College Crunch

The smell of freshly laid sod, ballpark hot dogs and seven-dollar beer is in the air (or on the ground). Baseball season is quickly approaching, and fans everywhere — well, perhaps except for Houston, Pittsburgh and Seattle — are champing at the bit to find out how the 2011 MLB season will unfold. Opening Day features a slate of games involving some of the sport's most compelling teams. The Brewers, Cardinals, Giants, Yankees, Tigers, Dodger and Braves, along with a few other headliners, provide several reasons for fans to be even more psyched for the return of baseball. Here are several storylines you must follow:

1. Phillies' Fantastic Foursome: Cliff Lee shocked the baseball world during the offseason by spurning the Yankees, choosing to return to the team that traded him a year earlier before acquiring Roy Halladay. The Phillies rotation, which added former Astros ace Roy Oswalt last July, now consists of four Cy Young-caliber pitchers and has been compared to the Braves rotations of the 1990s. Only the 1976 Mets rotation — Tom Seaver, Jon Matlack, Jerry Koosman and Mickey Lolich — had a better three-year WAR (Wins Above Replacement) total than the 2011 Phills. The team's current makeup contrasts with the 2008 World Series-winning squad, which featured a more feared lineup. Age and injury concerns have plagued Chase Utley and 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins, and Ryan Howard suffered with ankle problems and a down season in 2010. The infusion of youth that began last season when Domonic Brown was called up to the majors will be halted as he recovers from a broken hand. The fourth best prospect according to Baseball America, Brown is expected to emerge as the star of the Phillies' lineup for years to come. For now, though, their success will hinge on the greatness of the fantastic foursome.
2. National League Arms Race: The return of Cliff Lee to the Phillies and addition of Zack Greinke to the Brewers enhanced an already impressive group of NL starting pitchers that includes Halladay, Hamels, Oswalt, Lincecum, Cain, Jimenez, Johnson, Wainwright (though hurt), Carpenter, Kershaw, Latos and Santana. Milwaukee, a Wild Card team in 2008 when CC Sabathia led its staff, has been in need of a competent starter or two to complement Yovani Gallardo and put the team back in contention. Greinke won the 2009 AL Cy Young award and figures to rebound in the NL after a down season in 2010, as long as he can overcome those broken ribs. The Brewers also acquired Shaun Marcum from the AL, who, if healthy, possesses No. 2 starter stuff. Fun facts: 11 NL starters posted sub-three ERAs in 2010, compared to four in the AL. The NL also featured six of the top seven team ERAs.
3. What Will Pujols Do for $300 Million?: Some media members have speculated that the league's most proficient slugger is commanding a 10-year, $300 contract next offseason, $25 million more than Alex Rodriguez's current 10-year deal with the Yankees. Now that negotiations with Cardinals have been halted for the foreseeable future, fans will anxiously wait to see if the Cards will cave next winter, or if Pujols will enter free agency, igniting a bidding war of epic proportions — big market teams such as the Cubs, Dodgers and Angels have already been mentioned as potential suitors. Of course, Pujols will be motivated to prove that he deserves such a massive contract, and may be compelled to produce even more eye-popping numbers than he has in the past.
4. Can the Giants Repeat?: Many baseball followers are skeptical of the Giants' chances to repeat. They won the World Series with a mediocre lineup, at least pertaining to the 2010 statistical rankings. Although it certainly came through in the postseason, people have a hard time fathoming Andres Torres, Aubrey Huff, Pat Burrell, Miguel Tejada and Cody Ross as a championship bunch. What's more, some question whether or not the anchors of their lights-out rotation can stay healthy given the mileage Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain have already accumulated in their brief careers. Despite the concerns, general manager Brian Sabaen opted to stand pat, hoping the team could recapture the magic in 2011. And perhaps it will — it wasn't exactly a heavy favorite to win a championship before last season.
