V-MAIL: Oct. 31

Q: I am struggling with your absolutely unwavering support of coach Bob Knight. I realize he is your personal friend and is unarguably a scholar of the game as well as a master teacher and motivator. However, there is concrete proof that he physically and mentally assaulted players during his tenure at Indiana. As someone who is an advocate of "winning the right way" (a la Mike Krzyzewski), I don't see how you can continue to sing his praises, without also acknowledging his violations and inadequacies concerning his temper. Thanks for your time, and all the best. -- Gary Haase, New York, N.Y.

	Bob Knight has done things the right way in piling up nearly 800 wins.

VITALE: Gary, I couldn't agree more. I have said on numerous occasions that I try to look more at the positives than the negatives. I've definitely addressed his temper problems -- nobody has the right to lay a hand on anybody. I think you addressed it best, Gary, better than me, talking about his brilliant basketball acumen, his ability to motivate and teach and blend people together, to get his kids to graduate, to make sure the program runs with integrity by not getting ahead in recruiting in the wrong way. I think a great deal of his talent and ability. Nobody's perfect; we all have made mistakes. He has been wrong in terms of his temper tantrums. Let's be fair on the other side and look at what he has done in a positive way -- try to balance it out from there.

Q: What does coach Mike Davis have to do to get Indiana back to where we can mention Final Four and national title for the Hoosiers? -- Terry Martin, Frankfort, Ky.
VITALE: Everyone wants to be in the Final Four and cut down the nets ... it's very difficult to achieve, baby! Look at what Davis did last year: In a very trying and controversial situation, he replaced a legend and did a heckuva job. The one concern going into this season is scheduling. Indiana plays just two regular-season games in Bloomington before January. The schedule is tough, with games at Charlotte and Miami, against Kentucky at the RCA Dome, plus tough competition at the Great Alaska Shootout. I have to question that scheduling -- it's looking for trouble. If you do well, you can build confidence. If you struggle, you start questioning -- you have to be more balanced in scheduling. That will be a tough start, so if they can come out strong after that, the Hoosiers will have a big year. They will be a contender in the Big Ten and Jared Jeffries should have a special year.

Q: What would you say to the Kentucky fans who are giving Louisville coach Rick Pitino heck? I'm upset by the way they're acting. I think they're overreacting and should respect coach Pitino for what he did for them when he coached the Wildcats -- and cheer him on whether he's wearing red, blue or yellow. -- John, Sellersburg, Ky.
VITALE: Rick Pitino did a great job while he was at Kentucky. He has moved on to a new area now, and Wildcat fans should appreciate the memories and all the things he achieved at Kentucky. He left the program in great shape, and Tubby Smith has not missed a beat since taking over. Now Rick is at Louisville, where he has a positive approach. Anyone who is upset is probably sad to see him back in the state at another school. He could challenge them in recruiting and for national honors.

Q: Don't bother dropping Kentucky because of Jason Parker's injury. That injury will actually get Erik Daniels more minutes, and Erik will shock the nation this year. He is 6-foot-8 and is basically an aggressive Tayshaun Prince. He is not a bruiser but will bring more speed and versatility to the most versatile roster in the nation. -- Jamie Morrison, Lexington, Ky.
VITALE: I'm hearing great things about Daniels. He could be playing behind Prince and Keith Bogans on the wing, and he will get positive minutes and prove himself as a major contributor. Daniels is athletic, can run out in transition, and he's perfect for Kentucky's pressure defense.

Q: Will this finally be the year that my beloved Temple Owls reach the Final Four? They seem to have the talent and the best coach in the country. What do you think? -- John Krobock, Pembroke, Mass.
VITALE: John Chaney has put Temple in great position in the past; making it to the Final Eight five times is amazing. When his team has been there, it has usually been an underdog, so it's dramatic to get there. It would be the same scenario this year, because Temple lost a lot in Quincy Wadley. The early academic suspension of David Hawkins, whom they believe will eventually be back, is also a blow. Alex Wesby is bothered by an injury. Temple has a nice inside-outside combination in Kevin Lyde and Lynn Greer. It's going to depend on some of the young kids coming through, like Nile Murry and Brian Polk, freshmen who can handle the rock and give the Owls some perimeter play. Chaney will always be knocking on the door because his kids will always be disciplined, play hard and have a great understanding of the game -- which reflects his teaching.

