May 2003 Archive

• Coach: Denver suits Anthony

  Rocky Mountain News | May 31, 2003

  Carmelo Anthony said the other day that he'd rather play with the Detroit Pistons than the Denver Nuggets.

• By making deal, Grizzlies could earn some immediate dividends

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 30, 2003

  What Stu Jackson taught us, if anything, while studying Inept GM 101, is that you never trade future first-round draft picks.

• Sonics' Booth has surgery, should be fit for camp

  Tacoma News Tribune | May 30, 2003

  The Seattle SuperSonics said that the surgery to repair the torn meniscus in Calvin Booth's left knee was successful, and that he is expected to be back in time for October's training camp.

• After workouts, Sonics offer few clues about draft

  Seattle Times | May 30, 2003

  Don't attempt to draw many grand conclusions from the first batch of players that the Sonics worked out this week.

• Warriors take look at Ridnour

  San Francisco Chronicle | May 29, 2003

  Oregon's Luke Ridnour worked out Wednesday for the Warriors, who could be considering the Pac-10 Player of the Year with the 11th pick in the June 26 draft.

• Anthony 'lock' for Denver

  Rocky Mountain News | May 29, 2003

  Carmelo Anthony's agent calls it a "lock" that his client will be drafted by the Denver Nuggets if he's available.

• Calabro stays loyal to roots, inks 5-yr deal with Sonics

  Seattle Times | May 29, 2003

  Kevin Calabro spoke at length about tradition, loyalty and family on a day when the Sonics signed him to a five-year contract as the team's play-by-play announcer.

• Turning 19, Anthony already has a rich life

  Baltimore Sun Columnist Laura Vecsey | May 29, 2003

  IF YOU RUN into Carmelo Anthony anywhere around Baltimore today, you know what to say.

• It was a two-banner day for Darko when he worked out in Auburn Hills

  Detroit Free Press | May 29, 2003

  It's rare for the Pistons to have a news conference for a potential first-round draft pick after a workout and a month before the NBA draft.

• Trade pick? Rumors say yes, Nuggets say not likely

  Rocky Mountain News | May 28, 2003

  Now that the NBA draft order is known, the rumor season has begun.

• James pays a visit to new 'home'

  Plain Dealer | May 28, 2003

  The rumors swirl about the Cavaliers' coaching search, but General Manager Jim Paxson said little to dignify or dismiss any of them last night at Gund Arena.

• NBA scouts will get another look at Onyekwe

  Philadelphia Inquirer | May 28, 2003

  Penn's Ugonna Onyekwe learned yesterday that he has earned a coveted spot in the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago, the final time that professional scouts have the benefit of a showcase event as they prepare for the June 26 draft.

• Seniors showcase talent for Warriors

  San Francisco Chronicle | May 28, 2003

  The Warriors held Senior Day at their practice facility Tuesday, working out four prospects who exhausted their college eligibility.

• Working It Out

  Memphis Commercial Appeal Columnist Ron Higgins | May 28, 2003

  It's different from anything basketball players chasing their dreams ever experience.

• James putting the Cavaliers on the air

  Cleveland Plain Dealer Columnist Roger Brown | May 26, 2003

  Officials for TNT and ESPN, the main networks for NBA tele casts, say make no mistake about it: the Cavs' wine-and-gold colors will show up far more on national TV next season now that Akron St.

• Suns look at Xavier star, ASU's Smith, Millage

  Arizona Republic | May 26, 2003

  The Suns evaluated draft prospects Tommy Smith and Curtis Millage of Arizona State, Xavier's David West and Stanford's Julius Barnes during workouts Sunday at America West Arena.

• Massie gets draft workout for Griz

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 26, 2003

  Former Tigers forward Chris Massie began his latest journey to the NBA, showcasing skills and competitive spirit Sunday for the Grizzlies.

• Watch out, LeBron, they're waiting for you

  Orlando Sentinel Writer Jerry Brewer | May 26, 2003

  So Nike just dropped $90 mil on LeBron James, and NBA scouts keep gushing over the kid so much that you figure he could have been the No.

• Draft expert cites drop-off at No. 5

  Miami Herald | May 25, 2003

  It's difficult to fathom that with the fifth pick the Miami Heat would select a fourth-tier quality player.

• Anthony, not James ready for NBA

  Miami Herald | May 25, 2003

  At the risk of blasphemy, I don't take LeBron James.

• LeBron No. 1? No doubt about it

  Miami Herald | May 25, 2003

  There are an estimated three people on Earth today who do not believe LeBron James should be the No.

• Not good for Hawks: Central picks 1-2

  Atlanta Journal-Constitution | May 25, 2003

  The NBA draft lottery Thursday was bad for the Hawks on two fronts.

• Cavs to play game in Newfoundland

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 25, 2003

  One of LeBron James' first games as a pro will take place in a gym not much bigger than some of the ones he played in during his high school career at St.

• Heisley happy loose ends tied

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 25, 2003

  Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley sat in his downtown Chicago office pondering what could have been.

• Bosh soaking up a little playoff atmosphere

  Dallas Morning News | May 25, 2003

  Pop quiz: Who was the best young player at American Airlines Center on Friday? Tony Parker comes to mind.

• Bzdelik: Anthony 'a proven winner'

  Denver Post | May 25, 2003

  The thought of having Syracuse's Carmelo Anthony in a Denver Nuggets uniform is a good one to Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik.

• James' $90M deal poses huge risks for Nike, industry

  Washington Times Columnist Eric Fisher | May 25, 2003

  LeBron James' seven-year, $90 million endorsement pact with Nike, signed before he logs a single minute of NBA time, clearly signifies one thing: The mega-endorsement deal for pro athletes is back.

• Magic exploring several options

  Orlando Sentinel | May 25, 2003

  Don't think the Orlando Magic are content to sit at No.

• Paxson candid on camera

  Chicago Sun-Times | May 24, 2003

  John Paxson isn't afraid to state the obvious, which is one way he differentiates himself from Jerry Krause.

• Warriors bring in prospects

  San Francisco Chronicle | May 24, 2003

  The Warriors worked out three players Friday who could be candidates for their first pick in the NBA Draft.

• Grizzlies get back to quest for talent

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 24, 2003

  When the NBA lottery was reduced to just two teams in the all-or-nothing LeBron James sweepstakes on Thursday night, Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown began believing.

• Making the best of the No. 4 pick in the NBA draft

  Toronto Globe & Mail | May 24, 2003

  About the only positive development for Canadian basketball after the Toronto Raptors' disappointing showing at Thursday night's draft lottery is that fans in Newfoundland will be among the first to see LeBron James in action as a National Basketball Association professional.

• Cavaliers have ticket for success

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 24, 2003

  Guess which NBA team won't have the worst attendance this year? That's right, the same team that many of you have called already, demanding tickets.

• Trip with teammates under scrutiny

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 24, 2003

  An apparent act of generosity by LeBron James has piqued the interest of two Ohio university athletic departments.

• Cavs deny Van Gundy is coach

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 24, 2003

  When the Cavaliers won the NBA Draft Lottery on Thursday night, it was expected the rewards would be instantaneous.

• Likely Piston pick makes NYC stop

  New York Post | May 24, 2003

  Darko Milicic arrived here Monday and will spend the next month in an apartment in midtown Manhattan, where his agent Marc Cornstein is based.

• No. 2 pick is win-win for Pistons

  Detroit Free Press | May 24, 2003

  What a win-win situation for the Pistons.

• Bucks can draft or trade for solid contributor

  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | May 24, 2003

  Toni Kukoc fit in nicely with Milwaukee last season, making the Bucks look good for the off-season deal that sent veteran forward Glenn Robinson to the Atlanta Hawks Today, the trade looks even better, thanks to the Hawks' miserable season and their lack of luck in the NBA draft lottery on Thursday.

• No. 8 pick won't heal ailing Bucks

  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Columnist Michael Hunt | May 24, 2003

  Congratulations to the Milwaukee Bucks for getting the eighth pick in the NBA draft to complete the Glenn Robinson heist.

