Several outstanding players made their debuts in the Preseason NIT -- but none bigger than Indiana's Jared Jeffries.

	Even at 6-foot-9, Indiana freshman Jared Jeffries is used to having the ball in his hands -- as he did here for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit.

Jeffries will be receiving more scrutiny than anyone. You know coach Mike Davis will be under the microscope, being evaluated for every move, but on the court the diaper dandy will be watched closely since he decided to stay home.

Jeffries said "no" to Mike Krzyzewski and Duke when many felt there would be a good chance the star would play for the Blue Devils. He stayed in Bloomington, in part due to his affection for Bob Knight.

Jeffries felt Knight would supply the discipline needed to succeed and help him grow as a student-athlete.

As we all know, the General is not there, though Mr. Jeffries will be special. He possesses the unique ability to handle the basketball, shoot the jump shot, play on the inside and be very active. His debut comes against a Pepperdine team which sent the Hoosiers to the sidelines in the NCAA tournament.

Indiana's goal is to win two games and get to Madison Square Garden, where Jeffries would really be in the spotlight.

Evans ready for debut with Texas
Down at Texas, think of what could have been: Mr. Inside, Chris Mihm, with an outside presence in Maurice Evans.

Mihm instead opted for the NBA and was the eighth selection overall, playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now Evans debuts for the Longhorns after transferring from Wichita State.

Evans has that scorer's mentality -- he can attack the basket, providing firepower for Rick Barnes' team. I can't wait to see Jeffries and Evans.