Buckets, Boards and Blocks: Recent Episodes
Pure Hoops Media
Basketball is steadily becoming an even bigger global game, and as the sport expands and captivates a larger audience sometimes the nuances get lost. Monica is a former Georgetown baller who wants her audience to be reminded of why they love this game. King is a Baylor alum who had NBA potential, but health issues caused him to change plans. Both Monica and King are analysts for ESPN and their shared experiences and chemistry will provide listeners with a fun and informative experience. Come for the love of the game stay for the buckets.
The Washington Wizards are near the top of the Eastern Conference with almost 20% of the regular season in the books. The team has been transformed with three former Lakers playing key roles along with stalwart Bradley Beal. Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell Pope came over in the Russell Westbrook trade and have given rookie head coach Wes Unseld Jr. a formidable rotation that has given opponents fits early in the season. Quinton Mayo is a close observer of the team and shares his perspective with Monica McNutt and King McClure, including a discussion of whether the team's hot start is sustainable. Quinton is not only extremely perceptive, but hip and funny as well.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure are back from their summer hiatus and they have a lot to share. They're both impressed with the hot start by the Miami Heat. Monica and King debate whether the Bulls or Knicks are more impressive so far. And they welcome in producer Bruce Bernstein to discuss the problems his Boston Celtics are dealing with. And fresh off their ESPN college basketball meetings, Monica and King size up the top 10 teams in men's and women's college hoop.
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Monica & King are still on their off-season break, so they want to share a great show you may have missed. The NCAA Champion Baylor men will soon begin defense of their title. After crushing Gonzaga in the NCAA Championship Game, everyone knows about the heroics of Jared Butler, Davion Mitchell, and Coach Scott Drew. But less well-known are the legendary "Mullet Bros" Matthew Mayer and Jackson Moffatt. When these two decided to go "Full Mullet," a series of positive events followed for the team. "Big Bro" King McClure and Monica McNutt share hilarious stories with two guys riding the wave of a championship run.
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The Buckets, Boards, & Blocks podcast debuted in April of 2019. During that time, Monica McNutt and King McClure have welcomed scores of great guests and also had meaningful discussions about the weighty issues of the day. In this "Best of #BBB" show, we relive some of those moments. We hear Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman describe her close friendship with Muhammad Ali. Journalists J.A. Adande & Marc Spears reflect on the life of Kobe Bryant. Andrea Kremer & David Aldridge describe their participation in the story of Michael Jordan and "The Last Dance" on ESPN. King's Baylor coach Scott Drew and former teammate Jared Butler discuss their elite NCAA program. And Katie Barnes of ESPN.com describes the impact that WNBA players for the Atlanta Dream had on the composition of the United States Senate.
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Nate Burleson made his name as a wide receiver in the NFL and has become a media superstar with CBS and the NFL Network. But he is a crazy NBA fan, a baller from Seattle, and has stories of competing against the likes of Jamal Crawford back in the 206. When he visited the #BBB crew two years ago his stories were dope. If you only have time to listen to one podcast this week, it should be this one!
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Monica McNutt and King McClure are taking some time off, but we wanted to share some of our favorite interviews that you might have missed. The Baylor Bears were ranked #2 in the preseason men's college basketball poll when their head coach Scott Drew joined Monica and King prior to the start of his championship season. Coach Drew took over a program in shambles back in 2003, but has led it to the very top of the college basketball world. Scott shares some classic memories, including how his former player (and our co-host) King McClure has inspired so many with his own story of overcoming adversity and never giving up or feeling sorry for himself. This podcast will make you laugh and maybe even shed a few tears of happiness.
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Buckets, Boards, & Blocks has done nearly 130 shows but we're taking a summer break to regroup and share some of our favorite shows from the archive. In this classic interview from September 2019, Nancy Lieberman shares her legendary story. She has been a pioneer in every sense of the word. She is an extraordinary story teller and almost all of them are from a first person perspective. After Monica checks in with an update on the WNBA Playoffs, Nancy shares her emotional tribute (@ 11:00) to Andre Emmett, one of her Big3 players who was killed on September 22nd. Nancy shares stories about appearing in ESPN's Body issue at age 61 (@14:14), her incredible friendship with Muhammad Ali (@22:10), the career advice she received from former NBA Commissioner David Stern (@ 40:09), the wisdom imparted to her by former President Barack Obama (@41:35), and why Stern and his successor Adam Silver have been so important to the growth of women in basketball (@ 52:50).
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Vinnie Goodwill of Yahoo! Sports is one of the best hoop writers out there. On the morning after the Milwaukee Bucks won the 2021 NBA Championship, he joined Monica McNutt for a breakdown of Giannis Antetokounmpo's brilliant performance and his remarkable approach to his team and career. Vinnie also shares thoughts on what is next for Chris Paul as he approaches the twilight of his Hall of Fame career. Vinnie and Monica have a great discussion of how this year's version of the Bucks began to develop a special bond after the team hit "PAUSE" in the Orlando Bubble in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting last summer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. And there are some very funny technical difficulties that cause Vinnie and Bruce Bernstein go off the rails when Monica's power unexpectedly went out.
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Freddie Coleman of ESPN Radio joins Monica McNutt and King McClure on the new Buckets, Boards, & Blocks. Freddie has been holding down the late nights for 17 years at the World Wide Leader and is one of the smartest voices anywhere. In this discussion of the NBA Finals, the crew breaks down how Giannis can be the Bucks' "best player" even while Khris Middleton is their "closer." Of course they relived "The Block," as well as the heroics of Devin Booker and the struggles of Chris Paul. And their convo about the Booker "not a foul" foul on Jrue Holiday in the final minutes was LOL funny. Finally, Freddie has a message for the people running down the NBA and singling it out for lower ratings. It's a "drop the mic" moment so please check us out!
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Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns are in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993 after destroying the LA Clippers on Wednesday night. Patrick Beverley of LA, who already had a shady reputation added to his lengthy history of bad behavior in the final minutes of game 6, which drew the ire of the Buckets, Boards, & Blocks crew. There are still three open NBA head coaching jobs, but will one of the teams have the courage to hire a woman for the position? And a new era begins in college sports with the athletes finally able to cash in on their name, image, and likeness. Monica McNutt, King McClure, and Bruce Bernstein examine all these topics on this week's show.
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Cindy Brunson of Pac 12 Network joins Monica McNutt on the new Buckets, Boards, & Blocks for some hard hitting comments on Nneka Ogwumike's Olympic snub, the WNBA season so far, and her hometown Phoenix Suns' meteoric rise during the NBA Playoffs. Cindy pulls no punches when it comes to her feelings about the only WNBA MVP to not compete for her country in the Olympics. With 5 of the 12 team members having UConn connections, it is fair to ask whether the Connecticut brain trust hijacked the selection process for choosing Olympians? Cindy & Monica also size up the top teams in the "W," and discuss the vibe in Cindy's town of Phoenix about the rising Suns.
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Kevin Durant had a performance for the ages in game 5 against the Bucks on Tuesday night. But before we even finished breakfast on Wednesday, we learned that Chris Paul was in the COVID health and safety protocol with a return date unknown and Kawhi Leonard injured his ACL and would miss the rest of the series against Utah. On Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Monica McNutt, King McClure, and Bruce Bernstein examine all of these issues and also discuss whether Giannis Antetokounpo is really a superstar.
