Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 - Knicks & St. John's
Release Date: February 12, 2025

Hosts:

• Alan Hahn – ESPN New York and New Jersey broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality
• Don LaGreca – ESPN New York legend

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in light-hearted banter about winter and the conveniences of services like Uber Eats. This serves as a warm-up before diving into the main topics of the day: the New York Knicks' current performance and the resurgence of St. John's basketball.

2. Knicks’ Performance and Player Health

Discussion Highlights:

• Recent Knicks Games: The hosts analyze the Knicks' recent performance, highlighting their loss to the Celtics and questioning their ability to compete against top-tier teams.
• Player Injuries: A significant portion of the conversation centers around the health of key players, particularly OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson. The uncertainty surrounding their availability is seen as a pivotal factor in the Knicks' potential success.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (02:28): "I don't think this is the championship run season. I'd love to be proven wrong."
• Peter Rosenberg (10:00): "Mitchell Robinson might be the key to all that."

Insights:

• The hosts express skepticism about the Knicks' championship aspirations, emphasizing the critical role of player health.
• Peter Rosenberg draws parallels between Robinson’s impact and other NBA stars, underscoring his potential influence if healthy.

3. Listener Calls on the Knicks

Caller Insights:

• Alvin from the Bronx (17:00): Emphasizes the importance of Mitchell Robinson staying healthy to secure wins against strong teams like Boston.
• Gillen from Brooklyn (17:54): Discusses the need for a versatile sixth man who can defend and shoot three-pointers, critiquing the reliance on young, less experienced players.

Notable Quotes:

• Alvin (17:00): "If you get him [Mitchell Robinson] and OG back, we can beat Boston."
• Gillen (17:54): "They definitely could use off the bench."

Insights:

• Callers reiterate the hosts' concerns about player health and depth, suggesting strategic improvements to bolster the team's performance.

4. Transition to St. John's Basketball

The conversation shifts focus to college basketball, specifically spotlighting St. John's University. The hosts introduce John Fanta, a seasoned college basketball writer and broadcaster, to discuss St. John's recent successes under the leadership of Rick Pitino.

5. St. John's Resurgence Under Rick Pitino

Discussion Highlights:

• Defensive Prowess: St. John's is lauded for their exceptional defense, ranking highly in defensive efficiency, blocks per game, rebounds, and turnover margins.
• Rick Pitino’s Leadership: The coach's relentless energy and strategic acumen are credited with transforming the program into a formidable force in the Big East.
• Potential for NCAA Tournament: Predictions suggest that St. John's has the potential to reach the Final Four, citing their defensive strengths and improved team dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• John Fanta (28:04): "Their potential is Final Four. Their defense is the key."
• Alan Hahn (29:49): "This is a team that should be able to win the games that they should instead of let..."

Insights:

• John Fanta highlights the statistical strengths of St. John's, positioning them as a top contender in college basketball.
• The synergy between Pitino's coaching and the team's defensive capabilities is seen as a blueprint for success, potentially reigniting New York City's passion for college basketball.

6. Listener Calls on St. John's

Caller Insights:

• Ryan from Breezy Point (44:58): Praises Pitino's impact and discusses the excitement surrounding St. John's upcoming games, especially their performance in high-energy environments like Madison Square Garden.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan (44:58): "St. John's is starting to break through, and it's exciting for the city."
• John Fanta (36:08): "Rick Pitino is a culture changer guy for sure."

Insights:

• Callers underscore the transformative effect of Rick Pitino on St. John's, emphasizing the renewed energy and optimism among the fanbase.
• The strategic importance of upcoming home games at Madison Square Garden is highlighted as pivotal moments for the team's momentum.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the potential trajectories of both the Knicks and St. John's basketball team. While the Knicks face uncertainties related to player health and competitive consistency, St. John's appears poised for a breakout season under Pitino's guidance.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (48:49): "This is a team that's going to be a heavy favorite to at least make it to the sweet 16."
• Peter Rosenberg (51:45): "It's a national story because Rick Pitino is a fixer of all."

Final Insights:

• The contrasting fortunes of the professional and college teams in New York provide a dynamic narrative for the city's sports enthusiasts.
• The hosts express optimism about St. John's future while maintaining cautious outlooks regarding the Knicks' championship aspirations.

Conclusion

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 - Knicks & St. John's offers an in-depth analysis of the New York Knicks' current struggles and the promising resurgence of St. John's basketball. Through expert insights, listener interactions, and thoughtful discussions, the episode provides valuable perspectives for sports fans keen on understanding the evolving landscape of New York's sports scene.