After bumping into Santa Claus on the streets of New York City following last year's CBS Sports Classic, I thought there was no way that our paths would collide again this year.
The Tar Heels weren't scheduled to compete at the historic Madison Square Garden, a "bah humbug" moment for those like me who reside in the tri-state area. However, I would run into the jolly man himself, this time on the other side of the George Washington Bridge in the state of New Jersey.
"You know, Nick, I do enjoy spending some time at the Jersey shore!" Santa replied with a chuckle.
I gave the jolly man a compliment for his Carolina Blue suit, a major upgrade from the red one he sported a year ago. As he walked inside to have some hot chocolate, he made it clear that Duke fans who attended the team's loss to Texas Tech at MSG were unhappy to see him rocking the enemy colors.
"They were almost as unhappy with me as they were with their team blowing a 17-point lead!"
I made sure to thank Santa Claus for granting one of my major wish-list items from last year: giving Hubert Davis a true big man.
"You know, you really got spoiled by getting two stars in Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson!"
Testing my luck, I politely asked if there was someway, somehow, that one (or both) could elect to return to UNC for another season. Santa's answer was not what I hoped to hear.
"Sorry, but those two big men will be playing in the NBA by this time next year, but maybe now their success will lead other outstanding front court players to Chapel Hill."
We truly could only hope!
Last year's conversation also focused on Seth Trimble, who is now in his senior season at North Carolina. Trimble recently returned to the lineup after suffering a weight room injury to his left arm, one that made his miss the majority of non-conference action.
"Seth is a very good young man, his quick recovery is a gift for all UNC basketball fans!"
I couldn't help but agree!
Santa did mention how he flew by Ben & Jerry's on Franklin Street, but was disappointed to find the store was closed last at night when he was in the area.
"Maybe the Trimble family can make some extended hours for me!"
While Scott Forbes and the Diamond Heels fell just short of a trip to Omaha, and my vision of becoming an instant football school is still a work in progress, I did get my wish of interviewing Adam Lucas.
"I definitely enjoyed watching that interview! Adam is definitely on the good list this year!"
As the conversation continued, I couldn't help but make some requests for this year. Santa let out a big chuckle, noting:
"I think I know what's on your "Wish List" this year!"
For starters, North Carolina capitalizing on the Caleb Wilson era is a big ask, but it is totally worth putting out in the universe. Santa has a ton of faith in this UNC team, believing they are destined for greatness come March.
"I sure do like when the Tar Heels "Sparkle, Bedazzle" opponents!"
We can't forget the women's team, who are also off to a very strong start this season. For them, I simply asked for some big-time ACC victories, and maybe, just maybe, an ACC regular season crown.
"Courtney Banghart is one of my all-time favorites. She has what it takes to lead this group to its full potential!"
While Santa couldn't confirm if Bill Belichick was on the "nice list" this year, he did say he'd try to give him some talented transfer portal additions to help improve next year's team. I started to ask for a quarterback, but was quickly interrupted.
"I can't promise you everything, my friend!"
After falling short of Omaha last season, I reiterated my desire to see the Diamond Heels back in the College World Series. Santa knows just how good this year's pitching staff could be.
"Coach Forbes has an elite group of weapons on the mound! I wouldn't want to face this pitching staff!"
While I know I asked Santa for a lot during this short period of time, I did have one last wish that I hoped he'd listen to.
"Alright, last one. Mrs. Claus is waiting for me to return home."
My final wish was that all UNC athletes have a full year of health, happiness and a ton of success.
Santa replied, "You know that part’s not always up to me."
I knew that, but it never hurts to ask!
"You keep believing," Santa added. "I'll see what I can do.
After adjusting his Carolina-blue trim, Santa checked his list one more time to ensure he had written everything down. Before he took off into the air on his sleigh, he let it be known:
"Will Wade better not complain about my suit, or he's going to quickly find his way onto the naughty list!"
We both shared a laugh as Rudolph led Santa's sleigh into the night sky.
"Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and GO HEELS!"