PITTSBURGH -- James Conner has big plans for this weekend, and it has nothing to do with saying goodbye.Thanksgiving marks the 1-year anniversary of the cancer diagnosis that threatened the Pittsburgh running backs career, one that kickstarted his remarkable comeback and turned Conner into an inspirational figure for others in the same fight.Conner -- fully healthy and showing extended flashes of the raw brilliance that made him the ACC Player of the Year in 2014 -- will celebrate the milestone with a massive family meal sometime after the Panthers wrap up the regular season against Syracuse on Saturday at Heinz Field.Its going to be a good holiday this year, Conner said Tuesday.Whether its his last as a college player, Conner isnt saying. Any decision on whether to return for a redshirt senior season next fall wont come until after Pitts bowl game. Conner stressed he wants to make the smartest choice. He also doesnt want to be a distraction to the 19 teammates who will run through tunnel at home for the final time, most of whom arrived at Pitt alongside Conner in 2013.Im just going to sit back and enjoy their special moment, Conner said.Conner anticipated being in this situation a year ago. Then he tore the MCL in his right knee in the 2015 season opener against Youngstown State. A hastily arranged press conference the first week of December -- which most expected to be Conner announcing he was heading to the NFL -- instead turned into the disclosure that he was battling Hodgkin Lymphoma.Months of chemotherapy followed. Conner put his challenge out there for all to see, joining his teammates for workouts and doing outreach to other cancer patients looking for someone to lean on. Yes, its not something he ever imagined hed be doing around his 21st birthday. It hardly seems to bother him.Its all positive energy, he said. If you see a young kid in a sad situation, you feel for him and me personally because I can relate to it.And overcome it, too. After a sluggish start this fall in which he seemed intent on trying to turn every touch into something spectacular instead of just doing what hes always done -- namely, keeping his legs and arms churning with a ferocity few in the country can match -- Conner has relaxed in recent weeks. Hes gone over 100 yards in three of Pitts last four games, and his two 1-yard scoring runs in last weeks 56-14 thrashing of Duke made him the all-time leading touchdown maker (53) in Atlantic Coast Conference history.Heady territory for a kid who attended a football camp at Pitt as a defensive end prospect before getting recruited as a running back. His 6-foot-2, 240-pound frame seems tailor-made for the NFL. Yet his winding journey has also altered his perspective. Hes no longer in such a hurry to get to the next thing.You cant look too far ahead, Conner said. I dont even look a week ahead because, especially me, you dont know whats going to pop up.Asked how he would benefit from another year in college, Conner smiled.Probably some more records, he said. I dont know if I came back, just add to the legacy. I hope they retire No. 24 one day. Thats a goal of mine.One thats probably already secure either way. While offensive coordinator Matt Canada hopes to have Conner around next fall, he understands if Conner moves on. One look at the way Conner is playing, including a stiff-arm during a 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter two weeks ago against Clemson that helped Pitt rally for a 43-42 upset, he certainly looks pro-ready.Why should people want to tackle James? Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Canada said. Theres not many people that want to tackle James Conner.Its why even with a running back draft class that could include LSUs Leonard Fournette, Georgias Nick Chubb and Florida States Dalvin Cook, Conner likes his chances if he opts to move on to the next phase of his life sooner rather than later.I like to think Im pretty talented, too, he said. I just focus on me and do what I can and hope I get the opportunity.---More AP college football at www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25. Jimmy Wynn Astros Jersey .Y. -- Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo had little trouble picking up his first shutout of the season against a Buffalo Sabres team thats having trouble scoring goals. Jimmy Wynn Jersey . -- Bryant McKinnie came out of his stance and lowered his shoulder into a practice squad player, causing a crisp thud to reverberate in the Miami Dolphins practice bubble. http://www.baseballastrosproshop.com/carlos-lee-astros-jersey/ . Carey Price didnt, but he still came out on top against one of his rivals for the No. 1 job at the Sochi Games. The Anahim Lake, B.C., native was stellar in making 39 saves in his home province and Lars Eller got credit for a bizarre short-handed winner as the Canadiens defeated the Canucks 4-1. Brad Peacock Astros Jersey . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. Carlos Correa Astros Jersey . The Dutchmans tenure got off to a poor start when referee Guido Winkmann awarded a penalty within two minutes for Niklas Starks clumsy challenge on Alexandru Maxim.Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta admits he is considering his future, potentially putting an end to his eight-year spell at the club. The 31-year-old was substituted in Manchester Citys 3-0 win against Chelsea last weekend in what was just his 10th league appearance of the season.The Argentina international has been sidelined with knee and medial ligament injuries this season, and has been competing for game time with team-mate Bacary Sagna. As a result, Zabaleta admits he has been considering his future at the club.Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News HQ, Zabaleta said: He [Sagna] has been outstanding this season.Im so glad for him because hes a great lad, a great player and also hes given me a chance to have some rest thinking about the future. Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has been playing regularly ahead of Zabaleta this season I have just one more year here [on my contract] and well see what happens at the end of the season. We expect big changes at the club with a new manager coming in.Zabaleta says discussions about his future are likely to happen at the end of the season before he sets off on international duty with Argentina to Copa America.Probably at the end of the season, we have to sit down with the club and decide what will happen, he added. Pep Guardiola will take over as Manchester City manager in the summer My only concern is just thinking about another big tournament in the summer and coming back probably without rest and without pre-season.ddddddddddddhe best thing for me is just be focused on trying to finish this season in the best way. All the players will have to hear from the new manager and what his new ideas are for next season.Manchester City face Newcastle on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports, and a win would create a three-point gap over fourth-placed Arsenal. Manchester Citys Pablo Zabaleta has suffered with injuries this season Its going to be a really tough game, said Zabaleta. Even if they are not in their best situation so far this season. I think its huge game for them to get three points and move closer to staying up in the Premier League.St James Park is one of the best grounds, I really enjoy playing there, the atmosphere is always fantastic.I want Manchester City to win the game and if we get three points and can finish the season in third or second that would be important thinking about next season.Watch Newcastle v Manchester City on Tuesday night from 7pm on Sky Sports 1 HD. Also See: Kompany, Sterling boost for City Newcastle v Man City preview Pellegrini: Pep news hurt us Newcastles woeful run vs City ' ' '