By Lance Tominaga, ESPN Honolulu Web Editor.
ESPN Honolulu can confirm that the man himself, Santa Claus, is putting the final touches on this year’s “Naughty and Nice” lists. While our sources did not provide specific details, we are told that Santa and his merry band of elves and reindeer are fully vaxed and ready to roll out his majestic sleigh. Last-minute requests are still being considered, so this reporter humbly submitted his own sporty wish list:
For former UFC featherweight champ MAX HOLLOWAY: A second rematch against Alexander Volkanovski. It needs to happen in 2022, please.
For Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach ROBYN AH MOW: A couple of Top 15 recruits to help get her program back into national title contention.
For former UH QB CHEVAN CORDEIRO: A copy of the Dionne Warwick song, “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” (Spoiler alert: He does.)
For LEBRON JAMES: Five more healthy seasons in the NBA so he’ll have a chance to play with his son, Bronny. In exchange, LeBron will have to promise that there will never be a Space Jam 3.
For NFL receiver ANTONIO BROWN: A %$@# lump of coal. (Sorry, but that’s an annual request.)
For UH men’s basketball head coach ERAN GANOT: A nice run in the Big West Tournament. It’s been too long since Hawaii advanced past the first round. I like this year’s team, and they’ll get better as the Conference unfolds.
For Miami Dolphins QB TUA TAGOVAILOA: An NFL postseason berth. For much of the season, Tua has dealt with injuries and criticism and trade rumors. Now he’s helped Miami to six straight wins. Let’s hope playoff time turns into “Tua Time.”
For YouTuber-turned-boxer JAKE PAUL: A legit opponent who will punch his lights out.
For UH football offensive coordinator BO GRAHAM: A crowbar to pry open the back pages of his playbook.
For Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool: A football IQ that exceeds his jersey number.
For the NFL: A Tampa Bay vs New England Super Bowl. Tom Brady vs Bill Belichick. C’mon, the story writes itself.
For Houston Texans QB DESHAUN WATSON: A happy ending. (Hehehe!)
For UH RB/WR CALVIN TURNER: A draft notice. As in, the NFL Draft. The 2021 season probably wasn’t what he was hoping for, but through it all the versatile standout handled everything with complete class and maturity. He deserves the best.