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On July 1st, a new era begins in college athletic where student athletes will have the opportunity to profit off their names image, and likeness. At the forefront of this new frontier is "Athlytic." Co-founders Jared Eummer and Ashton Keys join Monica McNutt on Buckets, Boards, & Blocks to explain how their business works and help college athletes engage with their platform and begin the process of monetizing their personal brands.
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Steve Bulpett covered the Boston Celtics and has been an observer of the team for almost 40 years. His institutional knowledge of the franchise makes him an ideal person to discuss this week's major moves with the retirement of team President Danny Ainge and promotion of head coach Brad Stevens to replace Ainge as team President. Who will Stevens hire as the next coach? Was Ainge forced out after a disappointing season? Will Kyrie Irving's accusations against Boston fans damage the image of the franchise? When King McClure and guest co-host Bruce Bernstein (subbing for Monica McNutt) chop it up with Steve, all angles are covered. Also, King has some poignant thoughts on the resignation of Duke's legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski as well as the remarkable Luka Doncic of the Mavericks.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure welcome Nekias Duncan, who is one of the most analytical and opinionated hoop analysts out there. His analysis is straight to the point and he explains technical content in very "easy to understand" terms. His pet peeves are "soft switches," which he feels are lazy and ineffective. As for the LA Clippers, he's looking at you. Among other great discussions, he expresses sympathy for Evan Fournier of the Celtics, who has been relentlessly targeted by the Nets in the first two games of that series. Nekias, who writes for BasketballNews.com and co-hosts "The Dunker Spot" podcast will make you a much smarter basketball fan.
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Arielle Chambers .... a.k.a. @AriIvory of Bleacher Report and "HighlightHER" joins Monica McNutt and King McClure to discuss the WNBA as well as her initiatives to promote women's sports. Ari explains how she found her mission after a meeting with a little girl and letting her wear her press credential at a game. The crew also discussed ways that the younger WNBA players are building their personal brands and capitalizing on their accomplishments.
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NBA TV analyst Brendan Haywood played 14 NBA seasons and is one "Opinionated 7 Footer." On this week's show, "BWood" explains his love for the Brooklyn Nets, wonders if Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer can survive if his team misses the Eastern Conference Finals, and sizes up why he believes Anthony Davis is a solid "Number Two" but might not be a solid "Number One." All this plus a hilarious game of Word Association with Monica McNutt and King McClure.
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Kendrick Perkins of ESPN and NBC Sports Boston is as real as NBA analysts get. Monica McNutt is on vacation this week, but Big Perk joins his pal King McClure for a great conversation. They cover Perk's 14 year career, which started when he was drafted out of high school at age 19. Perk and King also discuss the five scariest NBA players, the top rookies, the incredible intensity of Russell Westbrook, the roller coaster season of the Boston Celtics, why Chris Paul should be the MVP, and why technical fouls should not cost players money. Perk is incredibly thoughtful in his opinions, but he holds nothing back!
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The Knicks continue to rise in the east and the Washington Wizards have become a scary team that hopes to make it to the "play in" round. Russell Westbrook has led the way in DC while New York's Julius Randle is a legitimate MVP candidate. Speaking of the NBA MVP race, Monica McNutt, King McClure, and Bruce Bernstein discuss why this race isn't as cut and dried as it appeared to be heading into the season.
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Monica McNutt welcomes Terrika Foster-Brasby of ESPN to preview the WNBA season. They projected how some of the rookies drafted last week will fill roles on their new teams, whether the idea of "one and done" is a good idea for Women's hoop, and if the "Sky" is the limit in Chicago (see what we did there?). With Renee Montgomery retiring as a player and joining the Atlanta Dream ownership group, Monica and "T" discussed which Women's players might follow in her footsteps and become a boss. We have all of that, plus predictions for the upcoming season.
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Ryan Hollins played for 9 teams in 10 NBA seasons. He's "been there and done that" and brings his bag of smoking hot takes to the show this week. From his thoughts on social media, to his feelings about load management, to his MVP selection, and his feelings about his beloved UCLA Bruins, Ryan does not hold back. And when Monica McNutt and King McClure play "Word Association" with him, the laughs are non-stop.
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Clark Kellogg of CBS Sports helps Monica McNutt and King McClure celebrate the 100th episode of Buckets, Boards, & Blocks. They size up the Final Four matchups, including the expected showdown in the championship game between King's Baylor Bears and undefeated Gonzaga. Clark also shares his thoughts on UCLA's improbable journey from the "play in" game to the national semifinal as well as the impact former NBA players like Juwan Howard are making in the college coaching ranks. Clark also describes his epic game of HORSE with President Barack Obama and how the former POTUS denied him a rematch. Fun stuff with a hoop and broadcast legend.
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King McClure's Baylor Bears are a #1 seed while Monica McNutt's Georgetown Hoyas are a #12 seed. Monica and King size up their squads and then take a whole different angle on their tournament preview. Anyone can go with chalk, but picking upsets is the key to winning your pool. Predicting upsets is kind of random for most of us, but Monica and King base their picks on hard evidence. They zero in on the 12 vs 5 matchups. They also welcome in Bruce Bernstein for this week's "Who's Trippin" discussion about the "Play In" game between UCLA and Michigan State.
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Monica McNutt & King McClure examine Baylor's big win on Tuesday vs. West Virginia and the Bears' Big 12 regular season championship. They also reflect on Creighton head coach Greg McDermott's insensitive racial analogy and what should be done. Texas native King tells us "Who's Trippin" and it's not an athlete or a coach! Also, is a freshman from UConn the "Player of the Year" in Women's hoop?
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Duke legend Jay Bilas has been a player, an actor, a lawyer, and an analyst at ESPN for more than a quarter century. This week he joins Monica McNutt and King McClure for an in depth discussion on Jalen Johnson's departure from Duke. Jay and Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim clashed over the topic earlier in the week and Jay lays out his reasons for disagreeing with Boeheim. It's a compelling discussion with some pointed comments on "hot button" aspects of the story. On some lighter notes, Jay describes his career as an actor before he joined ESPN and explains how his legal career featured him defending a client against a lawsuit filed by the owners of "Barney the Dinosaur." You've heard Jay Bilas on ESPN for years, but you've never heard him like this!
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Draymond Green has never been shy about speaking his mind. This week, he unloaded on the hypocrisy he sees in the NBA's double standard regarding how franchises and players are labeled when labor and management clash. We'll hear his words and then Monica McNutt and King McClure discuss the issue with Dave Wohl, host of Dave's Front Office from Pure Hoops Media. Dave was an NBA player, coach, and general manager and is uniquely qualified to offer perspective on this topic.
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Monday's showdown between #1 South Carolina and #2 Connecticut was a classic OT thriller, won by UConn behind a 31 point performance from "Paige Buckets.". Monica McNutt was on the call for FS1 and she welcomes Alexa Philippou of the Hartford Courant and Mechelle Voepel of ESPN.com to discuss the fabulous freshman's impact, where the Huskies go from here, what South Carolina can learn from the loss, which team they all feel is the best in the country, and how Texas teams could thrive in the NCAA Tournament. King McClure also checks in with his thoughts on Bueckers' impact and "Who's Trippin" this week.
