By Jake Hamar
Hi, My name is Jake Hamar. I am going to be hosting a new morning show called “The Morning Grind” in January with Ian Johnson and Daryn Colledge. While I am new to the sports radio waves, I am not new to Boise. I did radio here for years, and love the city and the people of the Treasure Valley.
Boise is my home.
We’ll talk about Boise State athletics, NFL, baseball, NBA, etc etc. Whatever is interesting and piques interest. Just don’t bring up curling. I don’t know much about curling.
Curling is out.
Everyone is talking about how Boise State’s 8-4 season wasn’t exactly what they were hoping for. I think the team did the best they could with what they had. Lots of injuries this year, a freshman rookie QB (who did excellent this year by the way), and new offensive coordinator. Is 8-4 what this team deserved? Trust me, teams like Nevada, Fresno State and Colorado State would kill for that record.
Boise State had a lot of bright spots in 2015. Obviously, the emergence of Brett Rypien is certainly one of those bright spots. The fact that he was able to come in during a critical time for the team and step up and play excellent football speaks volumes on the promise this kid possesses. Were there hairy situations for Rypien? Obviously, the Utah State and New Mexico games were not his best work, but he will bounce back and learn from what he did wrong in 2016, and with the help of the coaching staff-should improve upon his impressive freshman campaign.
This kid has what it takes to thrive in the microscope that is Boise State Football.
Another big sports story this year is the inevitable retirement of Kobe Bryant. For years, this guy took NBA fans on one huge roller coaster ride. With the Lakers, he experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. From the love-hate-hate relationship with Shaq, to the Pau Gasol years, to now being on a team that looks more like the Clippers of old, Kobe faces the sobering reality that he no longer is the player he once was.
People say, “Oh he isn’t the Kobe Bryant of old.” Well, of course he’s not. He’s been in the league 19 seasons. I don’t care if you are Kobe Bryant or Joe Blow from Acme Heating Company, you are going to eventually break down. For a guy who has been in the league for over two decades, he’s averaging 15.9 points per game and averaging 2.2 steals a game.
Not bad for a 20 year vet.
Of course, not only is Kobe’s competitive spirit keeping him on the basketball court. There is financial reasons as well. He is making $25 million this year. If I knew I was going to make that much money in a year, they’d have to pry me off the court with the jaws of life. It’s just smart business for Kobe to play this year.
This Lakers team will be better in the future. Julius Randle will eventually be a defensive star. In many ways, he already is. He’s averaging 9.4 rebounds per game, and almost a block a game. Everyone is not happy with DeAngelo Russell, but he’s a rookie. Give him time to develop and maybe once Kobe retires, he will have a chance to shine.
But right now, it’s not about the future Lakers.
It’s about the Kobe Retirement Tour.
A guy who is in almost the same boat in terms of the decline of his game is Peyton Manning. Foot problems have plagued the all-time great, which has resulted in Brock Osweiler picking up the slack and keeping the Broncos afloat with a 10-2 record. If they keep up their winning ways, there’s no reason why they can’t be in the Super Bowl.
It’s also a wake up call for Peyton Manning to realize he might need to follow Kobe into retirement. Injuries have certainly caught up to him. No one can play at a high level forever. It might be time for him to retire and enjoy his later years.
After all, he’s got a lot of Papa John’s and Nationwide commercials to make.
Chicken parm you taste so good!
