University of Oklahoma Athletics
Chat Wrap From Aaron McGhee
October 12, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 12, 2001
After winning the Big 12 Tournament last season, the Sooners welcome back McGhee, a 6'8" senior, who averaged 12.9 points last season and 4.8 rebounds. He also hit 22 three-pointers. McGhee may not be a household name, but his strong play inside will keep Oklahoma in the hunt.
Below is a transcript of the chat from today.
Aaron McGhee: (1:42 PM ET ) Hello everyone!! What's on your mind?
tommy from stockton, ca: do u guys have a good chance of making it to the big dance in march?
Aaron McGhee: (1:43 PM ET ) We will be very good. We have a lot of newcomers who will make a big impact so we WILL make it.
Javier Albuquerque: Aaron, do u think that duke is the team to beat this year, or it there another team out there that u think might be to tough to beat
Aaron McGhee: (1:44 PM ET ) Duke IS the team to beat. But there are a lot of teams I expect to shock people this year, including ourselves.
Mumin: Do you think as a team you'll have improved from last year.
Aaron McGhee: (1:45 PM ET ) We are more athletic and we have a player coming in that will make an immediate impact in Jabahri Brown. He will help me out alot and let me move to power forward. It will help our team because he is such a defensive presence inside.
Brandon, Norman GO OU: Aaron, are we going to beat OSU this year by 20 or 30?
Aaron McGhee: (1:46 PM ET ) I don't know if it will be 20 or 30 but we will try our best to beat them!!
Steve: What do you think of OU football? Repeat?
Aaron McGhee: (1:46 PM ET ) I actually do!
Rod Baker (Kelowna): how does shooting the 3 open the game up for you and did you work on it over summer?
Aaron McGhee: (1:48 PM ET ) Yes, I have worked on that. It opens my game because if they aren't guarding me tight I can step back and hit that. It is a big weapon in my game.
Joseph (Pawhuska): During the recent years at Oklahoma, the frontcourt has been overshadowed by a good backcourt. How much stronger do you think the frontcourt will be this year during the run at the national championship?
Aaron McGhee: (1:50 PM ET ) Our front line is athletic as anybody. Our backcourt was really strong this year but our frontcourt guys are so much stronger this year. They will be very physical.
George (Apex): WOW 6'8 how does that feel?
Aaron McGhee: (1:50 PM ET ) It's nice. You can get the ladies, they like tall men. I guess it's good!
MU Fan Columbia MO: Who will contend for the Big 12 title and who's the best player in the Big 12?
Aaron McGhee: (1:52 PM ET ) Ourselves, KU, Missouri, OSU and Texas all have a shot.
zach, IOWA: who do you think is the best college basketball player this year?
Aaron McGhee: (1:53 PM ET ) I'll have to say Jason Williams from Duke. He already has what everybody wants, a championship. He's just a great player.
BILL (NY): Hello big man are you going to make the All Big 12 team
Aaron McGhee: (1:54 PM ET ) I'm going to try hard to get there .. I'm trying my best this year!!
Aaron McGhee: (1:55 PM ET ) By the way, I don't think our team gets enough respect. We have so many great players and we will show everybody what we are about this year!!
Jay (Baltimore): Who do you think will be your main competion will be in winning a conference title?
Aaron McGhee: (1:56 PM ET ) KU, Missouri, Texas, OSU, they will ALL be a challenge. We have to beat them all.
Oschink: How has the chemistry of the team changed this year?
Aaron McGhee: (1:58 PM ET ) Not really. You'll see the same hard-nosed basketball. That hasn't changed at all!!
Thanks for the questions ... look out for us!!!!
Below are transcripts from the other college hoops stars who took part in the "Chat Madness" on Friday.
We will get started shortly with Oklahoma State's Maurice Baker. Thank you.
Maurice Baker: (1:01 PM ET ) Hello everyone. I am ready to take your questions!!!
Mark (Stillwater): Maurice, How do you feel the addition of Ivan McFarlin will impact the team this year, and will the younger players be able to step up their game enough to help contribute immensely?
Maurice Baker: (1:02 PM ET ) I think adding Ivan will help us a lot. New guys will help a lot and help us get some rest.
Keith (Stillwater): What differences can we expect from last year's team and the 2001-2002 squad, and what are your personal goals for the season?
