• I caught this headline yesterday while surfing the Web: "Georgia Tech cancels game to attend pitcher's funeral." Unfortunately, student-athlete deaths happen far too frequently, so it wasn't the death part that stopped me in my tracks; it was the image of 30 college baseball players seeing one of their best friends buried. I could feel that emotion, and it must be devastating for all of those kids. Michael Hutts, a 21-year-old pitcher who was also on Georgia Tech's dean's list, was found dead in his apartment last Friday.

• Jacob Priday is a pretty good baseball player. The Missouri senior went 5-for-5 in a 31-12 victory over Texas on Friday, hitting four homers and knocking in nine runs. Missouri tied a school record with 26 hits and pitcher Aaron Crow improved to 8-0. Impressive performances all around, but 31 runs against Texas? How is that possible?

• Michael Beasley declared for the NBA draft yesterday, which is clearly not a surprise. Beasley will probably be the first pick in the draft and will be an immediate millionaire. But what about those misguided underclassmen who declare and don't get drafted? Just because you declare doesn't mean you're going to get signed or make millions. More than 20 underclassmen have already declared for June's draft, and while not all have them have given up their eligibility by signing with an agent, many will see the process through to the end. There are only 30 spots in the first round, where the money is guaranteed, so what are all these kids doing? Here's an example: Louisville forward Derrick Caracter has declared for the draft after averaging 16.9 minutes and 8.3 points per game this season. Is he better off going pro or trying to mature - academically and athletically - at the college level?

• Newsday had a nice story on Nazareth volleyball player Frank Leahy, who was a second-team all-American this past season. Leahy, who is already the school's all-time assists leader, is halfway through a six-year physical therapy program at Nazareth, and plans to give back to athletics throughout his professional career.

• Nebraska will play its spring football game on Saturday - good luck finding a seat. Not only is the event sold-out, but tickets are going for nearly $100 a pop. Why are people so interested in games that aren't real and don't count for anything? I like football as much as the next guy, but $100 for a spring game? What's the rationale?

• Right up there with Easter, Passover, Earth Day and April Fools Day, Tax Day is marked by Americans all across the country. In fact, more people recognize this non-denominational day than any other all year long. I hope everyone fully enjoys their April 15 today, and remember, April 16 is just one day away.