Q: Hi Ken. Do you think the Indiana program is at about the stage you thought it would be at this point? Now that they have played several games, do you agree with many that they may go winless in the Big Ten?
— John M, Columbus, Ind.

A: Indiana’s world was so rocked by Sampson-gate that I’m not sure anyone could put together a reasonable list of expectations. But, yes, things are going about the way I thought they would — both on and off the court. I’m sure it is difficult for Hoosiers fans to look at the standings and see a 5-7 record right now. And the trip to Maui couldn’t have been fun.

Indiana fans are sophisticated and smart. They’ve got to put their trust in Tom Crean. I continue to think he will prove to be a good fit in Bloomington for a long time. He is a high-energy guy who works long hours. Crean will turn this program around in time. Look at the tremendous recruiting class he has put together for 2009. Recruiting, building the program, setting a tone with the players and everything else that goes along with building a foundation is more important than this year’s results.

There will be many long, cold winter nights during the Big Ten season, but I still think the Hoosiers will pull off at least one upset in the conference. So, no, I don’t think Indiana will go winless in the Big Ten.

Q: Is the 3-point line having an effect yet?
— Jenn, Portland, Ore.

A: I honestly didn’t think the new 3-point line would impact the game much this season and from what I’ve seen, I don’t believe it has. If anything, the main result has been positive. I think it’s easier for coaches to tell marginal outside shooters not to take the three any more. The shot now is being taken by players with better shooting percentages and I really think it makes for better games.

From a statistical perspective, I don’t think we’ve got enough information yet. So far, it appears there has been a slight decrease in shots taken and shooting percentage. That’s exactly what the rules committee expected.

Q: Huge Minnesota Gophers fan here! I was wondering where you see the Gophers in the next two years. Tubby has gone beyond expectations to this point and wondering if it will continue?
— Jake Cooney, Mankato, Minn.

A: Jake, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Minnesota made a great hire when it plucked Tubby Smith away from Kentucky. I think the process really is ahead of schedule, despite the 70-58 loss to Michigan State on Wednesday that dropped the Gophers to 12-1. It will be interesting to see what type of response Smith gets from his players Saturday when a very good Ohio State team visits. The 12-0 start was great, but Minnesota fans are going to remember how the Gophers fare in the Big Ten race.

Smith is a great at X’s and O’s. He gets the most from his players. Kentucky fans grew frustrated with his lack of recruiting success and that, of course, will determine Minnesota’s future. The Hoop Scoop ratings in the latest edition of Basketball Times ranks Minnesota No. 14 among the top recruiting classes of 2009. The prize catch is Royce White, a 6-foot-7 power forward from Minnetonka, Minn. In two years, I think you will see Minnesota contending in the Big Ten on a regular basis and back in the running for NCAA bids on an annual basis.

Q: I’m curious if you think Seth Curry will be as good as his brother Steph.
— Evann, Raleigh, N.C.

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A: I’m going to answer this question in a way that probably won’t satisfy you, Evann. Sorry about that, but understand my reasons. First, I don’t think it’s ever fair to say a player is going to be the “next Michael Jordan” or the “next Patrick Ewing.” It’s too much pressure and it’s unrealistic. And those comparisons are really unfair when made to a player at the same school, the son of a great player, or — in the case of Seth — a brother of a great player. In this particular case, I have so much respect and admiration for Stephen Curry that I would find it hard to say yes. There is so much to like about Stephen Curry’s game. He has a beautiful stroke, a quick release and great range. He plays a smart game and puts up big numbers within his team’s offense. He doesn’t come across as cocky or arrogant. He respects the game and his opponents and that seems to come from his mother and father. I’ve been covering college basketball for more than 30 years and when Stephen Curry finishes his career, he might be among the 10 best players I’ve ever seen.

The Big South is a good conference with good teams and some very smart coaches. I can’t wait to see how Seth fares against Winthrop, Gardner-Webb, High Point, UNC Asheville as he plays at Liberty. But I wish Virginia Tech and others hadn’t given up on recruiting Curry, just because he’s 6-3. I’d love to see the younger Curry play his career in the ACC. If he excelled at that level, I could more comfortably say he was better than his brother. Seth Curry has tremendous potential. Just 14 games into his career, he is averaging 20.4 points, 1.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds. He already has nine games with 21 or more points. That’s a terrific start. Let’s give him time to do his thing and make his own mark.

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