January 22, 2007 Table Of Contents
SI Bonus Section: Golf Plus
THERE'S A FRESH TAKE ON GOLF EVERY DAY AT SI.COM/GOLF.
The Sony Open isn't the first Tour event of the season, but for rank-and-file pros like winner Paul (Sunshine) Goydos, the new year starts here
A fit Phil Mickelson joins his archrival in the course architect biz
By Jim Gorant
By Jim Murphy
Here are the fresh faces most likely to have a breakout year
Air and Space
By Steve Rushin
SI Players: LIFE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
SI Players: Luke Walton discusses tattoos, Gilbert Arenas and life in L.A.
As told to Ben Reiter
Saints Center
Suddenly a sophomore, with much to tackle
Girls like Nicole Woody are turning wrestling on its head
After years of trial and sorrow, world traveler Donte' Greene finds himself in a Melo place
By Franz Lidz
Pro Football
It's the unlikeliest NFL story in ages: Drew Brees and the Saints, recovery projects both, are one win away from the Super Bowl. That's what character and commitment can do
By Tim Layden
Even when he's far from perfect, Tom Brady finds a way to make the Patriots playoff winners
When the plan is to fluster Peyton Manning, he's an expert at turning the tables on a defense
By Peter King
Though vulnerable of late, the Bears' defense is confident it matches up well with the Saints
Hockey
In his second season Sidney Crosby is setting himself apart from the rest of the league--and scoring at a pace close to none other than Wayne Gretzky's
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
With an infusion of homegrown talent and a new emphasis on smothering defense, the Pac-10 has become the nation's top conference
By Grant Wahl
PRO BASKETBALL
The Mav Who Makes the Difference
If the league's winningest team is to take the final step to an NBA title, no player will be as crucial as forward Josh Howard, who has established himself as Dirk Nowitzki's righthand man
Happy Birthday, Champ
Newfound images document the time when Muhammad Ali, 65 this week, began to transform sports and popular culture
Inside
By Ian Thomsen
Life of Reilly
Shootin' the Bull With Bullfighters
By Rick Reilly
Departments
A drive-by victim last April, Julius Hodge is back in the NBA with Milwaukee—after some ups and downs
By Chris Mannix
Even if you're just sharing pumpkin bread, SI writers know, hanging with NFL players is never dull
By Gene Menez
If David Beckham can't sell soccer to Americans, no one can. But what kind of player will the MLS get for $250 million?
By Grant Wahl
By Frank Deford
Pity the poor athlete who gets injured while celebrating. Or, maybe, don't
The five-time NBA All-Star and former Craftsman Truck Series team owner is a NASCAR analyst for ESPN/ABC
By Adam Duerson
What to watch and watch for
By Chris Mannix