Charlie (Bothell, WA): Dickie V How about those WSU Cougars? Think they can win a game or two in the Big Dance this year? That would sure make this Alum feel good. Thanks Coach!

VITALE: The Cougars have been one of the big surprises in the nation and that is one reason why the Pac-10 is among the best conferences in America. Their success brings the league up to a higher level. Certainly a team that can challenge a UCLA, or beat Arizona, Gonzaga and USC is talented. Washington State last made the big dance in 1994 under Kelvin Sampson. I feel the Cougars will make the field of 65 and have potential to go to the Sweet 16 at best.

Tommy (Tampa, FL): Dickie, where is the love for the Mo Valley???? Come one baby!! Get with the times!!! No Mo V in your top 25???

VITALE: I don't where they get love anywhere else, but I have been singing the league's praises for quite a while now. This is an underrated conference and they get love from me, baby! I know how tough it is to face the likes of Wichita State, Southern Illinois, Creighton, Missouri State, Bradley and on and on, night in and night out.

Jake (Boston): Do the Badgers have talent outside of Alando Tucker to win the NCAA tournament and defeat teams like UNC, Florida, and UCLA?

VITALE: They are certainly strong in the backcourt with the underrated duo of Kammron Taylor and Michael Flowers. They are stronger than people believe and the pair has a great understanding of how to play. They have great basketball IQ and defensive ability as well. I think the Badgers definitely have a shot to make a serious run at the championship. Any time you have a star like Tucker who is capable of leading them far, they are a threat. Bo Ryan's club has size, defense and they have confidence.

Steve (Lansdale, Pa.): Do you think Villanova will make the big dance?

VITALE: It is too early to tell yet. The Wildcats got a few quality wins early, and I am thrilled to see Curtis Sumpter back playing well for Villanova. Jay Wright's team had a positive with a great road win over Georgetown.

AmyHanzl, Apple Valley, CA: Hey Dickie V … do you think that the PAC-10 could legitimately have 5 teams in the NCAA tournament UCLA, Oregon, Arizona, USC, and Washington State?

VITALE: I know Washington got off to a slow start in league play, but Lorenzo Romar's team has too much talent to be neglected. There is enough time to turn things around. Yes, I feel the Pac-10 has enough strength and talented to compete for a slot in Atlanta. Stanford can't be counted out either.

Ozzy Cortes (Douglas, AZ): Can Arizona make a run to the final four this year, like in 1997?

VITALE: This is one of the best frontcourts in America with Marcus Williams, diaper dandy Chase Budinger and Ivan Radenovic. Mustafa Shakur is certainly improved. Arizona is certainly a dangerous basketball team come tournament time.

Andy (Spartanburg, SC): Dick, What do you think of Clemson's run so far and their chances in the ACC. Also, do you think they will earn a bid to the big dance?

VITALE: Of course the Tigers will make the big dance. Oliver Purnell's club basically has five guys capable of scoring. Will it win its share of games the rest of the season? Yes, but not at the rate they were winning before. They have one of the best sixth men in America in K. C. Rivers. James Mays and Sam Perry up front are tough. I like the guard play of Vernon Hamilton and Cliff Hammonds, an underrated dynamic duo.

Ben (Louisville): As a big Louisville fan I am starting to get worried. Please Dicky V, is there any light at the end of this tunnel?

VITALE: The Cardinals have to be concerned. They need to get a few more quality wins to get on the bubble. Physically it has been tough because they are missing so many key players at important times. They lost quality minutes from guys they were counting on. The first concern of the Cardinals is to get better and better.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.