Recently at the White House Rose Garden, President George Bush entertained the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's national champions and the Duke Blue Devils men's champions.

	President Bush receives a Notre Dame jersey from Irish coach Muffet McGraw.

To paraphrase the president's eloquent remarks at his briefing: It is great to see two winning teams that have quality young people, he said; they stand tall and have it academically and athletically.

It couldn't be said any better. Look at the team assembled by Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw; Player of the Year Ruth Riley and company played together as a unit, bringing pride to the South Bend campus. The Golden Dome shines brightly, and Riley, point guard Niele Ivey and company came through all season long.

Can any more be said about the Duke program that hasn't been stated already? Think about the character of Player of the Year Shane Battier and his teammates. Battier, fellow All-American Jason Williams, sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy, big man Carlos Boozer -- the list goes on and on, and the entire gang has it together in more ways than one.

It proves that good people can finish No. 1. Still, I hear from all sorts of Duke bashers everywhere I go. They complain that I sing the praises of the Dukies. As I have said on ESPN television, ESPN radio and in this space several times, what is there to bash? Simply look at the list of achievements and accomplishments.

It is a sweet offseason for Coach K and McGraw. Both have earned it. They can hold their heads high, feeling like a million dollars. They have diligently built programs that represent what the NCAA guide is all about: winners both on the court and in the classroom.

JASON'S CHARACTER SHAPES DECISION
Think about what Jason Williams is giving up by going back to Duke for at least one more year. He said he is definitely returning to the Blue Devils, and that means he is passing on the likelihood of being the No. 1 overall pick.

Most scouts you talk to say Williams would be the top selection. That does not faze the Duke guard. He says he didn't come to college to use it for basketball, but rather to gain an education.

Williams has been honored at the White House three times in his life. First, with his family under Ronald Reagan; Jason was just 3 years old then. His parents were college graduates who came from stock where education is important. You can see how Jason has learned from his folks.

He was honored with the McDonald's High School All-American team when Bill Clinton was in office. Then came the visit with the Blue Devils to see President Bush. Not too many athletes his age get to meet the president three times!

Character is so important and it all starts at home. You can see that the Williams family has done an outstanding job, not only in shooting the jumper. His priorities are in order.