Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

Yes, I said a million! And yes, I'm that enthusiastic about my latest project -a campaign Web site for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC's Million Step March.

As of today, you can join the march at www.betterhealthnc.com. BCBSNC is encouraging North Carolinians to be physically active while their march team walks across the state - literally. Even more, you can join the Million Step Challenge online and track the number of steps you take throughout the campaign. There's even a nifty counter on the site to track the number of steps we take collectively, as a state.

I, for one, am proud to have worked on a project that will touch so many people in such a positive way. In fact, I may even get up and walk around the building right now!

Thanks to my teammates who made this site possible. And thanks to my client for enabling me to do work that matters.

We’re two weeks out from the most invigorating, unpredictable and emotional month of the year in college sports. Dick Vitale lives for this stuff. It’s March Madness, baby! It all comes down to the Sweet 16, the Final Four and the National Championship. This year, it’s the freshman class with most on the line – surrounded by huge hype and NBA dreams. Who will we watch next year as sophomores, and who will we watch live their dreams in the NBA draft? Here’s my ‘who’s who’ of the 2008 SuperFreshmen you need to be watching right now:

1. OJ Mayo (USC): Recruited himself into the toughest conference in the nation and isn’t disappointing. Scored 19 points against Memphis and Derrick Rose, absolutely no small feat. His YouTube highlights bring more hits than the videos of Britney headed to Starbucks.

2,3. Douglas Roberts/Derrick Rose (Memphis): With Rose currently out with a small sprain, this weekend we got to see more of the impressive depth Memphis can bring. Rose and Roberts are the top players for the most promising team in the nation. C-USA is likely to send only one team to the Big Dance and Memphis is my pick to win it all.

4. Eric Gordon (Indiana): Memphis is blazing the path while Indiana is hot on the trail. You don’t go 23-4 without a smart and powerful guard like Gordon. He has shown amazing versatility putting points on the board. I bet he’s coaching the Hoosiers after Kelvin Sampson gets fired.

5. D.J. White (Indiana): White and Gordon are the Tom Brady and Randy Moss of college basketball. White is unstoppable on the floor averaging 19 minutes a game. He’s also second in the Big Ten in scoring (teammate Gordon is first).

6. Michael Beasley (Kansas State): I’m renaming this guy Beastly. He could be my entire list. The number 1 high school recruit. Big 12’s Rookie of the Week, twice. The left-hander scores double-doubles in almost every game. Watch him while you can now, he’ll be playing in the pro’s next year.

7. Kevin Love (UCLA): Cousin to a Beach Boy and son to a former NBA star. By the way, he’s also an amazing center, often scoring when double-teamed. At 6-5, 260, he finds ways to put up points no matter what.

8. Kyle Singler (Duke): I’m not jumping on any Singler or Duke bandwagon, but he’s a top NBA recruit.

9. James Harden (Arizona State): Herb Sendek’s mantra should be, ‘Doing well is the best revenge’. He’s coaching a great game this year - the Sun Devils have amazing potential and some remarkable recruits. Harden averages 10 points a game, watch for him to be huge in coming years.

10. Jerryd Bayless (Arizona): After sitting out a few games early in the season with a knee injury, Bayless is now back averaging 34 minutes per game, and 20 points per game. He plays an aggressive game and can score in clutch moments.

11. Davon Jefferson (USC): A North Carolina native, he could prove to have academic issues. Jefferson will likely develop into an amazing forward, but look for him to get more minutes on the floor once Mayo’s gone pro next year.

12. DeJuan Blair (Pittsburgh): Plays hard, gets rebounds. Also gets into foul trouble. But I’m all about anyone who brings a win over the Blue Devils.

13. A.J. Ogilvy (Vanderbilt): At 6-10, 250, he holds a strong physical presence in all games for Vandy. He’s the number 2 scorer in the SEC behind teammate Shan Foster. My prediction: Vanderbilt is this year’s ringer in the NCAA Tourney.

14. Nick Calathes (Florida): I have to throw a Florida player in the mix. The defending champs freshie player is poised beyond his years. He has a great jumper but can also penetrate inside.

15. JJ Hickson (NCSU): I’m not happy with the talent Sidney Lowe’s been able to bring to N.C. State this year, but Hickson could be the start to change my opinion. I’m impressed at the fierce athletic ability he’s brought to the Wolfpack. He definitely needs work but I think we’ll see him starting more in upcoming games.

Disclaimer: Although I know my ABC’s (Anyone But Carolina), I am not a professional sports analyst.