Feb. 26

RODGERS DESERVES TO BE IN HALL
It is an absolute disgrace that Guy Rodgers is not in the Hall of Fame. He was a tremendous player and a key player on the Philadelphia basketball scene.

I read a great tribute on Rodgers, who passed away recently, in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Sonny Hill, who has done so much for basketball in the City of Brotherly Love, wrote about how important Rodgers was to the sport and the community. I was shocked to learn Guy isn't in the Hall.

I think fans should write letters to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., urging them to correct this mistake. Rodgers should be on the next ballot and voted into the shrine.

It's a shame that he isn't alive to enjoy such a special moment when he makes it to the Hall.

A SALUTE TO BRADLEY
Villanova center Michael Bradley has had a super season. I saw him first-hand on Sunday as the Wildcats beat St. John's in a key Big East showdown.

Bradley can do it all -- pass, shoot, rebound, defend. I was surprised when he transferred from Kentucky after earning a championship ring. He wanted more playing time and Villanova's Wildcats are happy to have him.

The seven-footer is one of my Super Seven this season. It will be interesting to see who earns Big East Player of the Year honors as Bradley, Notre Dame's Troy Murphy and Boston College's Troy Bell are all legitimate candidates.

The rest of my Super Seven, in order: Shane Battier, Duke; Joseph Forte, North Carolina; Jason Williams, Duke; Troy Murphy, Notre Dame; Casey Jacobsen, Stanford; and Jason Richardson, Michigan State.

ARKANSAS MAKING A RUN
Last year, Nolan Richardson's Razorbacks surprised many down in SEC country by making a run through the conference tournament to earn an NCAA bid.

Arkansas is making its late charge again this season. Sunday's win over Kentucky, which snapped the Wildcats' eight-game win streak, was big-time. Joe Johnson is one of the top talents in the league, and the Razorbacks' ability to hit the trifecta makes them dangerous come tournament time.

CONGRATS TO LAMPLEY
California forward Sean Lampley had had a super season. Now he has something else to be proud of.

Lampley recently passed Lamond Murray as the school's all-time leading scorer. A salute to the 6-foot-7 Lampley, who is leading the Pac-10 in scoring at 20.1 ppg. He's an unsung contender for league Player of the Year honors and his Golden Bears should be in the Big Dance at 10-4 in the Pac-10 and 19-7 overall.

Lampley can do it at both ends of the court -- score, rebound, pass and defend. Cal coach Ben Braun says Lampley makes his teammates better. That's high praise!