Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 2, April 6, 2026

Episode Theme: Jay Bilas Talks UConn vs. Michigan, College Basketball’s Changing Landscape, and the NFL Binge

Episode Overview

This episode delivers two main segments:

1. An in-depth preview of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game between UConn and Michigan, featuring college basketball analyst Jay Bilas.
2. A lively round of NFL talk focusing on franchise players, the impact of new coaching hires, quarterback debates, and the evolving business of pro and college sports. The show’s signature banter, insightful analogies, and occasional comedic jabs keep the conversation lively, even as the panel tackles big questions about tradition, money, and what the future holds for America’s biggest sports.

I. NCAA Championship Preview With Jay Bilas

Main Discussion Points

The Matchup: UConn vs. Michigan

• UConn’s Quest for Greatness: UConn aims for its third title in four years, six in 27 years, and a perfect finals record.
• Michigan’s Challenge: Despite an intimidating tourney run (notably crushing Arizona), they are beatable.

What Makes Michigan Dangerous?

• “The difficulty with Michigan is they've got terrific size… defend the paint and the rim really well, and they can shoot it from multiple positions… If you can take Elliot Cadeau out of the game, I think it makes it a lot more difficult for Michigan.” (Jay Bilas, [02:15])
• Cadeau’s playmaking and Michigan's center Dai Mara’s versatility are focal challenges for UConn.

UConn’s Run and “Blue Blood” Status

• UConn as the “benchmark program” of the last quarter-century: “If you just take the last 27 years, it’s UConn and everybody else. Nobody else has won three. They've won six and doubled everybody up.” (Jay Bilas, [04:29])
• The panel debates if “blue blood” status still matters in today’s NIL/transfer portal era.

Evolution of College Basketball Programs and the Transfer Portal

• Bilas hammers on how NIL and the transfer portal have dramatically shifted the terrain: “Coaches love to complain about (the portal)… but it’s allowed players like Dai Mara, Alex Caravan, Elliot Cadeau and Yaxel Lindeborg to showcase their talent on a national stage.” ([07:38])
• "We're just, we just, you know, finally made it official. It's been going on for a long, long time. Instead of being behind closed doors, it's up front." (Rosenberg, [20:13]) — regarding the professionalization of college sports.

Importance of Clutch and Shooting

• The key to tonight’s game: “A lot of it depends on how UConn shoots the ball... If they go 3-for-18 or something… they’re not going to win the game, I’m pretty confident to say that.” (Jay Bilas, [12:23])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On UConn’s Place in History: “There’s not been a better program in the country… If you just take the last 27 years, it’s UConn and everybody else.” (Jay Bilas, [04:29])
• “[B]ecause of the way the media works. UConn’s probably not talked about enough given… it hasn’t been close.” (Bilas on national conversation, [06:12])
• On the Transfer Portal’s Benefit: “The transfer portal’s allowed him [Lindeborg] to better himself and his situation, and by extension, he’s bettered Michigan.” (Jay Bilas, [09:36])
• On Clutch Performance: “They just keep clawing… If Michigan’s going to beat them, they're going to have to make sure they go all the way to double zeros.” (Don Hahn, [11:39])

The Changing Meaning of “Blue Bloods”

• “I think it still exists, [the blue blood] depends on your definition, who you want to include… NIL has spread talent around more… than ever before.” (Jay Bilas, [07:38])
• The consensus: the traditional blue blood identity is diluted by the new age of money and movement in college sports.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:33] — How can UConn finish the job? Jay Bilas on the challenge against Michigan.
• [03:53] — The rarity of such a high-profile championship matchup.
• [05:10] — What makes UConn’s program sustain success?
• [06:58] — Are “blue bloods” still real in college basketball?
• [10:00] — What if St. John’s had survived against Duke?
• [12:23] — Will the game be a “knockdown, drag out” or could it be a blowout?
• [13:40] — Quick take on Michael Malone’s reported hire at UNC.

II. The State of College Sports: NIL, Portal, and Professionalization

College Sports Are “Professional”

• Bilas and the panel agree: “College basketball’s been pro for years, no matter what anybody says… billions of dollars by these conferences from the TV deals, millions of dollars to the head coaches. And, and now the players are getting part of that money as well. We can't keep looking at college sports… as, oh, these are student athletes." (Don Hahn, [17:16])
• “They're still kids, but they’re pros. Some of them getting paid a lot, so you can almost deal with them as professionals.” (Rosenberg, [18:52])

The Impact of the Tournament’s Expansion and “One-and-Done”

• Larger brackets fuel the mid-majors’ dreams for exposure, revenue, and recruiting power.
• “It's becoming bigger business to a point now where it is. These are not student athletes. ‘I didn't come here to play school’ is going to become the motto.” (Don Hahn, [21:40])

