The big question now facing Duke and its future on the basketball floor is whether All-American sophomore guard Jason Williams will return to school next year.

Williams has addressed the question in the past and says he will return. But there are many who feel that Williams would be the No. 1 pick in the draft if he were to leave. And he might revisit his decision in light of that information.

When you think of Grant Hill, Tim Duncan and David Robinson -- who could have been very high picks as underclassmen and yet stayed in school all four years -- one would hope as a college basketball fan that their examples influence Mr. Williams.

Elton Brand was sitting several rows in front of me during the game on Monday night as his former teammates were winning the national title. Brand could have been part of this team but has been struggling for two years with the Chicago Bulls.

Looking at Elton's face, I have to believe he wishes he could have been on that court sharing that magical moment, sharing the embrace of a coach and cutting the nets down.

Jason Williams has the same opportunity that Shane Battier realized -- to have his number retired at Duke and another championship banner flying high in the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium if he thinks long-term instead of short-term.

If he does return, joining Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy and Carlos Boozer, Williams will probably take Duke back to the Final Four again. With them, Casey Sanders, Nick Horvath and Texas recruit Daniel Ewing will make Coach K's club America's No. 1 team.