After the UNC basketball program's comeback victory over UCLA in the CBS Sports Classic, I ventured around New York City, taking in the excitement of the sea of Carolina Blue that surrounded me.
While we battled through the extremely cold weather, it didn't seem to bother us given the outcome of the game. Now, if they lost, it would've been a totally different story!
It just so happens that we turned the corner to find the jolly man himself- Santa Claus! Of course, I had to make a joke that he should really be wearing Carolina Blue (not the colors of NC State). Santa let out a huge chuckle and replied:
"Oh, Nick, you always have jokes, don't ya! Big win for the Heels!"
I replied, "Absolutely! It's been quite the year since we last spoke!"
Santa agreed, noting how we did pretty well on last year's wish list.
"An ACC title for the men's basketball team and a Sweet 16 appearance, a trip to Omaha for the Diamond Heels, a national title for Damon Nahas and the women's soccer team, and... how can we forget about Bill Belichick?!"
I recalled asking Santa to help us become a football school. How different things can change in just a year!
Unfortunately, Armando Bacot didn't win a national title like I'd hoped for, but Santa reminded me of just how much Bacot accomplished during his time in Chapel Hill.
"I'd say he's done daggum good for himself, don't ya think!"
I did thank him for helping bring back RJ Davis and Alyssa Ustby for another year, but I expressed my disappointment in Drake Maye becoming a member of the New England Patriots.
"Nick, your Jets are a problem that even I can't fix!"
The cold weather didn't get in the way of the conversation, as Santa was curious as to what was on the North Carolina Tar Heels' wish list this time around.
With basketball on my mind, I started with our good friend Hubert Davis.
"Any way we can get Hubert Davis a true big man?"
Santa made a bold prediction, stating that Jalen Washington, Ven-Allen Lubin, and Ty Claude were going to step up to the occasion.
"Keep an eye out on my friend James Brown. He's going to surprise a lot of people!"
I couldn't help but agree, smiling at the possibility of it happening.
"Besides, not even I can control the chaos of the transfer portal and the NIL!" Santa couldn't help but chuckle.
"How about something for Seth Trimble? He did just make a big-time play to save the Tar Heels from another loss."
"You are right! Quite frankly, it's only a matter of time before he realizes how good he really is! Just wait until he starts shooting the ball with confidence like he did earlier in the season: he's a big-time player!"
"Can I wish for a clean bill of health for the UNC women's basketball team? I love watching this group play!"
"So do I! They have a lot of talent, I expect this group to make a deep postseason run this season!"
A big grin showed up on my face following that comment!
As the conversation continued, I had to make sure I mentioned some other Tar Heels before Santa had to go on his way.
We both agreed that Damon Nahas deserves a big sign that says "Head Coach- UNC Women's Soccer" letting the world know that his interim tag was rightfully removed as he led the program to another national title.
"Why did it take Bubba Cunningham so long..."
I just let out a chuckle and continued the conversation.
"What can we do for the Diamond Heels?"
"How about a monster season for Luke Stevenson and a bounce-back year for Jackson Van De Brake?"
"Can we guarantee another trip to Omaha?"
"I will say this: I wouldn't be surprised if it happens!"
When the conversation shifted to football, Santa reminded me that our Christmas gift came early.
"You're on the verge of becoming a "football school" as well as a "basketball school!"
A small happy tear rolled down my face hearing that.
Not wanting to hold Santa up any longer (let's face it: he's got a LOT of work to do!). While I asked for health and good fortune for all North Carolina Tar Heels student-athletes, Santa asked if there was anything I personally wanted this holiday season.
While I didn't want to end the conversation about myself, I made a mention of wanting to visit Pod World Headquarters to see Jones Angell and Adam Lucas (two individuals who are on my bucket list of meeting).
"Now that's something I'd love to see!"
As we said our goodbyes, Santa inquired about where we would meet up next year.
"Hubert loves NYC. Maybe same time, same place next year?"
I nodded my head and smiled as he flew off into the night sky.
"Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and GO HEELS!"