Players who thought thatNBA 2Kwas good are in for an even  better game of hoops this time around withNBA 2K1. Almost every area of  the franchise has improved, and now players can hop online and challenge someone  in Sioux City, Iowa--or anywhere else--if they please.Player faces are much more recognizable, and the resolution and detail of the  court is higher than it was before. The coaches, too, are more animated--raising  their hands in the air as a three-pointer goes up and in--and the crowd is more  three-dimensional and lively.During the game, players will encounter better defense against lay-ups; also,  they'll have to break down defenses with quick passing, and post up and back  their way to the basket. On defense, the computer always looks for easy buckets,  which forces players to double-team opponents and keep scorers to the  outside.Franchise mode is the icing on the cake, as players can draft a team, and sign  their own players and free agents by making offers and orchestrating trades. A  few more special offensive moves would have been nice; but, as is, this is a  must-have title for fanatic and casual b-ball fans alike.--Robb GuidoPros:Excellent graphics and improved artificial intelligencePlayers can go online and play opponents across the countryCons:Could have used more offensive special moves