The Pure Hoops Quick Hitters: Recent Episodes
Pure Hoops Media
The Pure Hoops Quick Hitters will provide commentary, analysis, breaking news and quick hit audio delivered right to your finger tips to keep you informed, updated and on your game in the world of hoops.
Happy Holidays to everyone. While we still navigate the unknown as it relates to Covid and the NBA, we at Catch & Shoot 2.0 still felt we should hand out some presents to NBA players, coaches, fans, etc. To help out, our hosts Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong called on some special friends to assist with the gift-giving. Among those receiving gifts included Klay Thompson, Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, Stephen Curry, Ben Simmons and ...you!
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It all seems clear that the 76ers will move Ben Simmons at some point to continue to build around Joel Embiid in its quest to win a championship, but what potential moves make sense for both Simmons and the team? Can they get top-dollar for Simmons? Is it more advantageous to trade him before this season's deadline or in the off-season? Questions to be answered, for sure, and Locked on Sixers podcast host Serena Winters attempts to do just that in a lively discussion with our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong. Check it out!!
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A recent article by The Athletic's Eric Nehm described how the game of two-time league MVP and NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo has evolved. Rob Peterson, the Sr. NBA Editor for The Athletic, and a Wisconsin native, takes us even further in the Greek Freak's journey from going all out all the time to learning how to slow down and break down plays. In his discussion with our Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein, he describes how Giannis is able to dominate the game by involving his teammates and without always having to score.
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Greg Anthony of Turner Sports has a really thoughtful discussion with Mike Wise about the Kyrie Irving situation in Brooklyn. While many observers blame Kyrie (who has declined to be vaccinated against COVID) for abandoning his teammates, Greg cites several other factors in the situation that will definitely make you think twice about who is to blame for Kyrie's absence from the Nets.
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The Chicago Bulls are off to a surprising start to this NBA season, and Zach LaVine's game is a big reason why. Four-time NBA Champion Will Perdue, now the Bulls TV Studio Analyst for NBC Sports Chicago, explains how a conversation with Gregg Popovich while playing for Team USA at the Olympics changed parts of LaVine's game, becoming a more willing defender and sacrificing some of his scoring game for the betterment of the team. Perdue also tells our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong how LaVine has deferred some of the leadership role on the team to DeMar DeRozan.
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Over 1700 players entered the NCAA's Transfer Portal this off season of college basketball. College hoops expert Howie Schwab joined the Catch & Shoot 2.0 podcast this week, and he tells our Aaron Berlin that while he's not a fan of the amount of players who entered the portal or the effect it had on teams who lost players to it, he does see how it has generated interest in the sport. He also gives us some teams that have used the portal to their benefit (like St. John's and Kentucky).
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Quinton Mayo is a keen observer of the Washington Wizards and has great takes on the team's early season success. In this Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Quick Hitter, Quinton joins Monica McNutt and King McClure for a discussion on whether the team's hot start is sustainable over the course of 82 games and the postseason.
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Despite off-the-court issues for the team's owner, the Phoenix Suns keep winning. A big credit for that is the leadership of their point guard, future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul. The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin joined our Bruce Bernstein and Otto Strong and goes into great detail on how and why Paul has been more than a coach on the floor for the Suns... which includes him joining the coaches' huddle from time-to-time.
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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is a two time NBA Most Valuable Player and a three time NBA Champion. At the age of 33, he is playing some of the best all around basketball of his career. Mike Wise welcomes Matt Steinmetz, who has covered the Warriors since 1996 for an examination of Curry's greatness as a player and as a person.
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Scottie Pippen's new autobiography, Unguarded, was released this past Tuesday, November 9th, and co-author Michael Arkush joined our Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein to discuss the feelings of Pippen towards some of the other staples of the Bulls Dynasty of the 1990's: Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Jerry Krause. Arkush tells us that while Pippen wasn't necessarily friends with any of them off the court, he had great respect for all of them from a basketball standpoint.
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Mike Wise has a new favorite team: the Mexico City Capitanes. Since Mike moved to Mexico City, he's fully embraced the local G-League team that has yet to play a game in Mexico due to COVID restrictions. There are some cool stories and cool names on the team and Mike shares some of the best ones.
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Scottie Pippen's new book is coming out on November 9th. But Scottie has been in the news lately for other reasons. While he hasn't been Michael Jordan's teammate since 1998, he still has some beef with the GOAT. In this Quick Hitter from The Mike Wise Show, Mike and producer Bruce Bernstein examine the Scottie/MJ dynamic and lend some perspective to Scottie's feelings and whether they believe Scottie's feelings are justified.
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Now that gambling is a business for the league and its gaming partners, what essential information does the league and its teams need to disclose in order for fans to be well-informed before they put their money on a game. Otto Strong, Aaron Berlin, and Bruce Bernstein discuss issues like injuries & load management, and how they can impact the point spreads in subtle ways. Does the league owe its betting fans the best information available?
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Davion Mitchell helped lead Baylor to the NCAA Championship last season and is a rookie for the Sacramento Kings. He also happens to be good pals with Buckets, Boards, & Blocks co-host King McClure from their time as teammates in Waco. Davion's nickname is "off night" because the people he guards generally have an off night. Mitchell's defense is turning a lot of heads around the NBA and King and Monica discuss his impact on a young and improving Kings team.
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The season has returned and so has the Catch & Shoot 2.0 podcast! In this week's Quick Hitter our guys Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong discuss all the drama that's taken place between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers ....and where does each side go from here.
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Mike Wise and Bruce Bernstein examine the issues surrounding Kyrie Irving's decision to not be vaccinated against COVID-19 in spite of the effect it's having on the Brooklyn Nets.
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In this quick hitter from the fourth and final episode of the Mike Wise Show's four part series on the North Carolina Basketball Family, Tar Heel legends George Karl, George Lynch, and Matt Doherty have some laughs with Mike and co-host Bruce Bernstein over a story that Tar Heel legend Sam Perkins tells about Coach Karl when they were together with the NBA's Seattle Sonics. As our panelists listen to Sam tell the story, they're all laughing at the utterly ridiculous situation George put himself in.
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In this quick hitter from part three of the Mike Wise Show's four part series on the North Carolina Basketball Family, Tar Heel legends George Karl, George Lynch, and Matt Doherty explain to Mike and co-host Bruce Bernstein how Coach Dean Smith's leadership style held everyone accountable, but instilled discipline and values that have served all of the family members well.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy the last two weeks, trading for Russell Westbrook and signing Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, Dwight Howard, Kendrick Nunn, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk in free agency. But with a roster currently holding eight players 30 or older -- and five who are 35 or older -- is the Lake Show set for another NBA Title run? Our guys Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong break it down.
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In this quick hitter from part two of the Mike Wise Show's four part series on the North Carolina Basketball Family, Tar Heel legends George Karl, George Lynch, and Matt Doherty explain to Mike and co-host Bruce Bernstein why the bonds between Carolina players and staff that were created in Chapel Hill when they were teenagers have endured for generations.
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Kyle Lowry is a multi-time All-Star and an NBA Champion, and Yahoo! Sports Senior NBA Writer Vincent Goodwill explains that once you've tasted the champagne, it's hard to settle for just a can of beer. That's why Lowry was more than happy to agree to the sign-and-trade that sent him for the Raptors to Miami, Goodwill telling all this to our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong using an analogy to properties on a Monopoly board. Goodwill also discusses how Riley's "Heat Culture" continues to reel in some of the NBA big fishes and why some of this might have to do with the one that got away (LeBron James).
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In this quick hitter from part one of the Mike Wise Show's four part series on the North Carolina Basketball Family, Tar Heel legends George Karl, George Lynch, and Matt Doherty explain how coach Dean Smith was caring and compassionate but also demanding. Coach Smith stressed the importance of education and held his players to a very high standard both on and off the court.
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Cade Cunningham is considered by many to be the top prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft, and Adam Stanco, our old co-host and now VP and Executive Producer at 247 Sports, thinks he will be special. How special? Well ...Stanco believes his rare combined scoring and distribution ability could eventually lead him to an enshrinement ceremony in Springfield. Stanco gives our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong a full breakdown of what makes Cunningham stand out.
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Cade Cunningham has been projected as the #1 overall pick in the July 29th NBA Draft for months. Why is this 6'8" wing from Oklahoma State so clearly the top talent in a draft class that many feel is historically good? ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks, who is an authority on player evaluation and front office strategy explains how Cunningham's combination of measurable and non-measurable skills make him the type of player that has the proverbial "IT Factor."
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The Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Quick Hitter features Monica McNutt and Vinnie Goodwill of Yahoo! Sports discussing how the seeds for this year's NBA Championship team from Milwaukee were planted last summer in the Orlando Bubble when the team staged a walkout over the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo was known as the Greek Freak from the first time we saw him 8 years ago. He added the label of "Medical Freak" earlier this month when he came back from a hyperextended knee injury that was feared to be season ending and played some of the most remarkable ball of his career in the NBA Finals, capped by 50 points in the deciding game. In this Quick Hitter from the Mike Wise Show, Mike and Bruce Bernstein show their appreciation of Giannis as they reflect on the Bucks historic title run and his singular contributions.
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ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks is an authority on many topics such as the salary cap, player evaluation, the mind games played between team executives, and front office strategy. In this Mike Wise Show Quick Hitter, Bobby tells Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Mike) that Lottery teams like Detroit, Houston, & Cleveland approach the draft differently than a "Lottery Team" like the Golden State Warriors who have the 7th and 14th picks.
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Mike Budenholzer is one win away from leading the Bucks to an NBA Title, yet there are still plenty of critics of his coaching style and ability. ESPN Radio's Marc Kestecher discusses with our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong the love/hate relationship the Milwaukee fans and media have with Coach Bud.
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Earlier in the playoffs, Charles Barkley of TNT said he believed the Milwaukee Bucks would win the NBA Championship but they were not a smart team. His words sound prophetic right now. In this Quick Hitter from Buckets, Boards, & Blocks, Monica McNutt and King McClure welcome Freddie Coleman from ESPN Radio. They discuss how the Bucks seem to make things difficult for themselves at times, but always seem to find a way to overcome adversity and win big games.
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Deandre Ayton is having a breakout campaign in his first ever NBA Playoffs, helping the Phoenix Suns reach the Finals. Still, Meadowlark Media and SiriusXM NBA Radio's Amin Elhassan, who once was a front office man for the Suns from 2006-2012, says the right choice for Phoenix when they had the #1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft was to select Luka Doncic.
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On this week's Quick Hitter from the Mike Wise Show, Mike and Bruce discuss their favorite breakout performer of the NBA Finals: Emily from YouTube TV.
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On this Catch & Shoot 2.0 Quick Hitter, Otto Strong, Aaron Berlin, & Dave Wohl discuss why Chris Paul's style of leadership is more effective in Phoenix than it was when CP3 was on the LA Clippers. And Dave knows better than anyone. Why? Because he was the GM of the Clippers during Paul's years in LA.
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Sam Mitchell joined BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman on the Pure Hoops Podcast and shared memories of the Bulls vs Pacers battles of the 1990s highlighted by what happened when Sam talked trash to Michael Jordan during one of those intense Chicago Indiana battles. This will now be known as "THE BALD HEAD MJ STORY"
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Chris Paul is a future Hall of Famer and nobody will argue that he isn't. But while hoop immortals like Patrick Ewing & Charles Barkley are enshrined in Springfield, neither won an NBA Championship. If CP3 leads Phoenix to a title, he will have done something in his 16th NBA season that moves him closer to the "Mt. Rushmore" of point guards.
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There are three NBA teams that have open head coaching positions. The Pelicans, Wizards, and Magic are considering their options, including the possibility of hiring a qualified woman for the job. If one of the teams does pick a woman, it will require courage on the part of the organization as well as "buy in" from the team's star player(s). On this week's Quick Hitter from the Buckets, Boards, & Blocks crew, Monica McNutt, King McClure, & Bruce Bernstein examine the issues that will factor into the decisions each team must make.
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Rob Peterson, Senior NBA Editor for The Athletic, discusses how Khris Middleton has ascended from D-Leaguer to All-Star and key component in the Milwaukee Bucks run to a potential NBA Finals appearance. Peterson describes how the relationship between Middleton and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has evolved over time, explaining they didn't start out as the best of friends, but have come to rely on each other to take this team to its highest level since 1974.
