If I could make a Christmas wish-list in the world of sports, here’s what I would include:
1. Hoosiers that could shoot 3’s
After nearly beating #2 Kansas on Saturday, the Hoosiers barely defeated Morehead State at home on Tuesday. This team has plenty of talent, but aren’t blessed with outside shooting. In today’s game, that’s hard to overcome. Santa.. give us some shooters.
2. Pacers that can defend
As I’ve previously written about, the Indiana Pacers are putting up historic numbers on offense this season. But their overall record is still hovering around .500, because they can’t guard anybody. They rank 29th out of 30 in Defensive Rating in the NBA, and if they don’t address this glaring need, they’re going to end up wasting the historic offense, and Tyrese Haliburton’s incredible season. One great wing defender would go a long way.
3. Another March disappointment for the Boilers
Sorry, I had to go there. Purdue is once again the top team in the nation this year and will once again be one of the favorites for a Final Four run. For me, it’s too much fun making Final Four jokes to my Purdue-fan friends, so I’m going to need them to lose by the Elite-8 or preferably sooner. I also sell a shirt that says: “Dusty banners are better than no banners,” and I need that shirt to stay in stock.
4. Anthony Richardson to get and stay healthy
The Colts are 8-6 and have a legit chance of making the Playoffs, which has been one of the biggest surprise stories in the NFL this year. Minshew-mania is fun and all, but I can’t help but wonder where this team could go with a healthy Anthony Richardson. I think it’s too early to call him injury prone, but I need AR5 to be ready to rock by next season, and need him to stay on the field.
5. A college basketball game for PS5
I would pay a very large amount of money for an NCAA college basketball game again. It’s been almost 15 years since they’ve made one, and I think it’s time. I don’t even care if they put real names of players on the game. I would just love to have the format with the schools, conferences, and the chance to play in March Madness again.
6. The Chicago Cubs to act like the Chicago Cubs
I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas, and the big-market Cubs haven’t spent a dollar in free agency yet this off-season. It’s been a slow moving market, and there are still a lot of solid names still available. I’m sure the Cubs will start spending some money soon enough, and they might even look like a division favorite heading into next season. But come on, Cubbies. Let’s get this thing moving.
Most importantly, I’m grateful to be celebrating another Christmas in this fine community. Thanks for reading throughout the year. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas this year.
Tyler Smith covers the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Hoosiers for IndySportsLegends and is a frequent contributor to the Journal Review. He is also the youth and sports pastor at New Hope Christian Church.