• Kroenke: 'We like Carmelo'

  Denver Post | May 23, 2003

  Denver had its normal rotten luck in the NBA lottery Thursday, but no one in the Nuggets' organization was crying over the consolation prize, likely to be Syracuse freshman sensation Carmelo Anthony.

• Versace knew of Griz's fate early on

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 23, 2003

  No one suffered more than Grizzlies general manager Dick Versace.

• West still hopes for draft 'gem'

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 23, 2003

  Grizzlies president of basketball operations Jerry West compared the disappointment to losing NBA championships.

• BC's Bell making rounds

  Boston Globe | May 23, 2003

  Troy Bell continued his NBA tour yesterday by working out for the Los Angeles Clippers, two days after the former Boston College guard worked out for and interviewed with the Celtics along with Notre Dame point guard Chris Thomas, Mississippi State power forward Mario Austin, and St.

• With sixth overall pick, Clippers plan to wait, see

  Los Angeles Daily News | May 23, 2003

  Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor said he didn't get nervous during the draft lottery.

• One Spot Makes All Difference for Clippers

  Los Angeles Times | May 23, 2003

  And then there are those who get bumped down one key slot.

• LeBron lottery of interest to Collison, Hinrich

  Kansas City Star | May 23, 2003

  Now that the basketball world knows that Cleveland landed the right to draft high school phenom LeBron James after winning Thursday night's NBA draft lottery, the rest of the draft field will begin to fall into place.

• Bulls settle for No. 7, but GM Paxson happy for Cavs, brother Jim

  Daily Herald | May 23, 2003

  The Bulls didn't move up in Thursday's NBA draft lottery, but the Paxson family was a big winner.

• Bulls likely to deal No. 7

  Chicago Tribune | May 23, 2003

  Wouldn't you know it.

• Coming home appeals to Wade

  Chicago Tribune | May 23, 2003

  Stopping just short of wishing the hometown team would draft him, former Marquette All-American and Richards High star Dwyane Wade looked awfully comfortable in his Bulls practice jersey Thursday.

• Big bucks a concern to Carter

  Toronto Star | May 23, 2003

  LeBron James has money, oodles and oodles of money.

• Raptors couldn't win for losing, get No. 4 pick

  Toronto Globe & Mail | May 23, 2003

  Vince Carter, the Toronto Raptors on-camera representative at the National Basketball Association draft lottery, shook his head slightly and did his best to hide his dismay.

• Cavs get LeBron

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 23, 2003

  No need to get out-of-state license plates for the Hummer -- LeBron James is staying home.

• Nike betting LeBron can fill big shoes

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 23, 2003

  Despite what the world may think, LeBron James is not a sure thing.

• Lottery Night Recap: How the Hawks Lost Another Lottery Pick

  | May 23, 2003

  Remember the days when the Hawks picked out of the lottery because they had been to the playoffs? This time, I knew it was different.

• Long-shot Knicks try to face reality

  Star-Ledger | May 22, 2003

  The grand prize is high school phenom LeBron James, and the consolation prizes -- Carmelo Anthony of Syracuse and Yugoslavian center Darko Milicic -- aren't bad, either.

• Armstrong will have Bulls looking good at draft lottery

  Chicago Sun-Times | May 22, 2003

  There won't be any lucky pennies and there won't be any superstitious routines, but what will reflect most vividly the changing face of the Bulls is there won't be any Jerry Krause tonight at the NBA draft lottery in Secaucus, N.

• Draft lottery hopefuls like Heat have only one prize in mind

  Miami Herald | May 22, 2003

  Most NBA talent evaluators have a way of digging past the hype and finding the truth.

• Griz hope to hit jackpot tonight

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 22, 2003

  Driving a fully loaded Hummer has elicited as much notoriety as his ability to finish at the rim.

• Lottery logistics

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 22, 2003

  Destiny will be determined inside a four-story beige building in the middle of an office park.

• The LeBron lottery: Will Heat's luck turn?

  Palm Beach Post | May 22, 2003

  Should the Heat be fortunate enough in tonight's NBA Draft lottery to win the No.

