As that Australian kid continues to dominate the headlines - and justifiably so - the rest of the freshman class has gone quietly about its business, playing quality minutes as members of Vanderbilt's second unit.

"They've all gotten better since the beginning of the season," said coach Kevin Stallings. "They have been efficient and productive and, at times, they have come in and given us a defensive spark."

Their numbers certainly aren't overwhelming - they are averaging a combined 6.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game - especially when you compare them to classmate A.J. Ogilvy's (19.6 and 6.3). The importance of point guard Keegan Bell and forwards Darshawn McClellan and Andre Walker to the 9-0 Commodores, however, goes beyond any statistic.

In an age when freshmen tend to come in with big egos and unrealistic expectations for playing time, these three have not only understood their roles, but embraced them.

"Coach always says ǃÚfive is one,' and we've really bought into that," Bell said. "It does make it a lot easier when you're close with everyone and enjoy everyone on the team. I think that's why some teams that are good don't make it as far because they don't have that chemistry. We do, so hopefully it will keep going."

There is no reason to suggest that it won't.

Bell, a playmaker from Hazel Green, Ala., has 23 assists to just 12 turnovers and said he thrives in the Commodores' up-tempo offense. No. 13 also said he is a big fan of Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash because of his passion for the game and "the fact that he was a little guy that came from nowhere."

"I love dishing the ball, especially what we're doing now, just pushing the ball so much," Bell said. "That's my thing - the Steve Nash style. I just like to get up and down. I guess I like to be a little fancy sometimes, but right now my role is to get it to the big guy and get it to the shooters, and so far they've made it pretty easy."

McClellan (3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game) and Walker (2.6 points and 1.7 rebounds per game) have added much-needed depth in the frontcourt, playing close to 15 minutes per game.

"(Darshawn's) been busting his butt, getting rebounds, playing real physical," Bell said. "Dre is a great athlete, a great passer, and he can really run the floor."

Most importantly, the freshmen have played well as a unit.

"We've really gelled together well, and for some reason we have great chemistry out there," Bell said. "It's because all of our guys are such great guys and we get along well and we're all like best friends off the court."

Walker echoed that sentiment.

"I like playing here, all the fans, I'm glad we're ranked, and we all get along so it's been a good experience," he said. "I think we've played really well together. There's not really a dropoff when we get in the game."

That hasn't gone unnoticed by Stallings.

"The question was how would we be when we went to the bench? Would there be a huge dropoff or would there not?" he said. "The subs have been admirable in their play and in their ability to keep leads and keep our starters fresh."

Adjusting to college life and the college game has been much easier thanks to the guidance of the team's seniors, who have shown the freshmen how to carry themselves and what it takes to be the best.

"I always jokingly say Ross is like a father figure because he's so old, but he is," Bell said. "He's always there to give you a helping hand and whenever you want to talk about something. (Gordon's) just that leader that brings energy, brings excitement and makes you want to be out there and makes you go as hard as you can."

Bell, McClellan and Walker have done just that thus far. As a result, they've yet to lose a game in their college careers.

"It's been a lot of fun," Bell said. "We've been working so hard so it feels good to have that payoff. Being a freshman, I'm just kind of used to the winning atmosphere right now so it's just great, and I'm really having a good time."