51.   He and Horacio Llamas appear to be the leading contenders for backup center, a pivotal spot.

52.   He helped pin three first-half fouls on the Hoyas backup center Wesley Wilson.

53.   He works diligently on his poor foul shooting and offensive moves, and according to backup center Tree Rollins, has begun to seriously study opponents.

54.   His role in the offense is secondary, but his presence has spurred development in backup center Keon Clark.

55.   His roommate is backup center Victor Avila, who also attended Cornerstone Christian a year after Najera.

56.   If all goes well, Walker will see early action as the backup center to Bradley pending the arrival of draft pick Chris Anstey from Australia.

57.   In the meantime, the Lakers moved quickly to bolster their backcourt, acquiring veteran Lindsey Hunter from Milwaukee in exchange for little-used backup center Greg Foster.

58.   Irwin also is contending with Mike Gisler for the backup center slot.

59.   Isaac Austin, the backup center, played in Turkey last year.

60.   It seems the Knicks may have found their backup center just in time.