It's never too early is it?

["Nathan A." <nj13@navix.net>]

Hey, it's never to early to be looking to the future, is it? Here is CBS
Sportsline's list of players to watch for next year's draft:
(After all, with the holdout and everything, this may be the next thing the
NBA offically does.  ;-)   )

Nathan A.


Lamar Odom, Rhode Island ... This
frosh-to-be expects to be academically
eligible. Coach Jim Harrick will love this kid, who's a former McDonald's
All-American. If Odom had made himself eligible for this draft, he'd likely be
a first-round selection. A silky-smooth forward, Odom should make an
immediate impact at URI. 

  Lee Nailon, Texas Christian ... Nailon withdrew his name from the draft
shortly before the deadline. He had some monster games for the Horned
Frogs last season and is a polished low-post player. Nailon has a pro body
and should thrive at the next level. 

  Andre Miller, Utah ... His stock rose during the Utes' run to the national
championship game. Another year of college will be very beneficial. If he
develops a consistent jump shot from 15 feet, he'll be even better. 

  Richard Hamilton, Connecticut ... Nicknamed "Rip," Hamilton ripped
apart the opposition with an explosive overall game. He probably needs to
get a little bit stronger, but the skills are there. 

  Ed Cota, North Carolina ... This kid can penetrate at will and has an
amazing understanding of how to play. Like Miller, an improved shooting
touch will be imperative. 

  Elton Brand, Duke ... Coach Mike Krzyzewski says he has never
coached a freshman who was as polished as Brand. It's unlikely Brand will
leave the Blue Devils after his sophomore year. If he does, he'll be extremely
attractive to NBA teams. Brand has an uncanny ability to score in the low
post, and runs the court better than most power forwards his size. 

  Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State ... Cleaves almost single-handedly
carried the Spartans to a share of the Big 10 regular-season title last year.
This feisty point guard will have no problem adapting to the NBA style. 

  Arthur Lee, Stanford ... Lee proved his mettle in the NCAA Tournament
by hitting clutch shot after clutch shot. He might even turn out to be better
than former Cardinal standout Brevin Knight. 

  Kenny Thomas, New Mexico ... He had a disappointing NCAA
Tournament for the Lobos, but that doesn't diminish his ability to play in the
NBA. Unfortunately, he has disappeared in big games before and scouts
have noticed. 

  A.J. Bramlett, Arizona ... According to coach Lute Olson, Bramlett is
one of his most pleasant surprises ever. Bramlett arrived with plenty of raw
potential; now, along with an ever-improving offensive game, he possesses
terrific shot-blocking and defensive skills. 

  Donald Watts, Washington ... The son of former NBA player "Slick"
Watts, Donald has come a long way with the Huskies. Watts loves pressure
and wants to take the big shots. With another year of college, he'll be a
steal for someone in '99. 

  Ronald Curry, North Carolina ... Curry signed to play football and
basketball for the Tar Heels. Don't be surprised if he winds up being an
All-American in both sports. He's that talented. This swingman could play in
the NBA right now. 

  Jeff Boschee, Kansas ... He's labeled as Bobby Hurley with a jump shot.
At Duke, Hurley was pretty darn good. So Boschee must be a
star-in-the-making. 

  JaRon Rush, UCLA ... Rush is simply a part of a huge recruiting class
signed by coach Steve Lavin. He has unbelievable athletic ability, but has to
work on his outside game. 

  B.J. McKie, South Carolina ... The fans in Columbia, S.C., were ecstatic
when McKie decided to stay for his senior year. He'll be the focal point of
the Gamecocks again this year and barring a catastrophe, will lead them to
the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year. 

Fifteen more to watch

  Trajan Langdon, Duke ... A 3-point threat, but a defensive liability. 

  Etan Thomas, Syracuse ... Possibly the best shot-blocker in the
country. 

  Luke Recker, Indiana ... Another year at Indiana will help. 

  A.J. Guyton, Indiana ... Ditto. 

  Quentin Richardson, DePaul ... Blue Demons fans will embrace this
freshman, who can score at will. 

  Todd MacCullouch, Washington ... 7-footer looks awkward, doesn't play
that way. 

  Scott Padgett, Kentucky ... Nearly flunked out as a freshman; He has a
Grade A game from 3-point territory. 

  Brett Nelson, Florida ... As a senior in high school in West Virginia, he
was compared to Hall of Famer Jerry West. 

  Baron Davis, UCLA ... Coming off ACL surgery, but shouldn't be affected,
due to his fearless demeanor. 

  Melvin Levett, Cincinnati ... Shot selection a big question mark. 

  Mike Miller, Florida ... Considered the best player ever from South
Dakota. 

  Corey Maggette ... Duke's lone recruit, but a great one. 

  Louis Bullock, Michigan ... Very streaky, though he's an intense
defender. 

  Vincent Yarbrough, Tennessee ... Will help ease life in Knoxville after
Peyton Manning. 

  Eric Chenowith, Kansas ... Still a project; 7-footers are always attractive.

Andy Jasner is a sportswriter on CBS SportsLine's staff.