* Empty The Bench is one of my favourite sites and they proved why with their article “Quiet Heroics: The NBA’s Best Glue Players.” In the article they broke down 12 players who quietly do the dirty work that helps their respective teams win games. Empty The Bench continues to come up with some great insight into the game.

* While many NBA Draft pundits have Michael Beasely going #1 in the draft, Ira Winderman of the Miami Sun-Sentinel feels Miami would be better suited drafting Derrick Rose.

* Fans of CAA basketball are pleased to see Jim Larranaga signed a three-year contract extension to continue coaching at George Mason. Could this be the next step towards the CAA getting some more respect from fans and the mainstream media? I sure hope so.

* ESPN recently released a writers roundtable called “Who Are The Best Players Under 23?” and while I agree with most oN the list, I’m surprised that players who have never played in the NBA (Greg Oden and Michael Beasley) warranted mention. Personally, I think players like Josh Smith, Rajon Rondo, Al Horford, Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge should have made it instead.

* Sticking with younger players, want to know who will blow up next March during the NCAA Tournament? Check out Parade’s list of the top high school players for 2008.

* Congratulations goes out to Hardwood Paroxysm for securing an interview with Clippers rookie Marcus Williams.

* I’m pleased to announce that Hoops Addict was one of the Top 25 Basketball blogs for April.

* Have you seen this creepy Steve Nash bobblehead doll? It looks like Nash is a zombie and has been avoiding the Arizona sun.

* Glen Davis is rocking a mohawk as part of his rookie initiation. At least it’s not as bad as Julian Wright having to carry around a pink Disney Princess napsack.

* What is up with Avery Johnson suing a website for libel? I hope nobody in the NBA ever has any beef with Hoops Addict.

* In what amounts to being a no brainer, Ben Gordon was selected to play for the British national team.

If you want some new songs to add to your iPod I’d like to suggest:

1. Wyclef - Fast Car (Remix)

2. Consequence feat. Q-Tip - The Consequences (live)

3. DJ Food Stamp - Atliens Resurretion Mixtape4. Lupe Fiasco - Superstar (Acoustic Version)

5. The Roots ft Wale and Chrisette Michelle - Rising Up