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On Monday, the Celtics formally announced Ime Udoka as their new head coach. Chauncey Billups will soon be officially named as Portland's head coach, and Nate McMillan will likely have the "interim" label removed in Atlanta. So while African American head coaches have become commonplace in the NBA, we're still waiting for the first Woman to get a head coaching job. Which team will have the courage to go first? Mike Wise and Bruce Bernstein examine these topics in the new Quick Hitter from the Mike Wise Show.
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Sam Mitchell joined BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman on the Pure Hoops Podcast and shared in detail the intensity and physicality of the Knicks vs Pacers rivalry of the 1990s. The Knicks and Pacers faced each other in five different playoff series in the 1990s highlighted by a seven game thrillers in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals and 1995 Eastern Conference Finals. With players such as Reggie Miller, Dale Davis, Antonio Davis, Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, John Starks and Anthony Mason, this was one of the fiercest rivalries during the epic decade of the 1990s.
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Sam Mitchell joined BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman on the Pure Hoops Podcast and shared how former NBA All-Star and current Memphis Tigers coach Penny Hardaway helped Cameron Payne get back on the NBA track. Payne is now playing a key role backing up Chris Paul for the Phoenix Suns who are trying to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993, and win the first title in franchise history.
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Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike was not selected for the USA Olympic basketball team. She is the only MVP from the "W" to not compete in the Olympics. Monica McNutt, Cindy Brunson of the Pac 12 Network, and producer Bruce Bernstein discuss what happened and why this icon of Women's hoop will not be in Tokyo competing for her country.
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With Becky Hammon under serious consideration for the head coaching opening in Portland, who better to speak to women becoming NBA head coaches then Hall of Famer and Phoenix Suns and Mercury TV Analyst Ann Meyers Drysdale. A trailblazer herself (pun somewhat intended) for being the first women to sign an NBA contract, Meyers Drysdale says a women being and NBA head coach will happen, but that it will take a supportive GM and organization who are willing to take and stand up to any criticism that comes their way. To those who suggest this should happen at the lower levels first, Meyers Drysdale points out that this has already happened in the G-League (Nancy Lieberman, Brittni Donaldson). She also discusses with our Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin how the younger generation of NBA player are more accepting of women as coaches.
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In this Quick Hitter from Dave's Front Office, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management joins Dave Wohl. Jeff is the top agent in the NBA and his company is one of the most successful in the world. When it comes to athletes and the use of social media, Dave and Jeff discuss the advice he gives his players on the use of these new communications platforms.
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In this Quick Hitter from the Mike Wise Show, 80 year old Hall of Fame Coach Larry Brown, who coached 9 NBA teams, two ABA teams, and several high profile college teams shares a very intimate story about respecting players as men. And when he goes into his relationship with Allen Iverson ("We talkin 'bout practice"), his revelation about some of the feelings they have for each other will make your jaw drop. For real!
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman examine and debate the Bucks offense and how crucial it is for Giannis to live in the paint.
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Two time MVP Giannis Antetokounpo is considered to be a superstar by most NBA fans. But the Buckets, Boards, & Blocks crew asks some tough questions that may cause some to rethink that label.
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With the creation and development of the Overtime League and G-League as alternate options to college for prospects, does this give the NBA cover in continuing the "One & Done" rule? Former Catch & Shoot host Adam Stanco discusses this with our Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein. Stanco gives us a history lesson as to why the rule was created and what changes need to be done to improve the league's development of young players.
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Rick Welts began as a ball boy for the Seattle Sonics as a teenager before becoming one of the most significant executives in the NBA office and President of two NBA teams (Phoenix & Golden State). In this quick hitter segment from the new episode of Dave's Front Office, Rick tells Dave Wohl about his initial interview with the late NBA Commissioner David Stern and how their relationship evolved over the years.
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Kenny Smith of Turner Sports joined the Pure Hoops Podcast and had a great conversation with Eric Newman about two very young teams (Atlanta & Phoenix) that are gaining a lot of valuable playoff experience that teams this young normally don't get.
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Jared Eummer & Ashton Keys of "Athlytic" are at the forefront when it comes to helping student athletes to monetize their names, likenesses, and images. They explain to Monica McNutt how the process will work starting on July 1st.
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Adam Schefter of ESPN is the top NFL reporter in the country. He is also a passionate and long time basketball fan. In this Quick Hitter from The Mike Wise Show, Scheftie and Mike compare Michael Jordan (6 rings) to Tom Brady (7). Adam's story about what Brady told him he dreams about is classic.
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The Boston Celtics made news last week in announcing that Danny Ainge was retiring as President of Basketball Operations. More curiously, they announced Head Coach Brad Stevens is leaving the bench to take over for Ainge in the front office. Stadium Basketball Insider Jeff Goodman, however, speculates that Brad may not stay in the role long, foreseeing a return to coaching in the NBA. Goodman tells our Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin one potential landing spot is an area of the country Stevens is very familiar with.
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Stadium Basketball Analyst Jeff Goodman broke the story of Mike Krzyzewski retiring as head coach of Duke at the end of the 2021-22 season, with Blue Devils Associate Head Coach Jon Scheyer tabbed to replace him. Goodman tells our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong that with Coach K leaving, Duke may not have the same allure, but will remain a prize jewel among college coaching jobs. Goodman also gives his thoughts on what Scheyer would need to accomplish to be considered a success as "the guy who replaced the guy."
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Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks dominated the New York Knicks in his first playoff series and torched the top seeded Philadelphia 76ers in game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He may be the smallest player on the court, but he packs a lot of "swag" into his 6'1" frame.
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Now that Celtics President Danny Ainge has left the building and former coach Brad Stevens is the new team President, the first order of business is hiring a new head coach. There are a number of intriguing names out there, some with Boston ties. Veteran NBA journalist Steve Bulpett, who has covered and followed the Celtics since the 1980s joins King McClure and Bruce Bernstein (subbing in for Monica McNutt) to discuss which direction the team could go with its next head coach.
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There have been many instances of poor behavior by basketball fans in Philly, New York, and Boston. The players are rightly upset and management is dealing quite harshly with the bad actors. Mike Wise and Bruce Bernstein share stories of their own close encounters with unruly fans.
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TJ Macias of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram joined our Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin this week to discuss the Dallas Mavericks and their playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers. With Luka Doncic struggling with a neck strain issue, Macias and our hosts discuss if it might make good strategic sense for the Mavs to sit their superstar for Game 5.
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Nekias Duncan of BasketballNews.com and the co-host of "The Dunkers Spot" podcast is scratching his head over the way the LA Clippers are playing defense against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. As Luka Doncic picks apart LA's defense at will, Nekias wonders if coach Ty Lue and his staff will realize that playing two small guards at the same time is a recipe for disaster.
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Whether the Los Angeles Lakers repeat as NBA Champions or not, they will have some difficult decisions to make in the offseason. Jovan Buha of The Athletic and The Forum Club podcast points out to our Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin that half of their main rotation guys will be free agents and the team will be up against the luxury tax again. Buha goes on to tell us which of those guys will be the priority for L.A. and which of them will need to have a big postseason to get the kind of money they're asking for. Buha and the guys also discuss if the bill is finally coming due on the Anthony Davis trade and if it was worth it.
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Atlanta's Trae Young marched into Madison Square Garden on Sunday and torched the Knicks in front of 15,000 excited New York fans. And after he hit the game winner with less than one second to play, he put an exclamation point on his performance by "shushing" the fans.
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@AriIvory of Bleacher Report and "HighlightHER" joins Monica McNutt & King McClure for a discussion of the NY Liberty's fast start and the historic triple double performance of Sabrina Ionescu.
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Both Marv Albert and Mike Breen have been the lead play-by-play voice of the NBA and Jared Greenberg of Turner Sports and NBA TV reflects on his connections to both legendary broadcasters. Albert announced he will retire from calling games at the end of this NBA postseason while Breen was just recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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Ever since the Nets assembled their "Big 3" of Kyrie, KD, & The Beard they've played fewer than 10 games together. With the postseason upon us, can they develop chemistry quickly enough to go all the way? Howard & Mike explain the challenges facing the team as it tries to "microwave" a championship.
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With the play-in tournament looming and teams jockeying for seed positioning, BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman breakdown the play-in race, as well as potential playoff matchups.
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The Milwaukee Bucks pushed all their chips to the middle of the table with the Jrue Holiday trade and all they gave up to acquire and sign him. With the team in "Win Now" mode, the pressure on Giannis Antetokounpo and coach Mike Budenholzer is intense as the playoffs begin. Can the "Greek Freak" handle the heavy load? Can "Coach Bud" survive if the team doesn't win at least two playoff series? NBA TV analyst Brendan Haywood shares his thoughts and spares nobody's feelings in the process.
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The Knicks are having an unexpected revival this year, and Alan Hahn of MSG Network and ESPN Radio explains how having this success has been critical considering what's also been taking place with their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. Hahn explains that while the Knicks will always be New York's team, winning now helps them stay relevant with the next generation of the city's hoops fans. Hahn also gives us a fun anecdote on what the energy is like at Madison Square Garden when the place is hopping, something that many Knicks fans look forward to when the arena is allowed to be back at full capacity.
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New York Knicks "Super Fans" Michael Jackson and Barry Sacks explain why the Brooklyn Nets could win the NBA championship but it won't matter because the Knicks will ALWAYS be New York's favorite NBA team.
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Shaun Powell of NBA.com joins Mike Wise for a discussion on the merits (and demerits) of the NBA's "Play In" games. While the games will no doubt be compelling and keep more fans engaged, there is a potential down side that could come back to haunt the league and its TV partners.
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman weigh the pros and cons of the play-in tournament.
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This season's NBA Most Valuable Player award will probably go to Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets. The big man from Denver is certainly deserving of the award with the season he is putting together. But while Kendrick Perkins is a great admirer of "The Joker," he believes the real MVP is a foot shorter, 100 pounds lighter, and plays for the Phoenix Suns. Big Perk will make his case in this Quick Hitter and after you hear his explanation, it may just convince you that the real MVP this season is actually Chris Paul.
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Law Murray, the Clippers Beat Writer for The Athletic, tells our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong how Ty Lue is doing as Clippers head coach. While Lue continues to espouse the same level of culture and accountability preached by former head coach Doc Rivers, Lue seems better able to reach the team's superstars of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
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Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets was a second round draft choice in the 2014 NBA Draft. From the very start of his career he was impressive, but in the past few seasons, he has developed into a generational player and the favorite to win this year's MVP award. Brian Scalabrine of Sirius/XM NBA Radio join Mike Wise to examine the reasons behind the success of "The Joker."
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BJ Armstrong teaches some NBA history, highlighting one of the first ever NBA players to perform the stepback jumper, and how that move influenced Larry Bird.
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Russell Westbrook is going to the Hall of Fame when his career is done. But he is FAR from done and he is leading the Washington Wizards on a late season push to make the playoffs. His legendary intensity is on display every night and he's showing his younger teammates what it takes to play winning ball.
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The Celtics have been hit hard with injuries and Covid-19 issues this season, but NBC Sports Boston's Amina Smith tells us that a lack of focus and energy have also stunted the team's ability to be a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. Superstars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need to more consistently "bring their 'A' game" for Boston to make a deep playoff run.
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The NBA used to send legendary coaches like Chuck Daly, Dr. Jack Ramsay, Hubie Brown, & Lou Carnesecca overseas to teach the game to coaches in Europe. But as ESPN's Fran Fraschilla explains, when it comes to the current playing style, the students have become the teachers.
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In this "Buckets, Boards, & Blocks" Quick Hitter, Monica McNutt and Terrika Foster-Brasby discuss whether "one and done" in Women's basketball is a good idea.
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss what has gone right for New York this season, and how they’re positioned to succeed for the future.
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Catch & Shoot 2.0 co-hosts Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong discuss whether or not the NBA should explore including playoff performance in determining who wins league MVP. They also discuss, in a season where many stars have missed time due to injuries and other factors, can those stars play there way back into the MVP discussion. Finally, the fellas look at other creative ways in determining who wins the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, including using a point system based on voting totals for the league's Player of The Week and Player of The Month awards.
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When legendary NBA executive jerry Colangelo took over as head of USA Basketball in 2005, he knew the team needed a change of culture. So he convened a group of Olympic basketball veterans including Michael Jordan, Jerry West, and a certain head coach at the University of North Carolina. One of the main discussions concerned the hiring of a head coach for the 2008 Olympics and beyond. Jerry shares what happened in the meeting with Mike Wise in this week's Quick Hitter segment.
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Ryan Hollins played 10 NBA seasons and has something to say about pretty much everything. When he plays "Word Association" with Monica McNutt and King McClure, it's "LOL" time. He also explains why he loves the Super Team in Brooklyn and looks forward to LeBron James going up against KD, the Beard, and Kyrie if he expects to win his 5th ring.
