Columbus, Ohio, replaces C-U as the place to be during the National Football League draft.

A year ago, with two Illinois players picked among the first three, local interest in the draft was high. Not this year.

Illinois linebacker Dennis Stallings is projected as the first Illini to go in the draft, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in New York. At the earliest, it will be in the second round. More likely, he’ll be picked somewhere during the third to fifth rounds.

Just like Illini fans a year ago, Ohio State rooters won’t have to wait long to find out where their favorites are going. Offensive tackle Orlando Pace will be picked first or second. Cornerback Shawn Springs could go as high as No. 3.

ESPN’s draft coverage runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. ESPN2 picks up the broadcast from 6-9 p.m. ESPN will go from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday with ESPN2 showing the rest of the draft from noon to 6 p.m.

ESPN promises the usual cast of draft experts. Mel Kiper and his hair helmet will be there. Joe Theismann and his hair helmet will be there. Chris Berman and his nicknames will be there. Expect Berman at some point to call him “Orlando Pace Picante Sauce.”

ESPN’s coverage becomes more intricate each year. Tom Jackson and Sterling Sharpe add to the analysis. Former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit handles player interviews.

ESPN will have eight reporters at different team headquarters. You can never get too much of Sal Paolantonio.

The network will use “War Room” cams in Dallas, Green Bay, Miami, Seattle and Tampa Bay. What will you see? A bunch of people shuffling papers and looking at a chalk board. Thrilling. Next year, ESPN introduces its “Paint Drying” cam.

Short shots

– The UI is adding Bridget Toomey as an assistant sports information director. Toomey has worked in the department as a student and intern since 1994.

– Former Illini golfer Steve Stricker isn’t getting much air time these days. A season-long slump has kept Stricker from challenging in any PGA events. But Stricker will get plenty of TV time on Monday and Tuesday when he competes in the U.S. portion of the Andersen Consulting World Championships on ESPN.

The eight-man, match-play event pairs Stricker against Fred Couples in Monday’s opening round. Also scheduled to compete are Tom Lehman, Scott Hoch, Davis Love III, Corey Pavin, Phil Mickelson and Mark O’Meara.

The winner of the U.S. division advances to the finals Jan. 3-4 at Scottsdale, Ariz. Greg Norman edged Hoch for last year’s title.

– Don’t be surprised if the high television ratings for this year’s Masters continue in the next major, the U.S. Open. Tiger Woods’ dominating performance makes him a favorite for the Open. Win that and he’s halfway home to a Grand Slam.

Woods clearly expands the golf audience. People who don’t know Jack Nicklaus from Jack Nicholson know all about Woods. It’s a good thing for a sport that desperately needed some help.

Too bad Woods doesn’t play tennis. It could use a boost, too.

Ex-Illini update

John Ericks, Pittsburgh – Once a starting pitcher, the move to the bullpen seems to be working for Ericks. He is tied with Houston’s Billy Wagner for third in the National League with four saves. The Pirates are playing better than many expected. If the young starting staff holds up, Ericks might be on his way to 30 saves. It’s a great comeback for a guy who missed two full seasons because of injury.

Bob’s best bets

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Pro basketball, New York at Chicago, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., NBC – Another meaningless regular season game? I don’t think so. The Knicks need the win to avoid finishing in the Eastern Conference’s nasty No. 4 hole. Finish No. 3, and the Knicks get to avoid the Bulls until the conference final. Normally, you’d guess the Bulls might take it easy at the end of the season. But because it’s the Knicks, expect a full effort.

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Hockey, NHL playoffs, Chicago at Colorado, Friday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN – Hockey is at its best during the playoffs. Nobody fights much and the refs put away their whistles. The Blackhawks want to go back to Chicago with at least a split against the defending Stanley Cup champs. Good luck.

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Baseball, St. Louis at Los Angeles, Tuesday, 9 p.m., WCCU – This is part of the Fox station’s small batch of St. Louis games we will see this season. For Cardinal fans, it provides a reason to stay up late.

Bob Asmussen is a News-Gazette staff writer. He writes a weekly column on television and radio.