V-MAIL: June 4

Q: With the success Shane Battier has had, you would think that more underclassman would not leave early for the NBA. Why are those accomplishments not appealing to young players? The Kevin Garnetts and Kobe Bryants of the world are special players; the average player leaving early will not have that much success and you would think that would keep them in school until they're ready. Do you think a nonpartisan NBA evaluator would help the situation? -- Rob Pixler, Lexington, Ky.
VITALE: The bottom line is simple: They look at the dollar signs. The money becomes very attractive, especially when you know you are going to be in the top five picks. Going early also speeds up the clock in terms of free agency, and that is being pounded into their heads. Runners, guys who make like their agents, work with agents and fill the kids' heads up with thoughts that often aren't real. Eddy Curry, Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, for them this is going to be real because they could be in the top five based on potential.

	Garnett has been a 20/10 guy for the last three years.

Q: I understand the principles behind the bashing of underclassmen/high school ballplayers making the jump to the NBA, but your constant peppering of articles throughout the ESPN.com site over the past months is bordering on ridiculous. ... No matter that many are making a huge mistake, as you say. Some aren't making a mistake, and your absolute refusal to acknowledge this fact makes you come off as a delusional zealot. ... Thanks for your time. -- Jon Watters, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
VITALE: You are entitled to your opinion, Jon. I respect your views, but we look at a player and think because he has success as an athlete that it is the end-all. You have to live from ages 30 to 80. Come and see me later in life, when many of these players who never learned to make simple decisions must do so (such as who to associate with, how to handle money, etc.). Those are the things I have talked about. I have never said that a young man should not come out if that is what he desires, to go into the draft. I've said there are many athletes that are physically ready, but are they prepared mentally for that transition? It's different to go on the road for 40 games a season and that's a tough adjustment. Then there is the pressure of being in the spotlight. When you look at Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett or Tracy McGrady, they were ready. With support people around them, they have shown they can produce. I don't know how you are interpreting or evaluating what I'm staying. For the best of everyone, I think David Stern's suggestion of a limit of age 20 would give a kid a chance to enjoy life on a college campus. Let them enjoy that part of life. Again, I respect your views. Interpret my statements fairly. I am excited that you are reading the material I am putting forth. It is healthy to have different points of view.

Q: Doesn't it seem wrong to you that kids who do the right thing by staying in school get criticized in the press for letting their game slide? Obviously Terence Morris is the No. 1 example, as everyone in the world is taking cheap shots at him. Guys like Morris should be praised for setting a good example, and despite the negativity he still has a better game than most of the early draft entries. -- Patrick, College Park, Md.
VITALE: Morris is a player who gained a lot by staying in school. Sometimes your stock goes up and down, and that's the chance you take based on the kind of year you have. If your goal is to make millions right away, and not experience those important years, then that's a decision to be made. Each person should want to project a positive image in life. Staying in school is nothing he has to apologize for. If Morris is going to be an NBA player, he will take advantage of his opportunity to compete in the predraft camps.

Q: Every year you have a pick for the best player in the draft. In the past I remember you picked Steve Francis and Vince Carter. Who do you think it is this year? Thanks. -- Maheep Hayer, San Jose, Calif.
VITALE: I think the person who will contribute the most right away is Shane Battier. Probably the best overall physical talent in the draft is Kwame Brown.

Q: Who made up the Fab Five for the Michigan Wolverines in 1992? My friends and I can only think of Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose and Chris Webber, and we think there was a King who played on the team. So if you could be a PTPer for us and help us out, that would be awesome, baby! -- Chris Bahe, Moorhead
VITALE: Howard, Rose, Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson were the starting five. I don't think you will see five freshmen make the championship game for a long time, and that was a great accomplishment.

Q: I am a Duke alum and fan, and I have a question about the new rule changes for you. I'm sure that you are excited about the new jump-ball rule. I know that you have campaigned for this for years, and that you feel that a defender should be rewarded for forcing a held ball, and that this can only be done fairly with a jump ball. My question to you is: How does this reward great defenders like former Duke guard Steve Wojciechowski, who used to tie up big men all the time? How would he ever win a jump ball against a guy like Loren Woods? I don't see how this would be rewarding a player like that at all. Maybe a new system is needed, but I don't see how a jump ball rewards a short, tenacious defender in any way. Thanks. -- Joe Cadugan, Woodbridge, Va.
VITALE: I think it is great. It is part of basketball strategy now. They will have to throw the ball up and it adds intrigue to it. There will be times referees will be criticized for the way the ball was tossed, but so be it -- it is the same for both sides. In the case of a situation like you stated with Wojo, you have to be smart and set up for the jump ball, outguessing the opponent.

