Michael Jordan: Beyond the Court

The lure of Michael Jordan was simple. On any night, for a moment or two, he made you believe a man could fly. He became a champion, then the first superstar of the 24/7 era, then its first superstar pitchman.

But the real wonder of Jordan was that he always kept score _ whether playing his older brother on a baked-dirt court in the backyard, or doubling down at the blackjack table as the sun came up. His father once said that obsession marked his son as special, even as a child. From the moment he started playing games, Michael had to win, and just as important, there had to be something riding on the outcome.

He is still the Most Competitive Man in the World.