That was Lance Armstrong back on his bike at the Amgen Tour of California, drawing big crowds and making time for his crusade against cancer. Next stop: Europe and a shot at an unprecedented eighth Tour de France title

By Austin Murphy

GOLF

Tiger to the Rescue

Eight months removed from his epic triumph at Torrey Pines, Tiger Woods returns with nothing less than the weight of the game resting on his reconstructed knee

By Damon Hack

PRO BASKETBALL

The Ball's in His Hands

Forget about the Big Three. The Celtics' chances of gaining home court advantage in the East lie in the enormous mitts of Rajon Rondo, their mule-headed point guard

By Ian Thomsen

BASEBALL

Jason Giambi Gets His Renegade Back On

A little older, a little less scruffy and not an ounce less fun-loving, one of the most vaunted—and beloved—sluggers in A's history hopes to bring a much-missed jolt to the Oakland lineup and clubhouse

By Lee Jenkins

Just Maybe ...

The most unlikely of underdogs reached the Series last fall. Who this year's Cinderella?

By Joe Sheehan

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Flying Tigers

Thanks to its Hell-raising coach and a tough, frenetic style that has recaptured the hearts of its disaffected fans, Missouri has overcome scandal and apathy to become a contender once again

By Tim Layden

NFL COMBINE

Searching for Bobby Layne

Desperate to find their next great quarterback, the Lions are taking a good, hard look at top-rated Matthew Stafford—who has an uncanny link to their last great quarterback

By Peter King

BOBBY ORR

The Ever Elusive, Always Inscrutable and Still Incomparable Bobby Orr

At 60 he's been a player agent for longer than he ruled the ice. He is fiercely private and deeply loyal, and the force of Orr's singular presence has not waned

By S.L. Price