Howland Seeks NBA Opinions

UCLA Coach Ben Howland says he will try to call every general manager in the NBA during the next week to gauge interest in his starting guards, sophomores Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo.

“If the feeling is they are top-20 picks, that is something they would have to consider,” Howland said. “We always do what is in the best interests of our players. I will meet with them and their families next week [after his GM survey]. Ultimately, Jordan and Arron and their families will make the decision.”

Although general managers can’t comment publicly on underclassmen, one, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Jordan Farmar is a bubble guy. He might go in the first round, and he might not. Arron Afflalo is a second-round pick.

“Right now, I think Farmar is more advanced than Afflalo. Farmar is a point guard and they are harder to come by. But he has to cut down on his turnovers and work on his shot. They both have a chance to be NBA players as long as they continue to develop, but, personally, I think they should both stay in school right now.”

Farmer was non-committal.

“I can’t say one way or the other. It may be a possibility,” he said of turning pro. “I’m not thinking about it now. I love UCLA. It was a great ride, but it was emotionally and physically draining. It’s taken a lot out of all of us.”

Asked if agents had tried to contact him, Farmar said, “You wouldn’t believe it. They find a way.”

-- Steve Springer

Former UCLA coach John Wooden left the hospital Wednesday morning after being admitted Sunday because of diverticulitis, an inflammation of the area around the colon.

Wooden, 95, will rest at home for the next few days, said Marc Dellins, UCLA’s sports information director.

Meanwhile, the U.S. House passed a bill by Rep. Brad Sherman, (D-Encino), to name an Encino post office for Wooden. The bill now goes to the Senate.

JURISPRUDENCE

Gooden Sentenced

to One Year in Prison

Former pitching great Dwight Gooden was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for violating his probation on a drunk driving stop by using cocaine. With credit for time already served, Gooden, 41, probably will spend about 7 1/2 months in state prison, said his attorney.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Trojans’ Dennis Has

MRI Exam on Left Knee

USC running back Hershel Dennis was scheduled to have an MRI exam on the left knee he injured during practice on Tuesday.

Dennis had major reconstructive surgery on the same knee in January 2005 and missed all of last season. Team physicians are scheduled to review the MRI results today.

Radio station 710 and USC are expected to announce today that 710 has acquired the rights to broadcast football and basketball games.

Former flagship 1540 was unable to reach terms with USC during its exclusive negotiating period, which ended Feb. 28.

-- Gary Klein

SPORTS BUSINESS

Condon, Kremer

Join With CAA

Beverly Hills-based Creative Artists Agency dramatically increased its athlete representation business with the hiring of agents Tom Condon and Ken Kremer, whose roster includes such NFL standouts as Indianapolis Colt quarterback Peyton Manning and New York Giant quarterback Eli Manning.

Though known mainly for its Hollywood connections, CAA also represents skateboarder Tony Hawk and surfer Laird Hamilton. In January the firm added off-the-field representation for Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart.

The announcement ended speculation on the fate of Condon, who had resigned from sports marketing firm IMG.

MISCELLANY

Rooney, Richardson

to Lead NFL Search

Owners Dan Rooney of Pittsburgh and Jerry Richardson of Carolina will head the eight-member committee that will search for the successor to retiring Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Former Rutgers coach Gary Waters, 54, will replace Mike Garland at Cleveland State, the Associated Press reported.

FC Barcelona reached the Champions League semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Benfica at Barcelona, advancing, 2-0, on aggregate. Barcelona will play AC Milan. Meanwhile, Arsenal advanced by holding Italian champion Juventus to a 0-0 draw in Turin and winning, 2-0, on aggregate. Arsenal will play Villarreal.

The 26th annual “Swim with Mike,” fundraiser will be held Saturday at USC’s McDonald’s Swim Stadium.

Proceeds will provide scholarships for physically challenged athletes to attend college.

“Swim with Mike” began in 1981 as a way to raise money for a specially equipped van for USC swimmer Mike Nyeholt, a three-time All-American who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident.

Information: (213) 740-4155 or visit www.swimwithmike.org