Q: As a casual fan, I just noticed the RPI section and saw that my beloved Florida Gators were ranked 48^th. I assume it’s because of their strength of schedule (200+), but I wonder, is Florida really that bad, is the SEC that weak, or is Billy D just a scheduling mastermind?
— Josh Allan, Ocala, Fla.

A: Do yourself a favor, Josh, and don’t study the RPI so closely — at least for a few more weeks. The RPI is a useful tool but fans, writers and broadcasters have gotten carried away stressing the importance of the rankings. Every year the members of the NCAA tournament selection committee warn us that the RPI is just one tool at their disposal as they build the bracket. One of the others tools I think gets overlooked is how a team does in its final 10 games. We haven’t come close to that point yet.

Trust me, the Gators are much closer to their No. 2 ranking in the polls than 48^th in the RPI. Florida’s non-conference schedule could have been a little tougher, but Billy Donovan knows what he is doing. Don’t forget those games against Kansas, Ohio State and Florida State. The SEC is far from weak. As the Gators play more conference games — including Alabama, LSU, two against Tennessee and Kentucky — that strength of schedule number will work itself out.

I feel the same way about the Gators that I did in October. They have an excellent chance of repeating as national champions. And they are in a small group — along with North Carolina, Wisconsin, UCLA, Kansas, Ohio State and Arizona — with legitimate Final Four dreams.

Q: Now that the conference season is in full swing, let’s talk about one of this season’s hot topics: the Missouri Valley Conference. A strong non-conference showing has placed the MVC among the top 2-3 conferences in terms of RPI throughout the season. Currently there are 7 teams ranked in the top 45 RPI. If we were to base selection solely on this season’s body of work, would it be reasonable to expect a minimum of 5-6 bids to the NCAA Tournament? How about a 1 or 2 seed for the MVC conference winner? Could the NCAA selection committee convincingly make a case for picking a team like UConn (RPI: ~70’s; 0 wins on opponent’s floor; marquee win: Albany) over a team like Indiana State (RPI: ~45; marquee wins: Butler, Purdue) as an at-large team? Marquette over Creighton? Texas over Bradley?
— Luis, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

A: Perhaps Luis should run for election as commissioner of the MVC. At the very least, he should provide Billy Packer with some notes before Selection Sunday. I’m a big fan of the Missouri Valley, but again, don’t get carried away with RPI numbers. The committee absolutely will base selection on this season’s body of work. And the committee will judge each team on its own merits, without conference consideration.

All things considered, there’s no way the MVC will get six bids. Four seems the reasonable number and that might put the MVC on a par with the Big Ten this season. (The ACC got four teams last year as the No. 4 ranked conference.) Depending on how everything shakes out in other conferences, there might be room for five MVC teams. Forget about a No. 1 or No. 2 seed. Not going to happen. The champion might be looking at a No. 5 or No. 6 seed.

Q: What is your breakdown of Gonzaga at this point? Their RPI (31) and SOS (4) are solid and assuming they win their conference, do they have the talent to make another run this year? I personally see them as more of a “one and done” tourney team.
— Brian, Phoenix

A: Mark Few may be the only coach in Division I criticized for playing a schedule that is too tough. Gonzaga’s season was rolling along rather smoothly until the consecutive losses to Georgia, Duke, Nevada and, of course, the blowout (108-87) at Virginia. Few takes the blame for the schedule that left the Bulldogs with six defeats. But let’s face it, Gonzaga will win the West Coast Conference again. Don’t forget that home winning streak of 46 games (the longest active streak in Division I), including 25 in WCC play. If the addition of Micah Downs provides a big lift (I’m not convinced it will), then Gonzaga could be a tough out in the tournament. Any team that has a guard as talented as Derek Raivio is dangerous in March.

Q: Ken: I dislike the dunk in high school/college play; but I suspect it is here to stay. So, since “degree of difficulty” was introduced with the three-point shot, why not complete the rule and award one (1) point for a dunk since it has nearly zero degree of difficulty?
— Jim Diffendorfer, Seattle

A: Jim, I’m trying to figure out the root of your phobia. Did your father take you out on the driveway and repeatedly dunk on you in front of your friends? Perhaps you should seek professional help and hire a good therapist. Go to the Yellow Pages and look under Dr. J.  You are right about one thing; the dunk is here to stay and I doubt your recommendation will ever make it through the rules committee. If this is truly important to you, I suggest you watch more women’s basketball. But be careful. Tennessee’s Candace Parker did dunk against UConn last week.

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