THE LATEST LINE: ELEY'S NBA OUTLOOK UP IN THE AIR

The jury is still very much out on whether Bud Eley has an immediate future in the National Basketball Association.

Eley, Southeast Missouri State University's all-time leader in rebounds and blocked shots, will know a lot more Wednesday night.

That's when the 1999 NBA draft is held in Washington, D.C. The 6-foot-10 Eley has a chance to be selected in the two-round draft, although there is maybe a better chance that he won't be picked.

Either way, once Wednesday night gets here, big Bud will be able to start planning his professional basketball future.

If Eley is drafted, then he'll know for sure what team's training camp he'll be attending. Even if he isn't picked, he'll still likely to hear from some NBA squads hoping to get him into their camp as a free agent.

Eley certainly has some pro hoop options even if he doesn't make an NBA team's roster. There are a few lower-level leagues in the United States -- the Continental Basketball Association among them -- that would no doubt love to have his services.

But, if the NBA doesn't pan out, Eley told me he would probably opt for the more financially lucrative life of an overseas basketball player. There are numerous pro leagues outside of America that pay quite well and Bud would certainly make a pretty nice living in one of them.

As for Eley's chances of being drafted Wednesday, or ultimately making the NBA for next season whether he's drafted or not? It all depends on who you talk to.

Most mock NBA drafts don't have Eley being selected. But The Sporting News had some pretty glowing praise for Eley, making you think that an NBA future for Bud might not just be a pipe dream.

In its assessment of the nation's top 65 of 70 NBA prospects, The Sporting News says, "Defensively, Eley is one of the very best available. Talentwise, he can play pro ball... Some question his ability to make the transition from the OVC to the NBA." TSN also said Eley's offensive skills need polish, which should come as a surprise to nobody.

The bottom line is that Eley told me he can't wait for Wednesday to get here, so he'll finally be able to start making some definite plans.

I know I speak for all SEMO hoop fans who saw the unbelievable progress Bud made in his five years in Cape Girardeau -- not just as an athlete but as a person -- in wishing him the best.

* Mark Bentlage, one of the real nice guys on the area amateur sports scene, said recently he's hanging up his gear after 18 years of umpiring local high school and junior-college baseball games.

Mark said, "It's just time to get out, but I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the kids. They're what make it all worth it."

I'll personally miss seeing the big guy -- who is something of a gentle giant with his bear-like physique but easy-going personality -- behind the plate or on the bases next spring.

~Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian