• I have been impressed with the play of D. J. Strawberry for Maryland. Gary Williams' squad was on the bubble in early February, but the Terps really rebounded and played exceptional basketball, led by the son of former baseball star Darryl Strawberry.

• Florida fans should not get nervous. I know, the Gators have struggled, losing three of their last four games. Billy Donovan's team has to show more intensity on the defensive side, especially at the start of games. Florida has been falling behind by large margins early and it is not easy to dig their way back into contests. This is an experienced club and remember, last season the Gators suffered a three-game losing skid before reeling off 11 straight W's en route to cutting down the nets. Florida has too much talent to struggle like this, and if the team doesn't respond to challenge it could have a tough time in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

• As we get ready for March Madness and the announcement of the field of 65, I want to mention two PTP'ers involved with the tournament. I'm talking about NCAA vice president Tom Jernstedt and Greg Shaheen of the NCAA. A lot of people may not be aware of them, but people on the inside in basketball circles know the value they bring to making the NCAA tournament the best of the best.

• Bruce Pearl has bought such enthusiasm and excitement down to Knoxville. It was also so special to see Pat Summitt come out in the cheerleader role to support the men's team after Pearl did his body painting exhibition to root on the women's squad. It is great when both coaches can help out and bring excitement to the respective programs. I loved that hat on Summitt, baby! Seeing the atmosphere in Tennessee earlier in the week, for the game against Florida, was something else. It was truly a special environment watching the fans clad in orange and white.

• Louisville has had key performances from diaper dandies in their recent run. Derrick Caracter has become a difference maker for the Cardinals. He has been a force inside, providing valuable minutes for Rick Pitino's club. The presence of Ellis Myles as a strength coach and mentor has been a real plus for Louisville.

• Defense will be a real factor during March Madness. Teams that can make the big stop in crunch time can be tough in the big dance. When I look at teams like Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh and Georgetown can be tenacious on the defensive side and they all have players capable of stepping up and making the big shot when given the opportunity.

• You can bet that teams on the bubble will be cheering loudly for schools like Memphis (Conference USA), Butler (Horizon League) and Nevada (WAC). Those three schools will be in the big dance for sure, but if they lose in their respective conference tournaments, their leagues will get a second bid, hurting the chances of the bubble bunch.

• Keep an eye on the Missouri Valley Conference tournament as it should feature a number of intense battles. Missouri State faces Wichita State in a quarterfinal showdown that should be very interesting. The Shockers struggled a bit in league play, though Mark Turgeon's team knows what is at stake here.

• I also feel the Colonial Athletic Association tourney has the makings of something special. Virginia Commonwealth, Old Dominion, Hofstra, Drexel ... wow, these teams can flat out play! Will one of them become this year's George Mason? Hey, don't count Jim Larranaga's kids out either. Northeastern and Towson are capable of a surprise or two as well, so this should be a knockdown, drag out battle.

• There have been a number of home winning streaks snapped this season. Gonzaga fell at home to Santa Clara, ending a 49-game run. The latest came earlier in the week when BYU won at Air Force, ending the Falcons' home run at 30 in a row. Dave Rose has done a good job with the Cougars. The Mountain West tournament should be thrilling with BYU, Air Force, UNLV and San Diego State in the hunt.

• I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and energy of Maryland diaper dandy Greivis Vasquez. The guard is capable of distributing the rock and can also nail the trifecta as he showed late in the first half against Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

• Massachusetts senior Stephane Lasme made NCAA history with his fourth triple-double of the season, becoming just the third player to accomplish the feat. He had 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocked shots in a win over LaSalle. Lasme joined Michael Anderson (1986-Drexel) and Jason Kidd (1994-California) with four triple-doubles in one season.

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.