5. New-Look Red Sox: The gradual decline of the Red Sox reign corresponded with the departure of Manny Ramirez and struggles of an aging David Ortiz. General manager Theo Epstein addressed the issue with an active offseason, dealing for slugger Adrian Gonzalez and signing Carl Crawford to a seven-year, $142 million contract. Fans are particularly excited to find out what kind of production the Sox will get from Gonzalez, who managed to post excellent numbers in cavernous Petco Park while protected by a substandard lineup. Now, Crawford and 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia will be setting the table, Kevin Youkilis and a rejuvenated David Ortiz will provide protection, and Gonzalez will benefit from a short fence in right field. Because of their potent lineup, solid rotation and improved bullpen, the Sox are considered World Series favorites.
6. No Surrender in the Yanks: While their arch-rival added two new stars, the Yankees struck out with their would-be ace Cliff Lee, the club's primary target heading into the offseason. For the beginning of the season, they'll have to make do with what they have, which, compared to most other clubs, still isn't too shabby. Robinson Cano, a 2010 AL MVP candidate and the game's best offensive second baseman, remains a centerpiece of a potent lineup. Derek Jeter was given a handsome contract during the offseason and hopes to defy father time, improving on last season when he posted his lowest batting average since he broke into the majors. Of course, Mark Teixeira and A-Rod are among the game's best sluggers. The bullpen was bolstered by the acquisition of Rafael Soriano — last season's AL leader in saves — who will set up for Mariano Rivera. If Phil Hughes can develop into an ace-like pitcher, he and Sabathia would form a troublesome twosome for opposing hitters. The struggles of AJ Burnett and retirement of Any Pettitte, however, make the rotation from top to bottom a huge question mark, and could cause Brian Cashman to once again wheel and deal come July 31st.
7. The Older, More Seasoned Rays: Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Rafael Soriano and Matt Garza are out. Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon and Kyle Farnsworth are in. Not exactly an upgrade for last season's AL East champs, but none of the new additions are chopped liver — yet. Last season, Manny hit a hair under .300 with an .870 OPS in just 265 at-bats. The 38 year old is expected to primarily play DH with sparing appearances in left field, which should help preserve his health. Damon, 37, played in 145 games last season and hit .270 with a .355 OBP. He's two years removed from a 24-homerun, 82-RBI season. Farnsworth, 34, had an excellent 2010, posting a 3.34 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. The sometimes erratic flame thrower is projected to head a closer-by-committee arrangement. All three will be tasked with helping the Rays fend off the new-look Sox and hungry Yanks.
8. Emerging Playoff Teams: In 2010, San Diego and Cincinnati improved from sub-.500 clubs the previous season to 90-game winners thanks to a couple of key acquisitions and the development of their young talent. After active an offseason, Detroit is poised to become this season's pleasant surprise. The Tigers signed Victor Martinez to a four-year, $50 million deal, expecting him to provide some needed protection for Miguel Cabrera. Austin Jackson is developing into one the league's finest lead-off men. The rotation consists of ace Justin Verlander and a pair of youngsters with ace-worthy stuff — Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello. In the NL, Florida, as usual, has rebuilt with young talent, notably Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson, Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison, though the former two are hardly young by Marlins standards. If they fulfill their potential and Javy Vazquez can produce anything resembling his 2009 performance — when he last pitched in the NL East — then Florida could give the Braves a fight for the division crown.
9. Baseball Without Torre and Cox: For the first time in decades, an MLB club will be without the services of Joe Torre and Bobby Cox, both of whom retired during the offseason. Torre left the game with 2,326 wins, fifth all time, and four World Series titles. Cox boasts 2,504 wins, fourth all time, and one World Series title. Respectively taking their places are 1985 AL MVP Don Mattingley and 2008 Sporting News Manager of the Year Fredi Gonzalez. Additionally, 1990 World Series-winning manager Lou Piniella and 1991 and 1992 World Series-winning manager Cito Gaston retired, giving way to Mike Quade and John Farrell respectively. The new guys each have big shoes to fill but have resumes that indicate they're more than qualified to oversee an MLB clubhouse.
