Thanks for being a part of my thoughts
Today’s column is going to be a little different, as it will actually be my last one for The Garden Island.
Brazilian storm in full effect at Oi Hang Loose Pro
The Brazilians have held serve at their home break this week during the Oi Hang Loose Pro in Pernambuco, Brazil. They saturated the field with top seeds and most have made sure to live up to that billing.
Going back to Cali! Machado signs record deal with Padres
Though it seemed more and more like a possibility the longer the free agency period dragged, the San Diego Padres were a long shot to land prized free agent Manny Machado. After months of speculation has crept all the way into the beginning of spring training, they did just that, signing the third baseman to a 10-year, $300 million deal on Tuesday.
Hang Loose Pro will be first major test of QS season
It’s unfortunate to say it, but the Hawaii portion of the annual surf season has essentially come to a close. Hawaiian waters dominate the professional landscape for about three straight months, but it’s now time to share the wealth and give some other nations a chance to see the best of the best up close.
Stansberry’s slide a major concern for UH
A lot can happen in a short period of time within the college basketball season. Teams often change identities rapidly, for better or worse. What you see today may not be at all what you get 10 days from now.
NBA free agency more dissected than ever, with good reason
There’s a growing criticism that the NBA has become focused mostly on player movement and that actual basketball is now a mere afterthought. That has a modicum of truth to it, since current players are moving around with more planning and in consultation with one another more than ever before. Analysis during last week’s trade deadline wasn’t just focused on how the deals being made would impact the rest of this season, but how they would ultimately set up the free agent market for this summer and trying to read the tea leaves on who will end up where.
Robinson is worthy addition to Volcom Pipe Pro champions list
Sometimes it seems like there should be more than just the Qualifying Series to determine who makes it to the Championship Tour, because Tuesday turned into one of the multiple occasions each year when it appears obvious that Jack Robinson belongs on the CT.
Kauai boys make early waves at Volcom Pipe Pro
It was by no means a stellar day of surf at Pipeline on Saturday. What is often an ocean winter paradise was more of a punchy beach break. Any barrels were fleeting head high shampoo rinsers and barely navigable. But with an inconsistent waiting period ahead and a deep field on hand, the Volcom Pipe Pro got underway in some tough winds, a strong current and diminishing open faces.
Oahu’s Young earns impressive Sunset Open championship
There are times where you see a movie or TV show and think “that individual is too good for this,” like Prince showing up on an episode of ‘New Girl’ or Matthew McConaughey in about 10 different Matthew McConaughey movies.
Reviewing the review process
There needs to be a change. Everyone can see it. It’s as clear and obvious as a blatant pass interference call.
Riverside shoots down Hawaii’s 5-game win streak
UC Riverside came into Saturday just 6-13 on the season and winless in the Big West. They appeared to be much better than that record would indicate as the Highlanders made all the big plays in the second half, holding off Hawaii for the 75-71 victory in Riverside, Calif.
2019 surf season already getting busy in Hawaii and Florida
With the Sunset Open opening up on Friday, followed by the Volcom Pipe Pro on Jan. 29, we’re right back to the grind of the World Surf League season. The 2019 Qualifying Series schedule is already underway and ready to quickly pick up the pace over the next few weeks on Oahu.
Drammeh re-emerges to cap UH hot streak
It’s been a very positive three-week stretch for Eran Ganot and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors ever since a disappointing opening matchup in the Diamond Head Classic just before Christmas. Since losing to UNLV in the first round, Hawaii has pulled off four straight victories including a win in the conference opener.
What to watch for in 2019
I’m excited about 2019. Kauai went through a lot last year and though just turning the calendar to a new page doesn’t really signify much, it can at least allow us to reset our brains and look forward with optimism and excitement.
Final grade for 2018 predictions: See me after class
The page has officially turned to 2019, so Happy New Year, Kauai!
Tagovailoa strikes strongest in Heisman duel
It would be naive to think that this one wasn’t personal. Players and coaches may have said the right things (while a few still hinted at the additional motivation), claiming it wasn’t Tua vs. Kyler and instead just another step on the championship road. Yet the tenor in the building, on the field and on the sidelines from the very first snap seemed to indicate otherwise.
Offensive questions emphasized in Hawaii Bowl defeat
The season finale may have created more questions than it answered as the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors hosted the Hawaii Bowl on Saturday. After an 8-5 regular season that featured plenty of highs along with some intermittent lulls, the ‘Bows fell 31-14 to Louisiana Tech.
Best and worst from an up and down 2018 season
It was a frantic season across the board for the WSL. The start of the year featured some of the newest members of the Championship Tour acclimating themselves very quickly, but it finished with a few of the biggest names reclaiming their spots atop the leaderboards for both men’s and women’s supremacy. Here’s a look back at some of the key moments as 2018 winds down.
Medina is magical in Pipe Masters world title win
By any measurable standard, the last five years have belonged completely to Gabriel Medina. Since breaking through with his first world title in 2014, the Brazilian phenom has been the only consistently great competitor at every event, year in, year out. There’s a debate to be had about whether he or John John is the best in the world, but from a purely analytical standpoint, it’s not even close.
Bloodied Barca wins at Bellator on Pipe Masters lay day
If you saw Stephen A. Smith on Thursday trying to give his analysis and predictions for the ensuing Chiefs-Chargers game that night, you know that sports reporters, pundits, commentators and talk show hosts are very often full of hot air and shouldn’t really speak on things they don’t know much about. Smith predicted that a key matchup in that night’s game would be Chargers tight end Hunter Henry going up against Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson.