I enjoy The Weekly Word for its insightful analysis and objective reports on NCAA basketball. But what gives? I've read two glaringly opposite accounts about the skill level of Connecticut's recent recruit Scott Hazelton. The Weekly Word assesses a skill level of "project." The Connecticut papers consider the 6-foot-8 small forward to be among one of the top 20 high school players in the nation. Which should I believe?

-- Ben Brooks, Palo Alto, Calif.

Ben, take your pick. I based my opinion on what I saw from Hazelton this summer. I thought he was a decent player but not an impact forward at the Big East level. He struggled to get his shot off on his own. He was active but seemed limited. But Connecticut has had success in developing similar players. Remember, Jake Voskuhl wasn't a household name in recruiting when he signed with Connecticut. Hazelton had a better ranking prior to the summer. I'm just not caught up in any Husky-mania over his commitment.

What happened to Winston Bennett? He played at Kentucky and in the NBA. I know that he went with Rick Pitino to the Celtics but his name was not listed as an assistant last year. Love your work, can't get enough!

-- Bruce A. Chavka, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

Unfortunately, I can't tell you where Bennett has landed. If we find him, we'll let you know. Keep reading!

-- Charles Dobis, East Lansing, Mich.

Charles, you are correct. It was a bit unclear at first on Richardson's status but Michigan State has confirmed that he can practice on Oct. 16. His appeal probably won't be answered for weeks, so his eligibility status won't be known by the first practice.

What is the status Zach Marbury? Is he still playing for Rhode Island?

-- Salomon Caicedo, Lakehurst, N.J.

Definitely. In fact, Marbury will likely start at the point for the Rams. Marbury was ruled ineligible at the start of last season, after practicing for a month. The Rams desperately need him to push the ball, as their only other play-making threat is Tip Vinson.

You stated earlier that Desmond Allison would start inside for UK and you stated that the SEC was the deepest and most talented conference in the nation. If this is so, then how is UK going to win with a guard at power forward? You must remember Desmond is only 6-foot-6, 206 pounds and wouldn't you think UK's starting lineup would look better with Jules Camara and Jamaal Magloire at post? I personally don't think much of Tayshuan Prince and I see him coming off the bench.

-- Chad Dundas, Helena, Mont.

Chad, Jules Camara and Jamaal Magloire will likely log time together and push Allison down to the wing with Saul Smith and Tayshaun Prince on the perimeter. You may not be a fan of Prince but Kentucky loves him and believes he'll be its top scorer.

-- Jon Boals, Cleveland

The reason the A-10 was able to get to high-major status is largely because of its location. Once the A-10 had nationally competitive teams, the markets helped make it a higher-profile league. The A-10 stretches into Cincinnati, Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C. The MAC is mostly in smaller Midwestern cities. Having a team reach the Final Four would certainly help the conference's status. But Gonzaga's run to the Elite Eight didn't suddenly make the West Coast Conference a high-major conference. Unfortunately, market size (mostly based on television sets) determine what's a high-major or mid-major conference.