10. New Milestones: As baseball's present stars accomplish new milestones, we're reminded of the proficiency of their venerable predecessors — those who set the bar during the sport's golden eras. Last season, Derek Jeter passed Babe Ruth on the all-time hits lists, and this season, he's expected to join a prodigious list of MLB players who've eclipsed 3,000 hits. Say what you want about Jeter, but he has been a key component of four World Series champions and has exuded professionalism since he entered the league in 1995. His teammate, Mo Rivera, the gold standard of closers, needs 43 saves to pass the now retired Trevor Hoffman and become baseball's all-time saves leader. A-Rod is 18 homeruns away from passing Ken Griffey Jr. and can tie Hank Aaron for the most seasons with 30 or more homers. Veteran non-Yankee slugger Jim Thome is 11 homers from joining the 600 homerun club headlined by names such as Ruth, Aaron, Mays, A-Rod and Griffey. Impressive company, to say the least.

Listen up, lads and lassies! St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, and if you want to celebrate the holiday the right way, you'll need to dress up and act the part of a true Irishman or lady. That means wearing green regalia, drinking green beer and speaking with a wee Irish accent all while attending a St. Patty's Day parade and doing an Irish jig at the pub. If you're up for the challenge, here are 10 ways to be a total cliché on St. Patrick's Day:

1. Wear Green: Wearing green is the standard dress for St. Patrick's Day in America, even if the color is considered unlucky in Ireland. To truly embrace your inner Leprechaun, go for a completely green getup and top it off with a shamrock headband or green, sparkly top hat.
2. Pinch Anyone Who's Not Wearing Green: To truly be cliché on St. Patty's Day, you should pinch anyone and everyone who's not wearing green. Who cares if they're complete strangers or two feet taller than you – pinch away!
3. Drink Green Beer: Drinking green beer is mandatory for a cliché St. Patty's Day. Why would you settle for an Irish stout like Guinness when you can have a festively dyed Miller Lite instead? If you're throwing a St. Patty's Day party, don't rob your friends of this tradition, serve homemade green beer.
4. Wear a "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" Pin: You can find these cliché pins at just about any store around St. Patty's. But just because your pin says "Kiss me, I'm Irish" doesn't mean you'll get that lucky.
5. Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage: It doesn't get much more Irish (or cliché) than having corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. You can order the dish at your favorite Irish pub, or better yet, make it at home.
6. Attend a St. Patrick's Day Parade: It doesn't matter if the St. Patty's Day parade is in Chicago, Tallahassee or Butte, Montana – you have to be there! And while you're attending the parade, you might as well try to march in the parade or sneak on to one of the floats, because that's never been done before.
7. Say "Top o' the Mornin' to Ya!": Get your St. Patty's Day off to a roaring start with an Irish coffee and saying the cliché line "Top o' the Mornin' to Ya" to anyone and everyone you encounter. To master this old saying and others, you'll need to practice your Irish accent again and again.
8. Pretend You're a Leprechaun: If you're already dressed like a leprechaun, why not act like one too? You can talk about your hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, making shoes for a living and how "they're always after me Lucky Charms!"
9. Do an Irish Jig: Once you've slammed a couple of Irish Car Bombs and Jameson shots, you might be tempted to break out an Irish jig to impress your muckers. Just watch where you leap and high kick because no St. Patty's Day should be spent in the hospital.
10. Look for a Four-Leaf Clover: St. Patty's Day wouldn't be complete and cliché enough if you didn't search for a special four-leaf clover to bring you good luck. Get your friends together to search lawns and pastures for four-leaf clovers. Of course, you'll have the most luck looking during the day.

Cars are terrible. Sure, they can be sleek and beautiful, and there's a certain inspiration to the designs. And there's no denying America is car-culture central, with the mid-century land boats still occupying a place of fond remembrance for most consumers. But ultimately, cars are crazy expensive. They constantly depreciate, they brake down at inopportune times, and they become the focal point of your life. You take your car with you everywhere you go. Cars can be even more of a burden when the economy's flagging and gas prices start to go up; that's when driving becomes not just an activity, but a chore.

