May 16
I've been hearing lots of opinions and reading lots of viewpoints on the NBA draft. Let me give you my thoughts on the top five prospects. The crème de la crème, these Rolls-Roycers are all talented players with a world of potential.

The NBA draft lottery is slated for Sunday. Then we'll know which teams will have the opportunity to select my top five, baby! Here they are:

5. Chris Wilcox, Maryland
One of the big reasons the Terps celebrated a national championship was the play of super soph Wilcox. He has all kinds of potential and a body that's tailor-made for the NBA. I look for him to be a factor in the future, getting better and better with experience.

4. Caron Butler, Connecticut
He led the Huskies to a super run in the NCAA Tournament. UConn almost knocked off the eventual national champion Terps in the Elite Eight because of Butler, though in the end seniors Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter survived. Caron is dynamite in transition and has the physical ability to play at the next level. He can make tough shots, shows explosiveness and has the right attitude -- what a talent!

3. Drew Gooden, Kansas
I love the potential he has as an offensive rebounding machine. He has great touch, transition ability and phenomenal quickness. Gooden is capable of playing the small- or power-forward position, and that could create problems for defenders. He could be tough to stop for small forwards. Gooden is destined to be an NBA standout.

2. Yao Ming, China
You can't teach size, and at 7-foot-6 he'll be tough to stop. He's not strong enough physically, but with touch and finesse, the potential upside is the reason he's considered one of the top picks in the draft. He also brings lots of baggage with the complications of dealing with the Chinese government, his Chinese pro team, etc. The demands will be interesting.

1. Jay Williams, Duke
Call him whatever you want (though he wants to be called Jay now). The Duke standout will provide an instant impact at point guard. When you observe the NBA today, you see see how vital point-guard play is. The New Jersey Nets turned it around, going from losers to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, mainly because of Jason Kidd. He has been a dominator in all facets. The Hornets, the team the Nets just beat, relied heavily on the play of Baron Davis. Sacramento has improved, and the trade for Michael Bibby was a major positive.

You can see the formula. Williams has the body, the makeup, the toughness and the willingness to take the big shot. He isn't afraid of failure like so many athletes who disappear at winning time. Williams steps up and says, "Give me the rock." He knows he can make it, and he won't back down.