Players picked in the first round of the NBA draft are lock city to get a guaranteed contract. Those guys get the big bucks, three years, cash galore and the chance to make it big.

My friends, this year's draft has good depth, so you will see some talented players slip down to the second round. Don't be surprised when you see some names from marquee Division I schools, guys that were impact players on the collegiate level, competing for NBA jobs as round two selections.

Don't forget about the second-round players. They usually have a chip on their shoulder because they did not go as high as they were projected. They had those visions of grandeur and were told not to worry because they were going in round one. Then when it doesn't happen and they have to fight, scratch and claw because they didn't get the guaranteed bucks, they battle for the opportunity.

I've often said you have a player who is almost as good in stature as the first rounder, but he has the chip on his shoulder, he will compete harder for a job. They are hungry and want to get better and better. The money isn't in the bank, so they come out and you will see some interesting picks in this draft.

Just look at the past history and you will see that a number of second round picks have had quite an impact at the pro level. They are vital contributors who made their presence felt later on.

Think about these five: Gilbert Arenas, Carlos Boozer, Manu Ginobli, Monta Ellis and Kyle Korver.

Arenas was one of the premier scorers last season, averaging over 28 ppg. before getting hurt. Boozer showed a lot by averaging a double-double last season. Ginobli just won another NBA title while scoring over 16 ppg. during the regular season. Ellis showed major improvement in his second season in the league, averaging over 16 ppg. Korver was Philadelphia's second-leading scorer, averaging over 14 ppg. while ranking among the league leaders in three-point shooting.

Then you look at Daniel Gibson of the Cavaliers, a second-round pick last season who made such a difference against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals. Jason Kapono led the NBA in three-point field goal percentage. Dee Brown and Paul Millsap helped out the Jazz. Ryan Gomes has a good future with the Celtics.

The list goes on and on. So stay tuned on draft night and don't turn away after round one. There will be some familiar names, guys who will make their presence felt in the NBA.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.