June 22
I have a simple message for former University of North Carolina superstar Michael Jordan: MJ, it is time to unite Carolina and Duke, baby! They should make magical music together. How would that happen?

	Duke forward Shane Battier was named ESPN.com's 2000-01 Player of the Year.

As my buddy Tony Kornheiser would say, two words: Shane Battier.

Jordan, the head of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards, should make sure those two words are spoken on draft day. When the Wizards make their No. 1 call on June 27, Shane Battier should be the two words on that draft card, making a statement loud and clear.

The more I evaluate this draft, the more I feel it is about potential, potential, potential. Battier would give the Wizards an instant contributor, someone who understands how to win. The former Dukie has learned about succeeding under pressure situations.

Battier has done it in many different ways, including his defense. At Duke, he showed he can guard different players, handling small forwards, big forwards, big guards. His ability to pass and to hit the long-range jump shot has helped him become a winner.

We hear so much about youth in this draft. Battier is not a 40-year-old man, baby! He is 22 and he will bring class to whatever organization calls his name. He can contribute instantly. His maturity and leadership skills are positives that can improve a team.

If the Wizards don't go with Battier, you can be sure he won't slip past No. 3. The Atlanta Hawks won't let him get away. Last season, Atlanta learned the hard way, going for potential by picking Der Marr Johnson out of Cincinnati. He ended up sitting on the pine for a great deal of the season.

Battier is the type of player who will be solid for 10 years.

MJ, it is time to bring the Dukies and the Tar Heels together. Two words ... Shane Battier.