Durant named player of the year

Texas freshman Kevin Durant has been named the NCAA player of the year after a spectacular season where he became a household name and cemented himself as a top-2 pick in the upcoming draft. With the announcement, Durant becomes the first freshman to win the award in its history after receiving 70 or a possible 72 first place votes; Alando Tucker of Wisconsin got the other two. Even with this title around his waist, it’s still going to be a tough decision come draft time picking between Durant and Greg Oden who played the entire NCAA season in third-gear and still dominated. Needless to say, if you have a top-2 pick this upcoming draft, you’re team’s going to be set for a while. Unless the unthinkable happens and they both stay in school for another year which would actually be devastating.

Nomar’s a Papa

Nomar Garciaparra’s wife, Mia Hamm, delivered twins yesterday while Nomar was on a flight from spring training in Florida. Hamm is also a recognizable name in U.S. sports having played on the national soccer team prior to the pregnancy. One thing is for sure, Nomar isn’t going to get much sleep this season so try not to start him in your fantasy league if it’s a day game at home. But it shouldn't be much of a dilemma as he'll most likely be injured on top of that.

OJ Mayo shoots out lights

Well, actually it was kind of the opposite. At the McDonald’s All-American game Mayo, touted as ready-for-the-NBA by some scouts, shot a dastardly 4 for 17 from the floor. This only goes to prove that he could fit in perfectly with some of the lottery teams this year and only goes to discredit the horrible NBA age-limit.

Former Major Leaguer sent to prison

Yesterday, in a Venezuelan court, former MLB pitcher Ugueth Urbina was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty for the attempted murder of five workers at his family’s ranch. He was also found guilty of illegal deprivation of liberty and violating a prohibition against taking justice into his own hands. The incident occurred in October of 2005 and Urbina hasn’t pitched since.

Urbina is most memorable for being the only major leaguer in history to have the initials U.U.U. and for closing out games for several teams like the now-defunct Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies over his 11 seasons. He is currently 30th on the all-time list for saves with 237 and has a World Series ring from his time with the Marlins. It is doubtful that he will be able to add to those accomplishments unless the MLB passes a rule to include to stats from the Venezuelan prison league, where Urbina will most likely be a top-5 pick in the entry draft.