Q: Assuming Michigan will land another 7-footer with its final scholarship, completing a very solid recruiting class, and with the impending return of several raw talents, what chance do you give Tommy Amaker to be successful in his first season with the maize and blue? While I am really looking forward to the 2002-03 season, I am hoping that Michigan will sneak up on teams next year. Where would you rank them in your preseason poll? -- Saume, North Andover, Mass.
VITALE: They have a solid nucleus to build around with LaVell Blanchard and Bernard Robinson Jr. I see them in the middle of the pack, chasing the first division. I would call that a realistic goal. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana look like the teams to beat, with Michigan State there too. The Spartans, even without Zach Randolph, Jason Richardson, Charlie Bell and Andre Hutson, will remain competitive.

	Kareem Rush (left) will attempt to get Missouri past many Big 12 obstacles next season.

Q: Do you think Missouri has a chance at a Final Four with Kareem Rush, Clarence Gilbert and all the recruits (including the 7-footer)? -- Nathan French, Jonesboro, Ark.
VITALE: I think the Tigers can be a very exciting team if they can defend consistently. Missouri has to value defense and not rely strictly on its offensive game. Rush and Gilbert are a great 1-2 punch. Quin Snyder had a good recruiting year. I believe the Tigers can be explosive and create havoc. If Missouri uses its defense like Snyder's alma mater, Duke, it can be a weapon.

Q: The Celtics have three first-round picks this year. Who do you think will be on the board for their first two picks and what picks would you make in their position? -- Jason Antonelli, Cambridge, Mass.
VITALE: We have to wait and see if the Celtics exercise their option to acquire pick No. 11. Boston could really improve, and remember, having the likes of Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce is a good, young nucleus.

Q: The University of Georgia had a truly surprising 2000-01 season. Do you believe that Georgia has a chance to compete for the SEC title next year? -- Keith Kelly, Waycross, Ga.
VITALE: Jim Harrick's team suffered a loss with D.A. Layne leaving. It will be tough with Kentucky and Florida up there. Georgia will win its share of games, and the addition of twins Jarvis and Jonas Hayes will help.

Q: I just wanted to tell you first that you are my favorite announcer. Some people don't appreciate your enthusiasm, but I think it's great. I just wanted to ask if you thought any of Louisville's returning players can be PTPers under Pitino or if it is just going to take new talent? -- Chris, Louisville, Ky.
VITALE: Thanks for your kind comments. When you look at Louisville, Rece Gaines will gain a lot by working with Pitino. Rick does a fantastic job with perimeter people and he is a bona-fide, big-time teacher. I think all the Louisville players will benefit from his teaching and motivational talents. They have a nice class coming in with Carlos Hurt, Larry O'Bannon and Brandon Bender.

Q: What do you think happened to St. John's this past year, and do you think they will be able to recover and compete for the Big East championship next season? -- Peter I. Cavallaro, Westbury, N.Y.
VITALE: The Red Storm had a young team. Their youthful backcourt of Omar Cook and Willie Shaw left them up and down. Now losing Cook, who could have been a major factor this year, is a big blow. I would say St. John's would be in the middle of the pack in the Big East. Georgetown would be my early choice. Boston College, if it can remain consistent with Troy Bell back, will be up there. Connecticut will remain a major factor, and Syracuse will be good as well. Keep an eye on Pittsburgh as a program on the rise. It will be tough for St. John's.

Q: What is it that Coach K does to be able to get so much from his kids? -- Scott Klingler, Erie, Mich.
VITALE: He has a great ability to understand his players' strengths and weaknesses, putting them in a position to succeed. He handles the egos of the superstars coming out of high school and lets them understand that the team is the most important thing. I think that is his greatest asset, the constant teaching of T-E-A-M -- T for togetherness, E for effort, A for attitude and M for mental toughness. That is what a winning team is all about.