Welcome, fantasy basketball pupils (and dunces), to NBA Draft 101. Lesson 1: Leave those kids alone. I'm talking about those man-children who announce it's Showtime before Senior Week. Fact is, KG ('95), Kobe ('96), T-Mac ('97), Bender ('99) and Darius ('00) -- the last five high school lottery picks -- were fantasy flunkies their first year. Not since '96 -- Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Stephon Marbury -- has there been a worthy fantasy season from a player who entered the draft before his sophomore season.

So when it comes to Eddy Curry, Kwame Brown, Sagana Diop and Tyson Chandler, take a page from history: Avoid them like the plague. There's no substitute for higher learning. Ignore anyone who hasn't played two years in college.

Who does that leave us with? Read on.

Jamaal Tinsley, Iowa St., senior: If Tinsley lands with the right team (Celts, Warriors), he should start right away. He's the best PG out there, and he put in a full four years in college. Think of a young Tim Hardaway, who produced 14.7 ppg and 8.7 apg his rookie season.

Joe Johnson, Arkansas, sophomore: Johnson can handle the rock like few other 6'8" players. His individual workouts have NBA scouts giddy. He'd look best in a Pistons hat.

Sam Clancy, USC, junior: Clancy reminds us of 2000 rookie Marcus Fizer. He's also USC's all-time leading shotblocker, and has been one of the steadiest climbers on the draft board. Seattle, Toronto or the soon-to-be Chris Webber-less Kings would fit Clancy's fancy.

Gilbert Arenas, Arizona, sophomore: Arenas has NBA-caliber quickness and shooting touch. His major weakness is his size: At 6'3", he's a liability on defense. But hey, D counts for squat in the fantasy game, so who cares? Arenas belongs in Vancouver, alongside fellow Arizona alums Mike Bibby and Michael Dickerson.

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