• 1-in-10 shot for Hawks

  Atlanta Journal-Constitution | May 22, 2003

  Who can help the Hawks more: high school phenom LeBron James, Final Four Most Outstanding Player Carmelo Anthony or Yugoslavian youngster Darko Milicic? Hawks director of basketball operations Billy Knight would be happy to get any of them.

• Lottery Logistics

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 22, 2003

  Destiny will be determined inside a four-story beige building in the middle of an office park.

• Tonight's the night for Cavs, LeBron

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 22, 2003

  The Cavaliers are a team with the league's worst record, lowest attendance and no coach.

• James picks Nike as best fit

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 22, 2003

  The Swoosh has won out.

• James pockets his first $1 million

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 22, 2003

  For more than two years, people have been saying that million-dollar paydays were in the cards for LeBron James.

• Lottery won't take chances on live TV

  New York Daily News | May 22, 2003

  All that stands between LeBron James and the Knicks is a few Ping-Pong balls and little bit of luck.

• With little hope of moving up, Warriors' focus remains Arenas

  San Francisco Chronicle | May 22, 2003

  The Warriors this week started private workouts with draft hopefuls at their practice facility.

• Cavs win NBA draft lottery

  ESPN | May 22, 2003

  The Cleveland Cavaliers hit the LeBron James jackpot.

• Warriors hoping Jamison lucks out

  Contra Costa Times | May 22, 2003

  Warriors general manager Garry St.

• D-Day for Sonics

  Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter | May 22, 2003

  Sonics general manager Rick Sund will be front and center tonight, the face of the franchise at the lottery drawing to determine which team will get to pick LeBron James in next month's NBA draft.

• Working late's great at Nuggets ticket office

  Rocky Mountain News | May 22, 2003

  The folks in the Denver Nuggets ticket office will be working late tonight.

• Milicic high on Nuggets

  Denver Post | May 22, 2003

  Serbian Darko Milicic and his management team have no way of controlling tonight's NBA lottery.

• Nuggets hoping luck finally on their side

  Denver Post | May 22, 2003

  Just two days ago, Denver Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik was walking outside the team's locker room at the Pepsi Center when the sight of a ladder scared him.

• LeBronmania

  Denver Post | May 22, 2003

  LeBron James may not be the biggest thing to hit Akron since the invention of the wheel.

• Draft lottery tidbits

  Chicago Tribune | May 22, 2003

  From the days when conspiracy theorists alleged that a bent envelope corner brought Patrick Ewing to the Knicks in 1985 to today, the NBA draft lottery has undergone many changes.

• Bulls' plans not tied to lottery

  Chicago Tribune | May 22, 2003

  Whether it's a turnover on a fast break or a forced shot from a half-court set, bad timing has been a mainstay over the Bulls' difficult last five seasons.

• NBA lottery boils down to lucky 3

  Orlando Sentinel | May 22, 2003

  The "LeBron Lottery" will end tonight, on national TV, in prime time.

• Pistons seek a lucky draw

  Detroit News | May 22, 2003

  Any other time, George David, the Pistons' director of scouting, would be busy tending to any number of tasks and errands.

• Agent says some lottery teams showing interest in Wade

  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | May 22, 2003

  Henry Thomas is shopping Dwyane Wade.

• Karl banking on lottery

  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | May 22, 2003

  George Karl will be an interested observer when the NBA draft lottery airs at 7 p.

• Wizards' lottery chances are slim

  Washington Times | May 22, 2003

  The Washington Wizards know their chances of winning today's draft lottery and the right to draft the top pick are slim — 14 in 1,000, to be precise — but that doesn't always spell doom.

• Knicks seek hot lottery ticket

  New York Post | May 22, 2003

  Knicks GM Scott Layden knows the chances of landing in the top three in tonight's LeBron James lottery are slim.

• Jazz Keep Tabs on Overseas Talent

  | May 21, 2003

  The next member of the Utah Jazz might be just a flight of stairs away in the Delta Center.

• Raptors plan draft strategy

  Toronto Sun | May 21, 2003

  Maybe it would be bad luck anyway.

• Jazz keep tabs on overseas talent

  Salt Lake Tribune | May 21, 2003

  The next member of the Utah Jazz might be just a flight of stairs away in the Delta Center.