Maurice Baker: (1:03 PM ET ) I think it will be a little different, we will have a lot of differnet people on the floor to give different looks.
Mike (Tulsa): Mo, what's it like playing in Gallagher-Iba Arena, which some say is the best college basketball arena in the country?
Maurice Baker: (1:03 PM ET ) It's loud and crazy!! We can't even hear each other at times. The people really give us a lot of energy.
Jewels: MAURICE- Are you single??
Maurice Baker: (1:04 PM ET ) I have friends!!!
Maurice Baker: (1:04 PM ET ) You can be one of my friends!!
Columbus, Ohio: Mo Baker, What's your take on the additions to the backcourt for the Pokes? And what are the goals for the team this season? Best of Luck. Poke'Em!
Maurice Baker: (1:05 PM ET ) Right now to make it to the Final Four and win 25 or 26 games, just win as many as possible.
JB (Oxford): Hey Maurice Baker...opening night you ain't scorin' nothin', you will get shut down by UC's Thug defense. Prepare to get used by Steve Logan too.
Maurice Baker: (1:06 PM ET ) I bring a lot to the table .. I don't need to score. I can help my team win in other ways.
But I am going to score though!!!
Paul Thomas, (Tulsa, OK): For OSU's Maurice Baker... Maurice, did you ever imagine when you came to Oklahoma State that you would be a finalist for the Wooden Award...? I consider being named to the 50 finalists list a huge honor in itself... What do you think...?
Paul Thomas Go Pokes !!
Maurice Baker: (1:07 PM ET ) No, I never imagined that. I just wanted to show people I could play basketball!
Ryan (Ft, Scott): How will Oklahoma St. guard against one of the obvious best players in the Big Twelve this year in Kareem Rush
Maurice Baker: (1:07 PM ET ) We will approachit like last year, put Melvin on him and keep the ball out of his hands so he has to pass to somebody else.
Paul Parmley (Washington DC): What would you pinpoint as your greatest strength and greatest weakness on the court?
Maurice Baker: (1:08 PM ET ) Probably my leadership role. I don't talk a lot by I lead by example.
Daniel (Edmond): Hey Maurice can you speak about Coach Sutton and how he leads this team.
Maurice Baker: (1:09 PM ET ) Coach is like all of our fathers. We respect him so much. We just follow everything he says.
Adam (Broomfield, CO): Mo Baker, Last year you all were on an emotional ride to the NCAA tourny. How much of that emotion has been carried over to this year?
Maurice Baker: (1:11 PM ET ) I think so. We are hungry. We don't like how we went out last year. We want to go out and prove to everyone we can win some games.
Todd: The team last year had a special bond because of the tragedy it went through. Does that make this team a closer and better team?
Maurice Baker: (1:11 PM ET ) I think so. We still have that close bond and we have a lot of new faces who have showed support. We are just one big family here.
Brady J.: Will the Cowboys please beat Duke this year for the Nat'l Title.
Maurice Baker: (1:12 PM ET ) If we get the chance we will give them a run for their money!!!
Justin (Kansas City): Maurice - do you forsee more scoring from the front court this season?
Tman(Tulsa): Predictions in the BIG 12?
Maurice Baker: (1:15 PM ET ) I think right now there are three teams at the top, us, KU and Missouri. Whoever executes that night will win. It will be a dogfight for the Big 12 title.
sCam2: what are the best and worst things about living in Stillwater?
Maurice Baker: (1:16 PM ET ) The best thing is it's a quite, nice town. Where I am from you hear gunshots but up here you can get your work done.
The worst thing is sometimes you want to do something but there isn't anything to do!!
Thanks for your questions and for supporting OSU basketball. We are going to make some noise this year!!
Moderator: (1:17 PM ET ) Troy Bell will be next up ...
Whit Sweetney (Norfolk,Va): Troy Bell: What are your goals for this particular team? Can you top the showing from last season?
Troy Bell: (1:18 PM ET ) I am here and ready to take your questions!!!
Brian (Chestnut Hill, MA): This is for Troy Bell. I also attend BC and I can't wait for Duke to come play at Conte Forum. It is going to be unbelieveable especially when the Eagles take em out. Troy, what do you think about Jason Williams and how he disrespected your team last year at Duke by taunting players by holding the basketball in their faces? Will that be in your mind going into that game?
