First Down

TODAY ON WASHINGTONTIMES.COM

Chatter: Mark Zuckerman checks in from St. Louis, where he’s following the Nationals.

In The Room: Corey Masisak will have the latest on the Washington Capitals.

TODAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

The world’s No. 2 player, Rafael Nadal, faces surprise finalist Nikolay Davydenko for the Sony Ericsson Open title. 1 p.m., Chs. 9, 13

THE NBA’S SURPRISE GOOD GUY

The NBA revealed the nominees for one award and the winner of another, both given to some of the league’s good guys.

Some of the names, like Grant Hill, Antawn Jamison and Shane Battier, were obvious.

The last one was a bit of a stunner: Stephen Jackson.

The Golden State Warriors forward was honored with the league’s Community Assist Award for March, recognizing his charitable efforts in the Bay Area and in his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas.

Jackson, of course, is the same player who was suspended by the league for the first seven games of this season after pleading guilty over the summer to a felony count of criminal recklessness for firing a gun outside an Indiana strip club.

His problems with the Pacers — he also was suspended for his role in the brawl in Detroit — overshadowed the fact that Jackson has long been active in giving his time and money.

“I have played in several different cities and countries during my career,” Jackson said. “But one thing will never change: my passion to give back to the community.”

Last month, Jackson participated in a “Silence the Violence” discussion panel with Oakland Mayor Ronald Dellums at a Bay Area high school. He also partnered with musician John Legend to raise $50,000 for the “Show Me” campaign, which works to prevent poverty around the world.

— Associated Press

TWT FIVE WNBA DRAFT PROSPECTS

Experts are calling the pool for Wednesday’s WNBA draft the deepest in history:

1. Candace Parker, Tennessee: Will shoulder injury give teams pause?

2. Sylvia Fowles, LSU: Four Final Fours for 6-foot-6 center.

3. Crystal Langhorne, Maryland: Owns school scoring, rebounding marks.

4. Candice Wiggins, Stanford: Tournament has made her a star.

5. Erlana Larkins, UNC: Didn’t fare well against Fowles but otherwise spectacular.