TOURNEY V-MAIL: March 29

	Michigan State needs the inside presence of diaper dandy Zach Randolph against Arizona.

Q: Do you think that Michigan State will ever be mentioned in the same breath as the premier schools like the Dukes, Carolinas, Kentuckys? Also, do you see Jason Richardson and/or Zach Randolph leaving early for the NBA? -- Nate Hartnell, Westerville, Ohio
VITALE: I think both Richardson and Randolph have to realize that there are parts of their games that still need development. They have been inconsistent. Richardson has been struggling with his shot and he has to work on improving on that. Randolph has to develop other parts of his game, not just showing power on the low blocks. Both are heading for great careers on the collegiate level and I don't think they are leaving right now.

As for Michigan State's program, it's climbing to the elite status and closing the gap, but when you talk about the programs you mentioned, they have done it over a longer period of time. Going to three straight Final Fours is a fantastic achievement, but I think Tom Izzo would be the first to tell you it takes many more years of consistency to be recognized on a regular basis as a superstar program.

Q: During the tournament, you commented that you would have to look again at your ideas about the ACC. ... Do you still think you need to rethink your thoughts on the ACC? The ACC is a great league, so stick with your first thought -- it is usually the right one! -- Karen Ellison, Granite Falls, N.C.
VITALE: The ACC is a super league and I have said it from day one. The teams on the bottom and in the middle were a bit disappointing, but the two heavyweights are here and have risen to the task and been sensational. Nobody has to make an apology on behalf of the ACC. It has been and will continue to be one of the elite conferences in the nation.

Q: How much of a factor will the way the Maryland vs. Duke game is officiated play in the outcome? For example, calling it tight vs. letting them play? -- Jeff Hawk, Frederick, Md.
VITALE: If they let them play more physically, I believe it favors the team which is more aggressive on the inside, and that would be Maryland. If they blow the whistle a little quicker, that should favor Duke. In this situation, these two teams know each other's tendencies really well, so it will come down to the team hitting shots. If the Blue Devils hit their threes, they will be very tough. If Maryland can dominate inside, the Terps can march on. Maryland is not intimidated by the Duke jersey like many others are, and the Terps believe they can win. They have the right to feel they are better and could have won all three meetings with a little luck. Believing is half the battle. Duke's kids can build confidence knowing they won two out of the three games.

Q: Bill Walton's son, Luke, is now playing in the Final Four for Arizona. Are there other father/son combos who have played in the Final Four? Plus, if Arizona should win it all, have a father and son ever won the the title before? -- Nancy Currie, Farmville
VITALE: Off the top of my head, I can tell you the Bibbys are a father-son combo who both won rings. Henry won three playing for UCLA and Mike was on Arizona's championship team in 1997. It's interesting that this Final Four has a couple of sons of former NBA players. Remember, Mike Dunleavy Jr. of Duke is the son of Mike Dunleavy, the current coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and former NBA guard.

Q: I am still having problems seeing most of the Illinois fouls that were called in the regional final against Arizona, even with the second rerun of my VCR tape. The difference in numbers at the line is the only reason Arizona won (Arizona's five starters converted 34-of-41 free throws and the Illini's starting five were just 3-of-5). Do you think that a game as important as a trip to the Final Four should have been called more evenly? And do you think that Lute's flute soothed the ref's ears all week long about Illinois' "gladiator defense" (as coach Olson called it)? I thought the game was played more evenly than the calls came. -- Barry Frazier, Longmont, Colo.
VITALE: I don't think Lute Olson getting in the ear of anyone played a part in the game. A lot of the fouls came late in the game, being called when Illinois tried to stop the clock and put Arizona on the line. There were a lot of attempts, but that was mainly because Bill Self tried to prolong the game to give his team a chance to come from behind. I believe the game came down to the job Arizona did defensively, especially in controlling the Big Ten Player of the Year, Frank Williams. He was the best guard in the Big Ten this season.

Q: What do you think of Bill Walton announcing his own son's NCAA tourney game? Being a big Illini fan, I think Walton favored his son. He even said that he will not miss the last free throws. As a fan of the opposing team, you don't hear a thing about the Illini. What do you think about this? -- Lee Zerrusen, Teutopolis
VITALE: I have seen Bob Griese call his son's games while in college, and I think sometimes you can eliminate yourself from a dilemma by getting out of it. I felt Walton tried to be objective; it is very difficult because that is your flesh and blood on the court, your son. Walton didn't make the assignment and he tried to be as objective as he could be. He was critical when needed and he's not afraid to state it.

Q: This is more of a comment than a question. Since 1996 one state has sent a team to the Final Four each year, winning four times. Kentucky went to the Final Four 1996 through 1998, winning in '96 and '98. Kentucky Wesleyan College went 1998 through 2001, winning in '99 and '01. Basketball is king all over Kentucky. Love your Web site. -- Dwight Beyke, Owensboro, Ky.
Editor's Note: Kentucky Wesleyan won its eighth Division II basketball title this season.
VITALE: Kentucky is a great state for basketball. It doesn't take a back seat to anyone when it comes to college hoops. Thanks for the comment about the Web site.