Gary Bedore, the assistant sports editor and KU men’s basketball writer for the Lawrence Journal-World, and Jeff Hunter, lead college hoops reporter for the Logan (Utah) Herald Journal, were kind enough to chat with KUsports.com visitors Thursday afternoon. Here is the transcript of their chat.

Crystal: This question is for Jeff — What does your team have to do to stop KU?

Jeff Hunter: They’re primarily concerned with Kansas’ transition game. They haven’t faced anyone this year who gets up and down the court as quickly, and it sounds like, easily, as the Jayhawks. The Aggies have done a very good job all year of controlling the tempo with teams, and that’s why their scores are so much lower than what Kansas’ have been this year. And I think they simply need to make some shots. If there are a lot of long rebounds, those kinds of things, that lead to quick transitions, the Aggies will really struggle.

Me: Gary, I remember the Holy Cross game last season, but does KU really have a chance of losing this game?

Gary: Very slim. That’s just my personal opinion, but after watching both practice, Kansas has a much more athletic team.

Richard: How far do you think KU will go in the tournament?

Gary: It’s hard to say, but you would think with Kirk and Nick ultra-inspired the Jayhawks will march to the Elite 8 where they will play Arizona in a thriller. Anyone could win that game. If I had to bet the house on it, I regretfully would have to pick Arizona in a thriller.

Jennie: Jeff, What are the strengths and weaknesses of Utah State?

Jeff Hunter: They’re very well disciplined. They take good shots. They don’t normally take shots outside of Couch Morrill’s set offense. They rebound very well, and they’re very determined defensively, whether in man or in zone.

Their biggest definiciency is probably a consistent perimeter threat. They lost the school’s all-time leading three-point shooter, Tony Brown, after last season, and they haven’t replaced him.

Sally: Gary, can Jeff Graves keep up his good play from the Big 12 Tournament?

Gary: Jeff Graves has a problem that all people in America should support him with. His dad, Robert, may have to go to Iraq soon, and Jeff, quite frankly, is emotionally affected right now, indicating he can break down and cry at any moment. For that reason, it is difficult to asses his basketball ability in coming games. Hopefully his dad will be fine, because his safety is more important than basketball, and rightfully so.

Billy: Gary, can KU sustain an injury in this tournament like Hinrich’s last year?

Gary: Good question. Probably only in the first or second game. You make a good point; KU is periously thin, and an injury like that probably would doom the Jayhawks to a Sweet 16 defeat. Knock on wood that it doesn’t happen.

bob: Jeff — Who are your team’s stars?

Jeff Hunter: Desmond Penigar, the senior power forward averaging about 15 points and 6.5 rebounds. He’s athletic, strong, with a good medium-range jumper. He’s also been shooting very well from three-point range recently. He can score in bunches, when he gets rolling.

The second leading scorer on the team is Spencer Nelson. He’s just a sophomore, but he’s an old sophomore, after serving a two-year LDS church mission, and having to sit out last year with a knee injury. He plays center but should really probably be a power forward. He’s very energetic, very good on the glass. Picks up a lot of garbage baskets underneath. He also handles the ball very well: He played a lot of point guard in high school.

The wildcard right now is shooting guard Cardell Butler. He played us his best three games of the year during the Big West tournament, averaging about 16 points a game, which opened things up extensively for Utah State. If he can maintain that level of play, they might be able to hang with the Jayhawks.

Harold: Gary, What is the best part of covering the NCAA tournament? And the worst?

Gary: The best part would be watching the Jayhawks end a long physically and mentally demanding season in a single-elimination tournament. Many of their true personalities start to come out with so much on the line. You get to see what these Jayhawks are truely made of. Also, you get a good seat at important games.

Gary: The worst thing would be the fact that it is difficult to get interviews with so many people pushing and shoving for position, and no real one-on-one access with the head coach because of podium-interview formats. But I have no complaints.

Tom: Gary, can a lack of pressure on KU (because of Simien’s injury, a No. 2 seed, etc.) help them this tournament?

Gary: Yes, it can. The “us against the world” mentality always helps a basketball team. KU’s perceived snub at No. 2 could help the Jayhawks maintain an aggressive attitude throughout, and they definitely would like to win it for Wayne, also.

Moderator: Jeff, we’ve read that the Utah State team (and fans) were disappointed with their seed. Is that going to affect how the team goes into this game, either positively negatively?

Jeff Hunter: I don’t think the team is too bothered by it. Neither is coach Morrill. During Utah State’s two previous trips to the NCAA tournament, they were much more disappointed. They realize this time around that the Big West conference has fallen off rather dramatically the last couple of years, and that 15th seed was left for no matter who won the conference tournament.

Jazmin: This question is for both writers … What is the national media’s take on this game? Is it typical David vs. Goliath? Or is it two teams scorned? Or is the attention focused on the War, or something else?

Jeff Hunter: I think it’s definitely David vs. Goliath. Obviously, though, all these games will be affected somewhat by the war. It puts things in a little different perspective. I think Kansas will be talking about their seeding much much longer than Utah State will be talking about theirs.