III. NFL Binge – Quarterbacks, Pressure, and the Offseason

Giants, Ravens, and Franchise Player Storylines

• Giants: Dexter Lawrence’s trade/pay demands. Team remains optimistic extension is achievable.
• Ravens: Lamar Jackson reporting early to offseason workouts under new coach Jesse Minter is a (necessary) sign of commitment. “He is Mr. Raven… He has to buy in. It’s a good sign that he is.” (Don Hahn, [30:26])
• “This is your franchise. Like, he is Mr. Raven. We fired the coach for you, buddy." (Peter Allen, [30:47])

Quarterback Pressure Index

• “Of all the quarterbacks in the NFL... this is all about you right now.” (Don Hahn, [31:32]) — Jackson is under a profound microscope.
• “Josh Allen’s close, but...” (Rosenberg, [31:53]) — But it’s Jackson’s team, and Buffalo's decisions weren’t “driven” by Allen.

NFL’s Conduct and Off-field Focus

• Rashee Rice cleared by league after investigation into off-field allegations.

Quarterback Debates & Draft Fatigue

• Dan Orlovsky argues Ty Simpson fits Las Vegas’s system better than Mendoza, given their college and pro system backgrounds. ([34:20])
• Banter over endless pre-draft speculation and media fatigue: “I've never disagreed with somebody ever more than I disagree with you on this.” (Rosenberg to Don, [37:11])

Is Jalen Hurts an “Elite” QB?

• Orlovsky and the panel debate Hurts’ merits versus the “raw tools” of other QBs. Success attributed to team building, not necessarily elite QB skills.

  • “All this guy does is play well and win. And then there’s these opinions of, well, I want this quarterback and that quarterback…” (Dan Orlovsky, [38:56])

• “He's not an elite talent… but they can get that kind of quarterback play and still be successful.” (Rosenberg, [39:34])

• “Take their jerseys away and just put them in white… we would definitely see talent wise, you'd rank them much differently.” (Don Hahn, [40:01])

• Sidebar: comparing Hurts' intangibles to Tom Brady's relative lack of “wow” factor in physical tryouts.

The Kirk Cousins Money Machine

• Complemented for maximizing guaranteed contracts despite not being a “top 100 all-time quarterback.” (Don Hahn, [43:57])

IV. Brief NHL Segment

Coaching Carousel with the Islanders

• Firing of Patrick Roy:
  • The panel discusses the rationale, including team performance, urgency for immediate turnaround, and Pete DeBoer’s history of instant playoff impact.
• “There’s a sense of urgency now in that organization.” (Don Hahn, [50:40])

V. Memorable Moments & Energy

• Banter & Disagreement: Throughout the episode, especially on football draft fatigue and quarterback rankings, the hosts’ friendly bickering and comedic analogies are front and center.
• Candid Cynicism: The hosts echo fans’ skepticism of college sports’ “amateurism,” and celebrate the honesty that “these are now pro sports with kids.”
• Relatable New York Flavor: Repeated jokes about Murray Hill bars, alumni gatherings, and the city’s fan culture.

Key Edited Timestamps

• [01:33] – Jay Bilas: How UConn beats Michigan
• [05:10] – Jay Bilas: UConn’s “brand” and sustained success
• [07:38] – What’s become of “blue bloods” in modern college hoops?
• [12:23] – Will tonight’s game be a classic or a blowout?
• [17:16] – Is college basketball really “pro” now?
• [21:40] – What larger tournaments mean for schools and athletes
• [30:26] – Lamar Jackson, new coach, and being the face of the Ravens
• [38:56] – Dan Orlovsky: Jalen Hurts’ value and the QB debate
• [43:57] – Kirk Cousins’ riches despite so-so reputation
• [50:40] – NHL: Islanders fire Roy, hire DeBoer to spark a turnaround

Conclusion

This episode serves as both a sharp NBA championship game preview and a broader meditation on how money, movement, and evolving values are transforming the major team sports we love. Jay Bilas offers context and candor on the seismic shifts in college basketball, while the NFL roundtable channels fan exasperation and entertainment in equal measure.

Notable Quotes to Remember:

• “College basketball’s been pro for years, no matter what anybody says.” (Don Hahn, [17:16])
• “If you just take the last 27 years, it’s UConn and everybody else.” (Jay Bilas, [04:29])
• “I've never disagreed with somebody ever more than I disagree with you on this.” (Rosenberg, [37:11])

For basketball junkies, NFL obsessives, and New Yorkers alike, this episode offers insight, irreverence, and plenty to argue about at the next alumni night out.