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The Athletic Senior Writer Anthony Slater has been covering the Warriors the last several years and he joined us this week to dish some knowledge on Stephen Curry. Curry just recently surpassed Wilt Chamberlain as the franchise's all-time leading scorer and Slater updates us on what the reaction was to Curry's recent accomplishment. Slater also tells us some of his own stories covering Curry over the years, one involving the kids of another sports superstar. Plus, Slater informs us there's one more box to check for Curry in his basketball-playing career.
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Baylor's sharpshooter Matthew Mayer and his teammate Jackson Moffatt took the advice of Jackson's girlfriend and decided to go "full mullet" with their hairstyles. While it seemed innocent enough at the time, it may have triggered a series of events that helped push the Bears to a national championship. Or not. In any event, the guys explain how they became the "Mullet Bros" and share stories of reaching the top of the college basketball world.
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman breakdown how Aaron Gordon has helped the Nuggets and whether Denver is capable of being the last team standing.
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ESPN Analyst and SiriusXM ACC Radio Host Chris Spatola joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin to talk some college ball. Spatola gives us his very strong opinion on Kansas awarding a "lifetime contract" to head coach Bill Self while the program is still embroiled in an NCAA investigation into Level 1 violations. Spatola questions why member institutions, including Kansas, have thumbed their noses at NCAA rules they helped to create.
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Guest host Bruce Bernstein welcomes NBA reporter Ashley Nevel to discuss how she has been so successful in booking marquee NBA guests like Damian Lillard, Dwyane Wade, and Devin Booker to appear on her social media based shows.
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Clark Kellogg of CBS Sports joins Monica McNutt and King McClure to discuss the impact that former NBA players like Juwan Howard are making in the college coaching ranks.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong share their perspective on the recent back and forth between Stephen A. Smith and Russell Westbrook.
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Five Reasons Sports Network's Ethan Skolnick joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin and tells us how the Miami Heat shrewdly worked the NBA Trade Deadline and were able to acquire 2-time All-Star Victor Oladipo. Skolnick tells us the Heat were aware they could get Oladipo from the Rockets should talks with Toronto to acquire Klye Lowry broke down.
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Bruce Bernstein fills in for Mike Wise this week and welcomes veteran NBA journalist Steve Bulpett to the show. Steve has covered the Boston Celtics since the 1980s and Bruce suggests a radical experiment for the Celtics in the wake of Evan Fournier's acquisition.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong analyze what the Nuggets could look like with Aaron Gordon, and how Rajon Rondo can help the Clippers win the championship.
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College basketball expert Howie Schwab joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin to discuss the remarkable showing that Pac 12 teams have had in the NCAA Tournament. Of the five Pac 12 teams that made the tournament, four have advanced to the Sweet 16: Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA, and USC. Only Colorado has been eliminated and even the Buffs won their first round game before losing to Florida State in the round of 32.
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ESPN's Front Office Insider Bobby Marks joins Catch & Shoot 2.0 to discuss the dilemma the Brooklyn Nets find themselves in if they want to upgrade the center position at the trade deadline. With a possible matchup against Joel Embiid and Philly in the playoffs, beefing up the center position seems like a priority, but at what cost?
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Steve Javie officiated NBA games for 25 seasons from 1986-2011. But prior to his NBA career, he called games in the old Continental Basketball Association (the CBA). One of his frequent stops was Albany, NY where he worked games that featured future Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. In this memorable story from the early 1980's, Steve recalls the time that Phil objected a bit too strenuously, stepped over the line, and paid the price.
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The most famous Civil Rights speech of all time was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, DC on August 28, 1963. At the time, George Raveling was a 26 year old Villanova graduate who was starting his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater. George was a 6'4" tall former player at 'Nova and volunteered for Dr. King's security detail on that historic day. After the speech, as Dr. King was leaving the podium, George asked him for the typewritten copy of the speech, which George treasures to this day. That's remarkable enough, but when George tells the "story behind the story" of Dr. King's speech, he reveals a fascinating bit of history.
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When the Los Angeles Lakers finished off the Boston Celtics in the 1985 NBA Finals, it was sweet vindication for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Legendary NBA photographer Andrew D. Bernstein took a photo of The Captain that appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week. It was Andy's first SI cover. He explains how the unique shot was executed and also Kareem's reaction when Andy told him about appearing on the cover.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong dissect the Boston Celtics as we enter the second half of the season, including where Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker fit within the rotation.
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Barbara Barker of Newsday and Mike Wise have both spent time over the years trying to figure out Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. In this Quick Hitter from the Mike Wise Show, they may have cracked the code.
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Legendary coach and Nike executive George Raveling visited with Dave Wohl and shared a "never before told" story about his friendship with the late Wilt Chamberlain.
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Former North Carolina head coach and player Matt Doherty shares how Michael Jordan supported him when he resigned from his UNC job.
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Earlier this week, Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim commented on Jalen Johnson's departure from Duke University to prepare for the NBA Draft. A number of people, including Jay Bilas of ESPN found Boeheim's comments inappropriate. Bilas joins Monica McNutt and King McClure to discuss the Johnson situation and his response to the Hall of Fame Syracuse coach. Jay, Monica, & King all bring their unique perspectives to the discussion.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong praise Joel Embiid’s season thus far, including his dominance in the post and impact on winning. Does this make the Philadelphia 76ers the East favorite?
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In this week's Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Quick Hitter, Monica McNutt and King McClure discuss the racially insensitive remark Creighton head coach Greg McDermott made in the locker room last weekend. Invoking the term "Stay on the Plantation" to describe how the team needed to stick together, the coach offended members of the team and coaching staff. Monica & King share their feelings about what should happen next.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch & Shoot 2.0, legendary NBA writer Jack McCallum and esteemed journalist J.A. Adande weigh in on the recent beef between soccer superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović and LeBron James.
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Bob Ryan was on the Boston Celtics beat for the Boston Globe for 43 years. From 1979-1992 he covered the entire career of Larry Bird. In this Quick Hitter excerpt from the Mike Wise Show, Bob shares some of his many experiences covering "Larry Legend" including an explanation of the depth of Bird and Magic Johnson's friendship.
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Jeff Green is frequently overlooked when the Brooklyn Nets are discussed. On a team with three potential Hall of Famers, the 14 year veteran is frequently overlooked by casual fans, but in the Nets locker room, he is seen as a leader with the credibility to offer feedback, criticism, and advice to even the most high profile team members.
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Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye make predictions for the Men's and Women's Final Four.
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Ann Meyers Drysdale has done it all in basketball. One of her current jobs is working as an analyst on Phoenix Suns games. In this Quick Hitter, she discusses Devin Booker, the Suns' rising backcourt star.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss how the coverage of the NBA has shifted away from on-court play. And according to BJ, this has resulted in skewed media coverage for Damian Lillard. Even though he’s been one of the league’s best guards for years now, Dame still seems to be underrated. Why is that? Eric and BJ answer that question.
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Draymond Green is very unhappy with the way players and management are portrayed when it comes to conflict between a player and their team. In this Quick Hitter from Buckets, Boards, and Blocks, Dave Wohl joins Monica McNutt and King McClure and this former player, coach, and GM thinks Draymond has a legitimate point.
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Tom Haberstroh visits with Otto Strong, his old colleague at ESPN, about why the Utah Jazz may be the 1-seed in the rugged Western Conference.
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In this Quick Hitter from the Mike Wise Show, New Orleans Pelicans head coach Stan Van Gundy discusses gender equality for female NBA coaches and how teams should look beyond just putting women on the bench. Stan feels that giving women opportunities in the video room and as interns will help prepare more of them for successful NBA careers. He also discusses the specific role that assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon has been filling on his staff.
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Freshman sensation Paige Bueckers of Connecticut put on a show against South Carolina, leading the #2 Huskies to a win over #1 South Carolina. Mechelle Voepel of ESPN.com and Alexa Philippou of the Hartford Courant join Monica McNutt to size up Bueckers' impact and examine the prospects moving forward for Geno Auriemma's freshman laden squad.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss, in the context of Luka Doncic, how the game has changed from the 1990s to now, and why it’s important for the Mavericks to establish a system identity.
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Former North Carolina head coach Matt Doherty reveals how Michael Jordan was among his first friends to offer support when he resigned as UNC's coach.
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Michael Jordan's 6 NBA Championships have been considered the gold standard of athletic excellence, but with Tom Brady capturing his 7th Super Bowl championship on Sunday, has he moved ahead of MJ on the pedestal of legends? And has Brady proven to be a combination of MJ and LeBron James because of his ability to remain at the top of his sport at an advanced age?
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The Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Quick Hitter features ESPN's LaPhonso Ellis with Monica McNutt and King McClure. In this segment, "The Phonz" sizes up four college stars (Cade Cunningham, Corey Kispert, Jalen Suggs, and Luka Garza) that he considers. to be "NBA ready."
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Fred VanVleet set a Raptors franchise record in points Tuesday night against the Magic. Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss his career path, what this night means for VanVleet, and what it means for younger players that may be overlooked.
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Firmly in the MVP race, Nikola Jokic’s skillset is mesmerizing. Eric and BJ discuss what makes Jokic so tough to defend, and how he compares to other greats before him.
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On this quick hitter version of Catch & Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Bob Rathbun -- the TV play-by-play voice of the Atlanta Hawks -- who shares his impressions of All-Star Trae Young and gives a glimpse into his challenges to build the franchise into a winner.
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When Kobe Bryant was 15 years old, he introduced himself to the basketball community by demonstrating that he had the "It Factor." Only a handful of superstar athletes have the charisma to match their physical skills, and in this Quick Hitter, Kobe's biographer Roland Lazenby tells the story of how the 15 year old showed a very influential sneaker executive that he had the grit and the "IT."
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The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics is one of the best in all of sports. What does it mean to the NBA, and what are the best moments in the teams’ 72 year history together?
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12 years into his NBA career, Steph Curry is already a lock for the Hall of Fame. However, have we taken his talent for granted? What makes Steph Curry so different from everyone else?
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Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye talk storylines and storytelling with Chad Aycock of Turner Sports.
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Jorge Sedano of ESPN co-hosts a daily radio show on ESPN 710 in Los Angeles. On the first anniversary of the death of Kobe & Gianna Bryant as well as seven of their friends, Jorge reflects on Kobe's legacy and the past year in "Lakers Nation."
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Coach Dave Miller weighs in on what his good friend Kobe Bryant would think of LeBron James and the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers.
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Mike Wise welcomes legendary coach George Karl, who sizes up the new Big Three in Brooklyn. Coach Karl believes there is plenty of talent, but will the intangibles needed for winning teams be there? As for the Lakers, Coach Karl explains why LeBron James' team will win it all again.
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Doc Rivers is a famous coach, a former NBA player, and a Black Man in America. In this Quick Hitter from Dave's Front office, Doc shares two personal stories about his house being burned down by skinheads in San Antonio and how he was frequently harassed by the Los Angeles Police for "Driving While Black" when he was a player for the LA Clippers in the early 1990s. Doc explains how the lessons he learned from his father (who was a Policeman) helped him through those difficult times.
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The new "Big Three" era in Brooklyn is just four games in and the results have been mixed. BJ Armstrong believes we'll need 25 games to really see what this team is all about.
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The Brooklyn Nets added future Hall of Famer James Harden to a team with future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant and mercurial point guard Kyrie Irving to form a new "Big 3." The team mortgaged its future by trading away young players and a slew of future draft choices in order to acquire Harden, but if the team can bring a championship to Brooklyn, Nets fans will consider the trade a success. But can three dominant "Alpha Males" put the success of the team ahead of their personal agendas? Monica, King, and Bruce consider all the key questions in this #BBB Quick Hitter.
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We breakdown the Brooklyn Nets' Big 3 with Alex Schiffer of The Athletic. Schiffer explains how Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden will coalesce in the opening days as new teammates.
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Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye are joined by Colorado women's basketball coach JR Payne to talk about the Buffs' upset win over #1 Stanford.
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Amin Elhassan, formerly of ESPN joins Mike Wise for a classic analysis of the G.O.A.T. debate that includes a hilarious Larry Bird/Dennis Rodman story.
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Can "ball dominant" James Harden co-exist with "ball dominant" Kyrie Irving alongside future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant in Brooklyn? Considering what Brooklyn gave up to acquire Harden from the Rockets, everything is riding on the Nets to win now.
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NBA reporter TJ Macias weighs in on what Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has to do to become an MVP.
