31.  As a young player, he fought for acceptance by the best players in the game, strove mightily to be included in their number.

32.  Duncan's the best player in the country, which makes the Deacons lethal no matter how bad their guard play.

33.  Duke would have to protect the lead for the upcoming minutes without its best player.

34.  Despite the six goals by the Devils, it was goaltender Martin Brodeur who was their best player.

35.  Duquette said he contacted Scott Boras, the agent for Rodriguez, who is selling him as the best player at a comparable age in the game's history.

36.  Detroit will play D and will have the best player on the floor.

37.  Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. calls Tait the eighth best player in the draft and predicts he'll be the first offensive lineman chosen.

38.  Did we just lose our best player?

39.  Duval does not think the course set-up necessarily will identify the best player in the field, but that can be said for just about any major championship.

40.  Duval says he still gets uncomfortable when he is called a superstar or the best player in the game.