Land Of Giants

Although the two best players in Australia's history are a forward ( Andrew Gaze) and a guard (Shane Heal), Oz has become a popular spot for Division I coaches to find big men. More than 100 Aussies are playing at U.S. colleges. Here are 10 of the most prominent (statistics through Sunday).

AARON BRUCE
BAYLOR, 6'3", G
Freshman, Horsham

Nation's No. 2 freshman scorer (17.3 ppg) turned down UCLA and Arizona to help Baylor rebuild; leads Bears in scoring and assists while shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range

CHRIS CAMERON
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE, 6'11", C
Senior, Melbourne

Three-year starter moved from forward to center in October 2003; five weeks later, against Georgia Tech, had 10 points and 8 rebounds to Luke Schenscher's 6 and 1; averaging 7.8 points and 3.7 boards

IAN CROSSWHITE
OREGON, 7 feet, C
Junior, Castlecrag

Much was expected from Ducks' top returning scorer and rebounder (12.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 56.2% shooting last season), but after subpar play he was suspended indefinitely on Feb. 9 for "violation of team rules"

MARTIN ITI
CHARLOTTE, 7 feet, C
Sophomore, Sydney

Most heralded recruit in 49ers history is averaging 6.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks; declared for '04 NBA draft but withdrew in part because he measured 6' 8�1/2" (without shoes) at Chicago predraft camp

BLAGOJ JANEV
NEW HAMPSHIRE, 6'8", F
Sophomore, Sydney