Sports Illustrated handicaps this month's World Championship in Japan and says the star-studded Team USA must be considered the favorite in the 24-team field, but don't rule out seven other teams. Among them, says SI's Ian Thomsen is tiny Slovenia. Led by Net forward Bostjan Nachbar, the country of 2 million "could be the tournament's Cinderella". Slovenia faces Team USA next Tuesday in Sapporo, Japan.
- On Top of the Worlds - Ian Thomsen - Sports Illustrated (Not Online)