TOURNEY V-MAIL: March 23

Q: Do you think Bob Knight will change his ways when he gets to Texas Tech? I am a native Hoosier and love the General, but I hope he doesn't wear out his welcome in Texas. -- Jeremiah C., Atlanta
VITALE: First of all, in conversations with Bobby Knight recently, he told me he wishes he would change in certain ways, including his handling of the media. We have to see how that progresses and plays out. He understands that his back is a little bit against the wall because people are waiting for him to do something, feeling he can't change. Knight is a bright guy who will be appreciative of the opportunity he is getting at Texas Tech. He is going to prove to Gerald Myers that he was the right guy for the job and he will work on controlling his temper. I don't think he's happy about some of the things he did. He will graduate players, win games and don't expect any NCAA investigations.

Q: Why does everyone around the country--or should I say the media--think that USC is weak or that they didn't belong in the tounament? -- Eddie Benitez, Palmdale, Calif.
VITALE:I picked USC as my sleeper team before the tournament began, so I don't believe that no one thinks they belong in the tourney. Tubby Smith told me the Trojans are solid in every position. They are a very good team and David Bluthenthal showed he can shoot the ball in the clutch. Jeff Trepagnier is an excellent athlete and Sam Clancy is a force up front.

Q: You mentioned how Bob Knight will be able to match wits with the likes of Roy Williams, Quin Snyder, Eddie Sutton, et. al. You failed to mention the 2000 AP Coach of the Year, Larry Eustachy. What gives? -- Gregg Horsman, West Des Moines, Iowa
VITALE: That's a turnover on me, baby! Of course Larry Eustachy is one of the top coaches in America. I could name every coach in the Big 12. Eustachy is right up there; he's a super guy and he's done a fantastic job in Ames.

Q: Don't you admit the Pac10 is the best conference in the country now? Please stop hyping the overrated Big East, SEC, Big Ten and ACC. -- Quang Le, San Jose
VITALE: I have given the Pac-10 credit all year long. When is this going to stop? There is no East Coast conspiracy. I have sung the praises of Mike Montgomery, Lute Olson, Steve Lavin, Casey Jacobsen, Ben Braun, and Henry Bibby. They have all done super jobs. There is no bias, so face reality--there is a Duke paranoia. I ask one question: what's not to praise at Duke? The Blue Devils could be going to their ninth Final Four in 16 years.