WSU on way to New York

• Washington State: We linked the news yesterday concerning the new scoreboard in Beasley and a new player who has committed to play under that board. Other than that, wanted to pass on the news the athletic department spent some time answering the regents' questions concerning the stadium expansion and the football building. The session kept the regents appraised of the project's progress. As far as I can tell, everything is moving forward on schedule and on track. The regents don't meet again until May. They still need to give final approval before the construction can start. … We have written a long piece for Sunday's paper concerning the preparation for the Northwestern game, the turnaround from Monday night's Oklahoma State win to Wednesday's overtime victory. After we get to New York, if it's up on the web, we'll link it tonight, but it's one of the stories that might go better on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee or two. … One comment. There was a piece floating around on one of the fans sites concerning Ken Bone and Klay Thompson, saying Bone said he thinks Thompson will leave early. Interesting. Then I read his comments made on the radio show. They are no different than he's been saying all year. In fact, at one point this season he said if Thompson was going to be a top draft pick, he would advise him it was time to go. More than likely, Thompson's choice will come down to two particulars: Where he is projected to go in the draft and the chances of an NBA lockout. Those two facts won't preclude him from declaring for the draft before the April 24 deadline to test his worth and, as long as he doesn't hire an agent – and why should he, with his dad's expertise and connections? – he could still return as long as he makes his decision by the NCAA-mandated date of May 8. There is an ESPN Insider story today about the upcoming draft and underclassmen, but I can't link it. Suffice to say, it covers these same points. It also includes Thompson's name under those leaning toward entering the draft. That may be true but only Thompson knows for sure.

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• Around the Pac-10: One player who is leaving for sure is USC's Nikola Vucevic. He will hire an agent. … Is the Pac-10 better than people think? … The rest of the nation is discovering Derrick Williams during the Wildcats' run in the NCAA tournament. … WSU opened Pac-10 baseball yesterday with a 7-0 loss at Cal in what may be the Bears last season playing baseball. Wait. There might be a reprieve.

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• That's it for this morning. As we said, we'll be back tonight from beautiful Newark en route to New York. Until then …