Sports Illustrated Names Obama One of the 50 Most Powerful People...in Sports

President Barack Obama holds up a jersey during a White House ceremony honoring the 2012 NCAA Women’s College Basketball Champion Baylor Bears. (Getty Images)

Sports Illustrated has declared President Barack Obama one of its "50 most powerful people in sports".

Obama made the magazine's list at No. 44 -- his presidential number:

Barack Obama

U.S. President

POTUS might be the ultimate global power player, but he also wields significant influence in the Republic of Sports. One relevant riff -- on his NCAA tourney picks, on his desire for a college football playoff, on his concern over permitting the sons that he doesn't have to play football -- and the sports world takes notice. Plus, the 51-year-old can shoot the J.

Among those Obama beat on the list are Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (No. 48) and Michael Jordan (No. 50). NFL commissioner Roger Goodell came in at No. 1.

Sports Illustrated's endorsement of Obama's basketball skills is surely a boost after NBA commissioner David Stern criticized the president's game last year.

“He’s not that good,” Stern said in an interview. “He’s a lefty, he goes the same way every time. ... He’s not as good as he thinks he is."

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​Related:

• Burn: NBA Commissioner Says Obama’s ‘Not That Good’ at Basketball — ‘He’s a Lefty, He Goes the Same Way Every Time’