02:27 PM EST on Thursday, February 2, 2006

Frank the moderator: Join Kevin McNamara Thurs., Feb. 2 at noon for a college hoops chat. Drop a question about PC, URI, Brown or any of the programs around the country.

Art Martone: Welcome, everyone! Kevin's here and will begin answering your questions in a few minutes.

Kevin McNamara: Hello everyone. Please forward your questions.

ARamFanInSk: Kevin, John Clark starts about every game for URI at center. He plays about 5 mins, and then wil come out and sometimes does not re-enter the game at all. What kind of strategy is this from a coach? Could it be part of some agreement Baron made with Clark when he signed him? As a side note, URI almost always goes behind early while their opponent scores at will inside....
Kevin McNamara: I think Coach Baron sees Jon Clark as his bets option in the post or else he wouldn't be starting him.Jon has greatly improved his game over 4 years and is a much better offensive threat than he's been earlier in his career. I am always puzzled by the substitution patterns of coaches, Jim Baron included. But with Clark and JR Moore, those are the only two true big men he has and he uses both.

GoFriars: Anything new on Dwight Brewington? Also, is Rob Sanders playing anywhere?
Kevin McNamara: I believe Dwight has enrolled at Liberty University in Virginia. He'll sit out until next December and have 1.5 years left. As for Rob Sanders, I've heard he's trying to play minor league ball, perhaps in the ABL...And why do you care??

Friarmania: Can you discuss Tim Welsh's job status?
Kevin McNamara: Tim has three years left on his contract after this one. If the Friars have a losing season this year, there will certainly be pressure to enjoy a better year next season. Tim understands this, as does the administration which is firmly in his corner. The Friars have a young team which is growing this year and could fight for an NIT berth. Adding some parts around this core could lead to much better results in the next few seasons.

EaglesNo1: A lot of people seem to think BC is overrated. What are your thoughts, especially in light of last night's near-miss against Duke?
Kevin McNamara: I have thought all along the BC should be in the top 3-4 in the ACC this year. Last night's result only confirmed that. Duke is good, but not the type of powerhouse that will roll through that conference with ease. They will, and are, being tested. Hope you enjoyed last night's atmosphere. BC only saw that when Syracuse and UConn came to town in the past.

ARamFanInSk: Kevin, on the Projo message board, there is a line being drawn between the fans in regards to Jim Baron as a head coach for URI. Many are saying that he can take us no further than he already has, and he should be bought out and replaced, while others say he needs more time to complete his "process" (the debate is in much more detail, but for now, that will do). Do you think it is unreasonable for some URI fans to demand a better product?
Kevin McNamara: I think that there are legitimate extenuating circumstances for Ram fans to consider. For one, give the Rams a healthy Dawan and Jamaal last year and the team could've challenged for another NIT berth. This year, there are so many young players that Baron doesn't have enough quality experience in place. This team seems to lack the cohesiveness that a veteran team can bring to the table. I think with the current young players, plus a good recruiting class or two, the next few years are very important at URI. I do not see Rhody capable of challenging for the league title every year but I think Baron can do it every few years, for sure. Another thing. Fans see the NCAA Tournament as the Holy Grail in the sport. If you don't make the tourney, you're not doing the job. This isn't true, especially at URI and in the A-10 where some years only two (or even 1) teams make the NCAA. It's hard to so. It's that simple.

FatJack: Hi Kevin, How many Big East teams do you think will make the NCAA tournament this year?
Kevin McNamara: There will be talk about 9-10 teams doing so but in the end I'd guess and say 8, which is a record. A lot of teams will be on the bubble needing wins in the final week and into New York. They will include Syracuse, Seton Hall, Cincinnati, Marquette, Louisville and others. It's a crazy league. The craziest I've ever seen it in 26 years.

