What are your Final Four picks? Please give a little insight on why these would be your picks. It may be early in the season , but everyone has their eye on, or their early opinion on this question.

-- J.T. Selinger, Carbondale, Ill.

You're right, it's early. But I'm going with Cincinnati, Michigan State, Connecticut and ... well, I want to go with a sleeper like Indiana but I'm not ready yet for a fourth. Cincinnati, Michigan State and Connecticut have created separation among the top 10. Their experience and strength inside have distanced them from the rest of the pack. All three would consider this season a disappointment if they don't get to the Final Four.

What are the NCAA rules regarding Luke Recker's second transfer? I am under the impression that by transferring out of the Big 10 that he would only have to sit out one year, but would have to sit out two years if he transferred within the conference. Now, however, by transferring to Iowa from Arizona will he still be able to play next season? If so, all I have to say is shady.

-- Jim Wisco, Bloomington, Ind.

Jim, Luke avoids the Big Ten rule because he was at Arizona. One of the reasons he originally chose Arizona was that rule. It would have taken away another year of eligibility. It's tough to call it "shady" right now. His girlfriend is paralyzed and her brother is still in a desperate situation. It's not fair to criticize this decision in light of the accident. He'll play in January of 2001 instead of December 2000. The Big Ten forbids mid-year transfers from playing until second semester starts. He will have three semesters of eligibility remaining. .

Handicap the Pac-10 race for me. Stanford and Arizona have both looked very impressive. Which of these two do you like to end the season on top? And what do you think of UCLA? Are the Bruins worth any kind of hype despite their cupcake schedule?

-- D.P. Buck, Stanford, Calif.

Stanford and Arizona are the clear favorites. I'm not sold on UCLA yet. If the Bruins can take apart Gonzaga on Saturday, that will do wonders for their confidence. UCLA will get its ultimate test when it goes to North Carolina in January. The rest of the Pac-10 isn't as deep as it looked in the preseason. Oregon has yet to establish itself as the clear No. 4 team. Oregon State hasn't yet, either. USC is a disappointment. Cal is still too young and Arizona State isn't getting the impact play it needs from its freshmen whereas Stanford and Arizona have been led by freshmen.

How long will the Dayton Flyers have to go undefeated before entering the top 25? Three of our first six opponents went to the tournament last year, and not to mention knocking off No. 12 Kentucky and a tough Samford team.

-- Mike Ruvo, Dayton, Ohio

I agree Mike. I don't understand the polls, either. How can Dayton not be in the top 25, yet Kentucky and Miami were last week. Writers and coaches don't pay enough attention to the teams that aren't in the poll.

How can Khalid El-Amin seriously think of leaving early for the NBA draft? He is short (about 5-foot-9) and struggles to get his shot over defenders that are only a few inches taller then him. The NBA has much bigger guards. Also, he is very inconsistent, not only with his shooting, but with his overall point-guard mentality. The other night he had 10 assists against UNC Asheville, but that's not exactly a powerhouse opponent. It seems he doesn't pass when he should and is more suited for the two spot, which he is definitely not big enough for. Don't get me wrong, I love El-Amin and UConn, but he would be making a huge mistake by leaving early.

-- Matt Pasternak, Brookfield, Conn.

I don't think so. I sat next to a number of NBA scouts at the Great Eight and they think he can make the adjustment. It won't be easy, largely because he'll have to play against taller and stronger point guards. But El-Amin is a winner and he makes plays. Those characteristics are highlighted by NBA scouts. He may be the best basketball player (notice didn't say talent or athlete) playing this season. He understands the game as well as any other player.

Why won't you respond to my question regarding Utah Assistant Coach Donny Daniels and why you did not put him on your list of hot assistant coaches who are ready to become head coaches?

-- David, Helendale, Calif.

Donny does deserve a head coaching job. He was a finalist at Nevada and should be a serious candidate if Cal State-Fullerton ever opened again. Hopefully, he'll get his shot.

Last week you wrote: "The 7-1 Przybilla is an offensive NBA project but he can block shots better than any other center in the NCAA (with Cincinnati's Kenyon Martin as his only equal)."

Perhaps you should do some more homework before making such an ill-informed statement. Neither Przybilla nor Martin are the equals of Etan Thomas at Syracuse. Last year, for example, Thomas had 9 blocks against UConn. In three games this year, Thomas has 18 blocks. Last year, he averaged almost 4.5 blocks per game. One huge advantage that Thomas enjoys is is the fact that he blocks shots with his left hand. If you check the stats of both Przybilla and Martin, you'll see that neither stands up to Thomas.

-- Doug Kass, Santa Cruz, Calif.

Just curious what is up with UConn's Doug Wrenn? All preseason I heard that he along with Ajou Deng would help easy the loss of Richard Hamilton. But I haven't heard much about Wrenn and know he isn't getting the minutes. Why?

-- Wolfpack, Omaha, Neb.

Whatever happened to Mt. Zion player Corey Hightower, and our favorite player Kenny Brunner?

-- Sean Boland, Washington, D.C.