Troy Bell: (1:20 PM ET ) Not so much the taunting but it's' just one team that everyone wants to beat. That is the biggest game for us. We had a tough loss last year. When they come here we just want to get the victory this time.
Chris (Harrisonburg, VA): Hey Troy, what point guard in the Big East will give you the most trouble, do you think? Thanks a lot, and good luck this season!
Troy Bell: (1:21 PM ET ) John Linehan. He plays great defense and is a threepoint threat. But mostly on the defensive side of the ball. He changes your whole gameplan.
Mike (Champaign): Troy,
What do you think of Nate and Kirsten, your two new big guys. Will they be able to have an impact this year?
Troy Bell: (1:22 PM ET ) They are working hard, the biggest thing is getting stronger. Nate is a little better than Kirsten skill wise. I think Nate will have the biggest impact. Big guys need time to develop.
Brian (Boston): Troy, you're the best we've ever seen at BC. I'm wondering, how will BC compensate for the loss of several key complementary players? Do you think the team can repeat last year's performance?
Troy Bell: (1:24 PM ET ) First of all, thank you. We've lost players before but guys like Walls will just step up. His knee is better so he can do a lot more. Ryan Sidney worked on his shooting and that's all he needed to do. We will be fine.
miguel(beeville,tx): what is your teams strongest point, and whats is the weakest? thanks
Troy Bell: (1:25 PM ET ) I'll say our defense. Last year our philosphy was you can't control you shooting, but you can always give it your all on defense. We will go with that same motto this year. Guys are working hard though and I think we will surprise some people.
Bryan (Austin): Your thoughts on BC's out of conference schedule this year?
Troy Bell: (1:27 PM ET ) We are excited about the competition and the TV time we are getting. We've never gotten this much before. We are excited and preparing really hard. Hopefully we will have a better RPI when tournament time comes.
Blake (Belton, MO): Are you aware that OSU is better that BC?
Troy Bell: (1:28 PM ET ) Thanks for letting me know.
James: How valuable was your offseason experience and what specifically did you learn to apply on the court this year?
Troy Bell: (1:30 PM ET ) Playing with the USA team was a great experience. It beat playing pick up games at the park!! It made all of us better and it was fun hanging out with the guys that you see on ESPN all year.
Greg (Boston College!): Troy. Are you aware that OSU is not at all better than us Eagles!?
Troy Bell: (1:31 PM ET ) That's what I was thinking ...
Ryan (Wisconsin): What is on the agenda for Midnight Madness tonight? Are you gonna get in a dunk contest if they have one?
Troy Bell: (1:31 PM ET ) We don't even have Midnight Madness .. I don't know why but we have just never had it since I have been here.
Dan: is Ryan going to start this year along side you, or are the plans to move him to the three?
Troy Bell: (1:32 PM ET ) I think he will start personally. I can't see him not starting.
Nick (Iowa): Do you think you can beat Duke's Jason Williams in one on one?
Troy Bell: (1:32 PM ET ) I don't know .. I've never played him. Maybe someday we'll get the answer to that!
Rod Baker (Kelowna): What type of player does it take to be an affective gaurd in the NCAA
Troy Bell: (1:35 PM ET ) Most importantly it helps to be a good shooter. Lots of guys can dribble and penetrate but when you face zones you have to be able to step back and drain some shots. But most of all it takes expereince. I have grown so much since my freshman year.
Nick(Utah): What do you do to calm your nerves before a game?
Troy Bell: (1:36 PM ET ) I'm usually pretty calm all the time, at least before games. I don't do anything diffrerent. I might take a quick nap and visualizes what I want to do.
Eric East Lansing: Troy, do u think teams will prepare differently for you, because of the success you had last year. Instead of a dark horse, you guys are one of the favorites. Good luck
Troy Bell: (1:37 PM ET ) I don't think they prepare to much differntly. There is only so much you can do. I'll get face guarded more but teams tried that last year. As long as my jumpshot is on I will be fine.
Steve: What do you think of MJ coming back?
Troy Bell: (1:40 PM ET ) I'm very excited!! I was looking at his picture this morning in the paper and he really looks like he belongs out there. He won't lose many games in a row for that Wizards team that's for sure.
