Hour 3: Jay Bilas & Brunson - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Transcript

Alan Hahn (0:00)

There are people out there all across the country pushing boundaries to grow the game of golf, like champion speed golfer Lauren Kupp, who plays faster than anyone else. And Will Lowrey, whose work in the golf community inspires more kids to get into the game. As a champion partner of the Masters, bank of America supports everyone determined to find out what's possible in golf and in life.

Don LaGreca (0:23)

What would you like the power to do?

Alan Hahn (0:24)

Don LaGreca (0:34)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Alan Hahn (0:36)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers on into the big five o'clock hour. We go with Don Lagreca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800-919-3776 of course is the number as we'll get back to the calls and conversation Yankees and the torpedo bats that everybody wants to talk about. But let's do a little tournament update brought to you by Pollo Comparo. The Final Four is set, everyone. It's all one seeds. Starts with Florida, Auburn. 6:09 is your tip off on Saturday, followed by Houston versus Duke. That's your tournament update brought to you by Pollo Comparo. Find your nearest pollo comparo@us.compero.com or visit their nearest location at the Long Island Railroad concourse in Penn Station. I might be hitting that on the way home.

Don LaGreca (1:28)

There you go.

Alan Hahn (1:29)

Joining us right now to me is one of the great voices of March Madness, somebody I love to talk with, talk hoops with. And I thought that would a perfect time to bring him in to get us ready, get us set up for the Final Four. That is of course, ESPN's Jay Billis, who joins us right now. Jay, how you doing?

Jay Bilas (1:44)

Great, Alan, how you doing?

Alan Hahn (1:45)

I'm good. So I always like whenever we get a chalk final four, some people just groan about it because, you know, the magic of March Madness is the Cinderellas and those great stories of the Little Engine that Could. And here we have four number ones all meeting in the final four. Do you think this is a good thing or not?

Jay Bilas (2:06)

I think it's a great thing, but it's a great thing when it's another way too. I mean, I've never been involved with a tournament where I didn't think it was great. Now, some may be better than others. I'm sure we can all kind of list. Well, this was my favorite tournament or something like that. But I don't know what it is about the tournament, but there are all these narratives that come from it. I mean, two years ago we had San Diego State and Florida Atlantic in the final four and the narrative was, well, the earth is flat. Now Nil and the portal have made everybody equal. And now the big shots aren't going to dominate because principles of economics dictate that talent is going to be more spread out. And I'm like, well, it's kind of just one data point, but okay. Then two years later, now it's all four number one seeds, it's all chalk. The mid major is dead and Nil and the transfer portal have crushed the mid majors and was never going to be the same. And I'm like, you know, two years ago it was a little different. Like it's different every year. I mean, people need to kind of stop that. But one of the things, Alan, this is a historically strong year for the top teams. Like in the final four, we have the top four most efficient teams on both ends of the floor. All four teams are ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. And beyond that, these four teams, like KenPom.com for example, has been up and running since 1997. And in the quote unquote KenPalm.com era, which is probably the most digestible analytics for a fan, these are four of the top 10 most efficient teams ever over that 30 year time period. I mean that's extraordinary. And we've got them in one year. So I think it portends for a pretty good final four if people are interested.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Jay Bilas & Brunson

Release Date: March 31, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guest: Jay Bilas (ESPN)

1. Final Four Tournament Update

Timestamp: 00:00 – 01:29

The episode kicks off with Alan Hahn providing an update on the NCAA Final Four, highlighting that it consists exclusively of number one seeds: Florida, Auburn, Houston, and Duke. He shares promotional segments briefly but swiftly transitions to the main discussion, ensuring listeners are immediately engaged with the primary content.

2. Interview with Jay Bilas on March Madness and Cooper Flag

Timestamp: 01:28 – 08:33

Alan Hahn welcomes Jay Bilas, a renowned voice in March Madness, to discuss the significance of having all top seeds in the Final Four. Jay expresses a positive outlook, emphasizing the historical strength of the selected teams:

Jay Bilas [02:06]: "These four teams are some of the top 10 most efficient teams ever over that 30-year period. That's extraordinary."