• James' agent wants to tie up deals

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 21, 2003

  The agent for LeBron James would like to complete endorsement deals for athletic shoes and trading cards before Thursday night's NBA Draft Lottery, but has not set a firm deadline for either.

• Leaping to NBA is legacy of rebel

  Akron Beacon-Journal | May 21, 2003

  Spencer Haywood would love to accompany LeBron James to New York for the NBA Draft next month.

• Hate to tell Knight it's not in the stars

  Atlanta Journal-Constitution | May 21, 2003

  Billy Knight is guaranteed two things: another year's salary from the Hawks and an expenses-paid trip to Secaucus, home of Thursday's NBA draft lottery for the right to draft LeBron James and supplement his $75 million contract with Reebok (give or take an insole).

• Hawks officials assess first four players today

  Atlanta Journal-Constitution | May 21, 2003

  Before heading up to Secaucus, N.

• Sonics need lotto luck

  Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter | May 21, 2003

  No lucky socks for Sonics general manager Rick Sund at tomorrow's NBA draft lottery.

• Milicic is no mystery to scouts

  Rocky Mountain News | May 21, 2003

  Yugoslavian center Darko Milicic arrived in New York on Monday and gazed up at the skyscrapers.

• Anthony a prize? Just ask James

  Rocky Mountain News | May 21, 2003

  Carmelo Anthony might be looked upon as a consolation prize to a team that isn't able to draft Le-Bron James.

• 'Baby Shaq' tempts Knicks

  New York Post | May 21, 2003

  The Knicks' intrigue in Greece's teen-age center sensation known as "Baby Shaq" grew yesterday as the team called his reps looking to work him out in the next two weeks, The Post has learned.

• Grizzlies workout

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 21, 2003

  Participants Arizona State's Tommy Smith (6-10, 215-pound forward), Virginia's Travis Watson (6-8, 255-pound forward), Maryland's Steve Blake (6-3, 170-pound guard) and Marcus Hatten (6-1, 165-pound guard) of St.

• Heavier Rickert works out for Warriors

  Pioneer Press | May 20, 2003

  Soon-to-be-former Gopher Rick Rickert had his first NBA workout Monday with the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif.

• Reebok steps up in bid for James

  The Beacon Journal | May 20, 2003

  Allen Iverson might soon have company as the top basketball pitchman for Reebok.

• Nuggets gear up for second pick with workouts

  Denver Post | May 20, 2003

  Although the anticipation of Thursday's NBA draft lottery is causing much more excitement, the Denver Nuggets will be doing homework for their second-round pick with workouts that begin today.

• 7th seed can be a lucky number

  Chicago Tribune | May 20, 2003

  On May 21, 2000, New Jersey had the league's seventh-worst regular-season record and entered the NBA draft lottery with a 4.

• Will Magic get the point?

  Florida Today | May 20, 2003

  "Stats are like a bikini.

• Griz readying for the draft

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 19, 2003

  At least 13 front office executives are wringing hands and perhaps searching for lucky charms to hold Thursday at the NBA's most anticipated draft lottery.

• Cooke on fire in USBL debut

  New York Post | May 19, 2003

  If nothing else, you have to give Lenny Cooke this: He certainly has a flair for the dramatic.

• Gabriel: Have you drafted a Ford lately?

  Daytona News-Journal | May 19, 2003

  The Orlando Magic had the 18th pick in last year's NBA Draft.

• Logan still without a team

  Cincinnati Enquirer | May 18, 2003

  Former University of Cincinnati All-American Steve Logan, who did not sign with the Golden State Warriors last year after being selected by them in the second round of the NBA draft, remains a man without a team.

• James tops three on Vandeweghe's wish list for draft

  Denver Post | May 18, 2003

  Unless something unexpected happens, expect the Denver Nuggets to draft high school phenom LeBron James if they land the first pick in the June 26 NBA draft.

• Anthony eager to prove his worth

  Denver Post | May 18, 2003

  After he led his school to the NCAA championship, many basketball followers were so impressed with Syracuse freshman sensation Carmelo Anthony they began screaming he should be the No.