Thanks for your questions!! I want to say hi to my mom and dad!!
Talk to you guys later!!
Chris Williams: (1:59 PM ET ) Hello everyone!! I'm ready for your questions!!!
Chris Williams: (2:00 PM ET ) I feel great heading into this season, we have so many veterans coming back and so many talented guys coming in. We are in for a great season!
Matt(Johnstown): How difficult is it to gain respect in your conference with teams like Duke, UNC, and Maryland?
Chris Williams: (2:01 PM ET ) It is difficult. The last couple years we have been in the top three but get no respect. We hope to gain that respect this year.
Phillip(New York): With the great success your team had last year do you go into this season feeling like the hunted or the hunting?
Chris Williams: (2:02 PM ET ) I don't think we have the respect to be called the hunted .. we are still looking to improve.
Majestic (Charlottesville): Chris, how will the team fill in for the devastating loss of Majestic Mapp?
Chris Williams: (2:03 PM ET ) It will hurt us a lot. He was going to lead this team. We will be OK though. Roger Mason is still here and he is a great player.
Griff (Springville, IA): What do you think that Virginia will have to accomplish this year to start gaining some of the respect around the country that you deserve?
Chris Williams: (2:04 PM ET ) I think we haven't won the ACC tourney in 26 years and we've been put out in the first round the last couple years so we have to do more damage there and in the NCAA's.
Rod Baker (Kelowna): who is the most exciting player for you to watch in the NCAA
Chris Williams: (2:05 PM ET ) Jason Williams .. he is probaby the most exciting.
sean PA: How are you guys gonna beat duke this year? If it is possible to beat them without them not beating themselves?
Chris Williams: (2:07 PM ET ) We can. We are talented just like they are. As long as we don't beat ourselves.
L.P. (Cincinnati): Do you think that your schedule (outside of the ACC) will get you prepared for ACC play?
Chris Williams: (2:08 PM ET ) It does. We have some tough teams to play this season .. Michigan St, Auburn, it will help us tremendously for the ACC tourney.
Andy Secor (Grand Rapids): Chris, your game has really evolved in your time at UVA. What types of workouts or things have you done that have helped you the most?
Chris Williams: (2:09 PM ET ) Working out with the coaches to have an all around game. I'm not focusing on just one thing, it has helped me a lot. Coach Scott Shepard has helped me greatly.
Chewy (IOWA): Is Chis williams not only ready for big time play in the ACC this year, but the NBA next year?
Chris Williams: (2:12 PM ET ) Yeah, I think I am ready. My game is an all around game. First I have to get ready for this season and then I will focus on that next year. But I do feel that my game is ready.
Thanks to everybody for your questions .. and keep an eye on us this season!!
Talk to you later!!
Moderator: (2:12 PM ET ) Jason Williams will be next up at 2:20 p.m. ET ...
Jason Williams: (2:20 PM ET ) Hello everyone .. I'm ready for your questions!
Shea Meddin, Atlanta: Hi Jason, how is the hand? I was wondering what kind of roll Daniel Ewing is going to play on the team, when we (duke) already has the best backcourt in the country. Is he going to play the same roll as Duhon played last year?
Jason Williams: (2:22 PM ET ) My hand is doing really well. Thank god we have six weeks before our season starts. My hand is getting better and better by day .
I think he has a great chance to be a great defender. There won't be any dropoff with him, it will be the same intensity with him.
Patrick (Athens, GA): For Jason Williams: Anything surprising or new about any of your teammates you can tell from the offseason or in pick up games (either basketball-wise or appearance-wise)? Thanks.
Jason Williams: (2:23 PM ET ) Nothing too much new .. nobody has done anything dramatic. Still very clean cut kids!!
scott: hey who is the best dunker on the team??and how is it playing with chris duhon?
Jason Williams: (2:25 PM ET ) Dante is by far the best.
Not many backcourts are as quick as ours. Duhon is so great defensively. It will be a fun year playing together.
Brian(North Dakota): I like your decision to stay in college to play. Do you feel your game has been taken to another level from last season to now?
Jason Williams: (2:26 PM ET ) Yes I do. Even though I had a great year I still had to work on my game. I wasn't a flawless player. I worked on my mid range and my three point ability. It should be a great year for me.
