1.   Born in West Germany, Heatley grew up in the U.S. and could be the third U.S.-trained player in the last four years to win top rookie.

2.   Also compare his stats to other top rookies this year.

3.   But his chances of getting the top rookie honor were doomed by the trade that brought Jim Jackson to the Nets, sending Kittles to the bench.

4.   But three of the top four rookie scorers in the league this season are from college.

5.   But whereas Buckner proceeded to alienate both his most talented veteran and his top rookie, Motta talks about his in patient, fatherly tones.

6.   Casey Atwood, a solid driver, is the top rookie in a class that includes Kurt Busch, Andy Houston and Ron Hornaday.

7.   Earnhardt is the only driver to win a series title after winning top rookie honors.

8.   Greg Pursley of Canyon Country has emerged as the top rookie on the Winston West Series and is in contention for the championship.

9.   He loves playing against the top rookies in the league.

10.   He wound up being one of the top five rookies in the NBA and made a name for himself when he won the slam-dunk competition in his inaugural season.