Die Chilluminati » , who put the brakes on a three-

NEW YORK -- Even as the NBA prepares for a draft that could be headlined by freshmen, Commissioner Adam Silver remains committed to keeping them in college. So much so that NCAA President Mark Emmert was invited to discuss his involvement with owners. Silver is moving cautiously on potential changes to areas such as the lottery format and playoff structure, but makes it clear that raising the draft age limit to abolish the so-called "one and done" is one of his priorities. Freshmen Andrew Wiggins of Kansas and Jabari Parker of Duke are expected to be top-five picks in June, but Silver believes teams are taking those players young because of the system in place, not because its their preference. "The fact that our teams would draft these players if they were coming out of high school as they used to, or one year out of college, I think doesnt mean change isnt necessary," Silver said Friday. The age limit requiring American players to be 19 and a year out of high school was implemented in 2005, creating a system where players would simply go to college for a year and then declare for the draft. Silver and predecessor David Stern have long spoken about the desire to increase the limit to 20. But no change, which would have to be discussed with the union, was made during the last round of collective bargaining in 2011. The sides havent been able to have much serious discussion since then. The union has been without an executive director since ousting Billy Hunter 14 months ago, but Silvers desire for change remains. "Were ready to go," Silver said. "Weve been thinking about this issue for a long time." Silver said a change was unlikely for next season, and a transition period would be necessary whenever one was made. In the meantime, he wants the NCAA part of the discussion, so Emmert addressed owners during the two-day meetings. "One thing that we also agree on is that historically what youve heard is that the age issue is one that needs to be negotiated almost in isolation between the NBA and its union. What Dr. Emmert and I agree on is that the NCAA needs to have a seat at the table, as well, for those discussions," Silver said, "that if we are going to be successful in raising the age from 19 to 20, part and parcel of those negotiations go to the treatment of those players on college campuses, that closing the gap between what their scholarships cover and their other incidental expenses, having a longer discussion about eligibility periods so they can make the best decisions for them and their families if they do decide to come out early." Overseeing his first board meeting since replacing Stern in February, Silver seems open to considering anything to improve the league. Owners heard a discussion on ways to change the lottery system, which could be a way to erase the desire to "tank" -- seeking a poor record to have the best chances at the No. 1 pick. Silver said there was also discussion about redesigning the playoff structure to qualify the top 16 teams, rather than the top eight in each conference. Phoenix, which finished ninth in the West with 48 wins, wouldve tied for third in the East. But Silver said those items should be discussed first at length by the competition committee. "For me, the league is doing so well right now, I just want to be very deliberate and cautious about any major changes like that," Silver said. "It doesnt mean that we shouldnt make changes." Silver also said owners werent ready to vote on the potential sale of the Milwaukee Bucks yet, though that could happen soon once owners could review all the financial documents. Owner Herb Kohl reached agreement to sell the franchise to New York investment firm executives Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens for about $550 million. Mike White Jersey .ca Fantasy Editor Scott Cullen, NFL Editor Ben Fisher, and Isaac Owusu discuss three hot fantasy football topics. Darren Woodson Jersey . -- Ryan Millers debut for the St. http://www.officialdallascowboysfootball.com/authentic-l.-p.-ladouceur-jersey-womens . Fielder ended 4-for-5 with a solo homer, while Avila was 4-for-4 with two runs scored for the Tigers, who put the brakes on a three-game skid and rebounded from a loss in Mondays opener. Victor Martinez and Austin Jackson both contributed two hits, an RBI and a run scored as Detroit maintained its healthy lead atop the AL Central. Chris Jones Jersey . They actually finished with a better record in ‘07 than they did in ‘06 but only marginally, going from 61 victories to 66. Demarcus Lawrence Jersey . His absence against the Celtics comes a day after he scored 43 points in the Heats 100-96 win at Cleveland.SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers stunned the Denver Broncos five weeks ago, making Peyton Manning look average and claiming a road victory that was part of a late-season surge that helped sweep San Diego into the playoffs. Theyll