Hard-core NBA fans might get a little miffed this time of year, thanks to the preponderance of attention accorded the NCAA tournament. Here we are in the middle of one of the most exciting playoff derbies in recent memory, and all anyone wants to talk about is how Western Kentucky and Davidson somehow made it to the Sweet 16. Hey, didn’t anybody check out those back-to-back beauties between the Lakers and Warriors?

Fortunately for pro fans, there is a way to make the tourney work for you. That’s right. Instead of worrying about your brackets and how ridiculous it was to see a game between San Diego and Western Kentucky with something meaningful on the line, look at the next couple weeks as just another step being taken by future heroes of the NBA. Don’t evaluate UCLA on whether the Bruins can knock off Xavier or West Virginia. Instead, compare the relative merits of standouts Kevin Love, Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook and figure out which player will go higher in June. Forget about Michael Beasley’s early exit. Just wonder how he’ll look next to Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion in Miami next year. See how easy it is to turn a nation’s obsession with college hoops to your advantage?

The NBA Draft may be nearly three months away, but that doesn’t mean league GMs and scouts aren’t hard at work figuring out which players are worthy of first-round spots. Even Heat coach Pat Riley is out on the trail, watching games and generally avoiding the toxic-waste spill that his team has become. So, while you worry about whether the Mavs are done without Dirk, consider the following as an early look at what might happen in June.

Freshman Follies: The NBA doesn’t have to worry about an influx of high school players anymore, but it will be flooded this summer with first-year collegians. Don’t be surprised if as many as eight or nine rookie college stars turn up in the Lottery this year, led of course, by Beasley. The Kansas State power forward is everybody’s favorite number one pick and will fit whatever team wins the Lottery, whether it’s the Heat, Grizz, Sonics or T-Wolves. All need frontcourt help. After Beasley, it’s hard to say which star will be chosen, but don’t be surprised if it’s a freshman. Memphis PG Derrick Rose looks to be perfectly suited for NBA life. Eric Gordon of Indiana has the scoring skills needed at this level, and O.J. Mayo of USC has the potential to be an all-around backcourt terror.

Big and Bad: There are plenty of impressive guards in the upper reaches of the Draft this year, with Arizona’s Jerryd Bayless and Westbrook joining the aforementioned five atop many prospect lists. Big men still get scouts’ salivary glands working overtime, and there are several likely to be chosen early on. One on the quickest path up is Stanford power forward Brook Lopez, whose low-post game gets better almost every time on the floor. UCLA pivot Kevin Love has the league intrigued with his old-style game that features smart passing, excellent positioning, sticky hands and soft touch. Texas A&M freshman DeAndre Jordan is raw, but he showed promise on the backboards and defensive end last year. And don’t forget about 7-3 Connecticut roadblock Hasheem Thabeet, who remains a project but has tremendous defensive potential.

Falling Fast: Somebody owes Roy Hibbert an explanation – or a lot of money. After his great performance against Greg Oden in last year’s national semifinal, the Georgetown pivot was considered a guaranteed top-10 pick. Some had him in the top five. His big game had answered questions about his offensive skills, and scouts believed he was athletic enough to thrive. But instead of running to the NBA, Hibbert returned to the Hoyas, where he has had a forgettable year. Foul-prone and slow of foot, Hibbert is falling fast on most boards. He’ll be extremely lucky to be picked in the top 15 and is more likely to be chosen in the 20 range.

Import Models: Unlike previous years, when European players flooded the draft, there are relatively few candidates this season. The two most intriguing players – and most likely first-round selections should they declare – are Italian forward Danilo Gallinari, a 6-9 all-around threat with excellent passing skills and a refined mid-range game, and 6-8 guard Nicolas Batum of France, who has been inconsistent this season but has a smooth game and the potential to be a long-range threat. Ohio State center Kosta Koufos hails from Greece and has outstanding offensive potential, though his rebounding and defense were lacking during his freshman season with the Buckeyes.

Sleepers: There aren’t too many, but keep an eye on lean 6-11 forward Anthony Randolph. Randolph has a great open-court game and plenty of low-post potential. He may stick around the college game for another year to get stronger, but if he comes out, he’ll likely be a top-10 choice. Another name to remember is Florida 6-10 soph Marreese Speights, a big body with the ability to play the power game.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Phoenix at Boston, Wednesday. The Suns seem to have it together now, finding a good space for Shaq in the halfcourt game while still staying true to their fastbreak roots. We’ll see whether last week’s 3-0 performance was a mirage or if Monday’s defeat in Detroit was a more accurate representation of Phoenix’s status. The Celtics may have lost to Philly Monday night, but 65 wins remain within reach of Boston.

IN THE PAINT:

Somebody please throw Toronto a line. The Raptors have lost eight of 10 and have fallen to seventh in the NBA East standings. Only a complete collapse would push them out of the playoffs, but post-season success doesn’t look too likely now.

So much for Washington’s Gilbert Arenas. He had hoped to play Sunday against the Pistons, but he was deactivated. Now, he’s saying that’s it for the year. That’s probably not a bad idea, given the severity of his knee injury.

There may be no player who receives less credit for his accomplishments than Golden State’s Stephen Jackson. He may be a bit of a knucklehead off the court, but he can do so many things on it, from shooting the long ball, playing excellent defense, passing the ball and running the floor.

Seattle’s 11-game losing streak has established it as Miami’s main competition for the favorite’s spot in the May Lottery. Despite their 17-54 record, the Sonics remain three games “behind” the Heat.

Del.icio.us | Digg it | Athlon Sports RSS Feeds