Tony Kornheiser’s been hot recently. Pointed responses, solid ‘5 Good Minutes’ questions, sharp critique, insightful as always - he even did great on Friday with Bob Ryan (by far the best back-up available, but always a challenge nonetheless).

TK is one of my favorite minds in sports and backs it up with consistent quality work. He approaches each topic with his own taste and perspective and, in my mind, manages to sound passionate and genuine without seeming condescending or righteous. He balances professionalism with animation and enthusiasm (which made his inappropriate comments concerning Hannah Storm’s wardrobe about a year ago seem that much more dumbfounding), works incredibly well with/supporting Wilbon (or anyone he’s working with or interviewing for that matter) and engages the questions that highlight their nuance and underline their importance. He’s also, in my mind, legitimately funny - on Friday, during the commercial peak-in, he followed 10 solid seconds of silence with “how great would that be if Brent [Musberger] burst into Like a Virgin.” That killed me.

His voice I value, his presence I admire and respect, and his establishment as one of the top pundits in sports is well earned and genuine.