have to do it again Sunday in a divisional-round game against the top-seeded Broncos in Denver to keep their January joyride going. "Were going to come in there with a vengeance and see if we can shock the world again," Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle said Thursday. As much as the Chargers offence contributed to the 27-20 victory at Denver on Dec. 12, defensive co-ordinator John Pagano came up with a game plan that helped frustrate Manning and the high-powered Broncos. The Bolts held the Broncos to season lows in points and total offensive yards (295). The Broncos had only 18 yards rushing. The Broncos were forced to punt on four straight possessions in the second and third quarters, a streak that started with three straight three-and-outs. "Its always a challenge for us as a staff for putting those things together when you see an opponent for the third time," Pagano said. "Theres so many things that they know about us and we know about them. It really comes down to between the lines, players going out and executing. Sometimes you cant worry about, Oh, theyve seen this before, or done this before. Youve just got to go out and execute. If players go at a high level no matter what the call is and we got execute, youre always going to have that success. "We know each other so well that youve got to disguise a little bit and change it up a little bit." Pagano said the Chargers communicated well, didnt give up big plays and tackled well. "When you do those three things defensively, it always gives you an opportunity to win." While Manning is 3-1 against San Diego since coming to the Broncos, the Chargers eliminated the Manning-led Indianapolis Colts from the playoffs following the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Pagano said every game is different and can change on one play. He mentioned a big play in Sundays 27-10 wild-card victory at Cincinnati. With the Bengals driving for the go-ahead score in the second quarter, inside linebacker Donald Butler forced Giovani Bernard to fumble after a reception just before halftime Sunday, with San Diegos Richard Marshall recovering in the end zone. "When Donald made that caused fumble down there in the red zone, the football universe rotated and it swittched," Pagano said.dddddddddddd "Those are the things that change for you. Each games different. Weve got to go out and weve got to execute. All the success of the past staffs and past players have had, you hope to play at a high level like they did before." Nonetheless, theres something special about playing Manning. "Hes the best. Hes one of the greatest to ever play our game," Pagano said. "Its how we are every Sunday, though. Its the No. 1 offence. Its the greatest offence to ever play in the National Football League, yards-wise, production-wise. Its a big-time challenge, in a hostile environment, that our guys are getting their minds right and getting focused on." The December victory at Denver was special in a lot of ways for Pagano. When rookie coach Mike McCoy awarded game balls in the locker room, the first one went to Pagano. His father, Sam, watched from the sideline. Pagano and his older brother, Chuck, coach of the Colts, played for their father at Fairview High in Boulder. Sam Pagano will be on the sideline again Sunday. "Hell be right down there, guarding the heaters, like always," John Pagano said. "Hes always right there. Anytime you can get him down on the field, its exciting." Also Thursday, Ken Whisenhunt, whos in his first season as San Diegos offensive co-ordinator, refused to confirm reports that hell be interviewed this week by Detroit, Tennessee and Cleveland for their head coaching vacancies. "I understand the process and I appreciate the interest, but I just want to make sure everyone understands were focused on the game Sunday," Whisenhunt said. How can he focus with three interviews in as many days? "Its not hard," he said. "Its a playoff game. Thats where the focus has been. Anything outside of that has been secondary." Asked if he bought a house here or is renting, he said: "Ive enjoyed living here." Whisenhunt was offensive co-ordinator with Pittsburgh when the Steelers won the Super Bowl after the 2005 season. He coached Arizona into the Super Bowl after the 2008 season, losing to the Steelers. McCoy doesnt think Whisenhunts busy interview schedule will be a distraction or keep him from preparing for the game. "I have complete confidence in our entire staff that theres one goal in mind. Thats to find a way to win this game. Thats been our mindset and were not changing that," McCoy said. Blackhawks Jerseys Store Cheap Wild Jerseys Cheap Red Wings Jerseys Cheap Maple Leafs Jerseys Penguins Jerseys Store Capitals Jerseys For Sale Blues Jerseys Store Cheap Kings Jerseys Adidas Lightning Jerseys Stars Jerseys For Sale Cheap Predators Jerseys Ducks Store Sharks Jerseys For Sale Cheap Sabres Jerseys Rangers Jerseys For Sale ' ' '