. Kent State isn't a ratings draw as of yet. The Golden Flashes need to get in a single, marquee event on television like Gonzaga has the past two seasons. Kent State is doing its part in the NCAA Tournament. Now it's got to happen during the regular season on television. But that might be harder to do than advancing in the NCAAs.

Hey Andy,
I see that you have given other conferences their due including Boston University's outstanding early play. But how about giving the MAAC some credit. Manhattan won its second straight ECAC Holiday tournament. As well, Siena easily dispatched of Providence and gave Xavier all it could handle. The Pepsi Arena in Albany is a venue that no big time program relishes going to. So when are you going to give these teams some publicity?
Buzz
Albany, N.Y.

Buzz, good call.
Manhattan did make a major statement with the ECAC victory. The Manhattan-Iona games should once again be one of the better conference home-and-home series. Siena's victory over Providence proves the Saints' run to the NCAAs last season was no fluke. But this league won't get more than one bid. The question is which of the three teams -- Iona, Manhattan or Siena -- can hold on for three days at the conference tournament?

What we know: You're enamored with Tom Brennan and, he's a showman and a mediocre coach at best.
What we don't know: Do you know why he was fired by Yale?

What we know: BU has a good team and beat a very uninspired Florida State team (but still a great win for the program).
What we don't know: Can Rashard Bell be a major player on this team?

What we know: Northeastern beat B.C. today at B.C. with two starters in street clothes.
What we know: You probably don't care because you don't seem to acknowledge NU's presence.
What we don't know: Did you see the game?

What we know: Jose Juan Barea is one of the best freshmen point guards in the country.
What we don't know: Do you know who Jose Juan Barea is?

What we know: At the Pan Am tournament in Venezuela this summer, you wrote an article as to how good the U.S. team was and how many Division I major coaches were there.
What we don't know: Who the MVP of the tournament was (it was Jose Juan Barea) because you never mentioned it in your column.

Just some tongue in cheek humor, Andy. How about seeing a game live at NU's Cozy Cabot Center. Sit on press row, we'll chat at halftime.
Mike
Boston

Nice effort. Good one. I hear you on Northeastern. I expect the Huskies to make a charge for the America East title, nipping at BU's heels. Don't be surprised if Northeastern joins BU and Vermont as the class of this league.

All right, "Basketball God," here's a lil something that no one ever talks about as a college basketball powerhouse! The SEC! After watching Georgia beat No. 2 Pittsburgh and LSU beat previously No. 1 Arizona, I must make a comment on the complete lack of respect that the SEC gets when it comes to college basketball. As of January 3, 2003 the SEC has a combined 99-31 (winning percentage = 76%) record. How can that go unnoticed? Especially considering that the SEC is one of the largest conferences in the nation. You want more proof that the SEC needs college basketball recognition? Well, try this on for size! The SEC accounts for 20% (5 spots) of the AP Top 25 Rankings, and with Georgia's win over Pittsburgh, that number is on the rise. Now, let's talk about team statistics. The SEC claims three spots in the top 25 scoring teams in the nation (Georgia-7th, Auburn-16th, & Kentucky 17th). There are four SEC teams in the top 25 for scoring defense in the nation (Ole Miss-4th, LSU-7th, Mississippi State-15th, & Alabama-17th). There are six SEC teams in the top 25 for largest scoring margin, and six again in the top 25 for best winning percentage. SEC teams are everywhere in the team rankings, and with all of them playing each other when conference play begins, I look for the rankings to become more than slightly jostled! What will it take to get some recognition? An all SEC Final Four? Hey...it could happen!

Just mark my words, "Basketball God." By March Madness, teams better lookout for the SEC! Thanks for reading!
Wesley Craft
Bay Saint Louis, Miss.

Wesley,
I couldn't agree more. My definition for what makes the "best conference," is this: most teams with a chance to make a Final Four run. The SEC wins this category hands down. Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi State all have a realistic shot to get to the Final Four and win the national title. No one would be surprised in college hoops if any or four of the six were able to make it to New Orleans. The talent on all six teams is that good.

For all non-believers of ACC's dominance here are some numbers. Over the past 20 years, the ACC has been in 29 Final Fours (the Big Ten comes in at second with 15 trips) and has won six national championships (3 each for Big Ten, SEC and Big East). This season so far, the ACC has an overall record of 65-16, the only conference in the country with an average above 80 percent. They are by far the deepest conference (7 teams could very well make the NCAA Tournament in March). All I'm trying to say is that Andy Katz is being very realistic, like he usually is. Saludos from across the ocean to everyone. And thank you for ESPN.com. My best wishes for 2003 guys! And go Wolfpack!
Vincent Rafael Boceta
Madrid, Spain

Vincent,
Not sure when I said the ACC was dominant. The ACC is probably one of the strongest conferences, but not the best. There are no easy games in this league this season. All nine schools have the capability to win on their homecourt -- even Clemson and Florida State. Duke, Wake Forest, Virginia and Maryland are looking like tournament teams. North Carolina and N.C. State are sitting on the fence. Georgia Tech still has some work to do. Thanks for reading us in Spain.