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ESPN college hoop analyst LaPhonso Ellis is one of the most perceptive basketball minds in the country. In this discussion with Monica McNutt and King McClure, "The Phonz" sounds off on the struggles of "Blue Bloods" Duke and Kentucky, the ascension of "New Bloods" like Florida State, and which college stars are the most "NBA Ready." In addition, the 11 year NBA vet (1992-2003) describes what it was like to guard Shawn Kemp, Karl Malone, and Charles Barkley and why he still has nightmares about them.
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Monday January 26th was the one year anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other friends in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles. Jorge Sedano of ESPN hosts a daily radio show from 4-7pm on ESPN 710 in LA and he shares his thoughts on Kobe's legacy, the mood among the fans in Southern California, and the past year which also saw the Lakers win their 17th NBA Championship.
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We have a new President, a new "Big 3" in Brooklyn, a new #1 in Women's college hoop, dreams of a new WNBA ownership group in Atlanta, and a new statue of A'ja Wilson on the campus of the University of South Carolina. On this week's show, Monica McNutt and King McClure discuss all of these events and even share some thoughts on how college and pro basketball can complete meaningful seasons in the time of the Pandemic.
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James Harden finally got his wish and put the city of Houston in his rearview mirror. But did the Nets pay too steep of a price by mortgaging their future, gutting their depth, and introducing another ball dominant guard to play with ball dominant point guard Kyrie Irving? And speaking of Kyrie, has his self imposed sabbatical damaged the chemistry of the team? So many questions and so many potential issues. Monica McNutt, Eric Newman, & Bruce Bernstein attempt to make sense of it all.
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Katie Barnes of ESPN writes about women's basketball and social issues. On this week's show, Katie joins Monica and King to break down how the WNBA players had a major influence on the Georgia Senate runoff elections with the Atlanta Dream players actively organizing against the co-owner of their team (Kelly Loeffler) and raising the profile of (and money for) Loeffler's opponent, who defeated her in Tuesday's election. The WNBA players have been at the forefront of social change and this was a major triumph for them. In addition to the political discussion, Katie has some great stories about the future of the UConn Women's program, parity in Women's college hoop, what the Pandemic might mean for the 2021 NCAA Tournament, and how it felt for Oprah Winfrey to publicly recognize and praise Katie's work.
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In this special year end episode of the show, Monica McNutt, King McClure, & Bruce Bernstein reflect back on the year 2020 from a societal and sports point of view. Was it all bad? Were there any silver linings? And where would we like to see the world go from here? Our crew is VERY hopeful about the year ahead and everyone feels that 2021 will be a year of healing, understanding, and progress. As for the hoops .... the crew breaks down the storylines they plan to follow both in college and the NBA as we begin the new year.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure welcome Ava Wallace, the Wizards beat reporter for the Washington Post to this week's Buckets, Boards, & Blocks. Ava helps break down how Russell Westbrook will mesh with shooting guard Bradley Beal on the new look Wiz. Ava also discusses the challenges of covering a team on a daily basis during the pandemic. Ava details how the Wizards franchise is trying to build a culture and why Westbrook should be a catalyst in that area. And no Wizards discussion would be complete without examining what the departed John Wall meant to the team and the community.
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ESPN college hoop analyst Seth Greenberg was a two time ACC Coach of the Year and hasn't lost a game in nearly 9 years. Which happens to coincide with the amount of time he's been at the "World Wide Leader." He is a master story teller, a great strategist, and has a great sense of humor. He joins Monica McNutt and Bruce Bernstein, who is filling in for King McClure. They discuss Coach K's remarks about playing (or not playing) during the pandemic and Seth makes some compelling arguments in favor of playing. Seth has dubbed "Player of the Year" candidate Luka Garza "Garzilla" due to his huge presence on the floor. And Coach gives us a great breakdown of his skill set. And we discuss the great Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton, who looks so youthful at the age of 72 that Seth is actually pissed. All this and more!
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Chris Spatola of ESPN and Sirius/XM Radio is one of the most well informed and thoughtful hoop analysts in the national media. He joins Monica McNutt and Bruce Bernstein, who is filling in for King McClure for a discussion of his own unique background, the greatness of Mark Few's top ranked Gonzaga program, the ascension of Illinois under Brad Underwood, and how Baylor's Scott Drew empowers his players. Chris also explains why he believes Syracuse has struggled since entering the ACC.
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With American families scaling back their Thanksgiving gatherings due to the surge in the COVID-19 pandemic, Monica McNutt and King McClure invited their Dads on the show to discuss basketball, society, and life. Both Leroy McClure and Kevin McNutt are great story tellers who shared their experiences raising incredibly accomplished human beings who also happen to be outstanding athletes and communicators. The Dads also have some funny and insightful stories of coaching their kids and discussing how our changing society has affected all of them.
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Monica, King, & Bruce share their takes on Wednesday's NBA Draft. Was Anthony Edwards the right man for Minnesota at #1? Did James Wiseman land in the perfect situation with the Warriors at #2? Will LaMelo Ball be the star that Michael Jordan can count on in Charlotte? Was Obi Toppin shedding tears of joy after being drafted by the Knicks? Why did Oklahoma City take on Al Horford's contract after they traded away Chris Paul to save money? All these topics and much more on Buckets, Boards, & Blocks.
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Justin Jackson of the Dallas Mavericks is heading into his fourth NBA season and second full season with the Mavs. After leading the University of North Carolina to the 2017 NCAA Championship, he spent his first season and a half in Sacramento before being traded. In this interview, he talks about the UNC Brotherhood, being traded on Draft night, playing with Luka Doncic, his experiences in the Orlando bubble, and his feelings about racial justice and inclusiveness. A great interview with a really cool young dude.
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John Fanta, the co-host of Pure Hoops Media's "Full Court Press with Fanta and Fischer" joins Monica McNutt and King McClure to preview the Men's and Women's college basketball season. They discuss what a season during the pandemic might look like, player of the year candidates, the top conferences, and their picks to win the National Championship. King and Monica also have their "Post Election" edition of "Who's Trippin," and the winner this week is actually a loser (and it isn't Donald Trump).
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Christine Williamson of ESPN has carved out a special place in the digital media world. Her distinctive "Bald Girl" look is unique and a source of real pride. But it's her intelligence and sharp opinions that grab your attention. In this discussion with Monica and King, Christine shares her story, sounds off on life during the pandemic, and even joins in on the always exciting "Who's Trippin" segment. Check it out!
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LeBron James was already on the short list of the best NBA players of all time. After leading his third franchise to a championship, has he reached the top of the list? How does he compare to Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, and others? Monica McNutt, King McClure, and Bruce Bernstein examine all of the candidates, make the case for each one, and share their picks as the GOAT.
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Monica and King are joined by producer Bruce to break down how the Lakers took a 3-1 lead over the Heat. Monica and King give love to Sue Bird and the Seattle Storm, the new WNBA Champions. We present the first #BBB Bubble Awards where Monica and King choose winners in some categories that no other podcast would dare touch. And finally, the always controversial "Who's Trippin," where King and Monica call out some bad decisions in the football world.
