STORRS, Conn. — The bounce of a ping pong ball could alter an NBA franchise’s fate for years. Last year, for example, it was predetermined that two teams in the 14-team lottery would be declared winners while every other team would be losers.

MILWAUKEE — There are many reasons to be envious of Jerel McNeal, whom it appears will make the logical decision at some point this week to enter his name into the NBA Draft.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the second straight year, Thad Matta’s most prized recruit is leaving to enter the NBA draft. Freshman center Kosta Koufos announced Monday that he will declare but will not hire an agent, therefore maintaining his remaining three years of eligibility should he decide to back out of the June draft.

LOS ANGELES — John Wooden once said, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” Now, I’m pretty sure the Wizard of Westwood wasn’t talking about college players declaring for the draft early, but in the cases of Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook, his advice is spot on.

STILLWATER, Okla. — When Oklahoma State Cowboy coach Travis Ford introduced himself to his new team, he wasn’t expecting the initial reaction he received. “Were you in ‘The Sixth Man’?” sophomore Obi Muonelo asked.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — On the short list of candidates for the Oregon State men’s basketball head coaching position, Brown University’s Craig Robinson was not the most recognizable of the bunch. However, there are many reasons to believe that the former Ivy League coach of the year can win here.