Chuck Amato is in real trouble. I know that phrase is thrown around a little too much, but this time it is a factual comment. Lee Fowler, State’s AD, refuses to talk. And Amato’s press conference started yesterday with the provision that any “status” questions would bring an end to the festivities. So, the fine people at the Technician decided to test the waters.

Unless the Pack just obliterates ECU on Saturday, I can’t imagine a scenario where Chuck keeps his job. As many have pointed out, Amato has reached the point where every game is a referendum on his job. That’s a horrible place for a coach to live (see: Sendek, Herb). It’s time for Amato to find a new neighborhood.

Early in the college basketball season, I’ve been very impressed with Georgia Tech and Maryland from the ACC. If Tech can be consistent with its defense and ball-handling, they will be a monster later in the year once their young folks get some experience. The Terps handled a solid Winthrop team last night and currently sit at 6-0. With all the attitudes gone, this year’s Maryland squad looks like one of Gary Williams teams from back-in-the-day. They press, they work, they’re smart, and they have some moxie. Mike Jones and DJ Strawberry provide Williams with a super backcourt. Both teams should make the big dance easily.

Call me crazy, but I think Duke will make it to the Final Four this year. The Devils have some size (McRoberts, Zoubek, Thomas), some versatility (Nelson, McClure, Henderson), good guards (Paulus, Scheyer, Henderson), and a great coach. This team reminds me a little of K’s Final Four groups of 1988 and 1990. Neither of those teams had superior players (although Danny Ferry certainly could be considered as such), but they were both extremely good defensively and very versatile (with good passing big men). This year’s Duke team is similar. If they can hit the 3 ball enough, they’ll be difficult to beat.