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The Lakers crushed the Heat in Game #1 and Miami lost PG Goran Dragic, so can the battered Heat bounce back and make it a series? Monica previews the WNBA Finals between Seattle and Las Vegas. Liz Cambage does a racy photo shoot, Mark Cuban tries to rescue a "down and out" former player, and King and Monica tell us "Who's Trippin?"
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Erica L. Ayala is a journalist and podcaster covering the WNBA. Monica & Erica discuss the W playoffs and the impact of female athletes on current societal issues. King McClure is on the inactive list this week but Bruce Bernstein fills in. Monica & Bruce break down Wednesday's Celtics/Heat game 4 and preview Thursday's game 4 between the Lakers and Nuggets. Monica dedicates "Who's Trippin?" to Breonna Taylor, whose killers were not charged in her death. And we pay tribute to recently deceased NFL Legend Gale Sayers, who taught us lessons 50 years ago about friendship, harmony, and brotherhood between people of different races. The TV movie "Brian's Song" with Billy Dee Williams and James Caan tells the story.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure discuss the shocking meltdown of the LA Clippers in the NBA Playoffs. King takes Kawhi Leonard to task for the collapse and suggests that he is overrated based on his analysis of how the Raptors continued to do well in his absence while the Clippers were .... still the Clippers when it came to playoff frustration. Minneapolis native Lea B. Olsen joins the show to discuss the WNBA Playoffs and how her hometown Lynx team is at the intersection of social activism and sports. Also, Monica and King tell everyone "Who's Trippin."
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Boston tried to make the Raptors extinct in game 6, but the defending champs are a gritty bunch. The Miami Heat took down the top seeded Milwaukee Bucks and their bilingual Spanish language play by play man Jose Paneda shares the secrets to their success and shares his own story. Also, Monica McNutt & King McClure analyze what The Greek Freak needs to do in order to make the Bucks a championship team. And we also explore the phenomenon of "Playoff Rondo."
Check out the Video Quick Hitter Segment with Jose on our You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpg2r5OHdZX6sw2_OhRSEA
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Gene Wang of the Washington Post joins Monica McNutt and King McClure for a discussion of the life and legacy of legendary former Georgetown head coach John Thompson, who passed away on August 30th at the age of 78. Gene covered Georgetown basketball for the Post and Monica played for the Hoyas. Both knew "Big John" very well and share some personal memories. Also, Monica and King analyze the wild and exciting NBA Playoffs and make some bold predictions.
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George Floyd's killing at the hands of law enforcement triggered a national reckoning about race at the end of May. And on Sunday, another African American man named Jacob Blake was shot in his back seven times by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Led by Wisconsin's own basketball team: the Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA hit the brakes on the playoffs and the basketball world is figuring out what is next in the fight for racial justice. Monica McNutt and King McClure have a poignant discussion on the entire situation and their emotions are very close to the surface. Also on the show is a very revealing conversation with Stephanie Ready of Turner Sports, who is in the bubble and has first hand experience with the Jacob Blake fallout as well as her own personal experiences as a Black woman in America.
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This week on "Buckets, Boards, & Bubble Ball," Monica McNutt and King McClure break down all eight NBA playoff series. King is super high on Damian Lillard and is sticking with his pre-series prediction of Portland over the Lakers. King also has some surprising things to say about LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounpo, the two leading MVP candidates. Monica also lets us know "Who's Trippin" and it isn't one of the players or the coaches. Monica and King even allow producer Bruce to comment on his beloved Boston Celtics in the wake of Gordon Hayward's ankle injury.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure do the latest edition of their insanely popular segment "Who's Trippin?" This week, King's beloved Big 12 Conference is in his crosshairs. King & Monica also break down the NBA's "just announced" rules on who can visit the bubble and why there is potential for all sorts of drama. Dorothy J. Gentry also joins the show to play "Legit or Nah" regarding which WNBA teams are potential champs and which ones don't have what it takes to win.
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On this edition of Buckets, Boards and Blocks Monica and King delve into the NBA bubble from the crazy offensive performances, kneeling for the anthem, the deep roster of young talent in the western conference and what it means for the future, and much more!
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Monica McNutt and King McClure welcome Morgann Mitchell, who runs NBA TV's Twitter page with 4.6 million followers. She has been producing content from the Orlando Bubble and has great insight on what it's like to be in this unique environment. Monica and King also discuss his new found respect for the WNBA and whether the best WNBA team could make the MEN'S NCAA Tournament if they ever had a chance to compete with the guys. Also, in this week's episode of "Who's Trippin ?" King and Monica examine Lou Williams' craving for wings and the fallout from his side trip in Atlanta.
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Lauren Cox of the Indiana Fever was the #3 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. She was a member of the 2019 NCAA Champion Baylor squad. According to King, since this year's March Madness was cancelled, they're STILL the defending champs. Lauren discusses being a rookie in the time of the pandemic as well as her own health concerns due to her Type 1 diabetes. Lauren also shares a very emotional story about her own brushes with racism and how her new team is showing unity at this critical time in our society. Baylor fans will love Lauren's analysis of Kim Mulkey's unique coaching style.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure won't be in the NBA or WNBA bubbles, but that didn't stop them from planning and discussing how they'd survive 2-3 months in splendid isolation (except for practice and games). What essentials would they bring? What snacks would they stock? Whose music would get them through their various moods? And do they think Patrick Beverley is trippin' when he says the "Bubble's what you make it, Man." Also, they both check in with their thoughts on Kara Lawson's hiring as the Duke women's hoop coach. Fun times with McNutt and McClure.
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Jared Butler declared for the 2020 NBA Draft after his second season at Baylor. He was named All Big 12 and Third Team All America. He is also a good pal of Monica McNutt's new co-host King McClure. Those three chop it up in a fun conversation that includes some very revealing moments such as Jared's dream team of dinner companions. We also learn that 80% of the NBA teams have done Zoom interviews with Jared and he describes what they were like. Check us out.
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Monica McNutt and her brand new co-host King McClure welcome Tim Scarborough, who will be one of the analysts for TBT on ESPN and ESPN2. He is dialed in on every aspect of this increasingly popular tournament, which runs from July 4-14. This year all games are in Columbus, Ohio and the "bubble" environment will be studied extensively by the NBA as it prepares to resume its own season in late July. TBT is filled with former NBA ballers, up and comers, and everyone in between. The winning team takes home $1,000,000 and the competition will be fierce. Tim, King, and Monica break down some of the key players, teams, and scenarios that make this 11 day event so special.