Maintenance

1. Know Your Motor Oil: Motor oil comes in a variety of grades that have to do with the substance's viscosity at the engine's operating temperature. Numbers with a "W" attached refer to the oil's viscosity in winter for starting temperatures. That's good to know, but you don't actually have to remember all that to treat your engine well. What matters is that you use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil in your car. Doing so will increase your car's performance and put less of a demand on the engine, which translates to more fuel efficiency. The savings is a few cents a gallon, but that's plenty, especially since the right oil will prolong the life of your vehicle.
2. Clean Your Filters: Air filters are designed to trap dirt and debris from flowing into the engine, but a dirty one will prevent air from passing through and cause poor engine performance. The strain on your system will lead to lower fuel efficiency and mileage, will translates into more frequent and costly trips to the gas station. Change your filters often — or consider a longer-lasting permanent filter you can clean and re-install — to save money on fuel.
3. Lower the Octane: Higher octane ratings deal with the fuel's combustibility and tendency for "knocking," which is when the fuel explodes earlier in the combustion process than it should. However, higher octane ratings don't improve your car's mileage or fuel economy, and many modern engines are designed to run fine on 87 octane instead of the pricier versions. Go with the lower octane stuff and save yourself a dime a gallon or more when you refuel.
4. Secure the Gas Cap: The gas cap is way more important than a lot of people realize. It isn't just a safety feature; it's a stopper that will prevent gas from evaporating and emitting fumes that harm the environment and run out your tank. A busted or missing gas cap means your money is literally disappearing into thin air. Secure the fuel tank's cap to ensure you don't lose fuel and money.
5. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated: Your tires' air pressure is also important to maintaining good fuel efficiency and saving you cash. Tires that are under-inflated provide more resistance that the engine has to compensate for, and a harder-working engine is one that uses more fuel and, hence, money. It's worth a few bucks to invest in a tire pressure gauge than to ignore the issue and spend too much at the pump. (Or worse, suffer a blowout.)
6. Get Regular Tune-Ups: Your car is a precision machine that needs to have its parts and systems maintained to work well. Don't just wait for major breakdowns or Check Engine warnings to have your vehicle examined. Regular tune-ups and preventive maintenance will make sure that your engine and related systems keep running smoothly, which will result in better mileage and financial savings.
7. Gas Up Earlier Than Needed: Most drivers don't think about getting gas until the Low Fuel symbol on their dashboard lights up, at which point they tool on over to the nearest station and fill up. This is understandable, but it's also a bad habit. Instead, start looking for affordable gas stations when you get down to half a tank. You'll have more time to shop and find the right deal.
8. Choose the Right Tires: Another way to get a small but definite edge when it comes to fuel economy and lower gas costs is to buy fuel-efficient tires. These tires have a lower rolling resistance than usual, which means they're better at handling the resistance that comes with moving a round surface (the tire) over a flat one (the road).
9. Shop for the Right Car: A great way to save money on gas is to nip the fuel efficiency problem in the bud and buy a hybrid vehicle. Some of today's hybrids have yet to see their prices drop down to the level of standard cars that are 100% fuel-dependent, but it's worth it to save money at the pump in the long run. Do your homework and figure out what kind of vehicle you need: examine your daily commute, travel needs, etc. A hybrid could be the money-saver you were looking for.

Driving

10. Try to Carpool: Talk with your coworkers to find out if any of them live near you, or take a route to work that passes by your house. If so, it's a good idea to see if you can get an office carpool going a few days a week. Whether you rotate cars or all chip in for gas, it's a great way to save money on fuel (and the reduced emissions are a boon for the environment, too).
11. Don't Be a Leadfoot: Slamming the accelerator uses a burst of gas that you don't need to waste. Don't drive like a 16-year-old who's out to show the world who's boss. Accelerate gradually, applying gentle and increasing pressure to the pedal until you're up to speed. You will see your mileage improve right away, and you'll extend the life of the fuel in your tank.
