Java Programming

Me and two friends are hoping to install Linux on our desktops
in the next month. We figured if we did it as a team things
would run smoother.

Can anyone recommend a distribution that is specifically Java friendly?
(Id also prefer if it was as "lightweight" as possible and good for scientific work.)
I read in several places that it is difficult to get Java to work in Linux.
I cant confirm the veracity of that statement (though it does sound very
silly) so I figured id ask.

Thanks!