espn.com Ali Contest
TMQ is not averse to slumming during the NFL offseason -- in this case, some pro playoff hoop on TV. What he does object to is the tawdry state of offense infecting the NBA -- the mindless, look-at-me hoisting of 3s; four guys watching one guy use the semi-outlawed "clear" play; the endless "clang" of bricks striking iron.
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Before Wilt kissed and told on his 20,000 lady "friends," before Jose Canseco threatened to blow the whistle on epidemic 'roid use among major leaguers, there was Jim Bouton and his groundbreaking "Ball Four." Page 2's Jeff Merron tracked down the original Mr. Tell All to ask him 10 Burning Questions on drug use, sexual preferences and other current national pastime issues.

Power Poll World Cup diary
What do Kobe, the Dominator and Senegal goalkeeper Tony Sylva have in common? Well, after one of the most action-packed, history-making sports weeks in many years, they (and their teams) are vying for one of SportsWorld's highest honors -- the No. 1 ranking in the weekly Page 2 Power Poll.
 Page 2's Michael Davies devotes much of his World Cup diary to falling in love ... with Satellite Stadium, a "seamless, ultra-wide, high-definition, digital, mega-screen, distortion-free" TV. And on his way home from a Japanese meal, he gets lost in a mall, but is saved, luckily, by his hotel doorman.

"GUESS THE FOOTBALLER" QUIZ
Page 2 thought it was the perfect time to test your knowledge of all things international in our "Guess the Footballer Quiz." It's pretty simple; just see if you can tell apart World Cup personalities from world leaders, fellow sportsmen and international celebrities.


The Basketball Hall of Fame is preparing to add some new members, so Page 2 has compiled its list of the top 10 former pro basketball players not in the Hall. After taking a look at our list, send us your choice for the best former NBA or ABA player not in the Hall of Fame. Then later this week, we'll run our readers' list along with a poll to crown the No. 1 of them all.
10]  Max Zaslofsky, 1946-55
During his 10-year career, most of it played before the introduction of the 24-second clock, he averaged 14.8 points a game.
9]  Marques Johnson, 1977-90
A five-time All Star, Johnson, a forward, finished his career with 13,892 points, an average of 20.3.
8]  Maurice Stokes, 1955-58
In his second season, he set an NBA record with 1,256 rebounds, and was a triple threat -- he also scored 15.6 ppg and dished 4.6 assists.
7]  Dennis Johnson, 1976-90
During his 14 years in the NBA, Johnson was a five-time All-Star and was named to the all-defensive team nine seasons in a row.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Wednesday Lakers 7½ Nets 190
NHL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Tuesday Red Wings 1½ Hurricanes 4½
Bold indicates home team | Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


ALMOST HEAVEN
Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the Kings did nearly everything right, except beat the mighty Lakers.

THE WATER COOLER
Brian Murphy explains how his plans for an all-World Cup Cooler were derailed by the Kings' furious run at the Lakers.

CUP DIARY
Michael Davies was happy not to see any misbehaving at England's opener, but the fans' lack of emotion was troubling.

GETTING JUICED
The steroid craze isn't limited to just baseball -- Page 2's Jim Caple finds that 'roids have found their way into some classic baseball movies.

THE SPORTS GUY
Bill Simmons watched the National Spelling Bee from its first minute to its exhilirating denouement and kept a running diary.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


Here are two coaches on the hot seat: Ireland soccer boss Mick McCarthy and North Carolina men's basketball's Matt Doherty, right. Nine readers suggested this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Soccer: Japan vs. Belgium
4:55 a.m. ET, ESPN2
See if home-field advantage pays off in Saitama.
 
Soccer: South Korea vs. Poland
7:25 a.m. ET, ESPN2
U.S. rivals in Group D square off in Busan, South Korea.
 
Hurricanes at Red Wings
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Carolina tries to derail Detroit's grand Cup plans.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., June 3: Almost Heaven
• Fri., May 31: 'Roids all the Rage
• Thurs., May 30: C-Webb Disappear
• Wed., May 29: Moving Forward

Other featured content:
• Sportoon: In their heads
• Being ... Mike Piazza
• Sportoon: World Cup rules
• Mystery Photo
• Johnson: Major-league issue
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Tuesday, June 4, 2002
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