Adam (Chicago): Jason, what more is there for you to accomplish in college basketball?
Jason Williams: (2:26 PM ET ) That's easy .. another national championship!!
zach, georgia: one of the first games of the season is against iowa, what do you think of playing them so early in the season?
Jason Williams: (2:27 PM ET ) It will be great for us .. Coach K has been great in giving us a schedule that makes us compete. Playing teams like that only makes you better.
Jason (State College): Do you believe Duke is a dynasty?
Jason Williams: (2:28 PM ET ) I think we are getting there .. there is a lot that has to be accomplished still to get to that John Wooden - UCLA level.
Drew(Texas): Who do you think will give you the greatest challenge this season?
Jason Williams: (2:29 PM ET ) I think every team will give us a great challenge. Especially this year, everybody is coming at us harder than ever, and coming at me harder than ever. I don't know .. I guess we will find out who is the most challenging.
Minneapolis, MN: With Battier leaving do you feel more pressure to be the floor leader for the team?
Jason Williams: (2:30 PM ET ) It's not pressure, it's an opportunity. I don't belive in pressure. You either take opportunities or give them to someone else .. I take them.
erik hagedorn, iowa: are you one of those young athletes that thinks they'd be able to take "the old Michael Jordan" now that he is back?
Jason Williams: (2:31 PM ET ) I'm not worried about him .. he is one of the greatest players ever but I'm in college so I'm not worried about playing him.
Matt(Johnstown): You and other former Duke players have been know for taking it to another level at crunch time---Can that be taugth or is that something that comes naturally?
Jason Williams: (2:32 PM ET ) I think it just comes out of nowhere, you can't control it. We just have a lot of players with that mentality that they can do that. And that we can do that as a team.
Nick: How has Nick Horvath looked during the pre-season? Will he be able to make an impact this year?
Jason Williams: (2:34 PM ET ) Nick has gained a lot of weight and his mental aspect of his game is even better. He learned a lot by watching and it will make him a better player.
zach, georgia: what did you do during the summer while many players played on the national teams?
Jason Williams: (2:35 PM ET ) This summer was great .. I didn't really do anything!! I played basketball but not really competitively. I was just a kid. Sometimes it gets to be like a job, trying to win games, and you miss out on things, just being a 19 or 20 year old.
Billy, Joliet: Do you ever talk trash in a game?
Jason Williams: (2:35 PM ET ) I'm not a guy to do that. Only unless somebody talks to me and starts to annoy me. I'm pretty quiet.
iowa hawk: how are you gonna feel when iowa destroys you on november 27?
Jason Williams: (2:37 PM ET ) We'll see ...
Greg: Any way coach K can convince you to stay another year?
Jason Williams: (2:39 PM ET ) I don't know about that .. I'm graduating and getting my degree and I can walk!! My college career will likely be over but I have a lot I want to do before then.
Thanks to everyone out there .. even those of you talking trash .. we will do our best this year .. thanks again to everyone!!
Frank Williams: (2:59 PM ET ) Hello everyone!!!
chicago: Frank Williams-
How's it going to feel being the first undefeated National Champion since IU did it way back when?
Frank Williams: (3:00 PM ET ) Hopefully if things work out right, and don't have too many ups and downs, it would feel great. This group could definitly do that.
James, Peoria, IL: Frank:
What's the game plan for replacing Lucas Johnson until he returns? Also, is this the year that Brian Cook will have a breakout season and join you as an All-American? Thanks and good luck from a hometown fan!
Frank Williams: (3:01 PM ET ) You can't really replace him .. we will try to get other guys to step up. But you can't relace a guy like that.
sd champaign: Frank---Thanks so much for coming back, we're all excited to see another great Big Ten POY season!
Who's going to win the dunk contest tonight?
Frank Williams: (3:02 PM ET ) I think I will ..
Illini Jon: How is your health since your injury?
Frank Williams: (3:02 PM ET ) It's better, I'm not in top shape right now but I will be when the season starts. I'll be ready to go .
zack (boone, NC): frank--what do you think of the comparisons and rivalries people set up between jason williams and yourself?