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Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN is one of the brightest minds in sports media. The host of "Hoop Streams" on ESPN+ as well as a top sideline reporter for ESPN's NBA games joins Monica McNutt and shares her thoughts on:
- Continuing to create content during the COVID-19 pandemic
- How society can hopefully evolve and become more inclusive
- The Kyrie Irving/Kendrick Perkins beef
- Balancing the demands of her work at ESPN with raising a toddler while working from home
- Michael Jordan's leadership style as portrayed in "The Last Dance"
- Advice for young aspiring journalists
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Ari joins Monica McNutt for a wide ranging discussion . Among their topics:
- The current societal strife in our country and how to bring people from different racial and ethnic groups together
- Empowering and supporting Women of Color in the media
- The concerns that some WNBA players have about returning to the court in late July
- How corporate America's perception of African Americans is evolving
Monica & Ari discuss all of these topics and many others
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Renee Montgomery of the Atlanta Dream is highly engaged in the quest for social justice in the United States. In this wide ranging interview with Monica McNutt, the discussion covers Renee's background growing up in West Virginia, her time with the Minnesota Lynx and impressions of the fans in Minneapolis, her activism in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and her thoughts going into the upcoming WNBA season. Renee also has advice for young players being recruited by colleges and her suggestions for increasing fairness in American society.
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Scott Burrell was featured prominently in The Last Dance with some memorable Michael Jordan interactions. While some called MJ's actions "bullying," Scott had no problem with MJ's style of leadership and appreciated that Jordan's blueprint worked. Scott is now the head coach at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven and he has applied the lessons he learned in Chicago as well as those he learned from Coach Jim Calhoun at the University of Connecticut. Scott was also a first round draft choice in major league baseball as a pitcher, and we asked him if he ever challenged MJ on the baseball diamond.
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Alexis Robinson, the owner of "The One Brand Group" joins Monica McNutt on this week's edition of "Buckets, Boards, & Blocks." Alexis is a young business professional who has successful experience in the sports, entertainment, marketing, public relations, and hospitality industries. Alexis has used her skills and relationships to enrich her professional career and now owns a full service public relations company where she deals with some of the best athletes, entertainers, and business owners in the world.
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Andrea Kremer is a legend in the world of sports journalism. Her work for ESPN, HBO, NFL Network, CBS Sports Network, and Prime Video has earned her multiple Emmy Awards and many other honors. She was a major presence on "The Last Dance" and her stories about Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen are compelling. Andrea also shares a story about Dennis Rodman from his Detroit days that will surprise and delight his fans. Andrea also shares the story of KC Chiefs lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and how he is using his medical training in the battle against COVID-19. That profile will be seen on the next "Real Sports" on HBO which drops on May 26th. Monica McNutt and Andrea also examine how the pandemic has forever changed our society and how sports might move forward in the future.
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A. Sherrod Blakely is the Celtics Insider for NBC Sports Boston. He shares his thoughts on what he's learned about Michael Jordan while watching "The Last Dance." He also offers perspective on restarting the NBA season and why the league is well positioned to do it properly. Sherrod also provides inside info on Jaylen Brown's growth, Jayson Tatum's enhanced stature around the league, and how Marcus Smart's contributions during the COVID-19 crisis have aided the Boston medical community in many ways.
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David Aldridge is Editor in Chief of The Athletic DC. He was the recipient of the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. DA spent decades covering the NBA and has been prominently featured in ESPN's "The Last Dance," the epic documentary about Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Among the topics DA addresses are MJ's sense of social responsibility, the way former Bulls GM Jerry Krause has been portrayed, how former Bull Craig Hodges probably had his career cut short due to his political views, and how David feels about Jordan's control over the content of the shows.
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Michael Jordan is still angry that the Pistons refused to shake hands after the Bulls eliminated the Pistons in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals. This week Monica McNutt welcomes Detroit fan Terrika Foster-Brasby of ESPN and Chicago fan Camron Smith of MSG Network to debate the merits of the 313 vs the 312. While this isn't exactly Rodman vs Pippen, the hard feelings between the two fan bases has subsided ..... sort of ...
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Mark Jones of ESPN/ABC has covered Michael Jordan since the Bulls' first championship "Three Peat" in the early 1990s. His reports on ESPN were prominently featured in the first two installments of "The Last Dance." Mark's sharp memory and attention to detail give his stories a great deal of perspective as he shares them with Monica and Bruce. Mark shares his "a ha" moment when he realized that MJ was the GOAT and his vivid descriptions are typical of this master story teller. The Ron Harper/MJ story at 17:12 is an absolute classic ... and Harp came out on top! At 22:30 Mark reflects on the bizarre way the dynasty ended. Since Mark has worked with every NBA analyst on ESPN and ABC, at 24:30 we played a lightning round/word association game and had some major laughs.
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Allison Galer of "Disrupt The Game" is one of the top agents representing WNBA players. At age 30, Allison has built a roster of incredible talent such as Lisa Leslie, Chiney Ogwumike, Liz Cambage, Chelsea Gray, and many others. Allison shares the story of how she became Lisa's agent and how Lisa felt Allison and Chiney would make a great team. Allison also has some great thoughts on her philosophy of representation and shares stories of how her clients have made names for themselves both on and off the court.
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Monica welcomes Mike Wise from the Mike Wise Show, Otto Strong from Catch & Shoot 2.0, and Bruce Bernstein from Pure Hoops Media. The panel discusses basketball's future in a time of national crisis, how everyone is dealing with the lack of basketball, the Hall of Fame class of 2020, how Kobe Bryant should be introduced at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's gesture of support for medical workers at UCLA.
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George Solomon was the assistant managing editor for sports at the Washington Post from 1975-2003. During his career he oversaw the work of legendary journalists like Michael Wilbon, Sally Jenkins, Christine Brennan, JA Adande, David Aldridge, Tony Kornheiser and many others. Since 2003, has been the director of the Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland. He is one of Monica's mentors and he discusses the role of sports writers during the Corona Virus pandemic. George also discusses the future of sports journalism, how he's getting his sports "fix" right now, why diversity and inclusion is so important in journalism, and so much more.
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Rachel McNair of CBS Sports is on the college basketball and NFL crew for live broadcasts of the games. She takes us behind the scenes of TV production and also shares her philosophy of producing the "One Shining Moment" feature that caps the NCAA tournament coverage. While this year's tournament has been cancelled, Rachel has been a part of the crew for several years and her first hand observations will give you a unique peek behind the curtain of live television.
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Monica McNutt and Bruce Bernstein discuss lessons they learned from playing on teams and how they will help us navigate the crisis the country (and the world) is going through. Teamwork, leadership, sacrifice, and adjusting on the fly are all characteristics of successful teams. And as our society plays "one possession at a time" during these uncertain days, our nation and our world need to remember the lessons we learned through sports.
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Pamela McGee has had an amazing journey. As a member of the 1983 and 1984 NCAA Championship winning USC Women of Troy, she was a key member of what some have called the original Women's Dream Team. Along with teammates like Cheryl Miller, Cynthia Cooper, and her twin sister Paula McGee the Women of Troy are the subject of a new HBO Documentary that dropped on March 10th and is now available "On Demand." Pamela is the mother of two professional ballers: Javale McGee of the Los Angeles Lakers and Imani McGee-Stafford of the WNBA's Dallas Wings. Pamela is also an Emancipator and the founder of ER Ministries, where she motivates and empowers people all over the world with her message of "True Freedom." Monica and Pamela share some vivid memories and stories of her career and life.
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Ty Johnson has the scoop on the wild ride the 76ers have taken their fans on this season. He has takes on why it’s too soon to consider breaking up the Embiid/Simmons combo, whether a “developmental style” of coaching is right for the Sixers moving forward, and if Al Horford has time to fulfill management’s faith in him.
