MARKS HAS SURGERY:  The Hornets announced Tuesday that center Sean Marks had successful surgery on his right shoulder in New Orleans. Marks will begin rehabilitation immediately and will be sidelined the rest of the season. 

The injury- depleted Hornets have 13 games remaining and trail Portland by seven games for the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings.  Their chances of advancing to the post season are grim.

Injuries to Chris Paul have thrown Darren Collison into a starting roll as a rookie. He has produced unexpected results. Taking over at point guard, Collison has averaged more than 18 points, 9 assists and 3 boards, good enough to earn him Western Conference rookie of the month honors for February.

"We're asking him to do many, many things that you ask a veteran guard to do: said Hornets coach Jeff Bower.. "Putting him in this position, he's handling everything perfectly."

Collison said about his role with the Hornets, "It came so quick and soon, I felt like I had the confidence. It was a matter of opportunity."

It's hard to argue with his numbers so far.  Collison believes they are a testament to the four years he played at UCLA.

"To compete in the NBA, you need toughness, competitiveness and spirit," said  the rookie.

"He ran the team well," said Bobcats guard Raymond Felion after playing against the Hornets recently. "He hit big shots when he needed to and made plays when he needed to."

This combination has produced highlights in a non-playoff season.

As in 33 points at Dallas and 20 assists at Golden State. His triple-double helped the Hornets beat Indiana.

"That's an amazing thing," said Pacers forward Danny Granger of Metairie. "He's going to be a good player in this league."

Collison had a only a few months to study Paul from the bench, and there is still a gap in his NBA knowledge, when he doesn't have the answers for everything that opposing defenses throw at him.

"I have to move without he ball, go to different spots," said Collision. "I have to adjust and do different things."

Despite his starring role with the Hornets, he still carries a pink carry-on bag.

"That's a Barbie doll," explained Collison. "That's our rookie iniiation."

The Hornets play at Golden State on Wednesday night.

Despite not competing since his car crash in November, Tiger Woods, is the favorite to win the Masters next month. He is a 4-1 favorite. Phil Michelson is next at 6-1. Woods is 1-20 to make the cut and is 25-1 to win all four majors this year. ..Kickoff for the National L Club Spring Football Game will be at 3 p.n. on Saturday. March 27. The game will be televised nationally by one the ESPN networks and will be broadcast on LS Sports Radio...For a full listing of times and stats for LSU seniors  at Monday's Pro Day, click on www.LSUsports.net...

XAVIER'S POWELL HONORED:  Xavier's Brittany Powell received honorable mention on the 2010 NAIA State Farm Coaches' All-America Basketball Team.

The team was announced Tuesday at a banquet prior to the NAIA Division I Championship, which will begin Wednesday. Xavier (28-5) will play its first-round game at 4:30 p.m. Thursday against Cumberlands (25-8) at Oman Arena.Powell -- a 6-foot senior forward/center from Milwaukee and a graduate of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School -- leads the Gold Nuggets in scoring (14.6), rebounding (5.8), blocked shots (1.3) and field-goal percentage (.537). She was chosen Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year earlier this month.Powell was one of two from the GCAC to receive All-America honorable mention.