Q: I don't have any coaching experience, and I know that Jamie Dixon and DeJuan Blair know how important it is for Blair to stay out of foul trouble in the Big Dance. Could you maybe touch on what type of conversation that Dixon might have with Blair concerning staying out of foul trouble? I know that Blair is a player that takes pride in both his offensive and defensive skill set, but do you think Dixon would tell him to give just give up a few baskets inside early in the game to avoid foul trouble? A few free buckets, in my opinion would be less consequencial than having to sit on the pine for 10+ minutes in games of this magnitude. Thanks!

Ryan Tate, Imperial, Pa.

FITTIPALDO: I spoke with Blair yesterday and he said that Dixon and just about everyone else he comes into contact with has taalked to him about staying out of foul trouble. He said even his mom is giving him pointers on how to stay on the court.

I don't know exactly what Dixon said to Blair about fouls, but I do know that Sam Young told him that it's more important that he stays on the floor than attempting to take charging calls on defense. I am paraphrasing Young here, but the gist of what he said was 'DeJuan, if you give up a few baskets on defense you can more than make up for it on offense.'