I like to be held accountable for my actions. Well, within reason. Let’s not go crazy, here. But if I make a prediction of some sort, I don’t want it to just float off into the ether. I’ll take the flak for any misguided prognostications.
I made some predictions on Jan. 1, so now that we’ve reached the 2017 calendar’s final inch of real estate, let’s see how those panned out.
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors basketball team would finish with a sub-.500 record
This wasn’t going out on a flimsy limb, despite the team coming off a 28-win season in 2015-16 — but I’ll still take the check mark. Hawaii did end up under .500 at 14-16 last season, though they’re bouncing back nicely so far this year. They’re poised for a steady upward trajectory over the next few seasons.
John John Florence will win his second straight WSL world title
Again, this limb was a pretty sturdy one. But Florence did indeed pull off the back-to-back feat, clinching the 2017 title at his home break of Pipeline just a few weeks ago. The new format will make next season unique and the chance for a three-peat will be more difficult. But nobody can be considered a favorite over John John.
Carissa Moore will win the 2017 WSL women’s world championship
Nope. Here’s where things started going off the rails. Moore had a spectacular back end to her season, but it was just a little too late for a serious push at her fourth world title. I followed the “odd year” theory after Moore won world titles in 2011, 2013 and 2015. The streak came to an inopportune end.
At least four players will be voted into the MLB Hall of Fame
On the coattails of Bud Selig’s induction, I expected the flood gates to open and “questionable” candidates to start getting in. It has begun to happen, but three players — Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines and Ivan Rodriguez — made the cut. A fourth just missed out as Trevor Hoffman received 74 percent of the vote, requiring 75 percent to gain induction.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will win their second straight NBA Championship
Another near miss here as Cleveland reached the NBA Finals, but was dismissed by the Warriors in just five games. Golden State doesn’t seem ready to relinquish their crown any time soon, but a fourth straight Cleveland-Golden State showdown certainly seems a likely proposition.
UCLA will win the NCAA men’s basketball championship
The Bruins slowed down towards the end of the season, but still earned a 3-seed in the tournament. However, they couldn’t get past Kentucky in the Sweet 16, so Lonzo Ball didn’t have the story book freshman one-and-done season I envisioned. I wonder what ever happened to that guy.
The New England Patriots will win the Super Bowl
Never in doubt. (Sorry, Falcons.)
Roman Reigns will finally turn heel; it will be great
As probably the only WWE fan reading this, I could just lie and say this was true. But Reigns never really turned into a bad guy, though he came close through his feud with The Undertaker. Now it seems like it won’t ever happen. I’m sure you’re gutted.
Rex and Rob Ryan will be doing terrible Papa John’s commercials
I can’t believe this didn’t come to fruition. Can’t you see the Ryan twins sitting on a couch with Peyton Manning, watching NFL on Sundays and making catty remarks to one another? I should be working for their marketing department. I hear they also have an opening for a CEO.
Draymond Green will have another run-in with a player’s “nether region”
For the most part, Draymond has managed to clean up his act. He hasn’t been flamboyantly flinging limbs into sensitive locations quite as much, so good for him. He did get into a fight with Bradley Beal two months ago, but we’ll give him a freebie every once in a while.
Drake and J-Lo will break up
I swear I had to look up that this was even a thing. It was. And they did.
Easy money.
Have a safe and wonderful New Year. I’ll have some 2018 predictions coming on Wednesday.
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David Simon can be reached at dsimon@thegardenisland.com.
