Do you think that Mateen Cleaves can get into tournament shape in just two months? Or has his injury doomed the Spartans from national championship contention?

--Jason F., East Lansing, Mich.

Not at all. Cleaves has time to get in shape. The Spartans are deep enough to survive without him and stay in contention during his absence. David Thomas was groomed for this job a year ago. The key for the Spartans is as much rebounding as it is play at the point. This team might be able to run itself in Cleaves' absence.

I am a big Georgetown and UConn fan. Is John Thompson permanently retired from the college game? Do you hear of any big-time program that is interested in making a strong push for Jim Calhoun? Even though I don't know too many programs that are now more prestigious than Connecticut's.

-- Richard Cole, Philadelphia

I don't see Calhoun leaving. What would be more of a big-time program than UConn? He's set for life there. The only college job that might pull Thompson out of retirement is UNLV. Otherwise, he's done.

I am a senior in high school who plays basketball. I am not a big- time recruit or anything, but have gotten a few small offers. I was wondering what it would take in order to walk on at a major program like Texas or Duke? What do walk-ons have to go through in order to try out, and what do the tryouts consist of?

-- Bobby, San Antonio

Bobby, I've seen plenty of walk-ons who could barely play Division III or junior college. There is always a chance to make a team. The main thing is you have to be fundamentally sound and have an understanding of the game. Your primary purpose is to run sets on the scout team. Coaches don't want walk-ons who try to be starters. They want guys who will do what they're told. The tryouts usually aren't too tough. Becoming a walk-on is based on persistence. Keep bugging the coaches. But it's a good idea to call ahead and let the assistant coach know you'll be attending the school. Good luck!

As a Georgia Tech graduate, I am interested in your views on the Jackets' chances to make the NCAA Tournament this season, as well as how do you see them doing in the ACC. Also, does Tech have any big-time recruits who might actually sign for next year? It seems like Bobby Cremins' stock as a top-notch recruiter has slipped in the last couple of years. Thanks for answering!

-- Jorge M. Dengo, San José, Costa Rica

Jorge, thanks for the question from Costa Rica. It's a vacation spot we'd love to visit in the near future. But enough of that. Georgia Tech has a decent chance at making the NCAA Tournament. The Yellow Jackets have a decent backcourt in Shaun Fein and Tony Akins, a productive frontcourt of Jason Collier, Jason Floyd and Alvin Jones. But the bench is suspect. You're right on Cremins. Recruiting has slipped a tad but the rest of the ACC hasn't passed him by yet. Tech is in just as good a shape to make the tournament as rivals N.C. State, Wake Forest and Virginia.

I just read the Blue Ribbon Top 40 Poll and saw that Siena was ranked 30th. Siena, ranked 30th? Who are they? Where do they come from? How good are they?

-- Tamerine Flatt, Doylestown, Pa.

The Saints return all five starters from a team that won 25 games and lost to Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It's not farfetched to put them in the top 30 (although I think that's a few spots too high). Paul Hewitt is a hot name among the new breed of coaches. The Saints should win the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and if they can beat teams like Rhode Island and George Washington, a top six seed might not be out of the question.

-- Garrett Pymm, New York City

Just keep being persistent. Try and hook on with the local media in your area, too.

Just interested on what is the word on some assistant coach job openings for the 2000-2001 season at the college level, primarily Division I and II. I really don't know if there is a buzz out yet but would like to know, trying to get a head start on some possible interest.

-- Anthony Walker, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

It's a bit early. Check back in March.