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This week's Mike Wise Show Quick Hitter features Monica McNutt with her reflections on last week's riot in Washington and how WNBA players have been at the forefront of societal change for many years.
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Doc Rivers has provided the 76ers the leadership they have long needed. His style of coaching has had a major impact on their team defense, which keeps them competitive every night. And players like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and newcomer Seth Curry have developed the type of team chemistry that gives Philly fans hope for a lengthy postseason run.
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Katie Barnes of ESPN has some great perspective on how the WNBA's Atlanta Dream players organized against their team's co-owner Kelly Loeffler and helped her opponent Rev. Raphael Warnock become the first African American Senator from the State of Georgia.
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Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye discuss Big 12 contenders with Big 12 digital reporter Morgan Uber. Why this conference is more than just Kansas and the rest.
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ESPN.com NBA reporter Nick Friedell joins Aaron Berlin to break down why Steph Curry is on a mission to prove his naysayers wrong.
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Hall of Famer Jerry West joins Dave Wohl on Dave's Front Office for a two part conversation. In this Quick Hitter segment, the man known as "The Logo" discusses how "training" for NBA players was much different than it is now. The full episodes can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daves-front-office/id1538844564
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Hall of Famer Jerry West joins Dave Wohl on Dave's Front Office for a two part conversation. In this Quick Hitter segment, the man known as "The Logo" discusses his dear former teammate Elgin Baylor, his 1960 Olympic teammate Muhammad Ali, his Celtics opponent Tommy Heinsohn, who passed away in November 2020, and legendary decathlete Rafer Johnson, another of his Olympic teammates in Rome. His description of listening to Tommy call Celtics games is classic. The full episodes can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daves-front-office/id1538844564
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Mike Wise's 100th show featured a great discussion with veteran New York hoop journalists Harvey Araton & Frank Isola. They take a deep dive into the historically dysfunctional New York Knicks franchise. Many blame owner James Dolan for the dysfunction, and he is taken to task for his contributions, but it actually started well before he owned the team. The details and history create a "must listen" experience for NBA fans and especially Knicks fans.
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Jenny Fischer chats with Gobigbluecountry.com founder Shawn Smith about Kentucky's 1-5 start and the lack of trust that is undermining the team. Plus, the circumstances the led to Cam'ron Fletcher's departure from the team.
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Monica McNutt, King McClure, and Bruce Bernstein examine how the year 2020 was dominated by huge events with the basketball world taking the lead in promoting societal change.
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman size up the New Orleans Pelicans & Miami Heat, who meet in one of the five Christmas Day marquee matchups. What are realistic expectations for Zion Williamson, Bam Adebayo, and their respective teams.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong weigh in on the struggles that Houston had this offseason and why James Harden and the Rockets may not be in for a great season.
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Mike Wise and his producer Bruce Bernstein make their predictions for the upcoming season. Will a "Euro" other than the Greek Freak be the MVP? Will the Coach of the Year be someone you don't expect? Will LeBron's "Drive for Five" end with another Lakers title? And which upcoming storylines are the most intriguing?
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Dave's Front Office is open for business, In this Quick Hitter conversation from Dave's first show, Jerry West discusses some of the challenges that players and team personnel had to contend with while completing the 2020 NBA season in the Orlando bubble.
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The Suns make a big move to bring in Chris Paul for Kelly Oubre Jr, Ricky Rubio and draft picks in an attempt to accelerate winning with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. How does CP3 position the Suns to take a major step forward in the west?
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The 76ers welcome Doc Rivers with open arms after moving on from Brett Brown. They've also added three point shooting with Seth Curry & Danny Green. New team president Daryl Morey also traded Al Horford and his huge contract & added Dwight Howard to back up Joel Embiid. Will these moves make the Sixers a better team from day one?
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The Clippers say goodbye to Doc Rivers after their disappointing loss to the Nuggets after being up 3-1 in the west semis, Ty Lue takes over as head coach... Montrezl Harrell goes across the hall to join the Lakers, Serge Ibaka replaces him in the front court... How can we expect these moves to impact the Clippers? Still a legit finals contender?
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The Hawks add Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari, & Bogdan Bogdanovic to their young core of Trae Young, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, Clint Capela, & De'Andre Hunter... how good can this team be?
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Giannis Antetokounpo signs a 5 year $228 million max deal to stay in Milwaukee. How much does this happening now help the Bucks in the season ahead?
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Ava Wallace covers the Washington Wizards on a daily basis for the Washington Post. She joins Monica McNutt and King McClure on the #BBB Quick Hitter to discuss how future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook will make an immediate impact on the Wizards' franchise culture.
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Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye are joined by Monica McNutt, who explains where her joy for the game comes from and dives into a few of this season's top storylines.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, The Athletic's Alex Schiffer weighs in on Kyrie Irving's comments about the media. Schiffer is the Nets beat reporter and explains why covering Kyrie has given his friends fodder for busting his chops.
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Nobody knows the NBA like Derek Harper. He played 16 seasons and has been a broadcaster for nearly 20. He played point guard for the 1994 Knicks that lost the Finals to Houston in 7 games. His number 12 has been retired by the Mavs. In this Quick Hitter with Mike Wise, "Harp" explains why Luka Doncic, despite being an MVP candidate, has a respect "deficit." Nobody keeps it as real as Harp.
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The Pure Hoops Quick Hitter features Eric Newman & BJ Armstrong discussing the "new look" LA Clippers as they transition from the Doc Rivers era to the Ty Lue era. With Montrezl Harrell out and Serge Ibaka in, will this team need a quick start to find its mojo? Nobody breaks it down like BJ.
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman size up the Celtics on the eve of the season. While Milwaukee and Philly made big off season pickups, the C's said goodbye to Gordon Hayward and hello to Tristan Thompson & Jeff Teague. But Kemba Walker's health is probably the biggest question mark.
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The Bucks are desperate to keep two time MVP Giannis Antetokounpo in Milwaukee. They have made solid off-season moves to improve his supporting cast. But with so many future options in front of him, will the Greek Freak be convinced that the franchise has done enough? BJ and Eric size up the situation and discuss the chances that the Bucks can win it all.
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman size up the defending champions in LA as they look to repeat. Is Marc Gasol the right replacement for the combo of Dwight Howard & Javale McGee at center? Can Dennis Schroeder "be Dennis Schroeder" on the floor with LeBron? Where does Anthony Davis belong on the floor? Lots of answers on the Pure Hoops Quick Hitter.
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ESPN College Hoop analyst Seth Greenberg is a master story teller, game strategist, and has a great sense of humor. On this week's #BBB Quick Hitter, he joins Monica McNutt and Bruce Bernstein for a serious discussion on whether it is a good idea for college hoop to continue while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage. Duke's Coach K is questioning the wisdom of playing, but Coach Seth has a number of compelling reasons why it's actually safer for the players to be together playing as opposed to being scattered around the country.
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Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye talk with Markus Howard about expectations for his rookie season with the Denver Nuggets.
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On this quick hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Fred Katz of The Athletic weighs in on how the dynamic between Russell Westbrook and Scott Brooks might play itself out in Washington next season.
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Steve Nash has never been a head coach at any level, but he is the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. With a "difficult co coach" point guard in Kyrie Irving, a future Hall of Famer in Kevin Durant, and the pressure of the New York media, Nash faces many challenges in the job. Stefan Bondy and Mike Wise size up the obstacles in front of Nash.
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Chris Spatola is one of the most insightful college hoop analysts on the national scene. In this Quick Hitter segment from Buckets, Boards, and Blocks, Chris gives a detailed explanation of the remarkable success of Mark Few's top ranked Gonzaga program.
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Former Villanova player Darryl Reynolds joins hosts Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye to discuss the early upsets in college basketball and why there might be a lot more.
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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has taken last season's NBA champion Lakers and made them even stronger. With Dennis Schroeder, Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Matthews, and Marc Gasol joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers look poised to raise championship banner #18.
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Jenny Fischer and Cara Kaye are joined by Andy Katz for a discussion of teams that might surprise and a conference that could be more wide-open than most people believe.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure both played college basketball at the highest levels. In this Quick Hitter excerpt from our Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Thanksgiving Special, Kevin McNutt and Leroy McClure share memories of coaching their kids and explain the upside and downside of the coach/parent relationship.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Charlotte sportscaster Nick Carboni joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin to discuss how LaMelo Ball fits in with the Hornets.
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ESPN's #1 NBA studio analyst Tim Legler joins Mike Wise for this week's Quick Hitter segment. The guys discuss Golden State's Klay Thompson and his second consecutive season ending injury. Legs knows what it's like to rehab a serious leg injury and he shares his feelings on the challenged Klay faces as he seeks to reclaim his place as one of the NBA's premier shooters.
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Monica McNutt, King McClure, and Bruce Bernstein discuss the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, Anthony Edwards of Georgia who was selected by Minnesota. Is he a good fit with DeAngelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns? And does his relentless offensive style resemble a certain "Beard-ed" All Star guard in Houston?
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Jenny Fischer talks to Kentucky's Rhyne Howard about goals for the season and using the doubters as emotional fuel.
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Should basketball players just "shut up and dribble?" Is it fair for transgender athletes to compete against cisgendered athletes? Former member of Congress Katie Hill checks in with Mike Wise to discuss these issues in the Mike Wise Quick Hitter from Pure Hoops Media.
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Dan Kaufman of Pure Hoops Media joins Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong from Catch & Shoot 2.0 to discuss the Chris Paul trade to Phoenix. Is CP-3 the perfect running mate with Devin Booker? And what is next for the Lakers once Dennis Schroeder slides into Rajon Rondo's roster spot?
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Dan Kaufman of Pure Hoops Media joins Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong from Catch & Shoot 2.0 to discuss some of the future draftees expected to be selected in Wednesday's NBA Draft. Whose stock is rising and who may be overvalued.
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Dan Kaufman of Pure Hoops Media joins Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong from Catch & Shoot 2.0 to discuss the top three players in Wednesday's NBA Draft and whether Dan's top three are in sync with those that are generally considered to be the top three. Hint: Yes & No.
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Justin Jackson will soon begin his second full season with the Dallas Mavericks. In this Quick Hitter, he discusses the Mavericks' organization, all the huge personalities in Big D, and what it's like playing with Luka Doncic.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, NBA lifer Dave Wohl shares fond remembrances of Tommy Heisohn and his recanting of Bill Russell stories.
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The past week has been tumultuous in the United States of America. Mike Wise is joined by Bruce Bernstein from Pure Hoops Media and together they digest it all and spin things forward towards a hopeful future.
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John Fanta, the co-host of Pure Hoops Media's "Full Court Press with Fanta and Adams" discusses the best conferences in Men's college hoop with King McClure and Monica McNutt
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John Fanta and Jenny Fischer talk to Oregon women's basketball coach Kelly Graves about the depth of the Pac 12 and why despite that, he's in favor of a 22-game double round robin conference schedule.
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On this Quick Hitters edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, former NBA big man Sam Perkins joins Aaron Berlin to discuss his 17-year NBA career and details what it was like to play with the legendary Magic Johnson.
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George Karl is #6 on the all time win list among NBA head coaches. But his interests go well beyond basketball. In this quick hitter with Mike Wise, Coach discusses his blue collar upbringing in Pittsburgh, what our society needs to do to heal itself, and how proud he is that NBA players are making a difference in the quest for societal change.
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"It's The Bald Girl" (Christine Williamson) of ESPN sharing her story about staying true to herself as she carves out a niche in the digital media world.
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John Fanta chats with Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes about staying humble and the challenges of recruiting and taking over a team in the midst of a pandemic.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks breaks down the offseason challenges for the Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo's supermax contract, Chris Paul's future
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John Fanta chats with player of the year candidate Luka Garza of Iowa. They discuss NBA players that he patterns himself after and the evolution of the big man role in basketball.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Sekou Smith of NBA.com. They discuss what the Golden State Warriors should do with the 2nd pick in the Draft and some veterans names that could add to their roster.
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In this Quick Hitter from the new Mike Wise Show, Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss opens up about the loss of Kobe Bryant, former Commissioner David Stern, and her Mother. Jeanie's honesty about the void left by Kobe's death and how Lakers Nation pulled together to deal with their collective grief is a remarkable window into what Kobe meant to Lakers fans and to Jeanie as a dear friend.
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Scott Drew begins his 18th season as head coach of the Baylor Bears Men's Basketball Team. In this Quick Hitter from the new Buckets, Boards, & Blocks podcast, Coach Drew sizes up this year's team, led by Jared Butler which is ranked #2 in the preseason college basketball poll and hopes to make it to the Final Four for the first time since 1950.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein are joined by Kelly Iko of The Athletic to talk about James Harden and his future with Houston.
