With the 2002-03 season in full swing, ESPN.com's Answer Man continues to see a full mail bag each week. As always, he's eager to answer a few questions from ESPN.com users.

My question is why is the Big Ten going after Mike Davis for getting tossed during the IU-UK basketball game? Specifically, the Big Ten, to my knowledge has never asked any university to suspend Bob Knight, Bo Schembechler, or Woody Hayes for their antics. If you think that's ancient history, where was the Big Ten when Joe Paterno ran after and grabbed an official after his team lost on a questionable call this year? Where were the fines when Joe Pa made comments about Big-10 officiating? Furthermore, did the Big Ten "ask" IU to suspend Bob Knight for six games after throwing a chair across the court because he didn't like the way the game was being officiated? I don't think so. If the Big Ten has a problem with Mike Davis and/or certain coaches are allowed to exhibit poor sportsmanship, make that standard public knowledge. However, the inconsistency in punishment from a conference with a history of ignoring and at times worshiping hot-headed coaches (which Davis is not) is disingenous at best.
Corey
Indianapolis

Corey,
I couldn't agree more. The Big Ten showed a lacked of consistency in this case. Hopefully they will rule appropriately in this case. Davis shouldn't get any more than a one-game suspension or a fine. And the Big Ten should be ashamed of itself for not punishing Joe Paterno during the football season.

I want to know what on earth Jeff Newton was thinking at the end of the Indiana/Kentucky game. That's right. Newton, not coach Mike Davis. Newton got in Bracey Wright's way as he drove to the hoop for a potential game-winning shot, in effect bringing not only himself, but his man to get in the way of Wright's attempt. Shouldn't Newton have been on the other side of the basket for a possible missed-shot rebound opportunity, or a pass from Wright if his man left to go after Bracey? It seems like Newton was pressing too hard for his own glory, and didn't think straight. IU talks about spacing in the half court set. What about on a fast break! Come on. I was stunned to see a player get in his own teammate's way to cost them a chance.
Stephen
Lafayette, Ind.

Stephen,
The officials that I have talked to at the game agree. It was Newton that was actually the problem on the play. He bumped into Bracey Wright. Davis didn't see the play and shouldn't have overreact ed. But Newton got in the way when he needed to clear the baseline for Wright.

Andy,
Do we really think that the assistant coaches have to baby sit the head coach when he has an explosion like Davis at Indiana? I know every college coach in the country talks to players about personal responsibility and accountability. And then we condemn assistant coaches for not jumping in and saving head coaches from going off the deep end. Isn't that the ultimate in hypocrisy?
Dan Cronin
Sarasota, Fla.

Dan, you're right.
A head coach should know that going onto the court is a violation of the rules. He shouldn't need his assistants to restrain him. But, if they are there to serve a purpose during a heated exchange, then they should try and help. Davis was too quick for them. Officials need to do a better job at keeping coaches on the sideline. Sometimes if a coach stands up, he's on the court because of the configuration of the court. But more often than not the coach gets onto the court and is in play during the game. Assistant and head coaches need to do a better job of keeping themselves on the bench. But the job description of an assistant coach isn't, "hold head coach back."

Where's Tom Coverdale now Andy? He had six points and one assist against Kentucky. Not looking like a Wooden Award winner to me. What was that quote you wrote in your Internet article? Oh yeah, "This was his game, his team, and this is quickly becoming his season." One game doesn't make a player. Once again you jump on a bandwagon just like with North Carolina. Where are they now?
Steve
Chicago

Hey Steve, do you only care about numbers? Is that it? Well, put Coverdale on any team in the country and you'll find a winner. He doesn't need to put up huge numbers to be a Wooden Award candidate. Luke Walton hasn't been a numbers guy this season, even when he was healthy. Yet he's still a strong candidate for the award. I don't mind being on the Coverdale bandwagon. I'll drive and don't need to take you along for the ride. The same is true with North Carolina. Where are they? 1-0 in the ACC after a road win at Florida State that not every team in the upper half of the ACC is going to get this season.

