Wavin' The Wheat Podcast: Recent Episodes
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"Nick Schwerdt grew up a lifelong Kansas fan, graduated from KU, and spent nearly a decade covering the Jayhawks in Lawrence. Now, he discusses the biggest stories in Kansas Athletics on “Wavin’ the Wheat,” the most extensive and entertaining podcast covering KU."
In this episode, Nick discusses Bill Self's recent health scare and wonders if he should be thinking about coaching at all this weekend in the NCAA Tournament. Then, he's joined by Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World to discuss the latest on Self's status as well as the vibes around the team on the day before their Round of 64 matchup vs. Howard. Finally, Nick is joined by two of his good friends and college basketball sickos Lance and Kevin to fill out a bracket together and have some laughs.
Nick Schwerdt is joined by former Kansas big man Landen Lucas to discuss the secret to Bill Self's improbable Big 12 title run, if he can relate to K.J. Adams' breakthrough sophomore season, how Jalen Wilson's All-American season was six years in the making, and if the Jayhawks can win back-to-back national championships.
On this episode, Nick discusses what has been so impressive about Kansas Basketball's recent surge and why volume is more important than efficiency when it comes to KU's offense. Then, Shreyas Laddha of the Kansas City Star joins Nick to discuss his feature on Gradey Dick and explains what impresses him most about the sharp-shooting freshman. Finally, we close the show out by answering listener questions with a mailbag.
In this episode, Nick is joined by one of the best college basketball writers in the game, C.J. Moore of The Athletic. C.J. explains why Dajuan Harris holds the keys to Kansas tapping into their potential as an offense this year, why Ernest Udeh's growth is important to the team's big man rotation, and what's impressed him most about Jalen Wilson's All-American season.
On today's episode, Nick discusses what's plaguing Kansas during their three-game losing streak, how they can fix their issues, and the level of concern moving forward. Then, the one-and-only Jay Bilas of ESPN joins Nick for a lengthy discussion. Jay shares his thoughts on KU's losing streak, if he still views them as a national title contender, where Gradey Dick still has room to grow, and why the Jayhawks aren't getting any bench production. We close the episode out by answering some listener questions in the form of a mailbag.
After a thrilling OT loss to Kansas State, Nick gives his thoughts on the loss including an overused take that probably needs to die. Also discussed: Jalen Wilson dominating the "Noticability Index", Jerome Tang challenging the K-State fanbase to its core, and one thing this Kansas team might be the best in the country at.
Then, Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff joins Nick to discuss what the first two years on the job have been like, the moment he knew Lance Leipold was the right guy for the job, playing defense against schools coming after his coach, and what fans should expect to see different with the impending renovations coming to Memorial Stadium.
The episode closes out with a listener mailbag. Questions asked include: is Bill Self harder on freshmen than other coaches, Kevin McCullar's slump and what to do about it, and how to combat Kansas' lack of bench production.
Nick recaps the Texas Tech win which was a perfect encapsulation of who Kansas has become since the loss to Tennessee in November. Also discussed: Dajuan Harris' importance to the Jayhawks, K.J. Adams becoming an offensive threat, and how Gradey Dick is ahead of schedule. He closes with a mailbag and answers listener questions on why K.J. is getting more opportunity, how Kansas will honor Bill Self's legacy, and expectations for Lance Leipold, Jalon Daniels, and the Kansas Jayhawks football team in 2023.
In this episode, Nick recaps KU's nearly miraculous comeback bid vs. Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, explains why Wednesday's game in Memphis was a microcosm of the season as a whole and tries to provide context for why Kansas chose to take the ball out of Jalon Daniels' hands and instead let Jason Bean try to make the game-tying score.
Nick is joined by Carrington Harrison of 610 Sports Radio to preview Kansas basketball's upcoming matchup vs. Missouri in the latest installment of the Border War.
In this episode, Nick is joined by Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World to discuss Lance Leipold's contract extension, why Kansas gave up so many concessions, and what it means for the future of Kansas Football. Also discussed: if they want to see and Kansas-Missouri bowl game matchup, and their level of concern over Kansas Basketball's big man issues.
In this episode, Nick gives his micro and big-picture takeaways from Kansas Basketball's win over Duke in the Champions Classic in Indianapolis. Then, he's joined by Kansas Jayhawks forward K.J. Adams Jr. who explains what he thinks he and the team proved in their win vs. Duke, and what it's like playing with (and against) Dajuan Harris. Finally, Michael Swain joins the podcast to predict how he thinks the Kansas big-man rotation will shake out and gives his thoughts on Kansas Football's last two games - with or without Jalon Daniels.
