New World Order

50
C. LAMONT SMITH, 45
Agent
In the mid-1980s Smith was one of the first black sports agents to achieve a modicum of success in the NFL. Now, with more than 50 clients, he's one of the most respected agents. In 2000 he negotiated the deal that made Eddie George the highest-paid running back, and a year later, he helped make Trevor Pryce the highest-paid defensive player.

51
TUBBY SMITH, 51
Basketball Coach, Kentucky
Since taking over a storied program that didn't take a black player until 1969, Smith has gone 164-47 and won an NCAA title. A mentor for young African-American coaches, he recently signed an eight-year, $20.25 million extension.

52
ISIAH THOMAS, 42
Coach, Indiana Pacers
Whether or not you doubt this Thomas, he's a dynamo who has worked in nearly every facet of the business. Now, the former All-Star and world champion is trying to lead the Pacers to their first tide since a '73 ABA crown.

53
BOB WATSON, 57
Vice President, Major League Baseball
Although he's no longer in the limelight—he was the Yankees' G.M. from October 1995 to February '98, a tenure that included one world championship—Watson maintains a vital presence as baseball's discipline czar.

54
ICHIRO SUZUKI, 29
Outfielder, Seattle Mariners
This Japanese star became the face of globalization in 2001, when he won the AL MVP. He dispelled the long-held notion that only pitchers, not position players, could make the jump from Japan to the major leagues.

55
FELIPE ALOU, 67
Manager, San Francisco Giants
Alou has been a mentor for Latinos since becoming a skipper in '92. He says he hasn't retired because he believes his departure would hinder the progress of other Latinos seeking to become managers.

56
ED TAPSCOTT, 49
Executive Vice President and COO, Charlotte NBA franchise
The architect of Charlotte's new team, Tapscott will hire the coach and G.M. and even pick the team's name. With owner Robert Johnson's aim to nurture minorities, Tapscott will have the chance to make a significant impact.

57
GENE SMITH, 47
Athletic Director, Arizona State
After a solid seven-year run as Iowa State AD, Smith didn't waste any time upon arriving in Tempe in 2000. He replaced the football coach and reduced the athletic department's deficit from $3.6 million to $1 million.

58
RAY ANDERSON, 49
Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer, Atlanta Falcons

When Anderson joined the Falcons' front office in 2002, the Stanford and Harvard Law graduate had already made a name for himself as a no-nonsense negotiator on the other side of the bargaining table. During his 23-year career as a sports agent and legal adviser, Anderson was known for his tirelessness and outspoken advocacy of his clients' interests. Now he stares down some of his former clients as the Falcons' lead negotiator. "The part I've enjoyed most," he says, "has been working with former colleagues and competitors. I say, 'I know you, you know me, so let's get right to it and deal.' "