Q: I am a diehard Kansas fan and was wondering what kind of impact the freshmen will have this year. Are they enough to get the Jayhawks over the hump and back to the Final Four? -- John Krzyzanowski, Buffalo, N.Y.
VITALE: Kansas has a solid class coming in, and the freshmen will get minutes off the bench. Still, the newcomers are backing up some solid, experienced performers. I don't buy the argument that the Jayhawks haven't done well in the Tournament. When you win as consistently as Kansas has, you understand how to play. Aaron Miles should be a major factor, and 6-8 Wayne Simien will be a contributor.

Q: I've heard a lot about Dahntay Jones over the summer. What will be his role in a Duke uniform? I've heard of his offense, but can he be a replacement for Shane Battier's defense? If not, who's going to step up and take the charges like Mr. Battier always did? -- Mike, Wilmington, N.C.
VITALE: Battier brought a lot of intangibles, so you don't just measure him on offense and defense. His leadership skills, his ability to rally his teammates together unselfishly, that is what will be missed. Personnel and confidence-wise, the big four of Jason Williams, Chris Duhon, Carlos Boozer and Mike Dunleavy will be better individually and as a team. I think that helps to make up for the loss of a great star. As for Jones, he will give them solid defense. He's quick and athletic, and he can defend (as he showed when he was at Rutgers). Jones can put points on the board in transition, too. I believe you also will see some defense coming from Casey Sanders, because his confidence grew with added minutes later in the season. Nick Horvath is also coming back. This will be a deeper team.

Q: Is BYU going to make it to the Big Dance this year? -- Taylor, American Fork, Utah
VITALE: Coach Steve Cleveland has done a good job with the program, and he was recently rewarded with an extension. BYU will not have an easy time, since the Mountain West Conference is very competitive. Wyoming was voted the preseason favorite. Rick Majerus is back on the sidelines at Utah. And New Mexico and San Diego State are improved.

Q: Lots of people in Memphis are talking about coach John Calipari sticking in Memphis for only one or two more years and leaving after Dajuan Wagner opts for the dough. What are your thoughts? -- Bill, Memphis, Tenn.
VITALE: I have a tough enough time knowing what Dick Vitale will be doing 10 minutes from now. If I were a Memphis fan, I would be a little nervous too; John Calipari is a hot commodity and a very talented, bright guy. I think he is excited about Memphis; his wife and family love it there. They have a beautiful home that I have visited. They are excited about the challenges they face. With Rick Pitino in the league at Louisville, I feel it adds a lot of excitement. I don't believe he's looking to run back to the NBA. He likes some of the things happening at Memphis.

Q: I've been a loyal Cincinnati fan for a number of years now. What is the outlook for the Bearcats this year, and where do you rank them in the conference and overall? -- Adam Weiss, St. Louis
VITALE: The Bearcats are an enigma ... you just don't know what to expect. You have some kids who were supposed to be there who aren't. There are academic suspensions. Will Donald Little come through in the middle and give them positive minutes? You know you will have an aggressive, hustling basketball team that will play hard under Bob Huggins. They reflect his personality, and he wouldn't tolerate it any other way. The key for them is to develop Jason Maxiell; if he's as good as advertised, he will be special. Steve Logan will be outstanding and he will be featured like last year. He will be even more important with Kenny Satterfield gone.

Q: Do you think Ohio State can make a legitimate run at the Big Ten title this year? -- Brad Katzman, Columbus, Ohio
VITALE: The Buckeyes lost Ken Johnson, but Jim O'Brien does have a lot of talent returning and they should be solid on the perimeter with Brian Brown and company. As for challenging for the Big Ten, it will be tough because teams like Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Indiana and Minnesota will be considered ahead of Ohio State in many circles.

Q: What are your thoughts on the MAC conference? Kent State is strong, but I also believe Bowling Green is being overlooked. Bowling Green lost only one player last year and brings back four returning starters. Plus Dan Dakich, once under Bobby Knight, is the head coach. What do you think? -- Todd Roll, Bowling Green
VITALE: I have said it many times ... the MAC is the most underrated league in America. It is so competitive year in and year out, and the league has had its share of upsets in the NCAA Tournament. Marshall with Tamar Slay, Kent State, as you mentioned, Central Michigan with David Webber (Chris Webber's brother), Toledo … these are all fine teams. Bowling Green will be in the mix. Dakich has done a good job with this program.