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When the basketball world honored Kobe and Gigi Bryant on Monday, three women's hoop legends were front and center. Diana "The White Mamba" Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu, and Coach Geno Auriemma all shared stories of his influence on their lives. Monica shares some highlights from their speeches and reflects on Sabrina's memorable game on the same day she honored Kobe.
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Morgann Mitchell oversees social media content for NBA TV. She and Monica McNutt discuss how Common blew up the internet with his performance at All Star Weekend in Chicago. Morgann also discusses the challenge of convincing her father Sam (a former player, coach, and NBA TV analyst) to be active on Twitter. She also shares words of wisdom about how people starting out need to embrace the less glamorous tasks in order to prove themselves worthy of receiving better opportunities. Morgan is wise beyond her years and her perspective is valuable for anyone who wants to tap into the mindset of someone who is climbing the corporate ladder at a rapid pace.
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LaChina Robinson is one of the most thoughtful and dialed in hoop analysts in the country. Monica and LaChina break down the big WNBA free agency moves with predictions on which teams will make the WNBA Finals. LaChina also breaks down why the UConn women have suffered blowout losses to Oregon and South Carolina. And Monica's loyal sidekick and producer Bruce Bernstein checks in with thoughts about the NBA on the eve of All Star Weekend in Chicago.
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Monica McNutt welcomes Marc J. Spears, who is one of the top basketball journalists in the country and he shares personal stories about the late Kobe Bryant. Marc also sizes up the potential of Zion Williamson, who reminds him of a young Charles Barkley. And Marc discusses a project he is working on with Hawks All Star Trae Young.
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JA Adande covered Kobe Bryant for 19 of his 20 year NBA career while working for the Los Angeles Times and ESPN. No journalist had a closer relationship with Kobe during his NBA career. Their contact with one another extended beyond Kobe's playing career as well. JA shares some of his favorite stories and memories with Monica on this week's "Buckets, Boards, & Blocks."
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Monica McNutt shares memories of legendary DeMatha coach Morgan Wootten, who passed away on Tuesday. Bruce Bernstein attended Tuesday's memorial service for NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern and shares some of his impressions of the incredible event at Radio City Music Hall . And Monica and bruce discuss their feelings on the eve of Zion Williamson's NBA debut on Wednesday.
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Monica McNutt welcomes "Overtime Mikey" from the Overtime Empire. They discuss how he became a 6 foot tall dunk master, his pickup game at Chelsea Piers with Dwyane Wade, his trip to Greece with Giannis Antetokounpo, and why Allen Iverson was his "Dunk Idol." Monica and Bruce Bernstein also discuss the labor agreement between the WNBA and its players and why it is a great deal for both sides as well as fans of the "W."
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Monica McNutt is joined by ACC Network analyst and 105.5 The Roar host Kelly Gramlich. They talk about Kelly's career journey from playing at Clemson to her current roles, plus the Clemson-LSU national championship game (6:00), the wide open race for the Women's Final Four (10:45), strength in the Pac 12 and at South Carolina, plus the lack of depth on the men's side of the ACC (17:00).
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Monica McNutt and her loyal sidekick and producer Bruce Bernstein reflect back on the big stories from 2019 and look ahead to 2020. Monica is on the Clippers' train and Bruce is on the Lakers' train, and both are optimistic about their predictions for the upcoming year.
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One of Monica's favorite guests and colleagues is versatile hoop maven John Fanta. He is one half of "Team MoJo" and his basketball knowledge is off the charts. He shares his thoughts on Georgetown's recent struggles and coach Patrick Ewing's handling of the aftermath. John will also introduce you to a big man from DePaul (Paul Reed) whom you'll soon be hearing MUCH more about. Also on the show: Jim Boeheim's comments about one of the departed Georgetown players, teams to watch when you want some postseason sleepers for your March Madness bracket, and a preview of the G-League Showcase this weekend.
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Monica McNutt has been one busy DC Baller with her crazy college hoop schedule and she chronicles some of her recent travels. She is joined by her loyal sidekick/producer Bruce Bernstein and they discuss the red hot Milwaukee Bucks, the equally hot LA Lakers, and Bruce's beloved Boston Celtics and their challenging games this week. In Brooklyn, Monica and Bruce size up Spencer Dinwiddie and how he is playing All Star caliber point guard in place of Kyrie Irving. Monica has been a Carmelo Anthony fan for as long as she can remember and she has some thoughts on how he will be received upon his return to Denver. Monica and Bruce finish with a college hoop discussion with a focus on Michigan's success, Georgetown's off court issues, and Syracuse's ACC blues.
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Zora Stephenson covers the top team in the NBA's Eastern Conference and has a nightly closeup view of Giannis Antetokounpo and the rest of the Bucks. Zora also has a great personal story with her rapid rise from Magna Cum Laude student in 2015, to small market TV, to the news anchor desk in Denver, and now back to her first love: basketball. Her story about calling the "Greek Freak" "Gianny" instead of "Giannis" is really instructive as it is an example of how social media gets it wrong with people tweeting before they know what they're even tweeting about. Zora also shares insight on the Lopez Twins: Brook and Robin who are both doing work with the Freak's supporting cast. They are also two unique human beings. Zora shares it all with Monica.
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Clinton Portis is an NFL legend who not only loves the NBA, but seriously knows his stuff. He shares his thoughts on why Russell Westbrook and James Harden are off to a good start. Clinton also checks in with his feelings about “load management,” the durability of LeBron James and how he elevates all of his teammates’ performances. He also compares the duo of Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Clinton also shares his memories of partying with Carmelo Anthony in Denver when ‘Melo was on the Nuggets and CP was on the Broncos. Clinton is a great story teller with smoking hot takes.
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Kyle Pennant is one funny dude. He's a standup comic and also hosts "Hype School," one of the coolest shows on Snapchat and Instagram. His takes are well informed and REALLY funny. Kyle and Monica discuss the greatest player ever (it's not MJ or LeBron), the greatest comic ever (Dave Chappelle), and which players in the NBA are the funniest. Kyle will explain why he became a Celtics fan at the age of 8 in his hometown of St. Louis. Kyle's take on fanatical Kobe Bryant fans is LOL funny. He'll check in with his thoughts on Kanye West and also tell you which NBA player looks like an "Albino Somalian." This show will leave you laughing and also THINKING!
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Master Tesfatsion of Bleacher Report is the host of "Untold Stories," and is one of the hottest young story tellers around. He is also a keen observer of college hoop and the NBA. He checks in with thoughts on Evansville's upset of Kentucky as well as Kemba Walker's strong start in Boston. Master and Monica also discuss Kyrie Irving's impact in Brooklyn, LeBron James' hot start with the Lakers, and why he thinks the LA Clippers will win it all.
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Angel Gray is one of the most versatile hoop broadcasters in the country. She currently patrols the sidelines during Cavaliers games on FOX Sports Ohio, but she has also done play by play for the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks and analysis for many networks including ESPN, CBS, and NBA TV. Angel also played four seasons of college hoop at Florida State. She shares stories of her broadcasting journey and also sizes up the future of a young Cavaliers team.
