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Every weekday, a panel of our college hoops experts discusses the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
1. What kind of difference does a healthy Kevin Pangos make for Gonzaga?
Andy Katz: He is the difference for Gonzaga. The senior is one of the top point guards in the country. He gets Mark Few's system. If Pangos is healthy and running the Zags, they can get to the Final Four.
Dana O'Neil: Pangos makes a huge difference, of course. He's been the Zags' glue guy for the better part of his career, and for a team like this one, with so much promise, both his talent and leadership are vital.
C.L. Brown: Funny thing is, Pangos was still better than most healthy point guards despite being hobbled by toe and ankle injuries last season. Now that he's at full strength, he'll be much better penetrating and facilitating the offense -- just check out his seven assists and no turnovers against SMU.
2. Arizona coach Sean Miller has said his team has an "identity crisis" on defense. Do you believe him or is it posturing?
Katz: It's early. Last season's team was built on defense. Aaron Gordon was a defensive-minded player and Nick Johnson orchestrated the defense at the top of the perimeter. Give this team time.
O'Neil: "Identity crisis" might be a bit of an exaggeration, yes. A lot of coaches would love to be as confused defensively as the Wildcats, but Miller sets a high bar on that end of the floor. Last season, his team met it, and until this one does, Miller will push.
Brown: Most teams haven't found their identity at this point in the season. But I also believe that even if a team was playing up to expectations now, a coach like Miller wouldn't let them know it. With a team that is considered a Final Four contender, he has to always remind his players they can get better.
3. Who is Oklahoma's most indispensable player?
Katz: Tough call. Talk to me after Atlantis. The Sooners need Buddy Hield's offense, but Ryan Spangler is a much-needed workhorse.
O'Neil: Tricky question because the Sooners really are the sum of their parts, but forced to choose -- as we are -- I'll go with Hield. His ability to stretch defenses is huge, and he's also Oklahoma's leader.
Brown: It's Hield, but not because he's the Sooners' leading scorer. He sets the tone by setting an example. He didn't come to school as a great shooter, but he worked hard to become one. His teammates respect that and feed off his work ethic.
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