V-MAIL | Aug. 13

Q: How do you think Iowa will do this year? Is this a make-or-break year for coach Steve Alford? If so, what does the team need to do to keep him as coach. Thank you! -- Jason, Owatonna, Minnesota

	Alford

VITALE -- I don't know about calling this a make-or-break year for Alford. Iowa has had some player personnel problems, but I think that's in the past. Iowa has a chance to make some noise in the Big Ten. This team could end up in the first division, and that's important because the Hawkeyes have some rabid fans who passionately care about the team. Pierre Pierce, Glen Worley, Jared Reiner and company can compete.

Q: Do you think Tommy Amaker will fix the problems at Michigan? Will he bring in top-rated recruiting classes every year? -- Andrew, Lambertville, Michigan
VITALE -- Amaker has already done an amazing job during his tenure there. When you say "fix the problems," he wasn't part of the problem there. He had to come in and solve things by recruiting as hard as he has. He got the Wolverines to play together as a team, and last year they responded in a positive way even though they weren't eligible to compete in the NCAA or NIT. That's a credit to Amaker.

Q: Before Emeka Okafor appeared at UConn, I don't remember seeing much about him in recruiting reports. What kind of reputation did he come to UConn with? He says he is going to stay four years. Given that Charlie Villanueva will most likely play two years with the Huskies, do you foresee UConn as the likely No. 1 for the next two years? -- Rick Shoor, New York, N.Y.
VITALE -- We can't tell what Villaneuva is going to do. He has to prove he is a legit big-time player who can contribute to a winning environment. Okafor wasn't rated as highly coming out of high school, and some coaches backed away because they didn't think he was going to be a big-time factor. There was talk that North Carolina and former coach Matt Doherty bypassed him.

Now there are plenty of people who wish they had him. UConn coach Jim Calhoun and his staff have done a great job helping Okafor develop. Okafor is a classy kid who any coach would love to have in his program. He's a shot-blocker and a defensive dynamo who has improved offensively. He is my preseason choice for national player of the year.

Q: How good a year do you think North Carolina's Sean May can have coming off such a bad injury (broken ankle/leg)? -- Eric C., Scranton, Pennsylvania
VITALE -- If he is healthy he will be a terrific player. All indications are he should be ready to come back strong and be part of the Big Three in Chapel Hill, along with Rashad McCants and Raymond Felton. Don't count out David Noel, who has come on big-time. Coach Roy Williams' system will get the most out of these guys, and they will have a terrific season.

Q: We all know that Duke's J.J. Redick can shoot the eyes out of the ball. But in what other areas does he need to elevate his game? And if he does improve this coming season, do you foresee him coming out for the 2004 NBA draft? -- Paul F., Franklin, Massachusetts
VITALE -- He has to work to consistently get free for his shot, which is important. He has to improve his ballhandling skills, get his shot off the dribble and become more effective on the defensive end. By the time all is said and done, I believe he can become a complete player. He has the willingness and that velvet sweet touch! But why are you rushing him for the draft?

Q: I just browsed your Top 16 and as usual did not see Cincinnati. Have you taken a look at this Bearcat team yet? -- Justin, Cincinnati
VITALE -- I feel coach Bob Huggins' team is right on the fringe. I respect your point, Justin, and you can make a case from the Bearcats. A lot will depend on the development of recruits Robert Whaley and James White. Talent-wise, the Bearcats are at a higher level than last season, and nobody gets more out of his players in terms of motivation and inspiration than Huggins. Can they do it consistently? The potential is there with Whaley and White, but can they win at this level?

Q: We love your work and the intensity you put into your work, and I admire the way you care for these college kids. With Indiana's 2004 recruiting class becoming one of the nation's best, what do you see in the future for coach Mike Davis and the Hoosiers? Will this class put them back on the map as one of the nations elite programs? Thanks. -- Jessie, Berne, Indiana
VITALE -- If those kids enroll at Indiana -- and I say if because there has been strong talk that some may be considering going right to the NBA -- there is no doubt the future is bright. Davis has taken advantage of his ties in the South, and he also signed Robert Vaden, who originally was planning to go to Purdue. Adding recruits D.J. White and Josh Smith would be a boost for Indiana, if they say "no" the NBA. I hope and pray for Indiana fans that they go to Bloomington and grow and mature. There is so much to be gained by going to the college campus.