Random Observations on the Wonderful World of Sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---And the number one player on the PGA Tour is............Tim Clark? The South African golfer played brilliantly on Thursday, putting an abrupt end to Tiger Woods' comeback story.

---All eyes were on the most dominant athlete in sports this week, and I'm sure that Tiger is far from satisfied with his performance. However, I thought Tiger played well, all things considered. His knee did not seem to cause any problems, and with a few more tournaments Tiger will be in prime form by the time the Masters roll around.

---Manny says no to the Dodgers-----again. I'm loving this. Manny, do the right thing and sign with my Giants. Do not return to the hated blue.

---Charles Barkley is back and better than ever. Sir Charles expressed genuine remorse in his first night back on air, and all is forgiven. The sports world was just not the same in the absence of the world's greatest commentator.

---Somebody break up the Clippers. After beating my Warriors on Monday night, the inept Clips knocked off the defending champs on Wednesday night. A major shocker. The Celtics are going to be fine, and in all fairness they were without Kevin Garnett. However, who would have guessed that the Big 3 in a Celtics-Clippers game would consist of Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, and Zach Randolph?

---Still, Mike Dunleavy better start shopping for another job. He should be fired at season's end.

---Speaking of the Celtics, I am not a fan of the Stephon Marbury signing. Yes, it is a no-risk move, but it is also a no-reward move. Marbury is a petulant player who is bound to cause more trouble.

---You heard it here first: The Utah Jazz will be in the NBA Finals.

---With an underrated superstar in Deron Williams, a lights-out shooter in Mehmet Okur, a defensive master in Carlos Boozer, and a Hall of Fame coach in Jerry Sloan, the Jazz are blossoming at the perfect time, conjuring memories of the John Stockton-Karl Malone days. Lakers and Spurs, beware.

---If the Jazz do win a championship this season, it will be in honor of their late owner Larry H. Miller. Very few owners were as passionate about their team as Miller was.

---Two Bulls legends also passed away this week. Johnny "Red" Kerr and Norm Van Lier will be sorely missed.

---The player of the month in the NBA is Nate Robinson. With a string of 30+ point games, a rousing victory in the slam dunk contest, and an appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman", Robinson has emerged as the face of Mike D'Antoni's New York Knicks, an exciting young team on the rise.

---Memo to Don Nelson: Please don't sit Jamal Crawford. That risks alienating a player who should be in our long term plans.

---That sound you hear, that is the sound of the Detroit Pistons collapsing.

---Play of the week in the NBA: Devin Harris' half-court prayer to defeat the Sixers.

---Number 1's are dropping like flies in college basketball, setting the stage for what should be a wildly entertaining March Madness. My pick---subject to change---to win the NCAA Tournament is Pittsburgh, despite their recent loss to Providence. DeJuan Blair will be the dominant force that will push Pitt over the top. But once again, this year's NCAA Tournament is completely up for grabs.

---Big game tomorrow for the Cal Golden Bears. They battle UCLA in the national spotlight at Haas Pavilion. Mike Montgomery's inconsistent team needs this win. Go Cal!

---And finally, congratulation to newlyweds Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen. What is the over/under on how much time before a cheesy nickname is devised, like Brisele, or Tomchen?