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Diane Richardson has had an incredible journey in life and basketball. (6:14) She spent more than two decades in corporate America before pursuing her true passion and becoming a full-time college coach. (@7:38) As the Mom of special needs kids, she explains how that shaped her as a coach and (@9:15) how her daughter won a silver medal in the Special Olympics. (@10:00) In 1980 she was on the Olympic track and field team but the USA boycotted the Olympics and she explains how that affected her plans. (@12:23) What she looks for in her recruits and how she loves dreamers. Coach explains why accountability matters so much (@13:45) both for players and assistant coaches. (@15:30) Monica and Coach discuss how three of her former players were in the WNBA Finals but Jonquel Jones of Connecticut was literally a member of her family and not just a former player. (@19:22) Coach explains her goals for this season after winning 20 games last season.
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The new NBA season promises to be a wild and exciting ride. Monica and Bruce Bernstein from Pure Hoops Media discuss all the major storylines. LeBron James and the Lakers top the bill (@2:08). The Clippers and Kawhi Leonard (@8:05) are favored by many to win it all and the chemistry under Doc Rivers will be a work in progress. At 14:00, Monica and Bruce discuss the pros and cons of changing the playoff system to the top 16 teams instead of 8 teams from each conference. The Russell Westbrook/James Harden in Houston will challenge coach Mike D'Antoni's reputation for offensive innovation (@16:40). Can Utah fulfill the heightened expectations? (@ 23:30). Can Golden State succeed in spite of losing Kevin Durant to Brooklyn and Klay Thompson to injury? (@29:05). In the East, Monica likes Milwaukee and Bruce likes Philly (@34:10) but Ben Simmons' lack of outside shooting troubles Monica and Bruce (@39:00). The Celtics are intriguing with Kemba Walker replacing Kyrie Irving (@43:00). Speaking of Kyrie, he dropped 50 on opening night for the Nets, but can he be a leader until Durant returns? (@47:20). Monica and Bruce both want to be optimistic about the Knicks, but a lot of work needs to be done at MSG (@49:45). Finally, Zion Williamson's health is a concern and Monica is worried that losing weight might negatively impact his identity as a player (@56:00). Finally, Monica and Bruce make their predictions and they do not agree at all (@ 1:02:30).
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Nobody knows the BIG EAST like John. This show features the most comprehensive preview of the 2019-2020 BIG EAST season for the men’s and women’s teams. Will Villanova actually have a “one and done” freshman on the men’s team? Tune in and find out.
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There are 1,404 full time coaches and assistant coaches in men's division one college hoop and only one is a woman. She is Edniesha Curry of the University of Maine. "Coach Eddy" discusses her journey and describes how she traveled the world doing different coaching gigs and honing her skills. Coach Eddy downplays the "adjustments" that need to be made for a woman coaching men. She correctly points out that men who coach women are in a similar situation and nobody discusses "adjustments" they have to make. Coach Eddy is straightforward, at times blunt, and clearly equipped to handle any "coach-player" situation that comes up. She isn't a household name now, but she soon will be.
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Monica McNutt welcomes women's hoop analyst LaChina Robinson. They tackle a number of important issues including thoughts about the WNBA playoffs (14:40), Derek Fisher's inexplicable decision to only play Candace Parker 11 minutes in the closeout game against Connecticut (19:49), and whether the WNBA needs affirmation from NBA players (26:00). The interview with LaChina was recorded before game 2 of the WNBA Finals, so it preceded Elena Delle Donne's injury. But LaChina feels the Mystics/Sun Finals matchup will be a "knock down drag out" affair (36:10). Other topics are the improved marketing of the league (44:05) and LaChina's hope that women of color will get more head coaching opportunities (45:50).
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Hannah Withiam is the associate editor of The Athletic and is in charge of all WNBA editorial coverage. At the age of 25, Hannah oversees a staff of 14 writers, including beat reporters for all 12 teams. At the 5:04 mark, Hannah discusses the surreal feeling of having such editorial responsibility at such a young age. At 10:11 Monica and Hannah discuss how the extended WNBA coverage has been received. At 11:30 they have fun discussing the famous WNBA survey where Candace Parker was called "overrated." At 14:00, they discuss the two WNBA Semifinal series and where they are headed. At 16:00 Hannah and Monica examined the effect of Dearica Hamby's miracle shot against Chicago last weekend and what a moment like that has meant to the league. Other issues on the agenda are the effect of charter flights for the WNBA players, the leadership of Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike of the LA Sparks, the greatness of Elena Delle Donne, and Hannah's predictions for the playoffs.
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Howard Megdal covers the WNBA for numerous publications and is dedicated to equalizing coverage of women's sports in general. Monica and Howard discuss the depth of talented players in the WNBA (2:00 mark), why WNBA players shouldn't have to thank the media for covering the sport (5:50), why single elimination is a bad idea after the first round of the playoffs (7:15), the dominance of Elena Delle Donne (8:00) and why she should be unanimous MVP (24:38), his prediction for the WNBA Finals matchup (11:39), and so much more. Howard and Monica (14:30) also discuss the player that makes the Connecticut Sun so dangerous. Hint: it's not MVP candidate Jonquel Jones. And Howard sizes up Tamika Catchings' challenge in rebuilding the Indiana Fever after dismissing coach Pokey Chatman (27:00).
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Jonquel Jones of the Connecticut Sun is Monica McNutt's guest this week. "JJ" leads the WNBA in rebounds and blocks and is a legit MVP candidate. At the 1:47 mark, JJ discusses the awful plight of her native Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian and how she is trying to help her fellow Bahamians recover. At 6:56 she discusses why the Sun are having such a great season and peaking at the right time. At 6'6", she is one of the bigger players in the league and JJ discusses how WNBA bigs like herself and Britney Griner are frequently frustrated by the inconsistent officiating (13:50). Jonquel is a very honest and upfront person and you'll really enjoy getting to know her in this show.
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Cassidy Hubbarth is one of the smartest voices in basketball media. She shares stories of her journey and some of the memorable things she has done on the air in her 10 year ESPN career. The George Karl "Swaggy G" story at 6:45 is a classic and a great example of how Cassidy always mixed great reporting and analysis with good old fun!
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Nate Burleson made his name as a wide receiver in the NFL and is a co-host of Good Morning Football on NFL Network and The NFL Today on CBS. But he is a crazy NBA fan, a baller from Seattle, and has stories of competing against the likes of Jamal Crawford back in the 206. His stories and personality are incredible. If you only have time to listen to one podcast today, it should be this one!
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Buster Scher is the 18 year old founder of Hoops Nation (@hoopsnation), which has nearly 900,000 followers on Instagram. This social media phenomenon and influencer has been at it since the age of 12. In this conversation with Monica McNutt, Buster discusses how he got started, what's next for him, the ill fated "Rich Paul" rule, his favorite sneakers, why LeBron James is the GOAT, and what he'd tell Wilt Chamberlain if the "Big Dipper" were alive today.
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Monica McNutt welcomes former Notre Dame and WNBA champ Dev Peters to the show. Dev and Monica discuss making the transition from being an athlete to "civilian" life. They also size up the best teams in the WNBA, why playing overseas isn't as lucrative as it once was, and Dev's new production company "More Than 94." Dev's advice for college players on how they can set the stage for success off the court is something that every young player should listen to and act on.
