June 7
A number of players tried to improve their draft stock in Chicago, showing off for all the scouts, coaches and talent evaluators. Many likely lottery selections didn't participate in the games, simply stopping in for physicals.

	Casey Jacobsen is eyeing the NBA draft but still has the option of returning to Stanford.

This year's NBA draft could feature a number of foreign players. Foreign guys have played a key role in the league, as evidenced by Predrag Stojakovic and Hidayet Turkoglu in the Western Conference finals with the Sacramento Kings. Foreign players could steal spots from college players who dreamed of being first-rounders -- some believe six or seven could be drafted in the first round.

This leads me to a college player I've loved, admired and respected: Casey Jacobsen of Stanford. Jacobsen declared for the draft but has not withdrawn yet. He has not hired an agent and did not participate in the games in Chicago.

Casey, Casey, Casey -- please come back to school. Rather than being a late first-rounder or maybe an early second-rounder, you can hone your skills further, improve your stock and enjoy your final year of college. Some guys get caught up in the ego of it all and want to prove to people that they can play at the next level.

Jacobsen can play, and he will certainly make someone's NBA team. He will be valuable because he can stroke the long-range jumper. But imagine what he could do with another year of college!

Jacobsen came to Palo Alto with a big-time reputation, since he had said no to Duke. He was a scoring whiz coming out of high school. He's had a solid three years at Stanford, doing his part to lead the Cardinal to great success in the Pac-10 and in the NCAA Tournament. Stanford has maintained its status as an elite program, thanks largely to Jacobsen and Curtis Borchardt.

When Borchardt went to Stanford, who would have thought that he would be ranked higher in the draft than Jacobsen, the high school All-American? You can't teach size. Borchardt came on strong last season and he seems like a lock for the lottery.

Jacobsen, though, isn't even a lock to go in the magical first round -- where the reward is a guaranteed three-year contract. I hope Casey returns to play one more year for coach Mike Montgomery and the Cardinal. He could be one of my All-Rolls Royce top five, baby!