Arkansas had three players transfer in the offseason: 7-foot Jason Jennings, 6-8 Chris Jefferies and 6-9 Justin Hankins. Three players were academically ineligible: 6-10 Kevin Robinson, 6-9 Larry Satchell and 6-8 Joe Johnson. This leaves them without a true center. Are they going after any big-name centers? The SEC has had a great recruiting year and it seems they may be falling behind. The Razorbacks will be depending on mostly sophomores and freshmen. Do I have reason to be concerned?

-- Jim Davis, Little Rock, Ark.

Definitely. Arkansas is falling behind in the SEC. The talent simply is not the same in Fayetteville as it is at Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama and, maybe even Mississippi State. Arkansas' recruiting has to pick up or the Razorbacks will be left behind in what has become the most talented conference. As for this season, the Razorbacks have NIT written all over them.

With Jared Jeffries eliminating Kentucky and Arizona from consideration, many speculate his decision will be between Indiana and Duke. Do you feel that Jeffries is a must for IU if it will ever get back to the top 10, and do you agree with Bob Gibbons that IU will eventually land the top-5 prospect?

-- Wes Thornton, Charlotte, N.C.

I agree with Gibbons on Jeffries. He is a must for Indiana. The Hoosiers can't let someone that talented leave their city. Indiana is missing a big-time presence inside and landing Jeffries would solve that problem. But even getting Jeffries won't mean Indiana will suddenly be a Big Ten title contender, not with the resurgence at Michigan State, Ohio State and Illinois.

-- Brendan Kenney, Boston

It happens. But remember this, a lot of players will still sign at the higher-profile school. An example of this is Zach Randolph and Marcus Taylor. Crean was recruiting both players for Michigan State and stayed on them for Marquette. But he didn't have a chance. They wanted to play for the Spartans. Recruiting can be a personal matter but if the schools aren't equal, the big-time program usually wins the battle.

Syracuse returns all their starters from a team that won more than 20 games last season. The Orangemen also look to have better reserves this year. Why isn't there any big talk about them making the Final Four or winning a national championship?

-- Aaron Mathieu, Vancouver, Wash.

There is some chatter about the Orangemen being a deep NCAA Tournament team. But there was something missing off last year's team. They have a few studs in Jason Hart and Etan Thomas but the national name recognition isn't there to have people clamoring for Syracuse. But you're right, Syracuse can mount a challenge to Connecticut and beat out St. John's and Miami for second place in the Big East. The erratic play of a year ago -- losing to Ohio, Seton Hall and Providence at home -- is the main reason there isn't a buzz about Syracuse.

Do you think last year's recruiting effort by the Virginia Cavaliers was all thanks to Bobby Gonzalez? While Pete Gillen already has a commitment from Maurice Young and is involved with several other solid players, he has not done well with players who have a good chance at the McDonald's All-American team? Do you think I am putting too much emphasis on making the McDonald's All-American team?

-- Sid Parekh, Charlottesville, Va.

Yes. Too much is made of that team, especially considering it's a political deal. The McDonald's All-Americans are usually decided before the senior season. It's usually based on summer play and on the schools who are recruiting the players. Gillen recruited well at Providence (remember the Friars' appearance in the Elite Eight?) and at Xavier. Don't forget about his selling talents. Remember, he is the head coach.

-- Karla Welsh, Waco, Texas

Baylor is doing well recruiting. Okafor is a developing post player and Sayman is a decent shooter and creator at the point or shooting guard. Baylor will climb up in the Big 12, although it might take a year or two. Expect the Bears to be a tough team to beat at home. Bliss won't settle for mediocrity and I wouldn't be surprised if he had this team in the NIT within a few seasons.