Love your column, but what's the word on Big Bob down in Lubbock? I have watched a couple of their games this year and for the most part, they look sharp and the kids look as if they enjoy playing for the General. Emmett and company has some good cohesiveness going on. How well do you see the Red Raiders finishing in the Big 12 and their chances in the big dance? Of course, I love IU, but love and miss the General even more.
Paul Johnson
Chicago

Paul,
I'm more impressed with Texas Tech each time I watch the Red Raiders. They are so well-coached, so disciplined and refuse to lose possessions with poor play. They schooled New Mexico and San Diego State and showed tremendous poise and winning at Minnesota in overtime. Texas Tech is starting to look like a top-three Big 12 team. And don't count the Red Raiders out of making a run to the second weekend in the NCAA Tournament.

Why during all the hype about freshmen hasn't Alando Tucker's name come up? Granted, he wasn't such a highly-touted prospect as most of your frosh, but he is making a HUGE impact for the 8-2 Wisconsin Badgers. In 10 games, he has already broken into the starting lineup at forward. Even though he's only 6-5, he is an awesome physical specimen and has broken UW alum Michael Finley's school vertical jump record (37 inches). His statistical averages are impressive: 13.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg in 28.6 mpg. Not only that, but despite playing against opponents who usually have 3-5 inches on him, he is shooting .602 from the field and .429 from behind the arc (not to mention a 5-for-5 performance against Texas Southern last week.) His defense has been strong as well, such as against Ohio, when he spent most of the game guarding NBA prospect Brandon Hunter (18.4 ppg, 12.6 rpg) and helped hold him to 4-16 shooting, 11 pts and 7 rebounds. Add that to the ability to ignite a crowd with a high-flying alley oop dunk, and you've got a freshman many people will be talking about come March.
Jon Wade
New Orleans

You're right, Jon. Tucker has been a hidden gem for Bo Ryan. There are loads of freshmen having impact this season and not just at some of the higher profile programs. Tucker was a surprise for Ryan's crew and will compete for a spot on the Big Ten's all-freshman team. But he's not going to win the top freshman honor with Bracey Wright of Indiana in the same league.

How can you not include Jason Fraser on your top 10 list of freshman for the NBA? If he went out this year he would have been a lottery pick and will probably be one this year.
Joe Dilso
Syosset, N.Y.

Joe,
Fraser wasn't playing consistent enough to nudge someone out of our top 10. He would be in the top 20, but when we did the top 10 in December, he didn't make the cut. As for the NBA, well, I got that list from NBA scouts and he didn't make their top 10, yet. He's in their top 15-20, but he was too erratic for scouts to be too jazzed about him.

Alabama's loss at Utah highlighted an oft-neglected consideration in discussions about teams' records on the road: distance traveled. Arizona lost at LSU, not only because the young 'Cats have difficulty away from home, but also because they were far, far away from home. Other highly ranked teams have timidly avoided such long-distance travel. Duke, for example, has yet to fly to a single game. The Blue Devils played their lone away game against North Carolina A&T -- one hour down the road. Until recently (a Dec. 31 trip to Georgia), Pittsburgh hadn't left the Northeast. The Panthers' longest trip had been to Rhode Island. Creighton, another undefeated, hasn't left the Midwest. Given the taxing -- and loss-inducing -- nature of cross-country trips, whose approach do you favor? Duke, Pittsburgh and Creighton's stay-at-home philosophy, or Arizona and Alabama's go-the-distance ideology?

Oh, and one more question: I graduate in May. Any chance I could get a job like yours?
Yoni Cohen
St. Louis, Mo.

So far, Yoni, there is only one job so you'll have to wait.

I'd like to see more teams travel for at least one big game. Alabama learned a lot more about its team by playing, and ultimately losing, to Utah than staying at home to play Jackson State. Alabama didn't play tough enough, got rattled on the road, and couldn't get the ball inside. Arizona found out similar things during its trip to LSU. These trips do wonder for a team's confidence or they can give a coach a lesson plan on what to fix.

This question may transcend basketball, but what is the likelihood of Arkansas leaving the SEC and taking Baylor's spot in the Big XII? It's no mystery that Baylor is a bad fit for the Big XII. As for Arkansas, it doesn't seem like the SEC has ever completely warmed up to the Razorbacks. Plus, Arkansas has many more traditional and/or natural rivals in the Big XII. (Texas, OU, OSU and Missouri, to name a few.) The Hogs would bring more TV sets and better teams than Baylor ever has. The intent of such a move would be to make the Big XII so strong that none of the member schools would be tempted to defect to the Big 10, Pac-10, etc.
Rick
Dallas

No chance. Arkansas is not going to give up the money in the SEC. No one is going to boot out Baylor, either.

How come on your list of the top 10 frosh you didn't include Antoine Wright of Texas A&M. I watched him play and this kids a stud.
Travis Martin
Katy, Texas

Antoine was one of the last two cuts. Texas A&M's loss to Texas-San Antonio probably cut him off our list. He's one of the top 15-20 freshmen and he made the top 15 for the NBA scouts. He's a real gem.

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