By the time Santa showed up in the Arizona Wildcats' locker room on Christmas Eve, he realized the biggest gift was already delivered.
That's because nobody had been around. Having begun preseason work in late August, then cramming in 13 games in just over five weeks, several Wildcats said time to rest and see family was what they looked forward to the most during their three-day break this weekend.
Even coach Sean Miller said with a smile that he would just "look at the mountains and cactus" instead of watching games, setting the tone for his 11-2 Wildcats.
He did not say if there was a specific gift he wanted other than time.
"Honestly, the one thing I'll say," Miller said, "is when you play as many games as we have - I feel like we've played really hard over the last three or four months - it's just nice to have nothing to do, be around your family and kind of take your mind off of things. You can refresh yourself for what's going to be a really big three months ahead.
"That's what we all want."
That appeared to be true.
Here's how the Wildcats who were available for interviews over the past week responded when asked what they wanted for Christmas:
Wishing
Jordin Mayes
"I'm not really hoping for anything. Just want to go home to see my friends and family and enjoy Christmas with them. I got everything I need."
Solomon Hill
"Beats Pro headphones and some shoes."
Derrick Williams
"I want an iPad. I've got a MacBook, iPhone and an iPod, too. But I want an iPad to top it all off."
Kyle Fogg
"Just spending time with the family."
Thanking
While players such as Mayes, Fogg and Kevin Parrom said they had no wish list at all, they did express thanks, especially Parrom, who missed 14 games with foot injuries last season.
Jesse Perry
"I'm thankful for my team, my family, everything."
KEVIN Parrom
"I'm thankful to have a better record than last year. And I'm thankful for not walking around in a boot. I'm thankful for being healthy and helping my teammates the best I can."
DERRICK Williams
"I'm thankful everyone else is healthy."
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