May 31
There are very few seniors among the top prospects in this year's NBA draft. Sure, there are lots of talented underclassmen who have thrown their names into the ring, making the draft stronger. But now that Western Kentucky center Chris Marcus has withdrawn from the draft, it's likely that no seniors will be selected in the top 15.

	Senior Juan Dixon led Maryland to the 2002 NCAA championship.

The 7-foot-1 Marcus would have been one of the top centers available, with Yao Ming of China and Stanford junior Curtis Borchardt. With Marcus out of the draft, it's wide open for the seniors. Potential first-rounders include Gonzaga guard Dan Dickau, a scorer and leader, and Fresno State's Melvin Ely, another inside threat. Ely could be an intriguing power forward based on his potential. He can block shots and rebound.

There's that word again: The draft is all about potential, potential, potential. So many underclassmen are chosen because scouts and pro teams believe they will mature two or three years down the line. In many cases, these kids become free agents in three years, so it can be a vicious cycle for the teams that draft them.

I like the idea of considering seniors because they have the experience of competing against the best of the best for more years than the underclassmen.

Think about a player like Preston Shumpert of Syracuse. He's capable of putting the ball in the basket, and that is the name of the game. He could help an NBA team, especially considering all the playoff teams that have struggled to shoot the trifecta, baby!

One name that isn't getting much play is Maryland guard Juan Dixon. Talking to people around the NBA, the scouts question whether he can make the transition to play the point, wondering if he can handle the rock as well make the shot off the dribble. They wonder whether he can create opportunities for other people.

Let me tell you, someone is going to make a big mistake. Mr. Dixon is a winner, and I can assure you that players like him find ways to make the key move. Ball-handling is something he can work on. Anyone capable of scoring and creating havoc defensively (as he can) belongs on an NBA roster. Dixon really anticipates on defense. You also have to love his leadership skills.

Dixon's performance in the NCAA Tournament was one of the most dominant I've seen in many years. He brings a winning mentality and can make open shots. He's not afraid to take the big shots, and the 24-second shot clock will be a positive for his game as he excels in transition. Playing at Maryland, in a fast-paced game under coach Gary Williams, has prepared him well for the NBA.

Dixon's stock has gone down in the eyes of some NBA scouts. Some see him as a late first-rounder or even a second-round pick. I can't believe that -- he should be a mid-first-round pick. When push comes to shove, he has to be a first-rounder. If not, somebody will get a bargain.

Seniors such as Dixon deserve a greater opportunity to make an impact in this year's draft.