Al Grillo / AP

If Bobby Jones, left, and Will Conroy take Washington to the Pac-10 tournament title, the Huskies could be darkhorses for the Final Four.

Q: How long will it take for Stanford to get back to the Final Four? Could the Cardinal ever get back to being a dominating team in the Pac 10?
-- Jeff Thompson, Roseburg, Oregon

A: A few things about Stanford. The Cardinal truly have a national recruiting base like the other Top 10 programs. They can reach into Chicago for a player just as easily as the northwest. It’s academics, prestige, and resources.

There is also a high standard across the board in athletics. If this program fails to get to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years they will find another coach besides Trent Johnson.

Now, the big issue. It’s always there. These guys can never seem to hide their lack of quickness and athleticism on a national stage.

They can grind through the Pac-10 schedule. They can pass and cut and help on defense and hit the boards.

But look at the fabulous season of 2003-04. It went up in flames without playmakers who could move.

Unless Johnson can fix that — Mike Montgomery had some answers some seasons — Stanford will do well in the west and struggle in the Sweet 16 when the competition has a quicker motor.

Q: Does the University at Buffalo have a chance of making the Tournament as an at-large bid with a RPI of 41 and a record of 18-7?
— Jamie Gensel, Pine City, NY

A: The only chance is winning the MAC Tournament.

After the 13-point loss at Ohio on Wednesday night, there is no chance for an at-large. They had an RPI of 41 before the loss and a victory on the road might have taken it to a 38 or 39.

There is another regular season game remaining with Akron, but it’s a home game and the RPI won’t gain with a win, which will be difficult against the Zips.

There has been a steady drumbeat from the TV commentators who are shills for the major conferences claiming the RPI is useless this season. I would agree, there are some over-valued teams, but I think there are some mid-majors whose RPI in the 30s should get them consideration if they do not win their tournament. Buffalo, however, has lost that shot.

Right now, Miami (Ohio) is the only team that could get an at-large bid from the MAC.

The Bulls have to win the MAC tournament to dance.

More news

Mark J. Terrill / AP

Gordon reacted to article right way

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Former Indiana coach Watson dies at 88

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Former Indiana coach and player Lou Watson has died at the age of 88.

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