Hoop Scoop

Scouts will be paying particularly close attention to this month's NCAA tournament, looking for a rising star or two to shore up what's widely considered the weakest draft class in years, with a pair of seniors—Wake Forest center Tim Duncan and Utah forward Keith Van Horn—likely to go one-two. Even the recent decisions to turn pro by 6'10" junior center Adonal Foyle of Colgate and 6'7" sophomore forward Ron Mercer of Kentucky have failed to generate much enthusiasm. " Foyle's definitely a power forward in the pros, not a center," says Hawks scout Jerry Powell. "But can he play facing the basket? And can he defend a power forward?" As further proof of just how thin the talent pool is, two extremely raw 6'9" high school forwards, Lamar Odom of Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, N.Y., and Tracy McGrady of Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham. N.C., are certain first-round picks if they decide to skip college and enter the draft....

Dallas forward Michael Finley isn't complaining about the extensive dealing clone by new CM. Don Nelson. Used sparingly before Hurricane Nellie arrived. Finley has started the last 13 games, averaging 20.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists....

Comedian Billy Crystal has signed 7'7" Bullets center Gheorghe Muresan to star in a movie called My Giant. But Muresan may not be the NBA's giant for long. Ri Myong Hun, a 7'8" center from North Korea, is awaiting permission from the U.S. government for a work visa. He's considered a bona tide pro prospect....

Rockets reserve guard Sam Mack has never experienced more pain than when he had to undergo an emergency root canal last week. "I've been shot four times in my life," Mack says. "But a bullet in the leg is nothing compared to an abscessed tooth."

... Phoenix can lay claim to being the league's melting pot. In addition to 6'11" center Horacio Llamas, who on March 2 became the first Mexican-born player to appear in an NBA game, the Suns also suited up the first player from Bulgaria, Georgi Glouchkov, who played in 49 games during the 1985-86 season, as well as the first Italian, Stefano Rusconi, who checked in to seven games last year....

A strained left groin kept Mavericks guard Derek Harper from playing at Utah on March 5. But fans at the Delta Center still got a chance to razz Harper, who had spurned a trade to the Jazz last month with the declaration, "You go live in Utah." During pregame introductions the public address announcer told the crowd: "By the way, still playing with Dallas, but not playing in tonight's game because of injury—Derek Harper." The boos, naturally, followed....

Remember the original Air Jordans, those ugly red-white-and-black numbers from 1985? Well, an unused pair, less than $120 when they were introduced, can now fetch as much as $2,500 from vintage shoe dealers. Even a used set in good condition is worth $300. Just one more reason to clean up your bedroom closet.