12. Use the Cruise Control: Even at moderate speeds (at or above 50 mph), your car's cruise control can improve your fuel efficiency and save you money by smoothing out the ride. You expend gas with constant acceleration and braking, so extended trips that depend on cruise can level out those surges and save you some money. Obviously, it's not feasible to do in short jaunts around town, but for longer trips on the highway, it's a great tool.
13. Check for Deals: More often than not, the best way to save money on gas is to just look around for good prices. Sites like GasBuddy (which has a matching iPhone app) are great resources, especially for travelers. If you're in a new city or different part of town, plus in your address to find the best fuel costs in your area. It's amazing how a little homework will save you serious money.
14. Become a Multi-tasker: We go to the store, we come home. We go to dinner, we come home. We go back out to the store (different one), we come home. We go shopping, we come home. All those trips add up to a huge waste of fuel as we repeat routes, sit in start-and-stop traffic, and refuse to plan ahead. You can save good money on gas simply by making your trips into or around town worth the effort. Go to the grocery store once a week. Make multiple shopping runs in one trip. If you have several destinations, visit them consecutively before returning home. You'll drive less, which means you save more.
15. Plan Your Route: By the same token, you can save money on fuel in the long run by planning your route ahead of time. Everyone's got a path they take for their daily commute, but is it really the shortest, easiest way to go? Make sure you're making the right decision. What's more, when it comes time to travel, be sure to choose the simplest path, which for longer trips usually means those with interstate highways that allow for consistent speeds and the use of cruise control.
16. Go Easy on the Brakes: Seriously. This isn't a race. Braking less means you're putting less strain on your car, and it also means you're less likely to need to suddenly accelerate. Drive safe and slow, and you'll save money every time.
17. Slow Down: It can't be said enough: drive slow, save money. Simple as that. Driving at a modest speed — you know, the speed limit — makes for a less demanding trip and one that requires less sudden starts and stops. Keep an eye down the road and know when stops are coming or when you can speed up a bit. You extend the life of your tank, which keeps money in your pocket.
18. Don't Carry Too Much Weight: It sounds so simple and obvious that it can't be true, but it is: the lighter your vehicle, the less fuel you use, which is a life-saver when gas prices start to climb. It's not that passengers are forbidden; rather, don't haul stuff around that you don't need. Take the junk from your trunk and put it in the garage (or throw it away). Keep your vehicle clean and empty unless you're making a specific trip in which you transport something heavy. A lighter load puts less burden on the engine and requires less fuel to get up to speed.
19. Warm Up Your Car By Driving, Not Idling: Your parents and grandparents were idlers. They'd start the car on a cold day and then go back inside to let it warm up. This made sense because those lumbering guzzlers actually needed a few beats to get going, but today's cars are a whole lot better. Manufacturers recommend that you don't let your car idle to warm it up; in fact, the car will warm up quicker by being driven than by sitting still. It's a tremendous waste of fuel and energy to idle your car. It may feel cold, but just get in and go. It works.
20. Give Public Transportation a Whirl: If all else fails — or if you just want to reduce your own carbon footprint — you might want to give public transportation a chance. Some cities are obviously easier for pedestrians to navigate with taxis and trains, but no matter where you live, there's a bus stop nearby. The cost of fuel (not to mention car payments and insurance) easily outweighs the few bucks it costs to get a bus pass. Sometimes, the only winning move is not to play the game.