The conversation delves into the prowess of Duke's Cooper Flag, comparing him to Zion Williamson. Jay praises Flag's versatility and concludes that while Zion is a phenomenal athlete, Cooper offers a more well-rounded skill set:

Jay Bilas [06:01]: "He's a better all-around player. Zion's just a phenomenon."

3. Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL on College Basketball

Timestamp: 10:04 – 15:04

The hosts and Jay Bilas explore how the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations have reshaped college basketball dynamics. Jay argues that these changes have both positive and negative impacts, particularly on mid-major programs:

Jay Bilas [11:07]: "The Portal works both ways. You have players moving up and down, creating a more dynamic competitive landscape."

Alan and Don discuss examples like St. John's, illustrating how financial investments and strategic recruiting are transforming traditional basketball powerhouses.

4. Yankees' Torpedo Bats and Home Run Controversy

Timestamp: 15:04 – 23:07

A heated discussion ensues about the New York Yankees' recent surge in home runs, attributed to their use of "torpedo bats." Don LaGreca defends the Yankees, asserting that they operated within the rules:

Don LaGreca [19:04]: "The Yankees did not cheat. They found something within the margins, and it worked spectacularly."

Alan Hahn echoes this sentiment, pointing out the Yankees' strategic advantage without violating regulations. The conversation also touches on the Brewers' struggles, suggesting that the Yankees' success is a combination of skill and equipment optimization.

5. Caller Segment on Yankees' Cheating Allegations

Timestamp: 27:17 – 32:21

A caller from Connecticut shares frustrations about hearsay accusations against the Yankees, specifically targeting Aaron Judge's performance:

Caller [27:18]: "How do you explain Judge hitting three home runs without using a bat?"

Don and Alan rebut these claims by highlighting the Yankees' adherence to MLB rules and the effectiveness of their strategies. They emphasize the importance of evidence over fan bias:

Don LaGreca [29:08]: "The Yankees are really good at what they do, and they work within the margins."

6. Update on Jalen Brunson's Ankle Injury

Timestamp: 34:45 – 38:47

The hosts provide an update on Jalen Brunson's recovery from an ankle injury. According to Alan Hahn:

Jalen Brunson [35:35]: "Feeling better, progressing every day... I hope to be back for the end of the regular season."

The discussion focuses on Brunson's pivotal role in the team and the potential impact of his return on their playoff aspirations. Don and Peter express optimism about his recovery and the team's prospects.

7. Mets' Performance and Player Updates

Timestamp: 41:24 – 47:27

Shifting to baseball, the hosts analyze the New York Mets' recent performance. Don highlights the team's strong pitching despite the offensive challenges:

Don LaGreca [41:26]: "The pitching was a pleasant surprise... The Mets just did not get a big hit when they needed it."

Additionally, they discuss Francisco Lindor's recent addition to his family and his commitment to the team:

Francisco Lindor [42:51]: "I want to be there for my team... I'll be there tomorrow."

8. Humorous Anecdotes about Dogs

Timestamp: 43:27 – 47:38

In a lighthearted segment, Don and Peter share stories about naming their dogs after sports figures. They humorously debate the authenticity and correctness of the names, showcasing the camaraderie and playful banter that characterize the show.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Jay Bilas [02:06]: "These four teams are some of the top 10 most efficient teams ever over that 30-year period. That's extraordinary."
Jay Bilas [06:01]: "He's a better all-around player. Zion's just a phenomenon."
Don LaGreca [19:04]: "The Yankees did not cheat. They found something within the margins, and it worked spectacularly."
Don LaGreca [29:08]: "The Yankees are really good at what they do, and they work within the margins."
Jalen Brunson [35:35]: "Feeling better, progressing every day... I hope to be back for the end of the regular season."

Conclusion

In this episode, "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" provides an in-depth analysis of the current NCAA Final Four, the evolving landscape of college basketball influenced by the Transfer Portal and NIL, and the New York Yankees' controversial use of torpedo bats. The hosts engage in thoughtful discussions with Jay Bilas, addressing both the strategic and ethical dimensions of modern sports. Additionally, lighter moments with humorous anecdotes and updates on key players like Jalen Brunson and Francisco Lindor add a well-rounded dimension to the conversation, making it valuable for listeners keen on sports insights and lively banter.