The last time the NBA draft was this certain at the top, a 7-foot-1, 303-pound phenomenon from Louisiana State stood upon hearing his name called first, opened his eyes wide and asked with mock surprise, "Who me?"

Everyone who could pronounce the word "basketball" knew the Orlando Magic would select Shaquille O'Neal No. 1 overall in 1992, just as they knew Alonzo Mourning and Christian Laettner would fall right behind him.

Those players were the divine trio. They were well-known commodities. O'Neal was a junior who so dominated the college game that there was no doubt he'd be special. Mourning, taken second by Charlotte, was one of the most intimidating forces in NCAA history. Laettner, who has had the worst pro career of the three after Minnesota took him No. 3, ended his college days as one of college's greatest winners.

"That was probably a once-in-a-decade draft," said Magic Senior Vice President Pat Williams, who was the team's general manager then.

Eleven years later, another top-heavy draft has arrived.

Everyone who can pronounce "basketball" knows the Cleveland Cavaliers will select LeBron James No. 1 overall on Thursday, just as they know Darko Milicic and Carmelo Anthony will fall right behind him.