Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: St. John's Eliminated

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: St. John's Eliminated
• Release Date: March 24, 2025

1. Introduction: St. John's Exit from March Madness

In the opening segment of the episode, the trio dives directly into the pivotal moment of March Madness—the elimination of St. John's from the tournament. The hosts express their disappointment and analyze the factors leading to the team's early exit.

Don La Greca reflects on the season's expectations versus the outcome:

"It was a frustrating season. They lost in the second round when everyone thought they were poised for a Final Four run."

2. The Controversial Travel Call

A significant portion of the discussion centers around a contentious travel call made during St. John's elimination game. The decision to bench star player R.J. Lewis has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

Alan Hahn questions the legitimacy of the call:

"The travel didn't even cross my mind the first time I watched it. It looked completely good."

Peter Rosenberg provides a detailed breakdown, clarifying the official's perspective:

"There's a rule where if the dribble bounces back into the player's hand, an extra step is allowed. It wasn't a travel by the book, even if it appeared like one to many viewers."

Despite the rules, Alan Hahn remains dissatisfied:

"If you think that in that moment the right thing would have been a travel call, you don't know basketball."

3. Rick Pitino's Coaching Decisions in the NIL Era

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on coaching strategies, particularly focusing on Rick Pitino's decisions during the game.

Don La Greca poses a critical question:

"What is your obligation as a head coach in college basketball now that players are being paid? Do you focus on life lessons or prioritize winning games?"

Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the challenges coaches face:

"With NIL, it's harder to balance teaching lessons and treating players as professionals. Coaches like Pitino are now under immense pressure to deliver results while managing financially empowered athletes."

Alan Hahn adds his perspective on Pitino's reputation:

"Pitino is known for building programs from scratch, but even he couldn't navigate this situation flawlessly. His decision to bench Lewis, a top player, reflects the tough choices coaches must make in this new landscape."

4. Listener Reactions and Opinions

The hosts engage with listener calls, further exploring the community's views on the controversial benching and the impact of NIL on college basketball.

Caller Sam shares his thoughts:

"If we're not taking care of the players, we won't keep them. We need to maintain team integrity while preparing these young athletes for the future."

Cam from Ramsey adds to the debate:

"Rick Pitino could have trashed the kid, but he decided not to. The game has changed since players started getting paid, and coaches don't owe the same obligations as before."

The discussions highlight a divide between traditional views of college sports and the evolving dynamics introduced by financial incentives for players.

5. The Changing Landscape of College Basketball

Concluding the episode, the hosts reflect on how NIL is reshaping the priorities and operations within college basketball programs.

Don La Greca underscores the shift from amateurism to professionalism:

"Players are no longer just student-athletes; they're professionals earning significant income. This changes how we view their roles and the expectations placed upon both players and coaches."

Peter Rosenberg stresses the need for clarity and accountability:

"Coaches need to balance winning with fostering player development. Donors and investors expect results, but there's also a responsibility to guide these young men beyond the court."

Alan Hahn sums up the overarching concern:

"The essence of college basketball is evolving. We need to find a balance that honors both the educational and competitive aspects of the sport."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [02:14] Peter Rosenberg: "That was our first really March Madness moment."
• [05:39] Peter Rosenberg: "He's a leader."
• [16:23] Don La Greca: "It's a long time. So he was tired."
• [22:44] Peter Rosenberg: "But there's no kids, though."
• [27:49] Peter Rosenberg: "It's to win."
• [32:23] Alan Hahn: "He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond."

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of College Sports

The episode concludes with the hosts acknowledging the complexities introduced by NIL in college basketball. They emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue to address the balance between athletic performance, player welfare, and the financial interests of stakeholders. As St. John's exits the tournament, the conversation sets the stage for future episodes to explore how these changes will continue to influence the sport.

Note: This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, focusing on the main discussions about St. John's elimination, the controversial travel call, and the broader implications of NIL on college basketball coaching and player management.