June 27
What's happening in the realm of college basketball when seniors complete their eligibility? Many kids put together an outstanding resumé, have great college careers, show maturity and prove themselves at a big-time level, playing in front of large crowds in pressure situations. They can star as the No. 1 option at their schools, with the TV cameras rolling.

	Florida's Udonis Haslem was not a slam dunk for the NBA draft.

Yet when evaluation time comes for the NBA draft, college seniors often get pushed aside -- sometimes in favor of high school seniors! Often, these veterans don't get drafted because of the influx of foreign players and underclassmen who are picked based on potential. The interesting trend now is to pick European players in the second round, guys you can put away and don't have to pay right away as they play overseas and get experience.

Look at the guys on my "I Did It the Right Way" Team (below). They are American college players who did the right things yet got pushed aside. They put together some awesome seasons on major-college campuses but came away undrafted.

"I Did It the Right Way" Super Seven
Reggie Evans, Iowa -- Evans was a rebounding machine in the rugged Big Ten, averaging 11.1 boards last season.

Lynn Greer, Temple -- Greer averaged over 23 points per game last season; he scored 47 in a game against Wisconsin. He can flat-out play, giving a team solid minutes and a great attitude. Greer's work ethic under coach John Chaney was outstanding.

Udonis Haslem, Florida -- The 6-foot-9 Haslem averaged double figures in all four college seasons, competing in the tough SEC. He was a third team All-American as a junior and honorable mention as a senior.

Aaron McGhee, Oklahoma -- McGhee was a star in the 2002 NCAA Tournament, averaging over 21 points and seven boards at the Big Dance. Is there any bigger stage than helping your team to the Final Four?

Luke Recker, Iowa -- Recker averaged over 17 points per game the past two seasons.

Preston Shumpert, Syracuse -- Shumpert has the outside shooting ability to contribute at the next level.

Kelly Wise, Memphis -- Wise had injury problems in college, but he still had a solid career.

What about Jason Capel, Clarence Gilbert, Maurice Baker, Anthony Grundy -- all pretty good college players. Still, not good enough to go in round two of a draft crowded with a number of players who won't even be considered for an NBA roster slot next season. They were shut out of the draft, baby! I feel their pain, because these kids have proven they deserve an opportunity. And many will have opportunities via free agency and get phone calls galore inviting them to an NBA camp.

It's a different situation at camp for first-round picks who have a guaranteed contract in their back pockets. Coming in as a second-rounder, contracts are for minimal dollars and only present the chance to make the roster -- there's no guarantee. Second-rounders must excel in summer leagues just to advance to rookie camp. Then they must battle and scratch to have a chance to make the team.

I want to give them my tribute as guys who did it the right way and deserved better. At least they got the great college experience. I hope they will have a fair opportunity to advance even further to the next level.