Frank Williams: (3:04 PM ET ) I'm not saying I don't like it but great players always get compared to other great players so I take it as a compliment.
Jon (Bloomington, IL): Frank, how are the newcomers going to impact the team, especially now with the injury to Lucas? Will your role on the court change at all?
Frank Williams: (3:05 PM ET ) I don't think my role will change at all. We have some versatile guys coming in that will give us lots of options.
Marc (Chicago): Frank - Do you think you can improve this year as much as you did between your first and second years with the Illini?
Frank Williams: (3:06 PM ET ) I think I have. I've come a long way since my freshman year. I've gotten more of an edge over the younger guys. I play with a lot of heart.
PM, Chicago: How do you think the schedule that you will be playing will help of hurt the Illini this season?
Frank Williams: (3:07 PM ET ) Our schedule forces us to play some tough teams, it will prepare us for the tournament to see how many wins we can get on the road against tough teams.
Lee, Florida: Do you ever talk trash in a game.
Frank Williams: (3:08 PM ET ) I don't see anything wrong with it but the refs put a handle on that in college games. But if it's up to me, I'll do it!!
Jeff (Santa Fe, NM): Will Cory Bradford be back to "full strength" this year and ease the scoring load on you?
Frank Williams: (3:09 PM ET ) He will be at full strength. His legs are so much stronger and he always has his stroke. We haven't seen his full ability yet but we will this year. It helps everyone and opens up a lot of things for us with him healthy.
Tammy (Beaver, PA): Frank - do you still have that sexy shaved head?
Frank Williams: (3:10 PM ET ) I guess .. if that is how you view it!!
Nate, Champaign: Do you think you guys feel pressured at all with such a high anticipated preseason ranking?
Frank Williams: (3:11 PM ET )
The only pressure we feel is what we put on ourselves. Other than that, there is not pressure. We know what we can do.
Scott M/ Cincinnati, OH: Frank, We all know you have a pro career in front of you, where do you want to play?
Frank Williams: (3:12 PM ET ) Hopefully for a team that lets me get playing time. I want to go where I can play and help contribute.
Brian(Ann Arbor, Mi): Will you finally beat Michigan State outright for the Big Ten Championship so I can stop hearing all the talk about them?
Frank Williams: (3:12 PM ET )
I don't know .. they have a great team coming back. And Izzo is a great coach. We will compete for it, whoever comes out on top wins.
Bryan (Chicago): Yo Frankie....what's it like knowing that you can take your opponent anytime you want on the court? What's in the CD player?
Frank Williams: (3:14 PM ET ) I think that is just a reinforcement of having heart. You have to have that to be able to win. My teammates let me do what I do best ...
In my CD player right now is Redman ..
rochester, ny: Frank-what is one area in your game you feel needs the most improvement?
Frank Williams: (3:15 PM ET ) I would say everything .. but my shooting is one area, my three-point shooting.
I appreicate you guys asking me questions .. I hope everyone is looking forward to a great season because I know we are ..
Thanks everyone.
Moderator: (3:17 PM ET ) Next up will be Sam Clancy from USC ...
Sam Clancy: (3:19 PM ET ) Hello everyone!! I'm ready for your questions!!!!
Tim ( TEXAS ): Sam, what do you think your chances are to make it back to the Elite Eight, and also what has been your focus for improving your game this summer.
Sam Clancy: (3:21 PM ET ) I think our chances are good. We haven't started practice yet but we are even better than last year with the new guys coming in. All of them can contribute. Our chances are great.
As far as me, I worked on shooting and extending my range and my three point skills. I just fine tuned some of my game also. I also plan to get more rebounds.
The Fonz(Beverly Hills): Sam, how's Jerry Dupree fitting in with the team? It must be good to have another big man to join you down low.
Sam Clancy: (3:22 PM ET ) First, he's not really a big big guy. He's more like a small forward. His athleticism is great. He can really play. Having him is great. We as a team hang out together and we try to show them around. He will play a lot of minutes this year.
Jeremy, Los Angeles: Fight On Sam! What was the biggest lesson you learned from your experience in the NBA camps?
Sam Clancy: (3:24 PM ET ) I just learned what I need to do io improve my NBA stock . increasing my range, putting the ball on the floor, rebounding. I rebounded well at the camp. I got that info from lots of teams and decided to come back and become a more complete player.
