Cross-country flights no big deal for NBA draft hopefuls

Underclassmen have until Monday to withdraw from NBA draft consideration and retain their college eligibility. And for most of the spring, Gani Lawal of Georgia Tech and Derrick Brown of Xavier have both heard the whispers that they can enhance their stock considerably if they played one more year of college ball. But these two want to play for pay … now. Lawal, whose 8-foot-10 standing reach and 7-2 wing span make him look longer than his 6-8 frame, said he would confer with family before deciding, though all indications are he intends to remain in the draft. His body English and smiles indicated as such, too, Saturday afternoon at the Kings' practice facility. Brown, one of the more versatile 6-8 bodies in the college game, is set for the draft. With a year of eligibility remaining, Brown already has earned a marketing degree from Xavier and admits it's perfect. He has been marketing himself as a player, man, competitor and leader for weeks. And in...