ATLANTA TAKES....AL HORFORD

There's a large contingent of University of Florida fans here this evening--certainly more than there are Atlanta Hawk fans-- and so a big cheer went up when the Hawks took the Gators' Al Horford No. 1. But then there was dismay when Horford took the microphone and announced that he had had a change of heart, and was returning to college. "I don't what came over me," Horford said, "but deep down, I realize that I'm a college player and I belong in Gainesville."

Meanwhile, Al's father, Tito, is standing proudly and waving a flag from the Dominican Republic, the Horford's homeland. Somewhere, you just know it, Gary Sheffield is pissed. Which reminds me, do you think the Yankees will score a run tonight? What's the score in Baltimore?

The Memphis Grizzlies just selected Mike Conley, Jr., No. 4. Smart pick. It's retro night at the NBA draft. The top four overall picks are college basketball players. Three of the four (Horford's the exception) were born in the U.S. and three of the four played in the naitonal championship game (Durant's the exception). This is the first time since 2000 that the top two picks were American-born college players.

Another trend I'm noticing: much more conservative suits on the draft picks. So far, grays and blues amongst the top five picks---Boston just selected Jeff Green of Georgetown No. 5, and I can't think Bill Simmons is thrilled about that; Green is solid, but not someone that speeds up your pulse. Anyway, everyone is dressing like a banker, and I believe it's the players' attempt to distance themselves from Craig Sager.