espn.com Ali Contest
First, it was Annika Sorenstam. Now, a male golfer wants to take on the LPGA's best. What's next? Shawn Kemp in the WNBA? John McEnroe headlining the WTA? Dennis Rodman wrestling in the WWE? Bill Clinton dancing with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? Page 2 says yes, yes, yes ... and, OK, maybe we won't go that far. BREAKING GENDER BARRIER




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If you've ever read The Sports Guy before, you know that our man thinks Rick Pitino is the worst NBA coach he has ever seen. But did you know that he also believes the Wizard of Louisville is the best college coach he has ever seen. How can this be? Well, like John Blutarski, some folks are meant to stay in school.

Jacko TV Let's Make A Deal
You can't flip on your TV these days without seeing one of two things: People ridiculing themselves for money or Michael Jackson. Page 2 has learned that the networks plan to incorporate Jacko into every show in their spring lineups, while the Daily Quickie muses about Trista, Ryan, Simon and the rest of your reality TV friends.
 The NBA trade deadline is a lot like Britney Spears' love life -- tons of talk, but no real action (hey, we still believe her!). Page 2's Eric Neel says this is one case where talk is actually more fun than action, and he muses about all the deals being discussed, including a blockbuster swap of Ben's big 'fro for Moochie's monster 'do.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL IDOL
If you think the judges at "American Idol" are cruel, then you've never been to the NFL scouting combine. Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe envisions a world in which pro football's hottest prospects would be judged by Simon, Paula and Randy, instead of Mel Kiper Jr. and Co.


As the greatest basketball player ever hits the Big 4-oh, Page 2 lists the 10 greatest over-40 athletes in sports history. Check out our list and then vote in the poll to pick the superstar for the aged ... oops, ages.
10]  Al Oerter
Oerter returned to competition as he neared 40, preparing to compete in the 1980 Moscow Games -- when he would be 43 years old. We'll never know how he would have done, because the U.S. boycotted those Olympics and Oerter finished fourth in the essentially meaningless Olympic trials.
9]  Carlton Fisk
Almost all catchers wear down long before other position players, but Fisk broke the mold. Playing with the White Sox, he caught an average of almost 100 games a season between the ages of 40 and 43, years when most catchers leave the dugout only as managers.
8]  John Stockton
A model of consistency (82 games a year in 15 of his 18 seasons), the Jazz star went from an A to an A- game six years ago after knee surgery, but he hasn't budged from A- since. As Jason Kidd said, "The best player at the point guard is still playing. He's 40 years old in Stockton. We all have to be patient until he retires."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 NBA Finals
Kings 9-5   Nets 11-2
Mavericks 3-1   Trail Blazers 15-1
Lakers 3-1   Pistons 33-1
Pacers 9-2   Celtics 40-1
Spurs 5-1   Sixers 45-1
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.


HOOSIERS REDUX
They're making a sequel to the hoops classic "Hoosiers," and Page 2's Jim Caple has written the script: LeBron goes to Hickory.

PUPPET MASTER
Ralph Wiley says Kobe Bryant is the most unstoppable scorer in NBA history. R-Dub defended his views in a chat with readers Wednesday.

HEY, RUBE
Think the Super Bowl was painful? The Good Doctor says seeing the Swiss slaughter New Zealand in the America's Cup tops that.

BASKETBALL DIARY
In Part I of the education of Eric Musselman, Charley Rosen tells us what Golden State's rookie coach learned from his CBA days.

THE LAST SHOT
MJ's last final shot was an ending of perfection. Eric Neel wonders how it will end this time around.

THE WATER COOLER
Page 2's Brian Murphy says Phil Mickelson really got his comeuppance from Tiger -- even if Lefty refused to watch any of it.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Cavs rookie DaJuan Wagner, left, and LSU women's hoopster Seimone Augustus. This match was spotted by ESPN.com business reporter Darren Rovell. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Men's Hoops: Memphis at Louisville
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Tigers want marquee win ... anything can happen.
 
Men's Hoops: Maryland at Duke
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Best rivalry in college game today.
 
Islanders at Sharks
10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
This one can make or break Isles' trip.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Feb. 19: "Hoosiers 2"
• Tues., Feb. 18: Jacko vs. Whacko
• Mon., Feb. 17: Old School
• Fri., Feb. 14: The New Retros

Other featured content:
• "Are You Hot?" Vote for hottest athlete
• Vote on Mike Tyson's face tattoo
• Biggest Nut Job: Tyson vs. Jacko
• Vote for the best throwback jerseys
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003
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