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Has LeBron James reached "GOAT" status among the NBA greats? Monica McNutt, King McClure, & Bruce Bernstein discuss why he may or may not be the greatest player ever.
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John Fanta shares storylines that will be driving the early part of the college basketball season, including two conferences that will have an impact and a couple of programs on the rise.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein discuss LeBron James' greatness after winning his 4th NBA championship. The guys reflect on where he ranks compared to Michael Jordan.
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In this week's Quick Hitter from the Mike Wise Show, our guests are Dave Wohl, a 50 year NBA veteran and future host of "Dave's Front Office" on Pure Hoops Media & long time Lakers radio and studio analyst Dave Miller. The guys take a 17 minute deep dive into the remarkable career and life of LeBron James. Every angle on LeBron's performance and legacy is on the table in this incredible discussion.
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Fresh off the Lakers' NBA Finals win over Miami, Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss offseason priorities for both teams with Howard Beck.
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As the basketball world prepares to load up the planes and head back to Seattle, Las Vegas, Miami, and LA, Monica McNutt and King McClure have some unfinished business. They will present the very first edition of the #BBB Awards, given for great performances, awesome Drip, the best social justice messages, the dopest sneakers, and the worst hair as seen in the Bubble and the Wubble.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, author Pete Croatto of the upcoming book "From Hang Time to Prime Time" reflects on how Michael Jordan's awareness made him a unique athlete and catapulted the NBA into becoming a dominant league.
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Hall of Fame journalist Jack McCallum joined the Mike Wise Show and shared some classic stories about the late NBA Commissioner David Stern from his many years covering the NBA. Jack also pointed out how David's death on January 1, 2020 was the beginning of a terrible year for the world.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are surprised by Doc Rivers' firing by the Clippers and discuss the the challenge he inherits in Philadelphia.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong marvel at Pat Riley's seven decade history in the game of basketball and all he's accomplished as a player, coach and executive.
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Former NBA player Delonte West has been battling emotional demons and living on the streets of Dallas. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reached out to him and is sponsoring him in rehab. Monica McNutt and King McClure discuss the sensitive issue of mental illness among athletes and praise Cuban for reaching out to a man in need and setting an example for the rest of us.
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John Fanta is joined by YES Network analyst Sarah Kustok to discuss the hiring of Steve Nash and what a healthy Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving could mean for the Brooklyn Nets.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Jared Greenberg reflects on his emotional interview with Jamal Murray after the Denver Nuggets star scored 50 points against the Jazz.
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Bruce Bernstein fills in for Mike Wise and welcomes former player, coach, and executive Dave Wohl and Catch and Shoot 2.0 co-host Aaron Berlin for an examination of the LeBron James' impact on the Lakers and his prospects for a fourth NBA Championship.
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Erica L. Ayala is a journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Times, The Athletic, Deadspin, The Guardian, and elsewhere. Erica is dialed into the women's sports scene like few journalists and she discusses how female athletes are often at the forefront of societal change, but don't always receive the credit they deserve.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Ethan Skolnick of Five Reasons Sports. They discuss why the bubble is perfect for the Miami Heat culture, plus how Erik Spoelstra has taken the reins from Pat Riley and established this as his team.
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John Fanta speaks with Louisville basketball coach Chris Mack about his efforts to create a non-conference bubble in Louisville and what that entails. Plus, will there be a Louisville-Kentucky game in 2020?
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On this Quick Hitter edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin dissect Anthony Davis' game and which players in NBA history that the Lakers All-Star plays like.
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Michael Lee of The Athletic joins Mike Wise to discuss the bond between Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles. The relationship is unique among superstar duos and Michael sizes it up perfectly.
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Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN has been patrolling the sidelines for the network's NBA Playoff coverage. In this excerpt from The Mike Wise Show, she tells a story about finding herself with LeBron James as he waited for teammate Anthony Davis to finish speaking with the media after game 4 of the Lakers/Rockets playoff series. Also Cass and Mike create "The Pedestal of GOAT-ness," where MJ and LeBron are the two residents.
Check out the Video Quick Hitter Segment with Cassidy on our You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpg2r5OHdZX6sw2_OhRSEA
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Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx retired from her Hall of Fame WNBA career to help free Jonathan Irons (who was wrongfully convicted) from prison. On Wednesday, she married him! Lea B. Olsen, the Lynx TV analyst shares her thoughts on this incredible story.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong break down the key matchups in the Western Conference Finals with Nuggets broadcaster Chris Marlowe of Altitude TV.
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John Fanta is joined by Jon Rothstein, Andy Katz and Matt Norlander to discuss the teams they're most excited to watch in the 2020-21 college season.
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In this week's Catch & Shoot 2.0 Quick Hitter, veteran hoop journalist Steve Bulpett and former player, coach, and GM Dave Wohl discuss the delicate situation that Gordon Hayward's return to action could create. In this 5:00 long discussion, Dave and Steve explain the potential downside of Gordon returning if he is not 100% healthy.
To see the full video version of this segment, go to the Pure Hoops media YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpg2r5OHdZX6sw2_OhRSEA/videos
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Excerpted from a discussion with Celtics radio voice Sean Grande, Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss why Jimmy Butler poses a challenge to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss how things broke down in Milwaukee and whether the Bucks need to make major changes for Giannis Antetokounmpo to commit long-term.
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The Miami Heat are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the "Post LeBron James Era" and Jose Paneda, the Spanish language "Voice of the Miami Heat" joins Buckets, Boards, & Blocks this week. Jose has been part of the Heat organization since Day One and he shares the secrets to the franchise's success over the past 25 years.
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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Marc Kestecher, the Voice of the NBA on ESPN radio shares stories of broadcasting from the Orlando Bubble as well as how the security measures at the hotels are keeping everyone safe.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin dissect the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and whether he's stay in Milwaukee after signing a super-max deal or test the free-agent waters.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure welcome Gene Wang of the Washington Post for a discussion of John Thompson's legacy of helping women and minorities succeed "off the court."
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John Fanta talks with PJ Carlesimo about the legend John Thompson, the barriers he broke and the men who built the Big East.
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On this Quick Hitter version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, The Athletic's Bucks insider Eric Nehm joins Aaron Berlin to reflect on a conversation he had with Giannis Antetokounmpo after the loss in last year's playoffs. Giannis learned from the example of eventual NBA champion Kawhi Leonard.
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Monica and King are co-hosts of Buckets, Boards, & Blocks from Pure Hoops Media. In this Quick Hitter, they join Mike Wise and discuss how the WNBA has been a leader in social activism. Also, King recounts a painful story of discrimination in college that actually had a silver lining. It's a brief but very uplifting discussion about some of the issues the country is dealing with.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix. They discuss how the absence of Adam Silver from the bubble and how that impacts player frustration.
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John Fanta is joined by The Athletic senior writer Sam Vecenie. They discuss Israeli Draft prospect Deni Avidja and look back at the 2018 NBA Draft and why some NBA executives had reservations about Luka Doncic.
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Mike Wise and Eric Newman were up late on Wednesday night discussing the implications of NBA players boycotting three playoff games on Wednesday and possibly beyond as they continue their campaign for social justice.
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On this Quick Hitters edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Mac Engel, a longtime columnist from the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. Engel reflects on how amazing Doncic's Game 4 performance was.
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Former NBA center Todd MacCulloch is one of our favorite guests on The Mike Wise Show. In this Quick Hitter, Todd talks about the movie "Isolation," where he has been cast in a role that is 180 degrees different from how he is in real life.
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As the Celtics go for the sweep of their arch-rival Philadelphia 76ers, Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong double down on BJ's assertion that Jayson Tatum will be next season's MVP. How Tatum has taken his place alongside the league's biggest stars.
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In this week's Quick Hitter from Buckets, Boards, & Blocks, Monica McNutt and King McClure check in on the Mavs/Clippers series, the ejection of Kristaps Porzingis in game one, and discuss "Who's Trippin?" Hint: It isn't one of the players.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Kendra Andrews from The Athletic talks about her sister Malika, of ESPN, and how the two became rising NBA reporters for national outlets.
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John Fanta talks with ESPN/CBS analyst Mike O'Donnell on the incentive for college basketball to move forward with a season and how feasible it is to create a bubble.
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Howard Beck of Bleacher Report joins Mike Wise to discuss the trials and tribulations of NBA players working and playing in the "Orlando Bubble."
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Monica McNutt and King McClure examine the NBA's rules on who can join the players in the bubble once family is allowed in. While the rules appear to be pretty clear, Monica and King explain why the potential for chicanery is there.
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John Fanta is joined by Rob Dauster to discuss the clear-cut big 3 in college hoops, plus programs trending up in Knoxville, Piscataway, Champaign and Westwood.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by ESPN's Tim Legler. They discuss Damian Lillard's outstanding play and the difficult matchup the Blazers pose to the Lakers.
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Alton Byrd has spent more than four decades in the basketball world. He is currently the VP of Business Development for the G League Long Island Nets. In this discussion with Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Mike Wise), Alton shares his feelings on how the sport of basketball can be a uniting force in our society.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss the Raptors’ Playoff hope with Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun.
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Aaron Berlin is joined by Ohm Youngmisuk from ESPN as they delve deep into the NBA bubble featuring the Lakers trying to get into championship form in anticipation for a collision course with the Clippers, the very impressive Toronto Raptors, the virtual fan craze and much more!
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In this week's Mike Wise Quick Hitter, Harvey Araton & Mike Wise discuss the Orlando Bubble and whether the NBA can operate in such an environment beyond this season.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure discuss why King is now a huge WNBA fan.
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Dave Wohl is a unique basketball mind. He has spent nearly a half century as a player, assistant coach, head coach, assistant GM, general manager, and commentator. His perspective on the keys to success in the Orlando "Bubble" are based on experience, analytics, and good old fashioned Hoop IQ. Dave and Mike Wise discuss whether this year's NBA champion should have an asterisk attached to their title.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, The Athletic's Derek Bodner dissects the 76ers chances to compete for an NBA championship this season.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss the Houston Rockets with Houston Chronicle NBA writer Jonathan Feigen
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Lauren Cox of the Indiana Fever discusses team unity and her own brushes with racism while our society is going through so much turmoil.
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John Fanta is joined by Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Micah Adams, Global Managing Editor at DAZN. Adams contends that Giannis Antetokounmpo's numbers and achievements have him projecting to be potentially a top 5 NBA player of all time.
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Monica McNutt and King McClure share their secrets to survival in the bubble. What would they bring to get them through 2-3 months of isolation?
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss the added burden on LeBron James with USA Today's Mark Medina
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John Fanta talks Guns Up, Hook Em Horns, Football and Hot Dogs with Texas Tech coach Chris Beard.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Joe Vardon from The Athletic details the costs, hotels, meals and challenges of covering the NBA during the Covid-19 Pandemic
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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. We 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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The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is a winner take all event with 24 teams that starts on July 4th. It will be played in a bubble at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio with the winning team taking home $1,000,000. Monica McNutt and King McClure welcome Tim Scarborough, who will call TBT games on ESPN for a discussion on the safety measures and health protocols that will be in place and studied by the NBA for its own restart in late July.
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John Fanta talks to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo about the pandemic, social protests and being in his wife's doghouse for missing Magic Johnson's birthday party.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong talk to Antonio Davis about guarding everything from bangers, to traditional bigs to stretch 4's.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, longtime Miami media personality Ethan Skolnick explains how "The Heatles" came to be and reflects on LeBron James' greatness on the 10-year anniversary of "The Decision."
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Seth Partnow is a former executive in the Milwaukee Bucks organization who is now an NBA writer for The Athletic. He joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin for an examination of some of the issues that will affect the restart of the NBA season at the end of July. Among their topics:
- Is money the reason the season is resuming?
- Are playoff games on a neutral court potentially the "purest" form of basketball?
- Will the analytical trends from the first part of the season hold up when the NBA plays games in the Disney Bubble?
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In Part II of Mike Wise's conversation with Hall of Famer Bill Walton, they discuss Bill's final meeting with dear friend and former teammate Maurice Lucas in 2010.
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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 the NBA Players' Coalition and its influence on the continuation of the NBA season.
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In this week's Mike Wise Show Quick Hitter, we feature part one of our two part Bill Walton conversation.
