In Wednesday's JI

Here is a notebook on tuesday's press conference.

What's interesting when you directly ask players about respect they give you the standard "we don't care about anything outside the 4 walls"stance. But, when you dig further you can tell they want to prove to everyone else they are pretty good.

I think the players want to get credit for when they play well. So far they have not gotten that by and in large. And when you do a good job and others dismiss it, that's tough to take.

There comes a point when every human being wants credit.

As far as a Top 25 ranking, I can understand Randy Edsall's distaste of the poll and not clamoring to be ranked and not wanting to talk about it. But, if he didn't believe in its importance somewhat, why does he vote in the coaches poll?

The poll, for better or worse, is relevant. There is a disconnect here. I think a Top 25 ranking, even for a week or two, is a huge recruiting tool as is the 5-0 record that they went out last week to high schools and games. While it means nothing about what happens on the field, it's not a good thing that the Huskies are 5-0 an unranked as far as the program's perception. I too wouldn't rank them just yet, so I am not saying they should be Top 25. But I think top 25 ranking is important.

Look at Rutgers and the hype machine they have put in motion. They have pushed and pushed for their ranking and got into the top 10. They fell flat when they had to deliver the last two weeks and are now out of the poll. But, that constant mention in the top 25, and getting national distribution through the AP in Top 25 roundups is important.

When you are a Top 25 team, you get full coverage from the Associated Press and other national outlets. That means every game gets a full story and quotes (called an optional) and you get prime highlight packaging and mentions on national sports shows.

That helps with recruiting. If the Huskies are a top 25 team, you can read 4 paragraphs on their win or loss in nearly every newspaper in the country. Right now, the Huskies' game against Virginia will only get regional coverage.

UConn still has the training wheels on a bit and if they start clamoring for national attention it could come back to bite them if they aren't ready to play at that level consistently. But, even if you don't deserve the ranking, it can't hurt to get it.

A little hype and excitement never hurt anyone.