THESE HOOPSTERS CAN FLAY! NBA INKS DEAL WITH FOOD NETWORK

          The NBA and the Food Network have entered into a multi-     year partnership that includes NBA- and WNBA-themed     programming and national cross-promotions.  A series of     seven one-hour specials, produced by NBAE, features NBA and     WNBA players and is hosted by the Food Network's Bobby Flay.      The series debuts in February and provides a look into the     culinary interests of the players (NBA).          HERE'S WHAT'S UP: A-B's Budweiser will feature the     stars of its "Whassup?!" ads in its NBA promos. The effort     includes two sweeps tied to the 2001 NBA All-Star Game and a     grassroots "Budweiser Hoops" promo, supported by     "Whassup?!"-themed POS and ads.  The sweeps offer a grand-     prize trip to February's All-Star Game at MCI Center, where     the winners will sit with the "Whassup?!" Guys (A-B).