THE NBA IN PORTLAND

Due to an exceptionally lucky draw, the Portland Trailblazers will pick first and the Seattle Supersonics will select second in the upcoming June 28 National Basketball Association draft.

Going first and second, although not necessarily in this order, will be Greg Oden of Ohio State and Kevin Durant of Texas. Since Portland and Seattle both play in the same Division in the Western Conference, fans and visitors in the Northwest will have numerous opportunities to see the two most highly regarded and most sought after college players in upcoming years.

If you're a pro basketball fan, come visit Portland and enjoy a game at the Rose Garden, the City's spacious arena. Stay at The Fulton House and public transportation will take you right to the game. We're located a half-block from the bus that takes you downtown in about 10 minutes, and then a quick light rail hop across the Willamette River and you're there. No hassles or expensive parking.

As I write this, 19-year-old 7-foot center Oden is in town strutting his stuff before Trailblazer officials and coaches. And Durant, a forward, is due here shortly. The team is busily evaluating both players in order to avoid what many consider the worst draft decision ever: a number of years ago, the Trailblazers passed on a North Carolina player named Michael Jordan in order to draft a center named Sam Bowie. Talk about a mistake!

Also, because of past problems with players (the team was unofficially re-named the "Portland Jailblazers" for a couple of seasons), team officials are carefully weighing personalities and maturity. Official reports from sports writers and others who know the two players say unequivocally that both are intelligent young men who are extremely unlikely to become trouble makers or have run-ins with the law.

So order your tickets early and come on out to Portland for some super basketball next season.