- Bill addresses the lasting legacy for the late NBA Commissioner David Stern
- His all time "1970's Dream Team"
- The prejudice that some of his former teammates faced from fans back in the '70's
- How some NBA owners are really stepping up to help make our society a better place.
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Bill Raftery joins Kim Adams and John Fanta with fun stories about fellow coaching legends Jim Calhoun, Jim Valvano, & Rick Pitino.
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This week's Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Quick Hitter segment with Ari Ivory focuses on corporate America's evolving perception of African Americans and how athletes are increasingly willing to use their platform to speak out on social issues.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin dissect the 2007 NBA draft, where Greg Oden was chosen over Kevin Durant, and the 2009 draft where the Timberwolves chose 2 point guards (Johnny Flynn and Ricky Rubio) instead of Steph Curry.
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Garrett Temple of the Brooklyn Nets with a very positive message on how to increase understanding between the races in America during these troubled times.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Sekou Smith of NBA.com and Danny Green of the Los Angeles Lakers. They break down what it's going to be like to cover the league and play without fans.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong talk to Bleacher Report Senior NBA writer Howard Beck about the Lakers-Blazers 2000 Western Conference Finals matchup and the alley-oop that launched a three-peat. Plus, find out which Blazer says that Portland would have had a three-peat if they had won Game 7.
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Renee Montgomery of the Atlanta Dream feels athletes now have a louder voice in the aftermath of the pandemic and the societal unrest in America.
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Dan Gavitt of the NCAA shares his thoughts on best practices for restarting NCAA basketball and achieving fairness and uniformity across conferences
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks joins Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to discuss the unique challenges of the NBA's return to action in Orlando. Marks also breaks down the timeline and how difficult it will be for players to adjust to the rules in place to protect players and their families from the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Jason Whitlock, formerly of FS1 joins The Mike Wise Show. In this featured conversation, they discuss Colin Kaepernick and his position on "taking a knee" to call attention to the police and their treatment of Blacks in America.
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With racial strife and the COVID-19 virus devastating America, Mike Wise welcomes Monica McNutt for some perspective on our troubled society and how we can hopefully heal and strengthen it.
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John Fanta and Kim Adams are joined by Big East Associate Commissioner Stu Jackson and Villanova national champion Darryl Reynolds. They discuss what Jackson calls the failure of his generation to bring an end to social injustice and the need for Gen X and Millennials to continue the fight.
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In this week's Quick Hitter version of Buckets, Boards, & Blocks, Monica McNutt welcomes Scott Burrell to clear up a misconception that many who watched The Last Dance had about a certain interaction he had with Michael Jordan during practice.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Marc Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin to reflect on how NBA stars can impact the ongoing conversation on civil rights. Spears implores LeBron James and Steph Curry to do more.
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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. In this featured conversation, Alexis shares the story of how she connected with her two biggest basketball clients.
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John Fanta and Kim Adams are joined by Andy Katz of NCAA.com to discuss challenges for coaches and how the sports calendar might change.
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On this Quick Hitters version of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin explore the possibilities of the NBA concluding its season in Orlando. The guys explain the challenges and dissect what it could mean for fringe teams and the game's elite players.
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The Last Dance from ESPN captivated basketball fans around the country for five straight weeks. One of Mike Wise's guests was legendary coach George Karl, whose Seattle Sonics faced MJ's Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals. George also was a fellow North Carolina Tar Heel and he describes how Michael's basketball career was nurtured at UNC under Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith.
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Andrea Kremer was a major presence in "The Last Dance" on ESPN. In her role as the Chicago bureau reporter for ESPN starting in 1989, Andrea knew the Bulls as well as any journalist as they began their championship run. In this "Quick Hitter" version of Buckets, Boards, & Blocks Andrea and Monica discuss some of the "good, the bad, and the ugly" from the early Bulls title teams and why she and David Aldridge were so prominent in the blockbuster ESPN documentary.
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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman talk soundtrack and Steve Kerr's emotional interview with The Last Dance executive producer Jon Weinbach.
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No member of the media was more present during the Bulls dynasty than journalist Sam Smith. He was the Bulls beat writer for the Chicago Tribune, author of The Jordan Rules, and still covers the team for Bulls.com. His memories are vivid and he has plenty of them. In this Quick Hitter with Mike Wise, Sam explains how Michael Jordan changed the entire mindset of the "Second City."
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong revisit BJ's game-winning shot from Game 2 in the 1998 Eastern Conference Semis, as recounted in The Last Dance.
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Monica McNutt welcomes A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston for a discussion on how the NBA players and management are working together to craft a strategy for restarting the NBA season.
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Mike shares his thoughts on the very emotional episodes 7 & 8 of The Last Dance
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UNC point guard Cole Anthony joins John Fanta and Kim Adams to discuss why he hasn't watched The Last Dance, whether he would have gone to the G League, and what his mom has meant to his career.
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David Aldridge, the Editor in Chief of The Athletic DC has been a prominent contributor to ESPN's "The Last Dance." DA joins Buckets, Boards, & Blocks and examines how former Bulls GM Jerry Krause has been portrayed in the documentary.
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Nick Coffey of the TheCardinalConnect.com joins John Fanta and Kim Adams to discuss Louisville's past history of NCAA infractions and why they may get harsher penalties because of it.
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On this version of Quick Hitters, the Catch and Shoot 2.0 podcast visits with Amar Shah, who was a reporter for SLAM magazine as a 15-year-old in Orlando. He had a choice encounter with Michael Jordan and the Bulls in his high school.
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Legendary coach George Karl reflects on his seven seasons in Seattle, playing the Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals, and a hilarious story from Sam Perkins on the night George “borrowed” his clothes because he forgot his own gear!
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Pistons fan Terrika Foster-Brasby of ESPN and Bulls fan Camron Smith of MSG Network exchange fire as they face off and defend the merits of their respective cities and teams.
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Producer Andy Thompson of NBA Entertainment had the original idea to shoot and create "The Last Dance" back in 1997. Dion Cocoros, the Senior VP of Content Creation for NBA Entertainment explains the creative process and the timing involved in releasing the epic ten part series.
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On this Quick Hitter from Full Court Press, Fran Fraschilla tells John how close Baylor really is to catching Kansas in the Big 12.
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If Michael Jordan and the Bulls hadn't closed out the Jazz in game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, would they have lost game 7 in Utah? Some new revelations in an upcoming episode of The Last Dance suggest that Stockton and Malone might have prevailed.
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The vast majority of hoop fans believe Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever. But when did people realize that he had eclipsed every other player in NBA history? Mark Jones of ESPN/ABC covered the Bulls dynasty in real time and shares the story of when he realized it.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by BJ's former teammate Will Perdue
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Bruce Bernstein oversaw ESPN SportsCenter's coverage of the NBA Finals for 21 seasons, including the final three championships of the Michael Jordan era. He joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin to share memories of those final championships on Catch & Shoot 2.0.
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In this Quick Hitter from Full Court Press with Fanta and Adams, UCLA coach Mick Cronin discusses the Bruins' midseason turnaround plus the loss that proved he was building a culture of winning there.
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In this Mike Wise Show Quick Hitter, Phil Jackson's longtime friend Charley Rosen discusses the reason the Bulls dynasty ended before it should have and also why mild mannered Bill Cartwright was more of a badass that most fans realized.
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong talk about the legacy of Michael Jordan the competitor and businessman and how people may not understand what they see in the upcoming documentary The Last Dance.
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Eric Newman looks at the Indiana Pacers' status as Eastern Conference contenders. After four consecutive first round exits, can Victor Oladipo's return propel Indiana into round 2?
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Eric Newman looks at Eastern Conference finalist Milwaukee and how they can build on last year's success. Will the new cast around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
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Eric Newman looks at Frank Vogel and top assistant Jason Kidd and what impact they will have on LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Will they work well together, or will Kidd be a head coach-in-waiting?
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Eric Newman looks at Blake Griffin and the Pistons. Will he elevate the team beyond their 8-seed performance a year ago?
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Eric Newman looks at Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson, Jr. Can the two young players raise the level of play in Memphis?
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Eric Newman looks at the curious moves of the Phoenix Suns and the long road ahead to NBA relevancy.
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Eric Newman looks at how long it will take for Russell Westbrook and James Harden to mesh together? Last year's slow start put the Rockets in a hole they can't afford to repeat this year.
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Eric Newman looks at the Boston Celtics. After underperforming last year, Boston made major changes and looks to make a deeper run this season.
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Eric Newman looks at the Philadelphia 76ers' growth and how close they really are to making a run at an NBA title. Will their size and length simply overpower other teams?
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Eric Newman looks at the new tandem in Utah - Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley. How will Conley's veteran presence help Mitchell unleash his skills?
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Eric Newman looks at the phenomenal talents of Zion Williamson and what adjustments he'll have to make to the NBA game. Early returns show the NBA may need to adjust to him.
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Eric Newman looks at the continuing recovery of Gordon Hayward. Will year two be marked by a big step forward in his production?
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The Bucks had the NBA's best record , but fizzled against the Raptors in the playoffs. Does Milwaukee have what it takes to take the next step? Eric Newman looks at the Greek Freak and his supporting cast.
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Victor Oladipo won't be back for a while, but the Indiana Pacers have depth and could be in position to make a deep playoff run when Oladipo returns. Eric Newman looks at a team that looks to be better than the sum of their parts.
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Eric Newman looks at the reasons for optimism for the young Chicago Bulls. Will their young stars enable them to make a run at the playoffs?
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Eric Newman looks at the challenge ahead for the Spurs to get back to the playoffs. Will Gregg Popovich be able to manage his veterans' minutes enough to make San Antonio a threat?
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Eric Newman looks at a rookie who might help take the Denver Nuggets from a good team to great.
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LeBron James and Anthony Davis are "Batman and Robin" for the Lakers. Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are the Clippers' "Dynamic Duo." Is the town big enough for two sets of Superheroes? We'll examine all the key questions.
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Jimmy Butler "takes his talents to South Beach," hoping to resurrect a franchise that has been reeling since LeBron James left town five seasons ago. Miami also added reliable big man Meyers Leonard, who hopes to assume a more prominent role in Miami than he ever had in Portland.
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Former Cavaliers center Brad Daugherty joins the Catch and Shoot podcast and describes his relationship with Michael Jordan. Daugherty tells great stories of playing with Jordan at North Carolina and why he never backed down to MJ.
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Former Cleveland Cavaliers center Brad Daugherty joins the Catch and Shoot podcast and breaks down how his Cavs teams couldn't get over the hump of beating Michael Jordan. Daugherty also explains how the NBA is so much different today than it was during his career.
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Former Cavaliers center joins the Catch and Shoot podcast and breaks down Michael Jordan's buzzer-beater to beat the Cavs in 1989. Daugherty also explains why he never considered Cleveland to join a superteam in Chicago or Philadelphia, much to the chagrin of Charles Barkley.
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The Portland Trail Blazers reached the Western Conference Finals last year, but a tough salary cap situation may mean they've gone as far as they can go. Eric Newman looks at what has to go right in order for Portland to contend again.
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The Sixers were one miracle shot away from the Eastern Conference Finals. Eric Newman looks at the moves that may have made them the favorite in the East.
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Eric Newman looks at a couple of big moves that could propel the Jazz into the discussion at the top of the Western Conference.
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Eric Newman looks at the addition of Kemba Walker and whether that will make the Celtics the top contender in the East.
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Eric Newman looks at the depth of the Warriors and whether Steph Curry and Draymond Green can sustain the load and keep the team in position until Klay Thompson returns
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Eric Newman looks at the injury history and salary cap complications that might prevent a Kevin Love trade. But will a contender reach out for the rebounding machine?
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Eric Newman looks at the moves the Warriors made to replace Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson. Will the Warriors be able to extend their run of dominance in the NBA?
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Eric Newman looks at why Frank Vogel might be the right guy at the right time for LeBron James and the Lakers. Plus, Monty Williams may not win right away in Phoenix, but he will have an impact on culture.
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Eric Newman looks at rookies who will be called upon to contribute right away for the Knicks, Bulls and Warriors.
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Eric Newman looks at teams that are ready to break through and exceed expectations. He's got his eye on one from the Rocky Mountains.
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Eric Newman zeroes in on the Philadelphia 76ers. Preseason favorites in the East, but do they have too many questions to merit such hype?
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Ever since the Rockets traded for Russell Westbrook, one question has been raised more than any other: will one ball be enough for Russ and The Beard? Eric Newman looks at the challenge facing the win-now Rockets and Mike D'Antoni.
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While many saw Kawhi Leonard joining LeBron and the Lakers, the Clips pulled off the surprise of the offseason when they linked Leonard and Paul George. Eric Newman looks at the impact of those two moves and why the Battle for LA is on.