• Lottery is three-horse race

  New York Post | May 18, 2003

  In some eyes, it's a three-man draft, which is not good for Scott Layden's Knicks.

• Adidas' broadside offensive

  Cleveland Plain Dealer | May 17, 2003

  Adidas has a few messages for LeBron James, and the company is using billboards and bus signs in the 18-year-old's hometown of Akron to reach him.

• How it all works

  Rocky Mountain News | May 17, 2003

  So you thought you left behind stuff like logarithms and the Pythagorean theorem in high school? Well, pay attention, because it's time for the NBA lottery.

• As luck would have it

  Rocky Mountain News | May 17, 2003

  There's a leprechaun, a tiki doll and a brass four-leaf clover.

• Draft list lets Heat set strategy

  South Florida Sun-Sentinel | May 17, 2003

  The Heat saw the names it needed to see Friday when the list of early-entry candidates for the NBA Draft was released.

• Ads carry message for LeBron James

  Beacon Journal | May 16, 2003

  Adidas representatives made their final presentation to LeBron James and his family last weekend in Los Angeles.

• LeBron selects Goodwin as agent

  Cleveland Plain Dealer | May 15, 2003

  Aaron Goodwin sat in the bleachers when LeBron James played his season opener against a little-known opponent in the cramped, 1,700-seat gym at Akron's St.

• Onyekwe sets out to dazzle the scouts

  Philadelphia Inquirer | May 15, 2003

  For the last two weeks, Ugonna Onyekwe has been sharing an apartment in Bradenton, Fla.

• ‘Best point guard in draft’

  Portland Tribune | May 14, 2003

  No wonder Luke Ridnour trusts Dan Dickau like his brother and talks with him nearly every week as he prepares for all the interviews, tryouts and business decisions associated with the NBA draft.

• Nelson hopes NBA camp will vault him into first round

  Philadelphia Inquirer | May 14, 2003

  During three wonderful basketball seasons at St.

• Reed nixes NBA draft entry

  Jackson Clarion-Ledger | May 13, 2003

  Justin Reed, Ole Miss' leading scorer the past two seasons, ultimately faced a shot he just wasn't ready to take.

• Goodwin to register as agent for LeBron

  The Plain Dealer | May 13, 2003

  Aaron Goodwin is expected to register today as the agent for projected No.

• 2003 NBA Draft: Early Entries

  San Antonio Express-News | May 13, 2003

  Here are the underclassmen who have officially declared for the 2003 NBA draft.

• Beaumont senior to enter NBA draft

  Star-Telegram | May 13, 2003

  Beaumont Ozen basketball player Kendrick Perkins notified the NBA over the weekend of his intentions to enter the 2003 NBA Draft.

• Krieger: Draft will test Nuggets' resolve

  Rocky Mountain News | May 13, 2003

  You think the Nuggets' nightmare scenario is losing out in the lottery again and winding up with the fourth pick in the draft.

• Villanueva officially enters draft

  Lawrence Journal-World | May 13, 2003

  In an announcement that came as a surprise to no one, Charlie Villanueva said Monday he had entered his name into the NBA draft.

• Source: Nelson headed to draft

  Philadelphia Daily News | May 13, 2003

  Saint Joseph's junior point guard Jameer Nelson will announce today that he is making himself eligible for the June 26 NBA draft, according to a school source.

• Perkins puts his name in NBA Draft

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 13, 2003

  Kendrick Perkins may still play basketball at the University of Memphis next season.

• NBA wants it in writing

  The Beacon Journal | May 12, 2003

  LeBron James held a news conference April 25 to declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft.

• Deadline near on Tiger recruit

  Memphis Commercial Appeal | May 12, 2003

  Will he or won't he come to school? That's what University of Memphis fans have spent the past few months asking about Kendrick Perkins.

• Lorbek had help in decision to go pro

  Detroit News | May 12, 2003

  Sorry.

• Villanueva will try NBA … for now

  Chicago Tribune | May 12, 2003

  Illinois basketball fans can forget about 6-foot-10-inch high school all-American Charlie Villanueva, who had given an oral commitment to former Illini coach Bill Self, now at Kansas.