Nick opens this episode by giving some early observations of the Kansas Basketball team, including Gradey Dick's star potential and Jalen Wilson as KU's "go-to" guy. Then, CJ Moore of The Athletic joins Nick to discuss re-watching the National Championship game with Bill Self and how Self is evolving his coaching style as he ages. Finally, Kansas Football wide receiver Luke Grimm joins the podcast to discuss how it feels to be bowl eligible and how Lance Leipold and Andy Kotelnicki have opened things up for the Jayhawks' offense this season.
Nick opens the episode by discussing Kansas Basketball's self-imposed penalties and what Bill Self's four-game suspension means for the team both in the short and long term. Then, he gives a primer on this Kansas team and what they'll need to do to be a championship-caliber team again in 2023. He closes the episode by previewing Kansas Football's upcoming game vs. Oklahoma State and if Jalon Daniels could return to the field on Saturday.
In this episode, Nick is joined by Derek Johnson of Rock Chalk Sports Talk to take some inventory on Kansas Football with four games left in the year, what he expects Kansas Basketball to look like with Jalen Wilson and Dajuan Harris leading the way, and which newcomers he expects to play the biggest roles this season.
On this episode, Nick is joined by Kevin Mechtley, who alongside Andrew Payne hosts the Jayhawk Talk podcast. Topics discussed include Paul Pierce's incredible birthday cake, Jason Bean's hesitancy to use his legs vs. Oklahoma, altering expectations for Kansas Football, and Bill Self gushing about Gradey Dick.
Nick opens this episode by discussing Jalon Daniels' shoulder injury and the confusing conversation surrounding it throughout the past few days. Then he discussed Jason Bean's performance in Kansas Football's loss to TCU in week 6, and why there's plenty of reason for optimism that the Jayhawks be able to have success this week against Oklahoma in Norman on Saturday. Then, he's joined by Scott Chasen of the "Booth Review" podcast to discuss the outlook on Bean, how this offense changes with him as the quarterback, and why the Jayhawks are the better football team than the Sooners this season.
Nick opens the episode by explaining why he's done with caveats: Kansas Football is fully capable of winning the Big 12 this season. Then, he's joined by Kansas linebacker Rich Miller who explains why he followed Lance Leipold to Kansas, and why he's not taking time to stop and smell the roses.
Nick opens this episode by looking at the Kansas offense's hot start to the season and what history tells us about what they might do the rest of the season. Then, he's joined by Kansas running back Devin Neal who talks about being a part of the Kansas turnaround after deciding to stay home and play for his hometown team, and the difference between hoping to play well and now expecting to win football games. Then, Nick closes the episode by discussing why strength of schedule talk is pointless this time of year, and gives his thoughts on KU's week 5 matchup vs. Iowa State.
Nick opens the episode by explaining it's past time to stop worrying and just enjoy what you're seeing with Lance Leipold and Kansas Football. Then, Nick is joined again by former Kansas running back Brandon McAnderson who explains why the Kansas offense has been so explosive, what's surprised him about Jalon Daniels' play, and why KU's culture is more than a cliché buzzword.
Nick opens the episode by discussing the chatter surrounding Lance Leipold as a potential option for Nebraska Football's head coaching vacancy and why it's ultimately a good sign for Kansas. Then he's joined by Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World who gives his thoughts on Leipold, what Kansas can do to ensure he sticks around, and his outlook for the rest of the season after the Jayhawks' 2-0 start.
Nick recaps KU's dominating win over Tennessee Tech and highlights some of the top individual performances in a game that probably doesn't tell us much about the season but was still a refreshing start to the year. Nick is then joined by Kevin Flahrety to discuss whether or not we learned anything about Kansas' offense, why Lonnie Phelps could be the real deal, and what Kansas will need to do to steal a win vs. West Virginia.
Nick explains why the vibes around this year's Kansas team is a refreshing change of pace. Bryson Stricker joins the podcast to discuss how this team will manufacture wins in 2022, what kind of season to expect from Jalon Daniels, and how the schedule sets up for the Jayhawks to open the year.
Brandon McAnderson joins Nick to discuss his expectations for the Kansas Football team this year, whether or not he thinks Jalon Daniels is the real deal, why he has faith in Lance Leipold, and talks about his first impression of Todd Reesing.
Nick opens the episode by discussing the draft decisions for Christian Braun and Jalen Wilson and explains the different factors they each have to weigh and why they're in unique positions from even previous Kansas players. Then Rustin Dodd of The Athletic joins to discuss his latest piece covering the 'Decade of Disaster' for Kansas Football and how close Lew Perkins really was to hiring Jim Harbaugh.