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Star combos are all the rage in the NBA, and this year is no different. They take time to mesh, but which combo will do so first? Eric Newman explains why his pick is in the Staples Center.
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New from Pure Hoops Media, it's Power Moves, a look at the player movement that shaped the summer and how it will impact the 2019-20 season. Up first, it's the Lakers getting their man in Anthony Daivs. LeBron James has never had a teammate quite like The Brow. Eric Newman looks at what the impact will be.
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New from Pure Hoops Media, it's a countdown of 30 Questions in 30 Days, leading up to Opening Night. With the Warriors' dominance on pause, Eric Newman looks at how the West has transformed into a free-for-all with a dozen teams dreaming big playoff dreams.
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Former player, team executive, and current agent BJ Armstrong joins Eric Newman as they discuss the generational divide between the young stars and the "Hoop Elders" who could be great mentors.
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The most anticipated rookie since LeBron James just signed a mega deal with Brand Jordan that is supposedly the biggest rookie deal ever. Friend of MJ and former teammate BJ Armstrong joins Eric Newman for a brief discussion on the pressure facing the 19 year old as he attempts to justify the investment being made in him.
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Eric Newman and Adam Stanco breakdown the blockbuster trade that sends Russell Westbrook to Houston and Chris Paul plus future 1st round picks back to the Thunder.
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Eric Newman shares his take on the statement made by the Los Angeles Clippers as they acquire both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the middle of the night over Independence Day weekend. The battle for LA has now begun and the Super Team Era was just thrown another unpredictable scenario.
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Adam Stanco and Eric Newman discuss how the Warriors responded to the loss of Kevin Durant by bringing in 23 year old All Star D’Angelo Russell to play along with Stephen Curry.
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Nets fans are giddy while Knicks fans deserve pity. Adam Stanco and Eric Newman assess the wreckage at MSG and the optimism in Brooklyn.
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Adam Stanco and Eric Newman break down the move of Al Horford to Philly, the 76ers’ rising fortunes, and where the Celtics go from here.
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Adam Stanco and Eric Newman discuss "under the radar" free agents like Julius Randle and Nick Vucevic and where they fit in best.
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Eric Newman and Adam Stanco discuss the many options for Hornets' All Star guard Kemba Walker.
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Adam Stanco and Eric Newman dig deep and discuss some quality free agents that nobody seems to be talking about .... but should!
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Eric Newman and Adam Stanco discuss the free agent domino effect as the big names and their choices set the stage for the rest of the free agents.
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Adam Stanco breaks down guard Darius Garland from Vanderbilt and shares what he is bringing to the NBA as a 2019 1st round draft pick.
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Adam Stanco breaks down Texas' Jaxson Hayes and everything he is bringing to the NBA as a first round draft choice.
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Adam Stanco breaks down Murray State's Ja Morant and everything he is bringing to the NBA as a top 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
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Adam Stanco breaks down North Carolina's Coby White and what he is bringing to the NBA as a first round lottery pick.
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Adam Stanco breaks down Texas Tech's Jarret Culver and everything he brings to the NBA as a 2019 first round lottery pick.
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Adam Stanco breaks down Duke's Zion Williamson and everything he is bringing to the NBA and the Pelicans as the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
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Adam Stanco breaks down Gonzaga's Rui Hachimura and what he is bringing to the NBA as a 2019 first round draft choice.
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Adam Stanco breaks down Duke's R.J. Barrett and everything he is bringing to the NBA as a top 5 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
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Adam Stanco breaks down Virginia's DeAndre Hunter and what he brings to the NBA as a 2019 NBA Draft lottery pick.
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Eric Newman breaks down the game 5 ahead for the Nuggets and Blazers with both teams excited about the present and future.
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Eric Newman delves into the many questions surrounding the Raptors and Sixers Game 5 matchup as this series could decide the future of both franchises.
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Eric Newman breaks down what the Celtics need to do in order to rebound and regain momentum against Giannis and the Bucks in game 3 of the eastern conference semifinals.
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Eric Newman breaks down the Philadelphia 76ers scrappy win against the Toronto Raptors in Game 2, and what it will take for each team to regain momentum in Game 3.
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Adam Stanco breaks down the big man face off in the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors second round matchup. Will Joel Embiid struggle against Marc Gasol?
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Eric Newman breaks down the Philadelphia 76ers taking a 2-1 series lead over the Brooklyn Nets by way of Simmon's game 3 dominating performance.
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Eric Newman breaks down the Celtics game 2 comeback victory over the Pacers as Kyrie Irving dazzled the garden crowd helping the Celtics go up 2-0 in this 1st round series.
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Eric Newman breaks down the Rockets taking a 2-0 series lead over the Utah Jazz lead by James Harden's game 2 triple double as he remains unstoppable.
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The Warriors let a 31 point lead slip away in game 2 losing to the Clippers at Oracle and lost Demarcus Cousins for likely the remainder of the NBA playoffs. Eric Newman breaks down the historic happenings and life ahead without Cousins.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this western conference first round matchup between #1 seeded Golden State Warriors and #8 seeded Los Angeles Clippers.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this Eastern Conference first round matchup between #3 seeded Philadelphia 76ers and #6 seeded Brooklyn Nets.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this Western Conference first round matchup between #4 seeded Houston Rockets and #5 seeded Utah Jazz.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this eastern conference first round matchup between the #2 seeded Toronto Raptors and #7 seeded Orlando Magic.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this western conference first round matchup between the #2 seeded Denver Nuggets and #7 seeded San Antonio Spurs.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this eastern conference first round matchup between the #1 seeded Milwaukee Bucks and #8 seeded Detroit Pistons.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this western conference first round matchup between the #3 seeded Portland Trailblazers and #6 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
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The NBA Playoffs are here as Eric Newman breaks down this eastern conference first round matchup between the #4 seeded Boston Celtics and #5 seeded Indiana Pacers.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Final Four matchup between Texas Tech and Michigan State as they battle on Saturday night for the right to move on to the 2019 NCAA National Championship.
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Auburn vs. Virginia
Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Final Four matchup between Auburn and Virginia as they battle on Saturday night for the right to move on to the 2019 NCAA National Championship.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the east region between #4 Virginia Tech and #1 Duke as they battle on Friday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the west region between #4 Florida State and #1 Gonzaga as they battle on Thursday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the east region between #3 LSU and #2 Michigan State as they battle on Friday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the midwest region between #5 Auburn and #1 North Carolina as they battle on Friday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the west region between #3 Texas Tech and #2 Michigan as they battle on Thursday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the south region between #3 Purdue and #2 Tennessee as they battle on Thursday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the midwest region between #3 Houston and #2 Kentucky as they battle on Friday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Adam Stanco looks ahead to the Sweet 16 matchup in the south region between #12 Oregon and #1 Virginia as they battle on Thursday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8 in hopes of a Final Four birth.
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Georgia State comes into the tournament having won 8 of its last 9 games, including a solid win over Texas-Arlington in the Sun Belt Championship games. Malik Benlevi, a 6-6 senior was named the tournament’s most outstanding player, but the Panthers feature a balanced attack with five double figure scorers in the Sun belt championship game.
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St. John’s started the season hot but has stumbled down the stretch. Coach Chris Mullin relies on guard Shamorie Ponds, one of the top guards in the nation who averages 19 points and 5 assists. Mustapha Heron nearly went pro last year but had a solid year for Coach Mullin. Several other transfers play major roles and if they can tighten up their team defense, they could be trouble.
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New Mexico State may be the hottest team in the field as they enter the tournament on a 19 game winning streak. They don’t have a “go to” guy, but they are balanced and get great performances from their backcourt. They face a tough Auburn team in the first round, but hope to ride their momentum to a first round upset.
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Belmont has only one loss since January 17th and has shown the ability to win big games. They score a lot of points led by Dylan Windler, who has drawn comparisons to NBA player Doug McDermott. Windler averages 21 points and 11 boards. This team beat UCLA at Pauley Pavilion and passes the ball well. They are under the radar now, but that could change quickly.
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Old Dominion is strong defensively and controls the pace, allowing them to keep the scores low. They’ve won 15 of their past 18 games coming into the tournament. BJ Stith is a transfer from Virginia who leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and three point makes. He is the son of former NBA player Bryant Stith, who is an assistant coach for the team.
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Abilene Christian makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance and the run has been even more miraculous because they overcame the loss of two stars due to their dismissal from the team. While it would be a miracle of enormous proportions for them to even win one game, they’ll hope to ride the play of Jaren Lewis, Payton Ricks, and Jaylen Franklin to a first round shocker.
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Saint Louis might be one of the most improbable stories in this year’s tournament. They came into the Atlantic 10 Tournament on a cold streak, having lost 3 of their last 5 regular season games, but then won 4 straight in the A-10 tourney to clinch a spot in the big dance. They are a good defensive team, but struggle for consistency.
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Ohio State has had an up and down season with a 12-1 start and an uneven finish with 13 losses in their last 20 games. They have the potential to put up big numbers and are very good defensively, but they haven’t been able to put it all together recently. But if they do, they could cause some damage as an 11 seed.
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Prairie View A&M started the season 2-11 but has won 21 of its last 22 games. They like a fast pace and are playing their best ball at the right time, so if their crew of junior college transfers can hit their shots, they could be a very tough opponent in the first round.
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Yale has a big time NBA prospect in Miye One, who averages 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game and he creates for himself and his teammates. Jordan Bruner is a 6-9 forward who used to play the point and is one of the most versatile players in the tournament. They play the a fast pace and are a very dangerous 14 seed.
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Arizona State plays with energy and passion, but can be inconsistent. They beat then top ranked Kansas earlier in the season and had non conference wins over two other tournament teams: Mississippi State and Utah State. And they’ll score a lot of points behind Remy Martin, Zylan Cheatham, and Lu Dort.
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Montana features a talented and experienced backcourt. They also have tournament experience from last season, having almost beaten 2018’s runner up Michigan in the first round. While they are not great defensively, they do play efficiently on offense. Senior guard Ahmaad Rori, who comes out of the Seattle/Tacoma cradle of guards averages nearly 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game to lead the Grizzlies.
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UC Irvine is peaking at the right time as they ride a 16 game win streak into the tournament. They’re solid defensively and have good size up front. Their guards can shoot from 3 point range. They’ve beaten three NCAA Tournament teams in the non-conference and could very well be one of the surprise teams in the field.
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VCU is one of the top defensive teams in the country. Marcus Evans is VCU’s best player, but his health is an issue after injuring his knee in the A-10 Tournament. De’Riante Jenkins and Isaac Vann provide balance on offense and Marcus Santos-Silva’s all around game complements those three well. But Evans’ health is paramount of the Rams expect to go far.
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Minnesota is back in the dance after missing out last season. They can be inconsistent, but their defense never takes a night off. Richard Pitino has solid talent on the floor in 6-6 senior Jordan Murphy, a double double machine as well as 6-8 Amir Coffey, a solid all around performer, and 6-10 freshman center Daniel Oturu. If Coffey is on, the Gophers are a threat.
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Marquette has great guards who can light it up, especially Markus Howard. The 5-11 junior scores over 25 points a game. Brothers Sam And Joey Hauser provide lots of depth. They have several excellent non conference wins and are a dangerous opponent.
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Temple hopes to make legendary coach Fran Dunphy’s final dance a memorable one. Their high scoring backcourt led by junior Shizz Alston gives the Owls a chance to go far in the tournament.
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Colgate represents the Patriot League and has won 11 straight games heading into the tournament. They are suspect defensively but will try to keep the pace very slow to compensate. Rapolas Ivanauskas is a big time talent and Jordan Burns averages 15 and 6 with a 35 point game in the conference championship.
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Mississippi State under coach Ben Howland is solid at both ends. Senior Guard Quinndary Weatherspoon is explosive and has great shooting range. Tyson Carter and Lamar Peters are solid guards who are both capable of going on hot streaks. And they have quality non conference wins over Cincinnati and Wofford. Could be a real sleeper in the tournament.
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Kansas has the talent to do well, even though its streak of consecutive Big 12 championships ended at 14 this season. Although they’ve had injury issues this season, they have a top coach in Bill Self and major talent in Dedric Lawson and Quentin Grimes. Devon Dotson and Marcus Garrett provide excellent balance for the Jayhawks.
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Houston had a great regular season with their stifling defense and solid wing play. Under coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars played well in last season’s NCAA Tournament and they expect to go even further this season. Galen Robinson, Corey Davis, and Armoni Brooks are solid and they have a future NBA talent in Dejon Jarreau.
