Q: OK, I know the SEC is "down" this year, but what is it gonna take for LSU to get some recognition? They are 21-4, two games above everyone in the SEC.
— Brandon, Baton Rouge, L.A.

A: I think the Tigers are getting “some” recognition Brandon, but obviously not as much as you think they deserve. The reason for that seems pretty simple. Look at Wednesday night in Fayetteville, Ark.

Are the Tigers the team that feel behind by 18 points or are they the team that put together an 11-1 run at the end of the game to beat Arkansas 72-69? LSU improved to 22-4 with that win and they have distinguished themselves as the best team in the SEC West. But as you said, the SEC is down this season. That hurts LSU’s strength of schedule. And the Tigers have a non-conference SOS near the bottom of Division I basketball. You mentioned the 21-4 record but you didn’t mention that 18 of those 25 games were at home. The Tigers are 5-3 on the road. Those are the type of numbers that contribute to a low RPI or any other ratings system.

Coach Trent Johnson should be praised for the job he has done in his first season. Marcus Thornton, Tasmin Mitchell and Bo Spencer are having very productive seasons. Enjoy the winning and forget about recognition right now. That will come if the Tigers keep winning into the NCAA Tournament.

Q: What are the odds Memphis loses a C-USA game this year? Can’t anyone challenge Cal’s crew?
— Scott Harris, Memphis, Tenn.

A: Let’s see. Memphis has won 53 consecutive conference games. The Tigers just crushed Southern Methodist 90-47. The remaining schedule includes games at Texas-El Paso, UAB, Southern Miss, and Tulane.

Special feature Conference call Latest happenings, trends in the six major college basketball conferences. Sporting News

I didn’t check Vegas for the odds today, but the simple answer, Scott, is Memphis isn’t going to lose a conference game. And no, I don’t think anyone can challenge John Calipari’s team — not in that conference. The Tigers are that good and the rest of the conference seems terribly overmatched.

Q: Can Darrin Horn return the Gamecocks to their notable years (early 1970s) under coach Frank McGuire?
—
Georgette

A: Wow. Before we talk about Frank McGuire, maybe we could figure out a way to put lots of pressure on Coach Horn. I suppose that is the standard every South Carolina coach is expected to meet when he is hired, but Coach McGuire was one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. He won 283 games at South Carolina from 1964-80. The Gamecocks have never matched that era and probably never will as members of the SEC. College basketball had not enjoyed its national explosion and television had not become a factor. That’s not to say Frank McGuire wouldn’t win as many games today, but the competition is much stiffer.

On to Darrin Horn. I watched Horn coach in person for the first time at the NCAA Tournament in Tampa. I was very impressed and when it became clear South Carolina was ready to hire him, I knew the Gamecocks were doing the right thing. Horn has proven that to be right in one season.

Expect SC to be a major player in the SEC race every year now. Horn will get the job done. But don’t compare him to Frank McGuire. It's not fair.

Q: Dear Ken, when was the last time Army made the NCAA tournament?
— Chioke Hassan, Baltimore, Md.

A: Never. Army’s postseason history consists of eight trips to the NIT, the last in 1978.