Nick opens the show by talking about Ochai Agbaji's legacy at Kansas and why he has an ironclad case to be considered a top-10 player in program history. Then Mitch Lightfoot joins the show to reflect on KU's championship run and how this team flipped the switch in the postseason.
Nick opens the episode by explaining what "minutes continuity" means and why it's been a common thread between both of Bill Self's championship teams at Kansas. Then Danning Manning joins to explain what it was like watching the game with fellow Kansas legends, how life changes after winning a title, and why he's so proud of Ochai's journey as a Jayhawk.
Nick opens the show by talking with Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World about what's at stake for both Kansas and Bill Self's legacy if they're to cut down nets on Monday in the Superdome. Then he's joined by Darnell Jackson who recalls some of the most memorable moments from KU's 2008 National Title run and gives some insight as to what players should expect this week in New Orleans.
The guys recap KU's Elite Eight win over Miami and look ahead to a Blue-Bloody Final Four. Guests are John Fanta and Rex Walters.
We open the episode by looking at Villanova's profile this season and where Kansas will have advantages and challenges on Saturday. Then ESPN analyst Jay Bilas joins the podcast to discuss what it would be like being on the bench for Duke or UNC on Saturday, his thoughts on Remy Martin's tournament run, and gives his picks for the two semifinal games.
Nick opens the episode by recapping KU's win over Miami and explains why Final Four vibes aren't real or simply just don't matter. Then 2017 consensus National Player of the Year Frank Mason joins to discuss his path to Kansas, why leadership came naturally to him, and the attachment he felt to the 2018 Final Four team. We finish with a mailbag and a quick look at the Villanova game.
Nick opens the show by discussing how your eyes match reality when it comes to KU always facing a red-hot shooting team in the tournament. Landen Lucas joins to discuss how Bill Self changes his coaching style in March, what effect Remy Martin has on the other four guys on the court, and why he's higher on this team now than he was a week ago. We close with a Providence preview and a brief outlook on a potential Elite Eight matchup vs. Iowa State or Miami.
The guys recap the Jayhawks win over Creighton in the Round of 32 and preview the Sweet 16 matchup against Providence.
Nick opens on KU's weekend in Fort Worth and why Remy has earned his way into an old conversation and how the team needs to adapt with him. 2022 signee and McDonald's All-American Gradey Dick joins the show to talk about becoming a Big 12 villain next year, what he brings to the court, and how Kansas won him over. We end things, as always, with a mailbag.
It is bracket time and the guys break down the Jayhawks men’s teams chances in the 2022 national tournament.
Nick opens by taking a 30,000 foot view at this Kansas team and why he's tired of hearing about how they're not as good as "typical" Bill Self teams. Then he's joined by Chattanooga forward Silvio De Sousa who talks about his time at Kansas, how he was able to hit the ground running during the 2018 postseason, and describes the emotions of being back in the NCAA Tournament. Then we close the episode with some bracket talk and predictions.
Nick opens the show by talking to "Mr. March", Malik Newman, who explains what allowed him to flip the switch in the postseason, why they felt so confident against Duke, and the effect Devonte' Graham's energy had on the rest of the team. Then Derek Johnson stops by to discuss KU's draw in the NCAA Tournament and if he's feeling Final Four #VIBES with this team. Close things out with a mailbag.
Nick opens this episode by talking to the head coach of Sunrise Christian Academy, Luke Barnwell, about helping build Sunrise into the top high school program in the country, coaching Zac Clemence and Buddy Hield, and how Gradey Dick will fit in at Kansas. Kevin Flaherty of CBS Sports joins the preview the Big 12 Tournament and who Kansas' most important player this postseason is. Finally we end with a mailbag including a mini-impromptu Bruce Weber rant.
Nick opens the show by talking about how Saturday's win over Texas showed us not who KU's best player is, but who their most important player is. Then he's joined by former Kansas big man Darnell Jackson who discusses learning basketball at a late stage in his youth, how he nearly quit playing and what brought him back, and what made him and Darrell Arthur such a formidable duo for in 2008. Then, Nick is joined by Brian Hanni who explains why Ochai Agbaji is his favorite player he's ever covered and if he thinks this team has a deep March run in them.
Nick opens by recapping the loss to TCU in Fort Worth on Tuesday and identifies a few trends that are popping up in KU's worst games this season. Then he's joined by NIL expert Luke Fedlam who explains what schools got wrong, how they're using it as a tool, and how it will change college athletics over the next decade. We close the podcast with a big mailbag.
