Which freshman do you think will make the biggest influence on their team -- DerMarr Johnson of Cincinnati, Joe Forte of North Carolina, Jason Williams of Duke or Jason Gardner of Arizona -- and why?

-- Andrew Donohoe, Powell, Ohio

That's a tough one, but I would go with Gardner at Arizona. The Wildcats' offense is predicated on an up-tempo point guard. Gardner has been sensational to start the season. Johnson doesn't have as much responsibility and neither does Forte. Andrew also asked what happened to Jon Sanderson -- he transferred to Ohio University.

Why do I feel that Oklahoma's Eduardo Najera is being neglected by the critics when talking about the All-American team? With his strength and aggressiveness to play inside and his range from beyond the arc, it seems as though he should have been a strong candidate for preseason honors. Having an injury-free year, do you feel he has the potential to be a first-round pick in the NBA? Can he lead the Sooners back to the Sweet 16?

-- Anthony Reale, Dallas

You're right to feel that Najera is being snubbed. But he had to prove it first. He did in Fairbanks. The problem is that no one saw the games in Alaska. Once Najera puts up similar numbers in the Big 12, he'll be considered an all-American. He's a legitimate first-round pick. Can he lead the Sooners to the Sweet 16? Probably not. The supporting cast isn't as good as last year.

Through the first four games of the season, UNLV has averaged more than 93 points with an average margin of victory of more than 21. This includes a 16-point win over Georgetown. Why aren't the Rebels getting more consideration from the coaches or the sportswriters?

-- Jeremy Zarowitz, Las Vegas

UNLV does deserve praise for the win, but the Rebels haven't built up a following after a disappointing season last year. If UNLV can string together a few more wins, it should get more top 25 votes. The addition of Lou Kelley will make the Rebels a threat to unseat Utah in the Mountain West.

Very quietly, it seems that Duke is struggling on the recruiting trail. Chris Duhon is a great player but with Chris Carrawell being a senior, one wonders if Duke needs an athletic wing-player in the fold. Any chance of them landing such a player? It seems like Duke had to beat players off with a stick last year...what gives?

-- Minal Desai, Toronto

Duke needs to recruit another big man. The Blue Devils can't rely on Carlos Boozer, Nick Horvath and Casey Sanders next season. Something is missing. Duke should be fine on the perimeter.

How can you say that Rhode Island was hurt more by early departures than Duke? To lose Elton Brand, William Avery and Corey Maggette to the NBA has forced Duke and Coach K to use freshman much more often this year. And we have seen how that inexperience has helped Duke lose two games already this year. Sure, Duke has Coach K and a wealth of young talent that Rhode Island may not have, but I believe that the Duke team will achieve far less this season than what they would have.

-- John Winkle, Marietta, Ga.

I totally disagree. Rhode Island would be an NCAA Tournament team with Lamar Odom. The Rams are lost without him. Duke won't be as good, but the Blue Devils will make the tournament and possibly win a game or two or three once they get there. Expectations for Duke every year are usually too high.