• Magic GM ready for draft

  Florida Today | May 12, 2003

  He's the guy who traded Ben Wallace.

• James brings new brand of greatness

  Atlanta Journal-Constitution | May 11, 2003

  Maybe you're sick of LeBron James hype.

• Former Nugget Evans working on returning to NBA

  Denver Post | May 11, 2003

  Considering Mike Evans' numerous seasons spent working with the Denver Nuggets as a player, director of player personnel, television analyst, assistant coach and interim head coach that spanned from the 1980s to last year, it's understandable why he wasn't comfortable going to the Pepsi Center for an NBA game last season.

• Westbury Christian's Ebi to enter NBA draft

  Houston Chronicle | May 11, 2003

  Westbury Christian forward Ndudi Ebi will submit his name for this summer's NBA draft, his mother confirmed Saturday.

• Following his dream

  Pioneer Press | May 11, 2003

  The temperature outside is approaching a humid 90 degrees, but Rick Rickert is working in the comfort of an air-conditioned gym at Manatee Community College.

• Secret weapon for Knicks

  New York Daily News | May 10, 2003

  Allan Houston led the Knicks in scoring this season and now the organization is hoping he can lead them to the No.

• Emmett to test unclear waters

  Avalance-Journal | May 10, 2003

  Texas Tech basketball forward Andre Emmett has filed the necessary paperwork to make himself eligible for the NBA draft next month, according to the latest version of the events surrounding the Dallas native.

• Starkville's Outlaw makes himself available for draft

  The Clarion-Ledger | May 10, 2003

  Some folks might have been caught off guard Friday when Starkville basketball star Travis Outlaw announced he was entering his name in the NBA draft.

• SJSU's Lawrence plans to enter draft

  The Mercury News | May 10, 2003

  Antonio Lawrence, San Jose State's best player last season as a freshman, has left school and will enter the NBA draft, Spartans Coach Phil Johnson said Friday.

• Jackets look forward as Bosh chooses NBA

  Atlanta Journal-Constitution | May 10, 2003

  Dallas --- Paul Hewitt, say hello to college basketball's "here one day, gone the next" age.

• Lorbek bolts MSU, off to pros

  Detroit Free Press | May 10, 2003

  For the past few days, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo had been trying to reach freshman Erazem Lorbek so he could tell the 6-foot-10 forward he had made a 3.

• Ford selects super agent Tellem

  Houston Chronicle | May 10, 2003

  T.

• Georgia Tech's Chris Bosh to enter NBA draft

  Associated Press | May 9, 2003

  Georgia Tech freshman Chris Bosh will enter the NBA draft.

• Mo to go if draft appears promising

  Mobile Register | May 9, 2003

  University of Alabama sophomore guard Mo Williams declared for the NBA draft on Thursday but will not sign with an agent, leaving the door open for a possible return to school.

• Lang expected to announce for NBA draft

  Mobile Register | May 9, 2003

  Mobile native James Lang is expected to announce today his plans to skip college and enter this year's NBA draft.

• Owls' Polk to enter NBA draft

  Philadelphia Daily News | May 9, 2003

  After playing just two seasons of basketball for Temple, guard Brian Polk has decided to leave school early and apply for next month's NBA draft, the school said.

• Temple guard Polk says he will enter NBA draft

  Philadelphia Inquirer | May 9, 2003

  Brian Polk, the Temple guard whose hot shooting led the Owls to last season's Atlantic Ten Conference Tournament final, said yesterday that he has withdrawn from school with one season of eligibility remaining and is entering the NBA draft.

• Villanueva to make decision this weekend

  Chicago Tribune | May 9, 2003

  More than 500 people turned out to see high school senior Charlie Villanueva play in a pickup game Thursday in Lawrence, Kansas, according to Gary Bedore of the Lawrence Journal-World.

• Tech's Emmett considers going pro

  The Dallas Morning News | May 9, 2003

  Texas Tech junior Andre Emmett has declared himself eligible for June's NBA draft but will leave the door open for a possible return to school, a close family friend said Thursday.

• Ford hires agent, closing door on return to UT

  The Dallas Morning News | May 9, 2003

  Former Texas point guard T.

