There have been just three first-round picks from black colleges since the NBA Draft went to two rounds in 1990. Over that same span, 14 have made it into the second round, the likely destination for this year's top candidates in Tuesday's draft in New York.

Devin Green, a 6-foot-6 all-MEAC guard out of Hampton University, and Lee Cook, Bowie State's 6-10 center who was the 2005 CIAA player of the year, have the best shots at having their names called Tuesday. Though they're not on most experts' mock draft lists, they could find their way into the second round with a host of international players whose names best bring to mind the rock group, The Who.

To do so, both have to impress NBA teams in their individual workouts. That was the path followed by 6-5 North Carolina Central University guard David Young, who opened eyes and forced his way into last year's second round by wowing team personnel.

Both Green and Cook got to show their stuff at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in April and have had workouts with NBA teams. Both have also endured their share of ups and downs en route to the play-for-pay ranks.

Green burst onto the MEAC scene in the 2001-02 season appearing to be the next star on the Pirates horizon. He earned rookie-of-the-year honors after averaging 13 points per game and displaying a poise that belied his youth. His long frame, versatility and the fact that coach Steve Merfeld put the ball in his hands late in games as the Pirates won their second consecutive conference title convinced most observers that the sky was the limit for him.

Shortly after that season, however, Merfeld used the momentum of the back-to-back titles to land a job as the head man at Evansville University. And with his departure, it seemed some of the life went out of Green.

After a so-so sophomore year (14.9 points-per-game average) in which he failed to make all-MEAC first or second team, Green announced his intention to transfer before later changing his mind and returning to Hampton. He earned all-MEAC status as a junior (15.2 ppg.) and this past season (14.1 ppg.) but it seemed he never fulfilled the awesome potential he demonstrated as a freshman nor did he shake the impression that he disappeared for long stretches in games despite being the most gifted player on the floor.

That's all behind him now, and Green would rather focus on what could be a bright future.

"That's just something I went through, said Green Wednesday from Phoenix, a day after a workout for the Suns. "I don't regret anything. I've still got an opportunity to get drafted. I definitely think I haven't reached my best basketball level. I'm just trying to soak up as much as I can as I get around the NBA."

He's worked out for Phoenix, the L.A. Lakers, Cleveland and Denver, teams that are looking at him as a combo guard. He's also worked out recently with LeBron James in gyms in their hometown of Akron, Ohio.

"I really like Devin's game," said Johnny Newman, a 16-year NBA veteran who scouted for the NBA's Washington Wizards this season, including covering the MEAC. "He's a multi-talented player. He's long, lanky and he's also athletic -- that's always important. And he can defend two or three positions. He'll definitely get a look."

Whether that's in the draft or as a free agent is not important to Green. "I realize if it doesn't happen, it's not the worst thing in the world," said Green of the likelihood of being drafted. "I've had good workouts. I think they've seen what I can do. I know it's a business. I take it all with a grain of salt."

Cook was forced to transfer after beginning his career at Alcorn State of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. He, like Green, had a solid rookie season helping the Braves win a conference title and get an NCAA bid. He was averaging 16.4 points and 7.2 rebounds through 16 games of his sophomore season when things went awry.

He and legendary coach Davey Whitney had their share of run-ins before Whitney decided to kick him off the team near the end of the 2002 season. He found his way to Bowie State and head coach Luke D'Alessio for what he hoped would be a fresh start.

It didn't turn out that way.

Despite earning all-CIAA honors in the 2003-04 season, D'Alessio was not sure he wanted to bring his troubled star back for his final season. But after a trip to his home in Omaha, Neb., Cook's attitude took a turn for the better.

"He came back a new person," said D'Alessio of Cook, who led the CIAA in scoring (20.7) and rebounding (12.0) while leading the Bulldogs to a 26-4 mark and the No. 1 ranking in NCAA Division II hoops at the end of the regular season. He was named to just about every D-II All-American team.

"In terms of his school work, coming to practice and everything, he turned himself around. He's matured to the point that he's ready for this," said D'Alessio, who says he now highly recommends Cook. "As far as I am concerned, he was the premier player in Division II last season. All the skills are there. He can shoot, post-up, put it on the floor and he can rebound and bang. He's one of the most skilled big men in the country."

Cook, who was an alternate for the Chicago Draft camp, has worked out for Charlotte and Washington and is waiting word on another workout for Atlanta.

"I got a chance, but do I think it's the best chance, no," said Cook of his draft possibilities. "I wasn't exposed enough, we didn't win any championships and I didn't play at a big-time school. I figure I'm going to have to go overseas for a couple of years to prove myself. But that's OK, at least I've got a chance. "It's a tremendous opportunity to help my family and a lot of people that helped me when I was going through my ups and downs. It's a chance for me to repay that favor. That's what makes this so beautiful."