Stone (ST. Louis): You gotta post this...I never get on! What personal goals do you have for this upcoming season?
Sam Clancy: (3:26 PM ET ) Just basically to become more of a team leader and get my teammates involved as much as possible. Last year we kind of lacked that for a certain part of the season. Coach got on us about it so Im taking that on myself.
Michael, Marin: Sam - How does your stamina feel coming off a summer of intense hoops including the camps?
Sam Clancy: (3:27 PM ET ) I would say right now I'm not in game shape because we haven't practiced much but I think I have an edge on other guys because I've been playing non-stop all year. I only took a few weeks off because I didn't want to burn myself out. I just relaxed during that time and got my legs back.
Mike, Minneapolis,: Sam you're a stud, can you do me a favor and nasty dunk all over Dan Gadzuric for me. peace
Sam Clancy: (3:28 PM ET ) Of course, it would be my pleasure!
Ross (New York): Sam - Who do you see as your competition for PAC-10 Player of the Year?
Sam Clancy: (3:29 PM ET ) I would say Casey Jacobsen from Stanford, he is a great player. Jason Kapono from UCLA also.
Mike (Westwood): How badly do you think UCLA is going to kick your ass this year, Sam?
Sam Clancy: (3:32 PM ET ) We'll just wait and see .. we have something for them.
Devin (Tucson, Az): Sam, how do you feel about the new PAC-10 tournament?
Sam Clancy: (3:35 PM ET ) Im' excited to have it. I've always wanted it and now we have it. I'm excited. It's just like the NCAA's, anything can happen. And it's in our back yard at the Staples Center so I can't wait.
Brando Lute (OH): You are know as a strong, physical player. So I was wondering... how much do you bench?
Sam Clancy: (3:36 PM ET ) Actually, I don't know. We haven't maxed out. I would say around 275, I'm not that strong. I have long arms so it's hard for me to bench.
Marshall, Oakland: I know its off the subject but A's or Yankees??
Sam Clancy: (3:37 PM ET ) Indians.
Bruin Rudy: What will you miss this season in not having Trepagnier?
Sam Clancy: (3:39 PM ET ) We will miss his athleticism on defense. He was like Top 5 in the country in steals. And he played the lanes so well. We will miss that the most.
Thanks for the questions .. I appreciate your concern for the team and we'll see you soon!!!
Kirk Hinrich: (3:40 PM ET ) I am ready for your questions!!!
Scott (Lawrence): Who do you see playing the 3 spot at Kansas? Also, I have heard you are in great condition this yr., what did you differently in the off-season compared to yr's past?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:41 PM ET ) Playing the three, I don't know. Nash can play there but we won't know until we start practicing and see where we are at. We have lots of options so it's not set in stone.
Over the summer, I did the workout our weight coach gave me. I do feel like I am in as good a shape as I have been in.
Jamis(Kansas City,MO.): Kirk.....I must say to you that I believe you are the most underrated player in the nation. The offense is lethargic when you don't play. Do you think that you will show the nation you are the real deal?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:42 PM ET ) First of all, thank you. I just really want to play hard every night. I think I have gotten better this year and I am ready to have a big season, as is our team.
Evan (Columbia, MO): Those of us here at U of Missouri always look at Kansas as our biggest rivalry. I'm curious if Kansas students look at it the same way. And how tough do you think it will be to beat us this year?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:43 PM ET ) Yeah, we do. It's such a great game. We always get really up for that game.
M. Boyce (Gambier, OH) : Do you have a girl friend? Would you like one?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:44 PM ET ) Yes, I am seeing someone right now. But she doesn't go to KU. We've been together since high school.
Dustin Iowa City, IA: Why did you choose to attend Kansas over Iowa? And if you were a H.S. senior now, would you still choose Kansas?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:45 PM ET ) There are a lot of reasons. I was so impressed with the coaching staff. And I liked the chemistry they have. And it's a great program.
Jon Beck (Dallas): I have nothing to do at work today, so I thought I would just say "what's up" to an old high school teammate. What do you think about the Sooners this year? I'll come watch you play in the Big 12 Tournament. Later.
Kirk Hinrich: (3:46 PM ET ) What's up!! My sister is in Dallas .. long time no talk!
