Oct. 22
To win consistently at the Division I level, you need players to step up and perform. It's one thing to have superstars, but in a team game, it's often the significant role player who makes the difference. Let me list my super seven significant role players who must make consistent contributions for their programs to enjoy the highest success.

DAHNTAY JONES, DUKE
At Duke, there is one goal -- cut the nets down as the national champion. So many schools enjoy the jubilation of just getting to the Big Dance, but Duke has a higher expectation.

Now that Shane Battier is no longer around, coach Mike Krzyzewski has to find a new Mr. Versatility. Battier brought special traits, on and off the court, like mental toughness and a winning attitude ... all the intangibles that helped bring Duke the 2001 NCAA title.

No one player can replace Battier. But can Dahntay Jones step in and fill some of those needs for the Blue Devils? The transfer from Rutgers is a defensive stopper with superb quickness and athletic ability. Remember, Duke got great support from another Big East transfer, Roshown McLeod, when he came from St. John's. McLeod was Coach K's first transfer at Duke.

Everyone knows about the big four for the Blue Devils -- Jason Williams, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy and Carlos Boozer. Jones is the other player who has to come up big.

JASON CAPEL, NORTH CAROLINA
For the Tar Heels to keep up their impressive streaks -- 27 straight years in the NCAA Tournament, 31 consecutive 20-win seasons and 37 straight years finishing in the top three of the ACC standings -- Jason Capel will have to put points on the board.

He has to be more than a solid, all-around player. Capel is going to have to step up and score. With the loss of Joseph Forte and Brendan Haywood to the NBA, Matt Doherty's team will need some new point production.

Capel has experience and a lot of skills. He can play several positions, but now he must give the Tar Heels consistent scoring every night. He can't be a Dow Jones player, with his performance vacillating from game to game.

CURTIS BORCHARDT, STANFORD
If Stanford is to continue its run of successful seasons and push for a top-10 ranking, the Cardinal will need a healthy Curtis Borchardt in the pivot. Borchardt has been plagued by foot injuries in his two seasons at Stanford.

Borchardt has to provide consistent minutes in the lane. He has surprising shooting range and is a shot-blocking presence in the middle. He has to make up for the loss of the Collins brothers. Borchardt will also be called upon to score in the post area.

WESLEY STOKES, MISSOURI
Greatness is expected at Missouri this season. Tigers fans are elated, jumping with joy over coach Quin Snyder's recruiting class.

Wesley Stokes -- who has one of my favorite hairdos, baby -- has to be consistent at point guard. He must give the Tigers great perimeter play.

We know all about Clarence Gilbert, a scorer at two-guard, and All-America forward Kareem Rush. Stokes, at 5-foot-10, is not afraid to shoot a big 3-pointer at winning time. He has to distribute the rock and provide more leadership on the court.

DAN GADZURIC, UCLA
Coach Steve Lavin needs the presence of center Dan Gadzuric in the lane. Gadzuric has to give the Bruins solid low-post play. UCLA has higher expectations, too. The Bruins feel they have the potential to go to the Final Four.

For that to happen, Gadzuric has to stay injury-free and dominate in the post. When he is on, he doesn't miss inside, and he blocks shots and rebounds well.

MARVIN STONE, KENTUCKY
At Kentucky, the loss of Jason Parker hurt. Parker gave the Wildcats a powerful low-post threat. Now Mr. Potential, Marvin Stone, has to be a force inside. Teaming up with Jules Camara, who sat out last season, Stone has to block shots and score.

There were rumors last season that Stone was thinking about transferring closer to his home state, Alabama. Now he can get all the minutes he wants. Stone must provide inside scoring to go with the wing play of Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans, two future NBA first-rounders.

BRIAN COOK, ILLINOIS
Illinois has one of America's top backcourts in Frank Williams and Cory Bradford. Inside, Brian Cook has to live up to his potential.

The big man has to demonstrate his skills consistently. He has the makings of a superstar, with the ability to step outside and shoot, block shots and run the court in transition. Cook must do it night in and night out if Illinois wants to push for the Final Four.

There is no question that this group has to perform if their respective schools want to realize their goals.