Editors note: Second in a three-part series

CREAM OF THE CROP

There is no doubt which big man will go first in Thursday's NBA Draft. That will be 7-foot Ohio State freshman Greg Oden, who led the Buckeyes to the NCAA title game despite fracturing his right wrist before the season. From size to athleticism, rebounding skill to shot-blocking ability, Oden supposedly has it all. Portland will shock the NBA world if it doesn't take him No. 1 overall, though the Trail Blazers say they're also considering Texas small forward Kevin Durant. If Portland does tap Durant, jubilant Seattle will snatch Oden at No. 2. Behind Oden, Washington's 7-1 Spencer Hawes is the next-best center and a likely lottery pick. As many as six power forwards, meanwhile, could be lottery (top-14) selections: national-champ Florida teammates Al Horford and Joakim Noah, mysterious Chinese 7-footer Yi Jianlian, North Carolina's Brandan Wright, Brazilian 7-footer Tiago Splitter and fast-rising Colorado State 7-footer Jason Smith.

JAZZ TIME