Andy, what up?
This isn't really a comment on you personally, but rather on ESPN and whoever wrote that Top 10 Freshman to Watch garbage. I guess I wasn't surprised to see the usual ACC bias when I saw Sean May in your top 10. Sean May? The same Sean May that got eaten alive by Marquis Estill, the only decent big man he's faced all year? Or Anthony Roberson? Are you kidding me? He's not even the best freshman on the team "cough, cough" Matt Walsh. Well, he is shooting a whopping 40.7 percent from the field, that's really special. And he's played so well against prime time competition (see Stanford, Kansas, Florida State). And you put in Torin Francis, so then you might as well put up Craig Smith, from Boston College. Not only do they have similar stats, but at one point, Smith was shooting an average of over 75 percent in three games. He is a force on the glass, he has amazing touch for a big guy, he can handle the ball, has great instincts on defense, especially helping on the weak side, and he has pretty good passing/hands for a guy his size. Again, Andy, this is not a personal attack on you, but I've come to expect the same old ACC hype that ESPN always delivers, but come on, this is getting ridiculous.
Jon Pastuszek
Newton, Mass.

Jon, last time I checked, Francis played for Notre Dame in the Big East, not the ACC. Smith made our list of top 19 freshmen and was close to getting into the top 10. But Francis has had more of an impact on a team that is a top 10 team. BC isn't there yet. Yes, Smith is having an impact season. A wonderful season. But his numbers and importance to the Eagles don't equal Francis' to the Irish.

Hey Andy,
Love the column, keep up the good work. Not to be thinking too far down the road since it's still December, but is the NCAA Tournament staying with the "regional pod" format again this year, or was that a one year trial? Thanks!
Ben Johnson
Evansville, Ind.

Yes. But Ben, the NCAA doesn't want to call it the "pod" system this year. But the premise is the same. They just don't like the word pod.

ESPN talked about "toughness" in the preseason, but failed to mention Florida guard Justin Hamilton. He could easily be the most unselfish team player in college ball right now. I would put all my money on him for best defender as well. He is a senior and will easily dish it out to the freshmen without a hint of selfishness. Why hasn't there been any props to him at all this year on ESPN? Everyone needs to wake up and see how he is the best player Florida has, not Walsh, Bonner, or Nelson. Also, Florida has been playing a very tough schedule including Maryland in their new house. Most games have been away from home, and their two losses have kept them out of the Top 10, although I would easily place them above teams like Pitt and UConn who haven't played anyone in the Top 25.
Andrew Leber
Gainesville, Fla.

Justin gets our vote. We didn't include him in our top five toughness players, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't make a top 10. Hamilton is the Gators' best defender and you don't have to debate me on his importance. Hamilton is the glue to this team and will end up being a defensive difference maker for the Gators.

What happened to the Florida forward that decided to transfer from Florida -- James White was his name I think? I haven't heard anything about where he may go. He was a huge recruit and his destination could be huge for any program that gets him.
Dave
Storrs, Conn.

White transferred to Cincinnati and will be eligible in December of 2003.

Love your column. With the Illini beating Missouri and their freshman getting better with each game (most notably Dee Brown), how do you see the Illini stacking up at Tournament time. Do they have a shot at going deep in the tournament?
Jay Letwat
Tel Aviv, Israel

Jay, the answer is yes. Illinois has the balance (Brian Cook and Dee Brown) and the defensive effort to go far. Being strong at the one and the five make this team a real threat in March. Bill Self is a winner and doesn't coach rebuilding teams. This team is quickly ready-made to challenge Indiana, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Minnesota for the Big Ten title and ultimately a deep NCAA run.

Took your tip (Games to Watch) and skipped shopping to watch the early game, and all I can say, or ask, is "Is Syracuse for REAL?" This is by far the best team I -- a basketball junkie -- have seen this year ... or longer. The ESPN announcers said it was a 58-15 run in the first half! Is this some kind of record? They ran around Tech like the 'Wreck were standing in syrup. Carmelo Anthony was fantastic, but I come away thinking it is Gerry McNamara who is the phenom -- he had 25 points and 10 assists in only his seventh game of his career. Wow ... and this was all against a pretty darn good ACC team that could have come into this game unbeaten were it not for a couple of lucky shots. So, Andy, just how good is Syracuse? And I hear they have a super McD All-American coming into the starting lineup next month!
John Robert
Boston

John,
The margin Syracuse won by was a surprise. The question for the Orangemen will be can they sustain it on the road. They were weak on the road last season, but that should change with Carmelo Anthony's fearless play. They add Billy Edelin on Jan. 18 and that should give the Orangemen much-needed depth. Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and Georgetown make up a very tough foursome in the Big East West Division. Rutgers and West Virginia will be tough outs, too.

Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com. He answers questions on college basketball weekly.