• Starkville's Outlaw leaving NBA options open

  Biloxi Sun Herald | May 8, 2003

  Starkville power forward Travis Outlaw remains undecided on turning pro.

• Thomas running an option offense

  Chicago Sun-Times | May 7, 2003

  As recently as late February, Chris Thomas talked about leading Notre Dame to four straight NCAA tournament appearances.

• HS coach says Bosh going pro

  Dallas Morning News | May 7, 2003

  Chris Bosh, a Lincoln graduate, will leave college and enter the NBA draft according to his high school coach, Leonard Bishop.

• Villanueva to visit Jayhawks

  Lawrence Journal-World | May 7, 2003

  "The NBA is my promised land, my dream," says Villanueva, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound high school forward from Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.

• Opening shots

  Denver Post | May 7, 2003

  He ain't heavy, he's my notes columnist .

• Draft getting picky

  Denver Post | May 7, 2003

  The popular opinion in NBA circles is the June 26 draft is all about the big three: high school star LeBron James, college freshman sensation Carmelo Anthony and Serbian teenager Darko Milicic.

• MU will likely retain Paulding, Johnson

  Kansas City Star | May 7, 2003

  Look for Missouri to make an announcement, perhaps as early as today, that Rickey Paulding and Arthur Johnson will return for their senior seasons of Tiger basketball.

• ND's Thomas to test NBA draft status

  Chicago Tribune | May 7, 2003

  Notre Dame sophomore point guard Chris Thomas has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft.

• Wolves will jump through hoops for draft

  St. Paul Pioneer Press | May 6, 2003

  The difference between preparing to draft in the NBA's first round as opposed to the second round: a whole lot of money.

• LeBron James goes prose before pros

  Cleveland Plain Dealer | May 6, 2003

  At 18, LeBron James already has been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine, as well as appearing countless times on the ESPN cable network.

• NBA projects Rickert for mid-first round

  Pioneer Press | May 6, 2003

  The NBA's analysis for college players who declare themselves eligible for the draft before their collegiate eligibility has expired has projected that University of Minnesota 6-foot-10 sophomore Rick Rickert will be picked between No.

• Pro or college? Bosh to decide future on Friday

  Dallas Morning News | May 6, 2003

  Chris Bosh, a Lancaster native who is considered an NBA draft lottery pick, said he would make an announcement Friday on whether he will leave Georgia Tech.

• NBA considers plan to impose age minimum

  Miami Herald | May 4, 2003

  It has been some time since the Miami Heat has won anything of consequence.

• NC State’s Powell to test NBA waters

  Wilmington Star | May 3, 2003

  North Carolina State sophomore center Josh Powell said Friday he will enter his name in the 2003 NBA Draft.

• Pack's Powell turns pro

  Charlotte Observer | May 3, 2003

  Over objections from his college and AAU coaches, N.

• Rice to remain with Canes

  Miami Herald | May 2, 2003

  Darius Rice, his diamond-studded ears ready to explode from advice overload, announced Thursday he will resist temptations to enter the NBA draft and return to the University of Miami for his senior season.

• Wade ready for next step

  Chicago Tribune | May 2, 2003

  It was just short of four years ago, back in the summer of 1999, that Dwyane Wade found himself wondering.

• Ford eyes the lottery

  Houston Chronicle | May 2, 2003

  Rick Barnes told those in his inner circle that T.

• Wade makes the leap to NBA

  Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel | May 2, 2003

  It was completely out of character for Dwyane Wade.

• Web site's link? James to Nuggets

  Rocky Mountain News writer Sam Adams | May 1, 2003

  It is all but a foregone conclusion as to whom the first three picks in the upcoming NBA draft will be.

• Villanueva up in air as Illini name coach

  New York Daily News | May 1, 2003

  Charlie Villanueva woke up late yesterday morning, still not knowing what he is going to do.

• T.J. Day: It's decision time

  Dallas Morning News | May 1, 2003

  Texas sophomore point guard T.

• Rickert about ready to hire an agent

  St. Paul Pioneer Press | May 1, 2003

  Rick Rickert's career as a University of Minnesota men's basketball player is expected to officially end within the week.