It's not a matter of "if," but "when." An NFL lockout is inevitable, and the March 4th expiration date for the current CBA is an unfortunate reminder. Think about it: it's possible that we'll be forced to endure an entire fall without witnessing a DeSean Jackson touchdown celebration or game-winning Hail Mary pass, though the latter obviously doesn't occur nearly as often as the former. Not only will it disrupt the lives of players, but it'll drastically alter our lives. So how do we spend the downtime we don't really want? We can either spend it watching Ronco knife infomercials, or we can pursue new "hobbies" that'll make the next season — whenever that will be — come quickly. Here are just a few to consider:

1. Catch up on Sister Wives: Who says a hobby has to be constructive? You'd be sitting on your butt watching TV during the entire NFL season anyway. Sister Wives is TLC's latest effort to showcase an unconventional — albeit more functional — American family. The star of the program is patriarch Kody Brown, an advertising salesman from Lehi, Utah who has four wives and 16 children, and could be adding to his collection. In season one, viewers were privileged to see the awkward courting of his latest wife, Christine, whom he didn't kiss until they met at the altar — racy stuff. Drama could ensue as the older wives' jealousy of the new wife simmers, making for good watchin' with your old lady.
2. Win "Yard of the Month": You've compromised with her on Sunday TV usage — at least until the latter part of No. 8 happens — so why not spend the rest of the day mending your backyard's dilapidated 25-year-old fence, or adorning your barren garden with scintillating fall flowers? Setting the goal of winning "Yard of the Month" will enable you to exercise your competitive spirit. Sure, it doesn't compare to your favorite team winning the Super Bowl, but that probably wasn't going to happen anyway. It's another great way to rack up brownie points from the old lady.
3. Attend the Church of Breesus: Sunday is a day of worship, but during the NFL season, football takes priority. Doesn't God watch Cowboys games anyway, or was that only when they played in Texas Stadium? Regardless, the lockout brings an excellent opportunity for you to both catch up on the gospel and stalk your favorite NFL players — like Drew Brees. The Saints quarterback takes his faith seriously, so it's safe to assume he'll be spending his Sunday mornings on the pew. But don't be obnoxious once you've spotted him — he deserves to worship in peace. Simply absorb his godly aura and allow it to transform you into a better person.
4. Attend cockfights: The NFL wouldn't be nearly as popular without the presence of gambling. If you're still suffering through withdrawals despite betting on UFL and college games, take initiative and find a cockfight to attend in your area. That way, you'll be able to wager in person and watch the battle unfold live above the cockpit. Who knows — if the lockout lasts long enough, you may be able to raise and train your very own gamecock and earn a few extra bucks that could be used for UFL season tickets — see No. 8 again.
5. Create a peewee fantasy football league: Peewee fantasy football will ease the withdrawals suffered by avid fantasy football numbers crunchers. Choose a peewee league, scout the players during their practices, determine player rankings and commence with a fantasy league draft with your buds. During the season, attend the games with your laptop, record the statistics in real time and update your league's scores and standings. The popularity of peewee football will skyrocket as a result. Nope, there's absolutely nothing creepy about this one.
6. Reenact Super Bowl halftime shows: Looking for fun family activities? Watch your favorite Super Bowl halftime shows from years past, assign a part to each family member and reenact one show each week. For the 2011 show, mom or dad could be Fergie, mom or dad could be Slash, the favorite child could be Usher and the rest could fight over the parts of Will.I.am, Taboo and apl.de.ap. Note: the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake and Prince shows shouldn't be performed in the presence of children.
7. Tailgate before Sunday baseball games: For the most part, baseball isn't really a tailgating sport. The eating, boozing and socializing typically occur during the game because, well, it's not the most action-packed sport. But there's no rule stating you can't make attending a game an exciting all-day affair. Set up shop outside of the stadium, grill the morning away with your buds and transform an otherwise insignificant regular season game into a can't-miss event. Just be sure to check beforehand if such an activity is permitted on the premises.
8. Adopt a UFL club: If a lockout lasts into the fall, the UFL would be the highest level of professional football, so don't allow it to suffer the same fate as the USFL, XFL or Arena Football League — it'll be all we have! You can select a club with your favorite former mediocre NFL players. For example, the Las Vegas Locomotives have featured guys such as Tim Rattay, Samie Parker and Teddy Lehman. Surely you remember those names. But don't hop on the Locomotives' bandwagon. That'd be the gutless thing to do — they've won both of the UFL championships. Of course, most UFL games occur on Friday and Saturday, but you have to account for the traveling for road games. Plus, it's reasonable to assume the UFL would move a few games to Sunday (beyond August) to take advantage of the NFL's absence.