Gary: I would have to go with the David vs. Goliath, with a lot of concern about the war and safety in the building. There hasn’t been a lot of talk about about USU upset.

Johnny: Gary, how are the fans back in Lawrence reacting to this year’s tournament? Do they think this is the year that Roy gets the monkey off his back, or was last year the season that should have ridded Roy of that stigma?

Gary: I would say people are very optimistic about a return trip to the Final Four, but the loss of Wayne to injury has KU’s knowledgable fans realizing it’s going to be tough to win it all. But there’s definite hope that the two seniors are good enough to get the Jayhawks to at least the Elite Eight and a meeting with Arizona People aren’t dumb; they realize Wayne’s loss was major.

jHawkgrrl: Jeff, what are the fans in Logan thinking about this year’s Utah State team? Do they think the Aggies can get past the Jayhawks?

Jeff Hunter: I don’t think there are a whole lot of brackets filled out in Logan with that in mind. During Utah State’s two previous trips, however, that was the case, and the Aggies rewarded their fans with a victory over Ohio State in 2001. I’m sure they’re hopeful, but most are also realistic. They know of Kansas’ history and of the talent level of their starters this year. And I think most of them will be happy if the Aggies just compete for most of the game.

Jazmin: Gary, are there many Jayhawk fans in Oklahoma City for the games?

Gary: There were about a 1,000 at the practice, which is quite a few. I don’t really know, though, because this tournament was sold out a long time ago. I’d really be surprised if there were more than 2,000. However, the OU fans probably will cheer for KU, unless it’s a close game when people usually cheer for the 15 seed.

Jazmin: Same question for Jeff — did many Utah State fans make the trip?

Jeff Hunter: Not many. There was a huge difference yesterday between KU’s practice and USU’s practice. It dropped from a couple of thousand to a couple of dozen at the most. It was a tough, expensive flight from Salt Lake out to here.

Brian: How do you see KU matching up with Memphis in the second round?

Gary: First of all, Arizona State might win that game. Ike Digu is one great freshman. But, if Memphis does win, I think the Jayhawks still have an advantage in big-game experience and should be 10-point favorites. I haven’t studied all the match-ups yet. It might be difficult to stop the incredible Chris Massie, their only starter averaging more than 12 points per game. I like KU’s chances against Memphis.

BJ: It seems that when Miles plays poorly, Ku suffers. If there a plan if he gets off to a bad start, lots of turnovers, poor shooting? (Colorado, Missouri) games come to mind.

Gary: No. I think Roy is committed to letting Miles run the point. Yet, if Aaron is having a truly horrible game, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kirk run the point more than usual. It all really is up to Aaron. If he is playing average to above-average, expect him to log his usual 30 minutes or so.

DaffyH: Jeff, is the storyline for Utah State going to be its questionable defense against KU’s potent offense?

Jeff Hunter: I don’t think their defense is questionable. I think it’ll be a big challenge for them to hold KU down. The Jayhawks are obviously much more talented than what the Aggies have seen in the Big West the last couple of months. I think probably the bigger question may be: Can the Aggies score consistently against the Jayhawks?

Johnny: This is for both writers — the 15-point spread. Do I take the points?

Jeff Hunter: Heheh. I’d like to think it’d be a little closer than 15. But it could get away from the Aggies down the stretch.

Gary: I’m sorry, but I don’t feel it’s my place to talk about gambling because, quite frankly, the issue of gambling in college sports is a major, major concern of coaches and administrators. Not that I work for them — I don’t — but I don’t think it’s my place to talk about point spreads. If you think I’m wrong, feel free to e-mail me, but I don’t feel comfortable talking about gambling.

Moderator: We’ve got time for maybe one or two more questions, but then we need to let Gary and Jeff get back to preparing for tonight’s game.

Johnny: Gary, your story in the Journal-World said the Jayhawks aren’t taking this game lightly. Is that true, or just lip-service?

Gary: It’s definitely true, because Nick was scared last year by the nail-biter against Holy Cross. He and Kirk are demanding full concentration for this one. Don’t underestimate those two guys’ competitiveness, intelligence and leadership.

Johnny: Jeff, do you think the Utah State players are ready and up for the game?

Jeff Hunter: They’re definitely up. They’re excited, and actually quite confident after winning five straight games to end the season. It’s hard to tell, however, if they’re ready for the limelight. Three years ago, when Utah State went, they were a little overwhelmed by the whole experience. Then, the following year, they were very prepared, came in with a more businesslike attitude, and managed to upset Ohio State. Unfortunately for them, most of the team is new to this experience, so they don’t have a whole lot of previous experience in the NCAAs to draw upon.

Moderator: Well, that’s about all the time we have. Do either of you have any last-second thoughts or words of wisdom of Jayhawk and Aggie fans?

Jeff Hunter: Not really.

Gary: Kansas fans are the greatest in the country. I have seen many, many fans, but none are as smart or enthusiastic as Kansas basketball fans. Let’s hope the war will end soon, and let’s pray for all of our great Americans and allies overseas.

Moderator: We’d like to thank both Gary and Jeff for their time. It was an honor to have some of your time and knowledge. And good luck to both the teams and their fans from KUsports.com