Jason Williams dodging draft question at Final Four.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

MINNEAPOLIS _ Monday night's game will certainly be the last for two seniors, Duke's Shane Battier and Arizona's Loren Woods, but it might also be the last for a slew of talented underclassmen who are considering entering the NBA draft.

Tops among them is Duke's sensational sophomore point guard, Jason Williams, who figures to be one of the top three players picked. Williams was given a chance this weekend to confirm his desire to return to school, but he dodged the issue.

Three Arizona players are considering the draft. Sophomore shooting guard Gilbert Arenas is expected to leave school, and probably would be a lottery pick if he does. NBA scouts love his athleticism, his long, lean body, his ballhandling skills and his soft touch. "Who knows," Arenas said when asked about his future. "I'm looking forward to the championship game, and whatever happens after that happens."

Junior forwards Richard Jefferson and Michael Wright also are pondering the pros, although Jefferson is considered more likely to leave than Wright. He certainly would be a higher pick: At 6-foot-7, Wright is an undersized power forward, while the 6-7 Jefferson is one of the best athletes in the country.

Pressure situation

Playing in the national title game is easy compared to speaking at a funeral, which is exactly what Jefferson did during a private memorial service for Coach Lute Olson's wife, Bobbi, in January.

"Playing in the championship game has a special meaning, but it doesn't have the same importance as speaking at Mrs. Olson's funeral," Jefferson said. "When the family came up to me and asked me to represent the team, that was the greatest responsibility I've ever had in my life.