Submitted by Sandy Morley
 
Finally it looks like lady luck may have changed course for the Portland Trail Blazers after receiving the Number 1 Draft pick. The two biggest contenders for the position are Greg Oden, the 7-foot center from Ohio State and Kevin Durant who is a high-scoring Texas forward. The team is allowed two visits with each player before the June 28th draft and both are arriving this week for the first round of interviews and practice. The Trail Blazer’s GM Kevin Pritchard has said meeting with the two ball players in Portland this week will be the determining factor after a month of scouting and game-film study. He has also said he hopes to get to know the players as normal guys – to see if they laugh, have a sense of humor or take themselves to seriously. Last year the team chose Brandon Roy from the University of Washington - who proved to be a valuable choice when he was chosen Rookie-of-the-Year.
I think the Blazers will make the best choice possible – although my vote is for Oden. What do you think? It seems to be quite a buzz around town and season tickets are selling faster than they have in years. Maybe this year will bring back the spirit we used to have during the 90’s with players like Terry Porter, Clyde Drexler, Danny Ainge and Kevin Duckworth. Gotta love Rip City!