The PBA touring pros are a distinctly opinionated lot, outspoken sometimes to a fault, yet generally a good-natured, fun-loving bunch. The pros were asked their opinions on their fellow pros, and their observations proved interesting. Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Stockton, Calif., was the unanimous choice for player of the year. Williams finished the year with five titles and led every statistical category. He was second in money earned with $208,330, behind Bob Learn Jr. of Erie, Pa., with $233,332. Left-hander C. K. Moore of Chehalis, Wash., not only won a tournament his first year on the tour, he grabbed a second and rolled a 300 game during a TV appearance. His feats easily won him the players' votes for rookie of the year. The comeback player of the year is Tom Baker of Buffalo, N.Y., who had not won a title since 1986. He won the AC Delco Classic and finished seventh on the money list. Tommy Delutz Jr. of Jamaica, N.Y., was the choice for most improved player. He didn't win a championship but appeared on back-to-back TV shows, made 10 match-play appearances and earned a career-best $43,975. Ernie Schlegel's flashy, boisterous style has earned him legions of fans and the choice as most entertaining on TV. The pros officially vote for awards this month. FSU ON RISE: Coach George Cejka says the Florida State program is on the rise, and he may be right. The men's team was ranked 12th in the country and the women's squad 10th in the preseason poll. Past teams have been ranked as high as fifth nationally and have competed in the IBC national tournament several times. Cejka judges a prospect's potential primarily on his or her ability to get into the school and earn good grades. Players admitted then can try out for the teams. Admission deadline for the fall semester is March 1. Limited scholarship money is available; students should not expect a full ride. MERIT PAIRINGS: Pairings for the Merit Mixed Doubles Championship on Dec. 12-15 at Sam's Town in Las Vegas include some interesting matchups. Williams and Wendy Macpherson of Henderson, Nev., head the list based on Merit points won during their regular pro tour seasons. Macpherson led the Sam's Town LPBT money winners with $104,755. Top money winner Bob Learn Jr. and Kim Adler of Palm Bay are second-seeded. Adler won two straight events and was second on the money list. Steve Jaros of Bolingbrook, Ill., is paired with Bradenton's Lisa Wagner, and Clermont's Jason Couch will team with Clearwater's Dede Davidson. The tournament is the final stop for both tours this year. _ Phil Gulick can be reached at Xerxes6juno.com, Xerxes6aol.com or HSQV12Aprodigy.com.