Arizona Diamondbacks
Credentials: Dethroned the New York Yankees as World Series champions. 'Nuff said.

Past ESPY's: none

Carolina Hurricanes
Credentials: Made first Stanley Cup finals appearance in 2002.

Past ESPY's: none

Detroit Red Wings
Credentials: Led NHL in wins during 2001-02 season (51) en route to the team's third Stanley Cup championship title in six years.

Past ESPY's: none

Los Angeles Lakers 
Credentials: Won their third consecutive NBA title in 2002, with a franchise first, 4-0 game sweep.

Past ESPY's: none

New England Patriots
Credentials: Beat the Raiders and Steelers in the playoffs, then, as if that wasn't enough, they gave us an epic, against all odds, still can't believe that game, Super Bowl victory over the Rams.

Past ESPY's: none

New Jersey Nets
Credentials: Made first appearance in NBA championships in 2002.

Past ESPY's: none

UConn Women's Basketball Team
Credentials: Perfection: a 39-0 season, capped off by a third national championship title. With an average margin of victory of 35.4 points per game-- the word 'spanking' comes to mind. It got ugly.

Past ESPY's: 1996 Team of the Year

University of Miami Football Team
Credentials: Won its fifth national championship, finishing a perfect 12-0. Offense, defense, special teams, you name it, this roster smells like roses... Rose Bowl champs that is.

Past ESPY's: none