Nick opens the episode by discussing the Kansas loss to Baylor on Saturday and how that one game doesn't move the needle much on where Kansas is at with a week to play in the regular season. Then former Kansas guard Rex Walters joins to discuss what makes a great college guard, what he looks for in a title contender, and what he learned while sitting out a year at Kansas. Then Scot Pollard joins the show to explain what Ochai Agbaji will have to do to survive in the NBA, the bittersweet nature of the 1997 season, and why that team was so impassioned to play for Roy Williams.
Nick opens with a positive non-basketball note before explaining why Ochai Agbaji is having the best offensive season of the Bill Self-era at Kansas. CJ Moore of The Athletic joins the show to discuss the transformation Ochai went through last offseason and explains how the biggest adjustment he made has nothing to do with his skillset.
Nick opens this episode by explaining how David McCormack has found himself in rarefied air and gives his thoughts on the Juwan Howard-Greg Gard dust-up. Jon Sciambi of ESPN joins to discuss his desire to call a game at the MCI Marriott volleyball court, whether or not he views Kansas as a title contender, and why he has a bias toward Ochai Agbaji.
Nick opens by looking at how Kansas has started to find its identity and explains why it's time for them to stop worrying about other problems and focus on playing to their strengths. KU color analyst Greg Gurley joins the podcast to give his thoughts on Jalen Wilson's improvements, how Kansas can overcome defensive concerns, and if he has a feel on what this team can accomplish in March. We close things out by answering listener questions in the mailbag.
Nick opens the episode by explaining why some bad luck and poor execution have more to do with KU's loss in Austin than personnel decisions. Former Kansas big man Cole Aldrich joins the show to give advice to any kid who wants to play for Bill Self, explains how to navigate constant role changes, and admits that it's pretty cool to be 33 and retired. Nick closes with a quick mailbag.
Nick explains why he thinks KU's win in Ames on Tuesday is one of their more impressive victories of the season and tries to make sense of what the "Joe Yesusu Game" means for this team moving forward. Then he answers some listener questions including what KU's ideal lineup is, whether or not Yesufu can carve out a role on this team moving forward, and how Bill Self can improve this team with a simple wardrobe change.
Nick opens by putting into context just how special of a season Ochai Agbaji is having this year for Kansas and why he'll need some help if they want to make a run in March. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic joins to discuss Ochai's transformation, what NBA teams are saying about his draft stock, and why he's not surprised that Remy Martin has struggled to fit in with Bill Self and KU.
Nick recaps KU's ugly win over Oklahoma and tries to explain what the hell is going on between Remy Martin and Bill Self. Then he's joined by Derek Johnson of Rock Chalk Sports Talk to discuss the Remy Martin situation, Jalen Wilson getting into a groove, and what it means for KU's offense.
Nick opens by giving his immediate reaction to KU's thrilling win over Iowa State inside Allen Fieldhouse before being joined by Landen Lucas to discuss David McCormack's struggles this season, his opinion on how to turn things around, and what it's like being someone trying to carve out a consistent role at Kansas.
Carrington Harrison is the host of "The Drive" on 610 Sports Radio but with KU and Missouri taking the court for the first time in nearly a decade, he's called upon for this week's episode because he's a lifelong Mizzou fan. Nick and Carrington discuss some of their favorite Border War memories, whether or not the hatred is still there, and if they're surprised it took this long for the two sides to get back together.
Nick opens by giving his thoughts on KU's loss to Dayton and why Kansas struggles to play to their strengths the more David McCormack gets involved (00:00). Then CJ Moore of The Athletic joins the show to give his thoughts on KU's performance in Orlando, how Remy Martin is trying to fit in, and whether or not he believes Kansas is the best team in the Big 12 this year (11:18).
Nick explains why Kansas Football's win over Texas feels different than the one back in 2016 and how the new and improved Ochai Agbaji changes the equation for Kansas Basketball this year (00:00). Jay Bilas joins Nick to give his early impressions of Kansas, explains what Remy Martin will need to do to fit in, and gives his biggest question for the Jayhawks this season (12:36). Nick closes the episode by taking a look at the rotation thus far and gives his theory on why the starting five really doesn't matter (27:58)
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Nick tries to give context to Ochai Agbaji's explosion in KU's season opener before being joined by Kevin Mechtly of Jayhawk Talk to share their initial takeaways from KU's win over Michigan State, try to make sense of KU's rotation, and temper expectations for David McCormack in his senior season.
Nick gives his 30,000 foot view on the season and explains why he thinks one way or another, the key to the season lays with Remy Martin and his adjustment to KU. Derek Johnson of Rock Chalk Sports Talk joins Nick to give his thoughts on if KU has any stars in 2021-21 and if it even matters, which version of David McCormack we'll get this year, and which player has quietly been getting the most from his teammates this offseason.