V-mail: Feb. 23

Q: Why would you report on the Michigan-Amaker situation at this time in the season? I know you criticized attendance and fan support during Seton Hall's home game against Notre Dame, claiming The Hall would lose Tommy if it continued. You are probably correct, but was there ever any doubt that South Orange was just a steppingstone on his road to a more prominent position (Michigan, Duke, etc.)? Pirate fans are extremely grateful for what he has done with the program, from last season's Sweet 16 run to this year's heralded freshman class. ... I love what you do, Dickie V, and I'm sure you're as disappointed as anyone in the team's performance so far, but to report on this when the season is not over is a disservice to this fragile team as well as Brian Ellerbe. -- Keith Wigginton, Atlantic Highlands, N.J.

	Coach Tommy Amaker and Michigan are on a 12-game winning streak.

VITALE: Keith, we have a job to do and a responsibility. I received information from what I consider to be a very reliable source, that Michigan, at the conclusion of the year, will make a change. I don't like to see anyone lose their job, and I hope I am wrong with my assessment, but my reports are (and they have been very accurate over the years) that Michigan will make a move.

People are disenchanted with the Michigan program, not only with the lack of winning but also some discipline problems. I know the passion and the love that Brian Ellerbe has to what he is doing. Therefore, you have to go with what you believe. As far as Seton Hall is concerned, I reported that Michigan will ask for permission to talk to Tommy Amaker after the season. I did not say that Amaker would accept the job, and personally, as a Seton Hall graduate, would love to see him stay. I think Tommy is outstanding.

I know some people are starting to question him over this year's disappointing season, but you have to look long-term. He brings class, knowledge, a winning attitude. There has been a bad mixture of chemistry with this team right from the get-go this season. That's been a problem.

And they teased a lot of people early. The early competition wasn't against top teams on the national level. A lot of guys didn't accept their roles, and there is only so much a coach can do. Amaker did a brilliant job in the resurgence of the program, both in recruiting and getting the team to the Sweet 16 last season. Add in his background at Duke, that's why he's a hot item.

People making decisions take a look at the total package and resumé -- and it is very impressive. Whether he accepts the job, I don't know. I will repeat it again; he is at the top of the list for the Michigan position when it comes time to make that announcement, after the Wolverines complete their season.

Q: What is the latest on the direction Indiana University is going to fill its head-coach position? -- Douglas E. Slavens, Wingate, Ind.
VITALE: It will depend on who is chosen for the AD job. They will have to make the decision whether to retain Mike Davis or go after someone else. Right now the priority is to fill the role of AD, and Tom Jurich of Louisville, a leading contender, pulled his name out. One of the top candidates now is Indianapolis-area businessman Jim Morris.

Q: What are Iowa State's chances of being a No. 1 seed (with Illinois' loss to Ohio State) if they win out the regular season, and, just for argument's sake, lose the championship game? -- John Beavers, Hutchinson, Kan.
VITALE: Right now, I would say they are probably a No. 2. Their RPI for pre-conference scheduling was not strong enough. The Cyclones are a talented basketball team that certainly will be dangerous come tournament time. They have great backcourt play from Jamaal Tinsley and Kantrail Horton, which makes them a tough team and a contender for the Final Four.

Q: Do you think that Tennessee's current slide will make it the first team to be rated as high as No. 4(ESPN/USA Today) midway through the season and not make the NCAA tourney? -- Matt Greear, Knoxville, Tenn.
VITALE: It's amazing. I can't remember a team being 16-1 and ranked that high falling on such hard times and missing the tournament. Right now, at 5-8 in SEC play, it is Struggle City. They have to get a few more wins. Things are not going well, fans are going bananas, the AD is talking about reevaluating the program after the season. It is not a positive situation, and they have to find a way to get a few more W's. They had a psychologist from the school talk to the team to give them a better mental frame. Wins would help that.

