Van Horn

For an NBA draft that was considered drab, there was quite a bit of drama leading to last night's gathering at the Charlotte Coliseum: Would Scottie Pippen be traded to the Boston Celtics, thus ending the Chicago Bulls dynasty? Would the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers pull the trigger on a rumored eight-player deal?By the end of the first round, there were few surprises and no announced megadeals. But the round did result in a thrill for a local star, Keith Booth. The former Dunbar and Maryland star was selected in the final pick of the first round by the world champion Bulls.

James H. Mugele, a former Lutherville recreation coach and umpire who taught valuable lessons on and off the playing field, died of a stroke Sunday at St. Joseph Medical Center. He was 82. Mr. Mugele -- a lifelong sports fan -- was born and raised in Pittsburgh, where he played tailback on his high school football team and sandlot baseball. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army and served in Panama. After his discharge, he attended the University of Pittsburgh on the GI Bill of Rights and earned his bachelor's degree in accounting.

Season series: The teams split two games, each winning at home. The Lakers won 101-92 on March 5, while the Nets captured a 94-92 decision on April 3. (Matchup statistics are for the playoffs) THE NUMBER -- 3 -- Kidd's triple doubles in the Eastern finals POINT GUARD: Nets' Jason Kidd vs. Lakers' Derek Fisher: Kidd (19.3 points, 8.9 assists, 8.4 rebounds) has been simply transcendent in the playoffs, averaging a triple double in the conference finals, something that has only happened twice in league history.

He scares CBS, intrigues the NBA and is exactly what the NCAA ordered for a PSA.In a world of abbreviations and haste, Michael Doleac moves deliberately. The Utah center would appear to be a man in a hurry, because he'll earn a degree in biology before his 21st birthday in June, but he has approached college basketball on his terms, not Rick Majerus'."He's become an absolute killer in the paint, but Mike has struggled with that at times, because he's such a nice person," said Majerus, the Utah coach, who still hasn't accepted Doleac's often lukewarm attraction to the game.

It was the official beginning of the NBA's version of an open air market, the day when free agents could begin signing contracts and trades could be made. But a day that began with high anticipation ended with great speculation of what will occur in the coming days.Will Mitch Richmond's stay with the Washington Wizards end after just one year? Is Penny Hardaway's career with the Orlando Magic over? Will overweight Vin Baker depart Seattle? Those are some of the major questions as more than 150 NBA free agents hit the market yesterday, shopping around for new teams and the best contracts.

NBA capsules Eastern Conference No. 1 New Jersey vs. No. 4 Charlotte Playoff path: The Nets beat Indiana 3-games-to-2 in the first round. The Hornets beat Orlando in four games. Season series: The Nets beat Charlotte three of four times in the regular season. Nets outlook: New Jersey has reached the second round of the playoffs for the second time since joining the NBA in 1976-77 and the first time since 1984. ... Jason Kidd has reached the second round for only the second time in six career playoff appearances.

Basketball coach Richard Williams of Mississippi State begins his watch early on game days, hoping he can quickly determine how much offense to expect from Erick Dampier.Williams is so accomplished at the process that the slightest glance, grimace or smile by Dampier is enough to reveal how the talented sophomore center is likely to play. But recently, the signs, and Dampier's play, have been less subtle.And not coincidentally, Williams said, the Bulldogs' fortunes in the NCAA tournament continue to improve.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The game Jason Kidd plays is simpler than that of most stars in the NBA. It does not command double-teams from opponents or inspire gaping stares from fans. It is appreciated by old-timers and often overlooked by Generation X-ers. "I was taught that what you do in the left column is much more important than scoring 25 points a night," Kidd said recently. What Kidd has helped the New Jersey Nets do this season in the left column - the win column - is more impressive than anything else he has accomplished in his eight-year NBA career.

Remember 1996? Of course not. Nobody was there for it. Everybody was too busy with the business of being busy.So, it's that time to offer the Best of 1996: the best in books, 'zines, theater, music, art and film. If you think you missed a good movie or book or play, you did. You missed the whole boat.Now don't go and get all depressed because you didn't get out more -- or any. Some of us didn't, either.BooksConsider just a few of the Best of '96: "The Autobiography of My Mother," "The Woman Who Walked Into Doors" and "The Origin of Satan."

Reading time, two minutes:One of the features of the Washington Capitals' home game against Vancouver last Friday was defenseman Al Iafrate's hat trick of penalties (cross-checking, interference, holding) followed by a game misconduct and ejection. And then he ended up being named the No. 1 star of the 3-3 tie. The Caps, 3-3-3 the last three weeks (talk about a rut), host the North Stars tonight.* Andrew Maynard is a solid 8-to-5 favorite in his NABF light-heavyweight title bout against former Olympic gold medalist Frank Tate in the Paramount at Madison Square Garden Friday.