9. Redo your den — with your favorite UFL team's colors: After being regaled with pulse-pounding UFL action, show your fanaticism by embellishing your den with your favorite UFL team's colors and memorabilia. Prominently display that Omaha Nighthawks helmet signed by Maurice Clarett and Willie Williams. Cover your wall with Jeff Garcia, Ahman Green and Robert Ferguson Fatheads. Frame your ticket stub from the first game you attended in person. The gameday atmosphere will be enhanced immeasurably.
10. Root on your alma mater: College football, kind of like the UFL, is a Saturday tradition, but it's more than just the game — it's a weekend experience. Plan a couple of trips to your old college stomping grounds, reconnect with your old pals and relive the college experience. So what if your school hasn't won a conference title since the Nixon administration? Essentially, it's an opportunity for you to spend the weekend pretending like you're 20 years old, drinking away the severe case of depression that has developed because of the lockout.

The 2011 NBA Draft will mark the sixth year in which the league's "one-and-done" rule has been in effect. Much debate still exists over whether or not it's truly improving the league's quality of play, but college basketball fans and pundits tend to agree that it has harmed their sport. Teams lack the continuity. They miss out on the opportunity to gel into cohesive units during two or three years of hard-fought competition. And it's because most highly touted freshmen now view college as only a one-year stop in their plans to pursue NBA careers. The names listed below have been bandied about in mock drafts for months, and will assuredly be announced by David Stern at the Prudential Center in Newark come June 23rd (barring a lockout):

1. Jared Sullinger, Fr. — Ohio State: For much of the season, Sullinger has been the best player on the best team in the nation. The 6'9, 280-pound power forward has asserted himself as the best player at his position in the nation and perhaps the favorite to be the top pick in the draft. None of his peers possess his polished post moves and bruising body, which enable him to impose his will down low. So far this season, he has tallied 13 double-doubles. When the lane is clogged, he can step back and hit the 15-footer or find an open teammate. He's an excellent rebounder, but his defense leaves a bit to be desired. NBADraft.net compares him to Kevin Love, who, because of his impressive performance so far this NBA season, has caused NBA teams to covet players built in a similar mold.
2. Derrick Williams, So. — Arizona: Williams has emerged as one of the favorites to be the No. 1 pick. Last season's Pac-10 Freshman of the Year has expanded his scoring repertoire, adding a three-point shot — he's making one per game at a 67.5 percent rate as of late February — to his already impressive perimeter game. He attacks the basket and doesn't shy away from contact, averaging more than nine attempts per game, and he's also capable of playing with his back to the basket. He's a good rebounder who can play physically, yet he avoids foul trouble. Williams' highly evolved skill set and versatile game will enable him to create mismatches against many power forwards at the next level.
3. Perry Jones, Fr. — Baylor: During Baylor's game against Kansas in January, 35 NBA scouting passes were issued, 10 of which were for general managers. Of course, NBA scouts are accustomed to attending Kansas games. The program is always oozing with talent, and Marcus Morris is its latest hot prospect. The main attraction, however, was Baylor's Perry Jones, who has shown limitless upside. Standing at 6'11, the exceptionally athletic forward boasts a 7'2.5-foot wingspan and equally lofty offensive talent. Despite his size, he can put the ball on the floor, blow by defenders and finish efficiently at the rim. If he develops a consistent perimeter shot and learns how to utilize his length on the defensive end, then he'll truly be a scout's dream.