Q: Pondering the success of my alma mater, Michigan State University: Will the top-notch recruiting ever end, or are we looking at (knock on wood) a power for years to come? Or is that only as long as coach Izzo doesn't take the defensive coordinator job for the 49ers and good pal Steve Mariucci? -- John Savickas, Westland, Mich.
VITALE: Michigan State had a great recruiting class, phenomenal for next year. The three standouts are headed by Kelvin Torbert, one of the true blue-chippers out there. He's rated in the top five by many, including Bob Gibbons, whom I have so much respect for. Izzo continues to recruit well and that program is one of the elites in America.

Q: With the regular-season almost done, which conference do you think is better, SEC or ACC? And which conference will have its teams go farther in the Big Dance? In my opinion, the ACC is always picked to be better but in the end the SEC always has the most dancers left. -- Scott Talley, Lebanon, Ky.
VITALE: You can battle over that. I give the slight edge to the ACC because of the heavyweights up top in Duke and North Carolina. From top to bottom, the SEC doesn't have any cupcakes. There is no question the ACC and SEC are the two top conferences in America.

	Point guard Earl Watson keys the attack for UCLA.

Q: I go to UCLA, and my roommates and I want to know what kind of chance do you think we have of going all the way. Keep up the good work. -- Chris Link, Los Angeles
VITALE: The Bruins certainly have a chance. Just like Jimmy V's team in '83, Danny Manning and company in '88, Villanova in '85, Lute Olson's 'Cats in '97, UCLA has that kind of potential. This team is playing well now and it has talent with three big stars plus great support players. Steve Lavin is finally getting some love as the AD has given him a vote of confidence. They got a big win at The Pit in Oregon. This is a dangerous team come tournament time.

Q: I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the North Carolina State basketball program. After this disappointing year and with the Wolfpack community so upset, what do you think will happen? I personally think Herb Sendek is a great recruiter, but not much of a bench coach (and the offense is obviously lacking). Any thoughts? How about Bob Knight taking his red sweaters to Raleigh? -- John Cagle, Raleigh, N.C.
VITALE: Sendek will be back at N.C. State. His AD has been very supportive and they have a phenomenal recruiting class coming in, led by Julius Hodge from St. Raymond's H.S. in New York City. Put those rumors to sleep; there will not be any change in Raleigh.

Q: Do you think the Tar Heels are going to win the ACC tournament or does Duke have a better chance? Or do you think a different team in the ACC has a good chance of winning the tournament? -- Chaz, Nanuet, N.Y.
VITALE: Certainly North Carolina has a chance to win it. It is not a lock to say Duke and North Carolina will meet in the finals. Maryland, Wake Forest and Virginia are dangerous teams, and that's the beauty of that tournament. I think the ACC tourney will be something special this season.

Q: Having seen John Linehan outplay every point guard in the Big East this season, I am a little surprised that he was not included in your online poll of top point guards in the country. Why is that? Without his pressure defense and offensive leadership, chances are the Friars would more likely be looking at an NIT bid instead of the NCAAs. -- Matt Maguire
VITALE: He's a tough defensive dynamo who creates havoc. He's been a plus and they are an NCAA team. Providence has been a surprise team under Timmy Welsh, right up there with Mississippi, Boston College and St. Joseph's.

Q: I was just wandering how anybody could say that Matt Doherty should be Coach of the Year. It is not like he came into a program that was struggling. Remember, Carolina was in the Final Four last year. I think that Coach of the Year should go to someone like Paul Hewitt at Georgia Tech. Your thoughts? -- Georgia Tech fan
VITALE: Look at what Doherty has done, under an intense spotlight, stepping in and utilizing Ronald Curry and Julius Peppers the way he has, giving such a positive image to the program. Remember, prior to the journey to the Final Four, the Tar Heels really struggled last season. This year, they have been consistent and he has instilled a lot of spirit and enthusiasm. People are screaming his name loud and clear. You also have to give Hewitt a lot of credit for Tech's success in his first season there, winning with a young team.