{image1}Contrary to other Milwaukee sportswriters, this writer believes Michael Jordan buying the Bucks could be a great thing, not only for the franchise, but the entire community.

But, before welcoming Michael to Milwaukee, let me first tell him he should bring his checkbook, and put his own money into the franchise. Second, he has to guarantee he'll keep the Bucks in Milwaukee, even if city officials drag their feet on improvements to the Bradley Center.

Here are just a few reasons Jordan could end up a great deal for the Bucks. First, he is the most recognizable sports figure in the world now that Muhammad Ali is virtually out of the picture.

The profile of the Bucks and Milwaukee would go up several notches with His Airness here, even in a suit vs. a basketball uniform. That could lead to more national TV games, and more opportunities to show off the assets of this great community.

Some local writers seem to want Milwaukee to have a NBA franchise that is a secret to everybody else in the country, or even elsewhere in the state. This writer says, "bring the circus to town." Pro basketball, after all, is supposed to be an entertainment industry.

Second, the NBA office and commissioner David Stern want Jordan involved with the league in some capacity. So, you can bet the league would cater to the Bucks much more than it has in the past.

Thirdly, Jordan does know basketball, despite the fact his front office moves with the Washington Wizards were less than spectacular. Maybe MJ has learned his lesson, and will rely on a solid GM to make the moves. But, Jordan's input into many moves could prove valuable.

Most writers say Jordan failed with the Wizards, but I think he got used by the Wizards' owner, who probably wanted him to come out of retirement from the start and play. For two years, one of the most pitiful franchises in the NBA had sellouts and became more competitive than it had been in years.

Jordan is reported to be an egomaniac and was said to be arrogant with many of his Wizards' teammates. But, the NBA is full of big egos, and what Jordan mostly complained about was that his younger teammates didn't play hard. Can anybody who has watched the NBA in recent years dispute that?

In the past, Jordan has tried to work out deals where he actually put up very little of his own money. That should not fly with the Bucks. He has to make a firm financial investment, perhaps in conjunction with some other local investors.

Also, any new owner will face a challenge in getting improvements made to the BC. Taxpayers are in no mood to pay for amenities at a sports venue, when their school budgets are getting slashed. So, Jordan, or any new owners, should work with the BC board to get as much of the improvements as possible paid through private donations.

ESPN.com has reported Jordan will own the Bucks by July. This writer still thinks it's a long shot, but if MJ will bring his checkbook and guarantee Milwaukee will keep its NBA franchise I welcome him to town.

The buzz about Jordan has overshadowed the fact today is NBA draft day. The Bucks have the eighth pick overall, thanks to the Glenn Robinson trade with Atlanta.

T.J. Ford of Texas is the projected pick that excites this writer the most. Ford seems like the type of point guard who could be ready very quickly. That might allow the Bucks to work a sign and trade deal involving Gary Payton or a deal of Sam Cassell for some front line help. Kansas guard Kirk Hinrich also might give the Bucks a floor leader for the future and allow some deals to be made.

Of course, GM Ernie Grunfeld and coach George Karl are operating under some uncertainty because of the Jordan and other sale rumors. They don't really know what their respective status with the team might be, especially after next season. But, like the pros they have always been, they have prepared for the draft with care and as if they are going to be in Milwaukee for a long time.

The Brewers are wrapping up a series against the Cubs in Wrigley Field before moving on to the Twins Cities for a weekend series against the Twins. The recent series with regional rivals definitely have created more of a buzz than most regular season games.

This writer has long thought a division with the Brewers, Cubs, Twins, White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and either the Kansas City Royals or Detroit Tigers would add a great deal of regional interest, as well as maintain some traditional rivalries.

Don't expect to see it happen though. Breaking up the traditional National and American leagues would be considered way too radical for the baseball purists.

In one other BCR note, kudos to GM Doug Melvin and manager Ned Yost for sending pitcher Glendon Rusch down to the minors. Also, kudos to Rusch for accepting the demotion. The move gives fans one more indication that this Crew is serious about at least trying to improve.

Elm Grove's Tim Kent, who recently finished the Around Alone competition, and Rick McKenna, also of Elm Grove, were rescued last weekend after their boat, Everest Horizontal, capsized near Bermuda. Kent sailed the 50-foot boat in the around the world competition. He and McKenna were sailing in a Bermuda race when the accident happened ... Waukesha's Paul Hamm deserves a mention for overcoming the aftermath of a shoulder injury to win his second straight all around title at last weekend's U.S. Gymnastics Championships ... Lauren Jensen of New Berlin was the top American finisher in the women's international race at the National Duathlon Championships in Alpharetta, Georgia. Kerry Mayer of Milwaukee won his fourth straight age group amateur title in the 55-59 group. The duathlon includes a 10-kilometer run, 40K bicycle race and a 5K run.

Wausau's Kevin Cywinski leads the American Speed Association point standings going into this weekend. Cywinski won the 1997 motorsports title ... Five Appleton-based bowlers took first place in the 100th annual American Bowling Congress national tournament in Tennessee. Brad Kuhr, Ray Schrubbe, Ron Schuh, Tim Rice and Jason Wendt had a combined score of 3,294 to top 13,000 teams and 65,000 bowlers ... Dave Spengler, director of golf at Idlewild Golf Course in Sturgeon Bay, earned a spot in the PGA Championship in August by finishing 21st in the recent PGA Club Professional Championship in New Mexico.

NASCAR brings its truck series to The Milwaukee Mile this Friday and Saturday, and follows that with its Busch Series car races on Saturday and Sunday. A Sunday Fan Jam, featuring The Boogie Men, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. also will be a highlight of the weekend.

Wave United hosts Indiana at 4 p.m. Sunday at Uihlein Field. Look for the WU-Bavarians matchup in the U.S. Soccer Open on July 16, after the Bavarians beat the Reading Rage Tuesday night.

Look for golf to dominate next weekend's State Sports Buzz, as The National Golf Association/Hooters tournament at Fox Hills and the Greater Milwaukee Open at Brown Deer are previewed. That's, of course, unless MJ buys the Bucks by then.