Lots going on.  A few thoughts this morning:

• SU has been surprised about the reaction to Kobe Bryant’s tragic death.  He was clearly in that iconic category of sports talent – along the lines of Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Ali.  SU always viewed him as one of the best NBA players ever – top 5 – but not my favorite to watch.  He was fearless, always wanted the ball in crunch time and welcomed the chance to carry the team on his back.  A great scorer – and a high volume shooter who could score from anywhere.  It’s clear from the reactions of current and former players and fans that he had a real emotional connection – especially with the younger players who he apparently coached and counseled regularly.  It’s another major loss for the NBA coming on the heels of David Stern’s death.  Just very sad.  SU was thinking what this could be compared to.  There was Roberto Clemente who’s plane crashed delivering supplies to Nicaragua.  There was Thurman Munson’s plane crash.  But both of them were still active players at the time.
• Eli Manning has officially retired.  SU will remember him as a solid quarterback who had two magical post-season runs.  His .500 career record is probably about right.  He will be a borderline Hall of Fame candidate.  SU would say no as he was never a top tier QB for most of his years with the Giants.
• I don’t know if you saw it but when Justin Verlander was awarded his Cy Young trophy over the weekend at the Baseball dinner, he thanked the Astros’ organization for their “technological and analytical” prowess.  No doubt he meant that as a compliment but given the cheating accusations, he showed he is pretty tone deaf.  The Astros are going to experience some tough road environments this year.  Probably good for their road attendance as fans will turn out to chant “Cheaters, Cheaters.”
• We are less than a week away from the Super Bowl.  The betting line is very close – 1 point – and it should be a reasonably good game although none of the national brand teams are playing.  SU believes that the Niners’ defense will rise to the occasion and will pay attention to Mahomes so that he can’t scramble out of the pocket.  Prediction here: SF 31, KC 27.  Per usual, feel free to post your predicted score and SU will be sure to give you props come Monday.  And, of course, you will be in the running to win the SU-logoed gym bag and backpack.
• Finally, we are weeks away now from pitchers and catchers.  SU has been monitoring Greg BIrd to see where he lands – no doubt many of you are doing the same.  And did you know that Jeremy Lin is averaging 25 points a game in China?  Ah, what could have been…