espn.com Ali Contest
When he talked longtime disciple Roy Williams into leaving Kansas for North Carolina, Dean Smith got his man. However, the Dean also revealed himself as a self-absorbed egomaniac, says Page 2's Jason Whitlock, who also predicts that they'll both live to regret the decision, the worst of Williams' life.
WHITLOCK: LOATHING IN LAWRENCE




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Nothing has gone according to form in the NBA this year -- the Lakers took 60 games to get rolling, the Pacers took 60 games to fall apart, and MJ went nowhere but home. Most observers are just guessing about what will happen in the postseason. Page 2's Dan Shanoff is more than willing to join that "informed" lot with his Hot List for the 2003 playoffs.

10 Burning Questions Ultimate Scorecard
Face it: Shaq doesn't like the Sacramento "Queens" or their point guard, Mike Bibby. Page 2 sent Eric Neel to ask Bibby about being singled out by the Big Quote Machine, as well as nine other Burning Questions on everything from his tattoos to his uncanny resemblance to actor Vin Diesel.
 Who's the ultimate No. 32, Jim Brown or Magic Johnson? Is No. 7 John Elway or Mickey Mantle? Do you go with Bill Russell or Dr. J at No. 6? From Nos. 00 to 99, Page 2 makes the call on 101 different numbers in our Ultimate Scorecard, plus Jim Caple searches for the best number in sports.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
When is a win really a loss? The Daily Quickie ponders this existential sports dilemma after watching the Cavs reduce their odds for winning the LeBron Lottery by inexplicably beating Toronto in their meaningless season finale.


After opening 0-9 for the season consecutive season, the Detroit Tigers are horrendously bad. However, they're not bad enough to make Page 2's list of the 10 worst pro sports teams of all-time -- at least not yet. Check out our list and vote for the worst of the worst.
10]  1936 Philadelphia Eagles (1-11)
After winning their opener against the Giants, the Eagles lost the next 11 to close out the season. Early in the year, Philly was shut out four games in a row, and during the entire season only managed to score 51 points, while surrendering 206.
9]  1980-81 Winnipeg Jets (9-57-14)
In their second NHL season, the Jets set both an NHL and a modern major pro sports record by going 30 games without a win in November and December.
8]  1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112)
The Pirates slid in September, winning only four of their last 22 games to finish 22½ games behind the seventh-place Boston Braves. "They finished last -- on merit," Pittsburgh GM Branch Rickey said.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2004 SUPER BOWL
Eagles 5-1   Raiders 10-1
Rams 6-1   Dolphins 10-1
Buccaneers 7-1   Packers 15-1
Steelers 7-1   49ers 15-1
Patriots 10-1   Giants 15-1
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.


THE SPORTS GUY
After watching Kobe and Shaq all season, Page 2's Bill Simmons has determined that the NBA's super duo must be broken up ... NOW!

BASKETBALL DIARY
Now that the long 82-game season is over, Charley Rosen is ready for the playoffs, where everyone puts their reps and bodies on the line.

A BIT BIASED
With Saddam's regime toppled in Iraq, Page 2's Jim Caple examines the next career move for the Iraqi information minister.

BIG LEFTY'S WIN
Phil Mickelson finished third again, but he was really the biggest winner at the 2003 Masters. Ralph Wiley explains how this all makes sense.

THE WATER COOLER
It was a long week at Augusta, but all the Cooler needs to get through it is Jim Belushi, Miguel Angel Jimenez and some peach cobbler.

FREE SPEECH
How does a movie about minor league baseball turn into a statement on patriotism? Page 2's Jim Caple is here to investigate "Bull Durham."
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Oregon point guard Luke Ridnour, left, and actor Tom Everett Scott. Page 2 has received 28 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


NHL Playoffs: Bruins at Devils
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Boston faces a devil of a challenge.
 
NHL Playoffs: Oilers at Stars
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Knotted at 2-2, this one's a biggie. 
 
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If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., April 16: Air Quality
• Tues., April 15: YES Man
• Mon., April 14: Canada Dry
• Fri., April 11: No Nuke!

Other featured content:
• Page 2 columnists reflect on MJ
• Fashion Report: Women in Uniform
• Page 2's 2003 Wacky Bracket
• Page 2's Ultimate Scorecard
Thursday, April 17, 2003
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