Who's Hot/who's Not

WHO'S Hot

Hollis Thomas

The Eagle eats well (Our Dinner with Hollis, SI PLAYERS, Dec. 20) and he's livin' large. Back from a dislocated left elbow and playing in the postseason for first time since 2000, the 330-pound DT was stompin' around after dropping T.J. Duckett for loss and sacking Michael Vick in goal line stand that sent Philly on its way to Jacksonville.

Houston Rockets

Basketballers snagged two sweet wins on the road-- Tracy McGrady got 27 in return to Orlando; a buzzer-beater sank New York--and Yao Ming is standing tall as the leading vote-getter for next month's All-Star Game. That other Houston Rocket, Roger Clemens (left), isn't just getting older, he's getting richer: The 42-year-old ace inked a record $18 million deal with his hometown 'Stros.

Believing in a Hoya Power

John Thompson III, Georgetown's first-year coach, may be resurrecting Dad's glory days. After upset of Notre Dame, the Hoyas, 13--15 last year, were 12--5 and without quit. Senior Darrel Owens to the Washington Post: "[ Thompson] always gives you confidence...he works his magic."

Kid Vocalists

O, say can they sing! In Philly, 11-year-old Timmy Kelly, who's blind, delivered the National Anthem before the NFC title game. ("I feel ecstatic," said Timmy, right). Hours later Tiffany Evans, 12, a Star Search winner, belted it out in Pittsburgh.

Chestnut Hill