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Ronnie Nunn is a legend in the world of NBA referees. He officiated games for 19 seasons and was Supervisor of NBA Officials for five seasons. His stories about the tricky moves that players used to get favorable whistles are funny and insightful. His observations about players like Dennis Rodman, Karl Malone, and John Stockton will entertain you and even make you laugh.
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Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN is one of the most compelling voices in the national NBA media. She shares her story with Monica and also discusses some of the recent moves around the league. Cass also explains how the old NBA Tonight crew turned veteran coach George Karl into a character known as “Swaggy G.”
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OT Larry and OT Chloe of Overtime are Monica McNutt's guests. "Overtime" is building a network of next generation athletes and influencers aimed at the 18-25 year old crowd. Their platform is creating interest in young players (both men and women) and helping them build their brands and futures.
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Monica McNutt welcomes her "Brother from Another" Camron Smith from The MSG 150 and WatchStadium.com plus her trusty "Producer/Sidekick" Bruce Bernstein for a wide-ranging discussion of NBA topics including Russell Westbrook's future, Kawhi Leonard's motivations, how Al Horford will impact the 76ers, and whether Amar'e Stoudemire can make it back to the NBA. Also, Monica reflects back on what it felt like in Las Vegas when the earthquake hit.
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Ben Standig, who covers the Washington Wizards for The Athletic joins Monica McNutt. They discuss the Wiz and the many challenges facing the franchise heading into next season. Will Bradley Beal be traded? Can Isaiah Thomas resurrect his career in DC? Are the team’s starting forwards even on the roster yet? Monica and Ben also discuss Kyrie Irving and whether he will be a good leader for a young Brooklyn Nets team.
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Monica McNutt welcomes NBA TV and NBC Sports Washington anchor Chris Miles, who just returned from the NBA Awards and shares his thoughts on the evening. His friendship with Kemba Walker goes back to their high school days in NY and his insight on Kemba's mindset is very revealing. Chris also has some very strong opinions on whether Kyrie Irving is a good fit with a young Nets team. And finally, Pops and producer Bruce turn the clock back as they discuss how Magic Johnson and Larry Bird affected the sport in a way that still resonates today.
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Monica McNutt welcomes Bruce Bernstein from Pure Hoops Media. Monica and Bruce discuss the Anthony Davis trade and the upcoming NBA Draft, plus the futures of the Pelicans, Lakers, Wizards, Knicks, and Celtics. Bruce also has a theory on where Al Horford's next team should be.
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You may not have heard John Wallace's name lately, but the former Syracuse star and seven year NBA veteran is one of the co-hosts of MSG 150 on the MSG Network in New York. In his discussion with Monica McNutt, he tells some great stories of playing for the Orange in the original Big East, dunking on Ray Allen, refusing to meet with future President Bill Clinton after losing the 1996 NCAA Championship game to Kentucky, and working with Spike Lee on the movie "He Got Game." John also explains why he picked the Raptors to beat the Warriors, his feelings about the Kevin Durant injury, and why Pat Riley is such a great motivator. JW's takes are thoughtful, intelligent, and frequently funny.
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Monica McNutt welcomes versatile hoop analyst Julianne Viani, who works for ESPN, CBS, NextVR, Big Ten Network and the Pac-12 Network. She covers the WNBA and the NBA as well as men's and women's college hoop. Monica and Julianne size up the new WNBA season and break down the NBA Finals between the Warriors and Raptors. Monica's Pops (Kevin McNutt) also checks in with his thoughts about what went wrong for Giannis Antetokounpo and the Bucks and makes his predictions for the NBA Finals.
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Monica McNutt is joined by College Basketball expert and FOX Sports Bracketologist Howie Schwab. They break down the aftermath of Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery and shoot down the notion that this year's NBA Draft is thin after the first three picks. Howie cites many examples of premier NBA players like Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler who were selected later in the first round and even in the second round. And Monica's "Pops," a.k.a. Kevin McNutt defends Zion Williamson against those who question certain aspects of his game.
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Boston Celtics Insider A. Sherrod Blakely joins Monica McNutt and does a thorough review of the Celtics' disappointing season. He pulls no punches in his analysis of where things went wrong for the team many thought would be in the NBA Finals at the start of the season. Sherrod explains why Kyrie Irving's disappointing series against the Bucks might be a reason he ends up STAYING with the Celtics when he becomes a free agent on July 1st. He also shares his opinions on the mess in Lakers Nation, the Raptors/76ers series, and why Knicks fans should be optimistic.
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Monica McNutt welcomes 76ers "Outsider" Krystle Rich from NBC Sports Philadelphia. Krystle's analysis of the team's challenges both on and off the court are very thought provoking. She also shares some feedback on how coach Brett Brown can tweak the offense to get more out of Ben Simmons. Cam Smith of MSG Network also joins the show to discuss MSG 150, the new MSG Network show which starts on Monday May 6th. Monica, Cam, and others will deliver an innovative look into sports around NYC and across the world. Cam also checks in with his thoughts on the NBA playoffs, including his expectations for a Celtics/Raptors Eastern Conference Finals showdown. And finally, "Pops," a.k.a. Kevin McNutt, a veteran high school ref lets everyone know he thinks NBA players whine too much about calls and it makes the games harder to enjoy.
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Monica McNutt welcomes Malika Andrews, the midwest NBA reporter for ESPN who has been covering the Milwaukee Bucks all season. Malika shares her thoughts on why the Bucks have been so successful, reaching 60 wins. In addition, Malika tells a funny story about The Greek Freak's attempt to channel his inner "Pink Panther" as well as her reason for declining to vote in the NBA MVP balloting. And "Pops," a.k.a. Kevin McNutt joins his daughter to discuss the relative merits of his two favorite players: Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Monica McNutt welcomes Meghan McPeak, a former college player who is now doing play by play for the Capital City Go-Go, the G-League affiliate of the Washington Wizards. Meghan is working towards eventually doing play by play for an NBA team. She also has great insight on the Toronto Raptors from her days covering their G-League team. Mike Hill of FOX Sports is one of the most engaging and talented studio hosts in sports TV. He hosts the LA Clippers' pre and postgame shows on FOX Sports West. His insight into how the team has grown under Doc Rivers is very revealing. Finally, "Pops" McNutt checks in with his opinion on the Greek Freak's evolving style of "on court" celebration. It's not quite a "Get off my Lawn" moment, but it's a nuanced and thoughtful take. "Pops" may be older, but he's still in the moment.
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Buckets, Boards, and Blocks features host Monica McNutt, the former Georgetown Hoya and current TV analyst chopping it up with three guests. Lisa Byington of CBS and Turner Sports is fresh off covering the NCAA Tournament and shares some great stories from March (and early April) Madness. Myron Medcalf of ESPN also checks in with his thoughts on the tournament as well as the Magic Johnson mess in LA. And finally, "Pops," a.k.a. Kevin McNutt, a 30 year hoop ref joins his daughter to share some "Fatherly perspective" on how the refs handled some controversial calls at the Final Four.
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