V-MAIL | Feb. 17, 2004

	Expect guard Blake Stepp and Gonzaga to reach the Final Four this March.

Q: Right now, who would you pick to go to the Final Four? -- Nathan (Huntsville, Alabama)
VITALE -- We're still a few weeks away from Selection Sunday, but right now I would go with Duke, Stanford, Connecticut and Gonzaga. Yes, I believe we will have a team in the Final Four from a non-major conference for the first time since Indiana State and Penn did it back in 1979. I like Duke's perimeter play, Connecticut's 1-2 punch of Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon, Stanford's guts with Chris Hernandez at the point plus other weapons, and Gonzaga with Blake Stepp, Cory Violette and Co.

Q: First, thanks for doing the book signing on campus. Right now, which point guard would you choose: Raymond Felton of North Carolina or Jameer Nelson of Saint Joseph's? -- Rich (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
VITALE -- I would have to go with Nelson. I really like his enthusiasm and effort on the court. Felton is very talented, but I would go with Nelson.

Q: Do coach Dave Odom and South Carolina have a shot at winning the SEC? -- Otis , Lancaster, S.C.
VITALE -- The Gamecocks are one of the most interesting stories this season after being picked last in the preseason in the Eastern Division. South Carolina has surprised lots of people with Mike Boynton and Co. But I still give the edge to Kentucky to win the SEC East.

Q: What do you think of Indiana's chance to win the Big Ten title? Since George Leach returned, I think he provides a big presence in the middle. -- John (Logansport, Indiana)
VITALE -- The Big Ten has a number of contenders for the title, but home losses to Illinois and Iowa really hurt Indiana. I think Mike Davis is focused on getting into the Big Dance right now more than the the Big Ten title. Problem is, the Hoosiers have lost three games by 30 or more points.

Q: Is Paul Hewitt a front-runner for national coach of the year? -- Kellen (Atlanta)
VITALE -- That's a tough call ... Hewitt has definitely done a great job. I would go with Mike Montgomery of undefeated Stanford. There have been a number of great stories this season. What about Joe Scott of first-place Air Force after his team was picked last in the preseason in the Mountain West? Phil Martelli of undefeated St. Joe's deserves consideration. Billy Gillespie has done an outstanding job at UTEP. Certainly, Hewitt is up there as well.

Q: I noticed Seton Hall point guard Andre Barrett's name on the midseason Wooden list. Why is this the first time that he's being recognized? He can literally take over a game, yet his name is rarely mentioned. -- Christian (Paterson, N.J.)
VITALE -- Barrett has been one of the unsung point guards in America this season. He's in his final season at Seton Hall, and it looks like he could be leading the Pirates to a berth in the Big Dance. I love his leadership and his quickness on the court.

Dick Vitale coached the Detroit Pistons and the University of Detroit in the 1970s before providing color commentary for ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979 (he's been an ESPN analyst ever since). Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.