4. Enes Kanter, Fr. — Kentucky: The much ballyhooed big man was never given the chance to contribute on the floor at Kentucky, as he was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA for "receiving benefits above his actual and necessary expenses" while he played professionally in Turkey. The next logical step for him now is to enter the draft, where NBA teams will covet his size, strength and unique skill set. He's a multidimensional scorer who can dominate in the paint, face the basket and hit the outside shot. He enjoys contact and consistently rebounds, bucking the stereotype that foreign — in this case, Eurasian — players are soft. Naturally, as a big man with potential, he has knee problems, but that hasn't prevented NBA scouts from drooling over him.
5. Terrence Jones, Fr. — Kentucky: It's a given that a talent like Jones isn't likely to stick around beyond his freshman season, but when you consider the quick departures of Kentucky's fabulous freshmen from last season and Calipari's short leash with Jones this season — Coach Cal benched Jones in a game versus Auburn and called Jones a "selfish (expletive)" during a game against Alabama — it seems like a certainty that Jones will enter the draft. Averaging about 18 points and nine rebounds per game, he's been among the most productive freshman in the country. His combination of size and versatility is his biggest asset and will override any reservations NBA coaches may have about his propensity to become a black hole.
6. Brandon Knight, Fr. — Kentucky: The highly touted point guard from Fort Lauderdale, Florida was expected to be a one-and-done player from the beginning. During high school, Knight was twice named Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Florida Mr. Basketball. So far in his brief college career, he has been named SEC Freshman of the Week three times. Although, as of now, he's not projected to be a lottery pick, the draft isn't top-heavy with point guards, so his value could rise. It's also worth mentioning that Calipari's last three starting point guards — Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans and John Wall — each left following their freshman seasons and each were selected in the top four picks of the draft. Rose and Wall, of course, were No. 1 overall picks.
7. Alec Burks, So. — Colorado: Because he doesn't play for a major program such as Kentucky or Duke, Burks is one of the most unheralded lottery prospects in this year's draft. Named to the top-30 list for the Naismith Trophy, the Colorado guard possesses the explosive athleticism and scoring proficiency to become an upper-tier NBA guard. Notably, he erupted for a 36-point performance against Missouri this season in an 89-76 Colorado victory, shooting 12 of 19 from the field. He's the total package: he has solid shooting form, he can hit free throws, he attacks the rim, he's a good rebounder and he can defend. He'll entice quite a few NBA clubs this June.
8. Jordan Hamilton, So. — Texas: Hamilton has been the catalyst of Texas's resurgence in 2010-11, helping Longhorns fans forget about the team's collapse at the end of last season. Rick Barnes significantly increased his minutes and he's produced, scoring just fewer than 19 points per games and grabbing 7.5 boards per game. He can fill the basket in a variety of ways — off the dribble, in transition or from the outside. He's shooting better than 40 percent from behind the arc, and his free throw percentage has improved by almost 20 percent from last season to this season. Hamilton's upward trajectory is corresponding with his improving draft status.
9. Kyrie Irving, Fr. — Duke: There is a smidge of doubt as to whether or not Irving will forgo his sophomore season and declare for the NBA draft, where, despite the toe injury that has kept him out most of his freshman season, he's projected to be a top-five selection. NBA teams are willing to overlook the fact that he's still an unknown commodity because of his potential to be an elite point guard. He's exceptionally quick, possesses solid vision and can hit the lane in an instant and create for his teammates. He has a decent outside that can improve with time. If the comparisons to Chris Paul are remotely accurate, then he could be a franchise-changer.
10. Harrison Barnes, Fr. — North Carolina: Like Marvin Williams in 2005, Barnes could parlay his vast potential into a big payday after his freshman season at North Carolina. How much he earns, and more specifically, where's he drafted, is dependent on how much stock NBA scouts and general managers put into his underwhelming performance this season. During his recruitment, the reputable talent evaluators graded him as the No. 1 prospect in the nation, and he was immediately favored to be the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft. But he hasn't been the polished scorer people thought he'd be, and his athleticism has been unremarkable. Nevertheless, it's difficult to imagine him not entering the draft as soon as he's eligible. He's still expected to be a top-10 pick even though he may not be as dominant as previously thought.