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Baylor stumbles into the tournament on a four game losing streak. Star forward Tristan Clark was lost for the season with knee surgery back in January, but Makai Mason, a transfer from Yale has helped fill the void averaging 15 a game. If Mario Kegler and Jared Butler can regain their consistency, the Bears can make some noise in spite of their recent slump.
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Washington has been the class of the Pac 12 under Coach Mike Hopkins, the long time Syracuse assistant who brought the 2-3 zone to Seattle. Matisse Thyulle is a lock down defender so they can win even on nights where the shots aren’t falling.
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Murray State beat Belmont in the OVC championship to punch their ticket. Ja Morant is a superstar talent with a bright NBA future. His explosiveness is incredible. Tevin Brown is a great three point shooter and this team moves the ball well and defends.
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Louisville features a solid defensive team and Jordan Nwora, the ACC’s most improved player. Under coach Chris Mack, they are efficient on offense and feature good height in the front court.
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Gardner-Webb is a surprise participant and this is their first trip to the NCAA Tournament. They rolled to victory over the top two Big South teams on the road and are playing their best ball at just the right time. David Efianayi, leads a starting lineup with four guards and forward DJ Laster.
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Texas Tech has gotten better as the season has progressed. They finished second in the Big 12 ahead of Kansas. They can shoot, defend, and they’re experienced. Behind future lottery pick Jarett Culver, they could be a Final Four team this season.
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Ole Miss has struggled late in the season, but has a talented backcourt with 6-2 junior Breein Tyree and Terence Davis combine to average over 33 points per game with 3 point range. While the Rebels have lacked consistency, they did beat a strong Auburn team twice this season.
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Virginia Tech is solid at both ends, but injuries have been a problem. All five of their starters have three point shooting skills, which has helped them stay afloat despite the injuries. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been outstanding and 6-10 Kerry Blackshear provides strong inside presence. If injured point guard Justin Robinson returns for the tournament, the Hokies are capable of doing damage.
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North Dakota State will be the underdog against every other team in the tournament, but they rolled through their conference tournament and they’re playing with house money. Rocky Kreuser is a 6’10” forward who is athletic and can score from inside and outside.
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Northern Kentucky shoots, passes, and spaces the floor. They also got on a roll late in the season. Drew McDonald is a strong inside presence and can also hit from outside. They can score and even though they are from a smaller conference, you can’t sleep on them.
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Florida State plays as hard as any team in the country, but their athleticism and talent only takes them so far. Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo’s nephew Mfiondu Kabengele is a 6-10 force and Terance Mann is a 6-7 guard who can light it up. If Trent Forrest heats up, the Seminoles can go far.
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Syracuse is always a threat with their legendary 2-3 zone defense that is a nightmare for opposing coaches to prepare for. Guard Tyus Battle missed the ACC Tournament games against Pittsburgh and Duke and his return to good health is paramount for Coach Jim Boeheim. The 6-6 junior guard averages more than 17 points a game. Oshae Brissett and Elijah Hughes also need to step up for the Orange to do well, but Battle is the key.
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Utah State comes out of the Mountain West Conference led by 6-5 Sam Merrill, who averages 21 points and 4 assists per game. The Aggies also feature 6-11 Neemias Queta, a future NBA talent who averages a double double and is a major presence on defense. They pass the ball well and have been one of the hottest teams in the country late in the season.
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NC Central played and lost to some elite teams earlier in the season, but the team has learned from the experience and gotten stronger. But they probably aren’t strong enough. Four of their key players are transfers, they’re not smooth on offense, and they struggle shooting threes. Unless they find a way to score more points, they’ll be done early.
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Northeastern is smoking hot approaching the tournament behind Vasa Pusica a 6’5” senior from Serbia leads who the Huskies. Jordan Roland is a threat from downtown and they have gotten great play from Bolden Brace.
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Oregon has had an up and down season, but they’re responded well down the stretch. Although they lost star 7-3 freshman Bol Bol to injury earlier in the season, they have continued to play great defense. Payton Pritchard provides experience and leadership at the guard position. And Kenny Wooten is an intimidating shot blocker. Their “D” rarely has an off night and that could spell trouble for their opponents.
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Vermont has used a stingy defense to fuel a major hot streak heading into the tournament. And they have a true star in 6-6 junior forward Anthony Lamb. Since Lamb arrived on campus, the Catamounts have made the NCAA Tournament two out of his three seasons. While they could be a tough first round opponent, they likely won’t go far in the tournament.
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Buffalo is an experienced team with a win over Syracuse and the potential for a long run in the tournament. Last season they beat fourth seeded Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They are led by CJ Massinburg, Nick Perkins, and Jeremy Harris. They’re among the leaders in offensive efficiency and they play at a blazing pace.
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Wofford represents the Southern Conference and they feature sharpshooter Fletcher Magee, who has over 500 three pointers in his career and is on the verge of breaking the all time NCAA record for threes. They play at a slow pace but are among the leaders in points and scoring margin.
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Florida no longer plays at a blazing pace, but the slower tempo has helped them become a vastly improved defensive team. KeVaughn Allen is the veteran on this team that has a true mix of seniors and freshmen. If Jalen Hudson can regain his old scoring touch, it would be a major boost for coach Mike White.
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Iona comes out of the MAAC, but their pace gives other teams fits. Their overall record isn’t great, but they head into the tournament on a 9 game win streak. EJ Crawford, Rickey McGill, and Tajuan Agee give the Gaels good balance. They are a bit under the radar, but their late season play makes them a confident bunch.
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Liberty finished the season with 18 wins in its last 20 games. They also beat UCLA at Pauley Pavilion by 15 points. They play slowly but efficiently and are great at the free throw line. Led by Scottie James and Celeb Homesley, they are solid defensively and when they slow the pace down against more talented teams, they become very dangerous.
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Fairleigh Dickinson handled the Northeast Conference top seed St Francis in their tournament and is currently on an 8 game win streak. Darnell Edge leads the way with 16 points a game and can be explosive. Jahlil Jenkins has found his stride and the team’s late season balance makes them a tough first round opponent.
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Michigan State is led by Cassius Winston and Matt McQuaid in the backcourt. Junior forward Nick Ward is recovering from a broken hand and this team is efficient at both ends. They are a matchup nightmare and behind coach Tom Izzo they have been playing their best ball late in the season.
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Kentucky is loaded with future NBA talent. PJ Washington, Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Ashton Hagens, EJ Montgomery, and 6-11 Nick Richards all seemed destined for “The Association.” Coach John Calipari is still working out which rotations will work best, but it’s a good problem to have. Leadership is provided by senior forward Reid Travis. The ‘Cats are a legitimate threat to make the Final Four.
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Iowa State has talent, but chemistry has been elusive for coach Steve Prohm. Their go to guy is Canadian Marial Shayok, a 6-6 guard averaging 18 a game. Freshman Talen Horton-Tucker is a 6-4 guard with NBA potential. Their defense has not been great in the latter part of the season, but their talent has the potential to compensate for those shortcomings.
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Duke has the top player in the nation in Zion Williamson. But he is more than just an incredible talent, he plays with a level of energy that drives the entire team. And there is lots of other NBA ready talent on this team with Cam Reddish, RJ Barrett, and Tre Jones. If Zion is healthy, this team could simply overwhelm the field.
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Iowa won’t wow you with talent, but they are a smart team. Tyler Cook, Jordan Bohannon, and Luka Garza all have solid offensive skills and experience. They were 11-0 outside of the Big Ten and their efficiency is something that allows them to do well against more talented teams.
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Villanova is the defending NCAA champ and has won it all in two of the past three years. Coach Jay Wright won’t be repeating this year, but senior Phil Booth has both championship experience and a multi-talented skill set. He leads a crew that includes Eric Paschall and Collin Gillespie. They’ll need to draw on all of their championship experience if they expect a deep run.
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Saint Mary’s is heating up at the right time and if they get the lead in a game, they rarely give it up. They shocked Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament, avenging a 48 point loss earlier in the season. Jordan Ford is an exciting ball handler and scorer.
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Auburn has one of the best backcourts in the tournament. Jared Harper runs the show and averages 15 points and 6 assists. Bryce Brown also averages 15 and has deep shooting range. Both are solid free throw shooters. 6-8 forward Chuma Okeke is a future NBA talent and an outstanding defender. His dunks are also spectacular. Expect a deep run from the Tigers.
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Central Florida is coached by former Duke star Johnny Dawkins and they feature 7-6 center Tacko Fall, who is a defensive force in the paint and the leading field goal shooter in the country. He has an 8 foot wide wing span and is the tallest players in college basketball or the NBA.
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Bradley is back in the tournament for the first time since 2006. Their record isn’t great and they play at a slow pace, but they heated up late in the season and are ready for the tournament. They beat SMU and Penn State in non-conference games and they are relentless competitors.
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Oklahoma looked good early after an 11-1 start including wins over Wofford and Florida. But they stumbled through an uneven stretch run. They are well coached by Lon Kruger and while they don’t have a “go to” scorer, they do have other double digit scorers, so balance is a strength. And so is their team defense.
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Cincinnati is a solid defensive team that controls tempo and likes a slower pace. Last season as a number 2 seed they flamed out in the second round, but this year’s team has been very efficient on offense as well. They have two senior point guards but their front court performers can be inconsistent at times.
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Maryland has a couple of future NBA bigs in Bruno Fernando and Jalen Smith. Anthony Cowan runs the show and loves taking big shots. The Terps play tough defense but need to watch their turnovers or they’ll have a quick exit from the tournament.
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Seton Hall is well coached, locks down on defense, and has a star in Myles Powell, a 6-2 junior guard who averages 23 points and three made 3’s per game. Their balanced attack also features Myles Cale, Quincy mcKnight, and Sandro Mamukelashvili from the country of Georgia. With a non conference win over Kentucky on their resume, the Pirates can match up with anyone.
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Wisconsin is back in the dance after missing out last year. Their best player is 6’ 10” Ethan Happ, who puts up numbers but needs to make his free throws. He’s a future NBA player. They lock in on defense and rarely turn the ball over so they don’t beat themselves.
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Virginia has become one of the most efficient offensive teams in the nation. They were already elite defensively. They have experience, talent, and are battle tested. They play at a slow pace, but still have one of the top point differentials in the nation.
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North Carolina is a scoring machine and plays at a fast pace. With freshman Coby White at the point and fellow freshman Nassir Little coming off the bench, the Tar Heels have the firepower to run up big numbers in the tournament.
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Tennessee under coach Rick Barnes has been one of the most athletic teams in the country. They have several NBA prospects as well as leadership and shooting. They pass the ball, play tough defense, and have quality wins under their belt.
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Michigan is one of the best defensive teams in the nation and on offense they rarely turn the ball over. They beat Villanova, North Carolina, and South Carolina while going undefeated outside of the Big 10. They feature NBA prospects and talented wing players.
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Nevada is one of the top teams in the nation out of the Mountain West Conference with a number of non-conference wins against Pac 12 teams and an undefeated non-conference record. They play with intensity but also play loose. They’re balanced and tough.
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LSU expects to make lots of noise in the tournament after missing the dance last season. With leadership from Tremont Waters and inside presence Naz Reid, they play fast and pound the glass. They also play well on the road.
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Purdue stumbled in its non conference schedule but is ready for a deep tournament run. They are talented and tough. Carsen Edwards is a future NBA talent and they are well balanced at both ends of the floor.
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Gonzaga is loaded and this is Mark Few’s best team. Rui Hachimura leads the way and is a future NBA Lottery pick. Their supporting cast is deep with Brandon Clarke, Zach Norvell, Josh Perkins, and Filip Petrusev. They lead the nation in scoring margin and are destined for a deep tournament run.
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Kansas State is one of the best defensive teams but spotty offensively. They stay in games with their defense and have future NBA talent in Dean Wade and Xavier Sneed. Barry Brown is a veteran with over 1,700 points in his career, so K-State is tournament ready.
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BJ and Eric go back to the 90s as BJ shares his thoughts on who Chicago's toughest finals opponent was during their first 3-peat and the task of closing them out to win the NBA title.
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BJ and Eric talk about the impact of the Bulls losing game 7 of the eastern conference finals in Detroit to the Pistons and what it triggered immediately afterward, which lead to the dawn of the first Chicago Bulls 3-Peat.
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Eric Newman is joined by FOX bracketologist and NCAA basketball historian Howie Schwab as he breaks down a strange night in college hoops starting with the Zion Williamson injury and the car accident involving Coach Jim Boeheim.
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