The Sooners will be good, as they are every year. Hopefully I will see you down there.
jeremy. newport: who do you think is your toughest matchup this year?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:47 PM ET ) As a team, we have a lot. We have a tough non conference schedule. Everybody looks at Duke so hopefully we have a chance to play them. But we have a Big 12 championship to win first.
Skeeter Stenger (KC, MO): Is this the year?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:48 PM ET ) It could be .. hopefully .. we have the experience and the talent. It just comes down to getting it done everyday.
Jaysen Humes - Fullerton, CA: Do you have a favorite snack food?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:49 PM ET ) Nachos with cheese.
Ryan (Denver, CO): Kirk, you guys were just ranked as the #5 team in ESPN's preseason poll. Jay Bilas then said he thinks it's too low. Are you guys that much better this year than last, and do you really have a legit shot at competing for a national championship?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:51 PM ET ) We do have a legitimate shot. All those qustions will be answered in time, but it's still early. But the talent is there .. we are deeper and our leadership is there.
leeds, independence, ks: what is your favorite hangout in lawrence?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:51 PM ET ) I really don't hang out much, I just stay in the dorms!
Shawn(Duke Fan): Kirk....what does Kansas have to do to make it to the Final Four this year?? I would love to see a KU/DU Championship game!!!
Kirk Hinrich: (3:53 PM ET ) Making it to the Final Four .. it's like a whole new season. You put the regular season aside. That is what makes it so tough to get there. You just have to prepare as much as possible. Playing a tough schedule will help.
Darrell(Columbus): A lot of ex-Jayhawks stick around Lawerence ans play pick-up games with the present team. Which helped you the most in developing your game?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:55 PM ET ) My teammates like Jeff Boshe and Jacque Vaughn, he did so much while he was here. I just watched and asked questions. You learn a lot just being around here. It's easy to learn when there are so many great players that come back and play.
Decatur, GA: Kirk, how do you feel about playing in a three gaurd line up? And do you think that you are the best passer in the big 12?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:56 PM ET ) Well, I don't know how often that will happen. But it will happen some. That could help us and we could use it to our advantage. Our big guys will do their job and work it to our advantage.
I don't know if I'm the best passer, some times I'm good but sometimes I know I can do a better job.
Bob (IL): Please comment on last year's exit from the NCAA tourney.
Kirk Hinrich: (3:58 PM ET ) I felt we played hard but Illinois is a great team. They played better than us basically.
Aaron Bogaard: What does it mean to you to have Coach stay with the Jayhawks, when he had the chance to leave and coach at UNC?
Kirk Hinrich: (3:59 PM ET ) It means a lot to us, especially those of us that were here when he made the decision. To see that kind of loyalty is great. You see guys leave all the time. It just shows what kind of person he is.
Dan (St. Louis): Do you think the loss of Gregory will be significant?
Kirk Hinrich: (4:00 PM ET ) It's a concern .. he scored double figures in every game and is a great player. We have to make up for that as a team. And we will.
Jason (OP, Kansas): Waht do you think about Kareem Rush and do you think he will be one of this years top 5 great NCAA players?
Kirk Hinrich: (4:01 PM ET ) He's a great player, we've had lots of trouble with him. He's an amazing talent. He is definitly one of the best in the nation.
Nathan Byers(Dallas: What type of impact do you see Aaron Miles having on the team this year?
Kirk Hinrich: (4:02 PM ET ) He could have a very big impact, he's just another good player who will help us a lot.
Dekalb, IL: How do you think you will match up with the likes of duke and illinois....what parts of the KU game will they have problems with?
Kirk Hinrich: (4:04 PM ET ) I think we match up good .. it just comes down to who wants it more. I don't know what they would struggle with. We are both solid inside and in the backcourt.
Rodger (London): What will you do after basketball?
Kirk Hinrich: (4:06 PM ET ) I really don't know .. I'm majoring in Communications. I'm not sure what I will do, I have no clue!!!!
I appreciate you having me on and asking such great questions. Keep an eye on us this season. I've got to go. Mitch Germann, our SID, has challenged me to some one-on-one. He's got no chance (if ESPN The Magazine's Gene Wojciechowski can school him, what am I going to do to him?). Talk to you soon ..
