Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Charles Smith Joins the Show

Release Date: March 14, 2025

In the second hour of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg welcome former Big East basketball star Charles Smith. The episode delves deep into Smith's illustrious career, his experiences in the fiercely competitive Big East Conference, his connections with Madison Square Garden, and his perspectives on the evolution of basketball. Rich with anecdotes, insights, and heartfelt stories, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the life of a basketball legend and the enduring legacy of the Big East.

1. Welcoming Charles Smith and Reflecting on the Big East’s Glory Days ([00:27]–[02:41])

The episode kicks off with Don LaGreca introducing Charles Smith, reminiscing about the unparalleled competitiveness of the Big East during its peak years. Don emphasizes the high caliber of play, noting that “every team you faced had a guy or two who were going to the NBA” ([01:27]). Charles Smith echoes this sentiment, highlighting the intense nightly matchups and the relentless drive of players who were future lottery picks.

Notable Quote:

Don LaGreca: "Every team, every night was very intense. There wasn't, I don't think there ever be another league better than that." ([02:00])

2. Charles Smith’s High School Recruitment and College Decisions ([03:17]–[06:00])

Charles Smith shares a pivotal moment from his high school days, detailing his unwavering commitment to the University of Maryland. He recounts how, despite being the MVP of the Five Star camp and heavily recruited, he faced a heartbreaking setback when Coach Sherman Dillard informed him that scholarship spots were exhausted. As a result, Maryland had to offer a place to local hero Derrick Lewis instead of Smith.

Notable Quote:

Charles Smith: "When I was coming out of high school, there was only one school I wanted to go to... the University of Maryland because my family was all in Maryland." ([03:17])

Smith reflects on feeling "crushed" by the news but how this led him to explore other opportunities, ultimately shaping his successful basketball career.

3. The Competitive Spirit of the Big East and Its Lasting Impact ([02:05]–[06:00])

The hosts and Smith discuss the unique environment of the Big East, where proximity of schools fostered intense rivalries and packed arenas. Smith emphasizes that the conference was unmatched in its competitive spirit, stating, “nothing like it” ([02:19]). He also notes the historical significance of the Big East Final Four games at Madison Square Garden, which remain some of the most attended events in the venue’s history.

Notable Quote:

Charles Smith: "So every team, every night was very intense. There wasn’t, I don’t think there ever be another league better than that." ([02:00])

4. Experiences at Madison Square Garden and Community Connections ([07:08]–[09:46])

Transitioning to his professional career, Smith shares a heartfelt story about his interactions with the union workers at Madison Square Garden. After a disappointing game, his mother advised him to treat everyone with respect, leading him to consistently engage positively with the arena staff. This genuine effort culminated years later when a retiring union worker credited Smith with turning his grandson’s life around through a simple, yet impactful conversation.

Notable Quote:

Charles Smith: "To this day, all the union workers, when I’m in the garden, they’re the ones that I talk to, I have great relationships with." ([09:46])

5. Contrasting Coaching Philosophies: Pat Riley vs. Greg Popovich ([11:18]–[23:14])

A significant portion of the discussion centers on coaching styles, particularly contrasting the meticulous, play-focused approach of Pat Riley with the flexible, results-oriented philosophy of Greg Popovich. Smith praises Riley’s expertise in X’s and O’s and his ability to break down plays to perfection. In contrast, he appreciates Popovich’s straightforward directive: “Just get it done” ([23:03]).

Notable Quotes:

Charles Smith: "Pat Riley was one of the best at X's and O's... When we had the smallest issues within the plays, he would break down the practice until we got it down to a science." ([16:05])

Charles Smith: "Popovich would be like, just get it done. That was his philosophy with all the players." ([23:03])

6. Evolution of Basketball: Past vs. Present ([23:58]–[25:34])

Smith offers insights into how basketball has evolved, particularly the shift towards the three-point shot and the changing roles of players. He muses that his own playing style, which included mid-range shooting and ball handling, might have been even more effective in today’s game. Smith acknowledges that while the game has become more perimeter-oriented, his skill set would still hold significant value.

Notable Quote:

Charles Smith: "If I had my style of game in this game because of the rule changes, I'd probably score a lot more." ([24:00])

7. Current New York Knicks Team Analysis and Future Prospects ([19:38]–[23:58])

Charles Smith provides a comprehensive analysis of the current New York Knicks, commending the management for their strategic, incremental approach to team building. He highlights the team's strong defensive foundation, asserting, “You cannot win a championship without defense” ([20:43]). Smith believes that with continued development and a bit of luck, the Knicks are poised to become serious contenders in the NBA once again.

Notable Quote:

Charles Smith: "Their defense is good. Then they started doing the offensive pieces. Today they have everything it takes. They haven't been here in a long time, and the fans need to appreciate what they have." ([20:43])

8. Memorable Moments and Legacy ([17:22]–[19:38])

Smith reminisces about iconic moments from his playing days, including the famous backboard-shattering dunk by his teammate Jerome Lane. While Smith himself never broke a backboard, he fondly recalls the aggressive practices and the camaraderie that defined his team’s success.

Notable Quote:

Charles Smith: "The whole game stopped. Chips of fiberglass everywhere after that game, people were selling chips of fiberglass." ([12:45])

9. Final Reflections and Wrap-Up ([34:07]–[35:33])

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts briefly touch on other sports topics and upcoming games, maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere. The focus remains on celebrating Charles Smith’s contributions to basketball and his enduring legacy within the sport.

Notable Quote:

Don LaGreca: "Thanks so much for joining us. It's always great to see you. One of the class acts in the history of not just the Knicks, but the NBA and college basketball and the Big East as well." ([25:52])

Conclusion

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers an engaging and insightful exploration of Charles Smith’s basketball journey, the competitive spirit of the Big East Conference, and the evolution of the game over the decades. Through a series of personal anecdotes and thoughtful analysis, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of basketball, the impact of coaching philosophies, and the importance of community connections both on and off the court.

Final Notable Quote:

Charles Smith: "But they're knocking at the door. They haven't been here in a long time, and the fans need to appreciate what they have." ([20:43])

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, memorable quotes, and the overarching themes that define Charles Smith’s legacy in basketball.