FatJack: Kevin, What chance do you give BC's Craig Smith as an NBA player?
Kevin McNamara: I think Craig's size will really hurt him and he has not developed a consistent 15-20 foot jumper. Excellent college player but it would be a shock if he sneaks into the 1st round. Before you ask, I think Jared Dudley fallsinto the same class. Unless his range expands to 3-point line, his NBA chances are minimal. Excellent college player, however.

talk: Kevin -- it seems as though some of the teams in the new, bigger Big East conference are not faring very well. Louisville for instance.
Are you surprised that some teams are struggling?
Kevin McNamara: I am not surprised that the new teams are struggling. Consider: Louisville: Coming off a Final 4 season and lost 4 key seniors. Relying on freshmen to start and be good. This is a recipe for disaster in the Big East, especually with Taquan Dean struggling with ankle woes. LVille will threaten for an NCAA berth but likely fall short. CINCY: Obviously the Bob Huggins thing has cliuded this program's future. But I like their team, especially Eric Hicks. He can will the Bearcats to the NCAA's, especially since they'll own a very impressive RPI. MARQUETTE: Will be in the NCAA's with a young team. Excellent coahc in Tom Crean. Have had some adjustment troubles but not many. DEPAUL: New coach, not his players. Will struggle to win in this league. S. FLORIDA: We knoe all about their issues. Good thing they play football.

FriarFanatic: Can you discuss in depth some of the Friars' recruits?
Kevin McNamara: I have only seen one of PC's 4 recruits play so it's difficult to talk in depth about them. I have seen Brian McKenzie out of New York and he's a very good prospect. He has good size (6-4) and is a strong 3-point shooter, which the team will need without Donnie McGrath around. He can see instant time. Jamal Barney is regarded as a wing guard who is simply a scorer. He can get to the rim in high school and if he can be that type of penetrator in college, the Friars will use him a lot. Right now, only SCurry and Weyinmi Efejuku (the best) are strong scorers off the bounce. Corey Lowe I have not seen. I have my doubts about him as a point guard but he is a very strong athlete and is regarded as a fine shooter, too. Ray Hall's prospects excite me. He is a big (6-11) and strong (260 lbs.) young kid who will only get better with hard work. A potentially rare find for a school like Providence. I see PC adding 1 or 2 more players with a shooting forward and maybe point guard the targets.

Bos8: Why does Ty Sullivan get so much PT? He is shooting under 30 percet, and under 20 percent beyond the arch. Also, which URI incoming Freshman do you see having an imediant impact?
Kevin McNamara: I am not a Ty Sullivan fan because of his lack of shooting. However, he clearly is playing because the Rams lack point guard play and he can be a dogged defender. I have only seen 1 of URI's recruits, Keith Cothran. He is a good looking off guard but seems young to me. Nore sure what he can bring right awya but his potential is strong. Who can go right away? My guess is the oldest recruit, JUCO forward Joe MBang. He'd fill the spots now filled by Terrence Mack and J. Wise. I have heard very good things about Marquis Jones and am looking forward to seeing him play at URI next weekend for the big pre school tournament.

ARamFanInSk: Who is the best college freshman playing in the state, any team?
Kevin McNamara: I think this is a good class of freshmen in the state. I think Jimmy Baron will be much better down the line and I like Kaheim Seawright a lot. At PC, Geoff McDermott has been slowed by a foot injury but is clearly a find. The long-term potential of Weyinmi Efejuku likely trumps everyone. The best frosh in the state right now, however, is Sharaud Curry. He'll be a rare 4-year starter at point guard in the Big East and be very, very productive. He's a keeper.

Bos8: How come Nikola left the Rams basketball team? I believe with his shooting, the Rams would be able to spread the court more, and give Dawan more space. Any idea were Nikola is now, or where he will end up?
Kevin McNamara: I understand that Nikola Stevanovic left URI because he was both homesick and the quickness and work ethic of the American game was a bit overwhelming to him. I doo not know where he is. Not sure whether a stand still shooter would help all that much anyways. I never saw Nikola play but there's no way he's a better shooter than Jimmy Baron. And he's not getting many shots to help the cause. The Rams need guys who can create offense off the bounce and make medium range jumpers consistently.

Kevin McNamara: Thanks everyone for your questions.Please watch the Journal and ProJo.com for news on the next chat.