Many ways for college programs to develop NBA talent

Consider two college programs -- Kentucky and Pittsburgh -- both at the pinnacle of the sport, but polar opposites in the way they go about their business, as the upcoming NBA Draft clearly illustrates.

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This week, Kentucky made news by conducting its own mini combine, designed to give the NBA a better look at its four draft-worthy players, not counting big man Enes Kanter, who was ruled ineligible by the NCAA and didn't play this season. He's been working out at ATTACK Athletics in Chicago. Underclassmen who declare for the draft have until May 8 to decide whether to stay in or return to school, but they aren't allowed to travel and work out for NBA teams.
Thus, the NBA came to Kentucky, 20 teams in all. And those teams weren't represented by scouts, but by general managers and directors of player personnel -- the decision makers. The star attractions in Lexington were point guard Brandon Knight and forward Terrence Jones, both projected to be lottery picks. Based on the feedback he received, Knight announced Friday morning he would remain in the draft. That was hardly a shocker. Jones' decision to stay in school, announced Saturday, was a bit surprising, but his intentions are good. "I've decided to come back and help us get back to the Final Four and bring the Big Blue Nation a national championship," he said.
In just two seasons -- and three full recruiting classes, all ranked No. 1 in the country by Rivals.com -- Kentucky coach John Calipari has established a pattern. He's going to recruit the best players in the country, and if they leave after one season -- Kentucky has seen five one-and-doners breeze through campus the last two years -- so be it. There are plenty of great players waiting behind them. The Wildcats' incoming class includes four five-star prospects, including power forward Anthony Davis, who some believe would be the top pick in the 2011 draft if he were allowed to be included.

NBA AM: The 2011 NBA Draft ‎

At this point, the name Rafael Nadal is essentially synonymous with clay, so it makes sense to ensure that the reigning champion is outfitted in the most neck-breaking gear available; after all, he’s likely to be pretty visible beyond just that first round. On his feet, Nadal will again wear the Nike Air Max Hyperfly Courtballistec 3.3, the most durable Nike Tennis shoe to date which features superlative cushioning, primarily through the Max Air heel unit and the Lunarlon forefoot. Meanwhile, the DragOn 2x upper ensure absolutely unmatched durability without adding excessive weight, while also allowing excellent breathability by way of large perforations throughout the upper.

Covering tech for as long as we have (and reading our message boards), we can't help but notice that tech fanboys and girls sometimes talk like those people who wear purple capes and Nike tennis shoes, or who drink the grape Kool-Aid and then go to sleep.
To make the point, we've assembled here a group of quotes, some of which are from tech fan boys and fan girls while others are from real cult members. Can you tell the difference? We'll give you the answers at the bottom of the page. Good luck (you'll need it)!
As for apparel, Nadal will keep things simple with the Nike Dunks Rafa Ace Jacquard Top and Short, which maximize ventilation and reduce weight through the use of lightweight jacquard mesh. The shorts are a flat white, while the simple shirt features subtle horizontal stripes, a shallow v-neck and inconspicuous details like “¡Vamos Rafa!” emblazoned inside the back of the collar and Rafa’s bull logo printed across the back.
The 2011 NBA Draft will take place in roughly 50 days. College underclassmen will have to decide if they are staying in this draft by May 8th, the NCAA withdrawal deadline. International players need to decide by June 13th, the NBA's official withdrawal deadline.
The 2011 NBA Draft Class is really lacking in star power and could go down as one of the worst draft classes in the recent years.
Over the last month we have hit on a number of the notable names in this class, today let's take a look at some of the names you are going to hear a lot about, but maybe have not seen play.