Summary of "Hour 4: Last Call Crew" – Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast
Podcast Information:
- Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
- Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
- Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
- Release Date: February 25, 2025
- Description: ESPN New York and New Jersey's Don La Greca, sportswriter and Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop veteran Peter Rosenberg delve into New York sports and beyond.
1. UConn Basketball: Underrated Yet Talented
The episode kicks off with a discussion on the University of Connecticut's (UConn) basketball team. Peter Rosenberg commends UConn for their achievements and criticizes the prevailing narrative that undermines their status.
Peter Rosenberg [01:00]: "Give UConn credit for all they've accomplished and they're still a talented team... it's time to put that narrative to bed."
Alan Hahn echoes this sentiment, highlighting the electrifying atmosphere at Madison Square Garden (MSG) during UConn's games and questioning why their strong performance isn't translating to higher tournament seeds.
Alan Hahn [01:30]: "Everything there Sunday felt like a coronation, didn't it?"
Key Points:
- Performance Metrics: UConn is praised for their three-point shooting and defensive rankings, currently placing them seventh nationally.
- Tournament Seeding Concerns: Despite their strong season, there's skepticism about UConn securing a top-three seed in the NCAA tournament.
- Coaching Excellence: Rick Pitino is lauded as the top coach in the nation, contributing significantly to UConn's success.
2. New York Knicks: Defensive Struggles and Player Dynamics
A substantial portion of the episode focuses on the New York Knicks' defensive woes. Alan Hahn expresses deep concern over the team's defensive lapses, citing poor performances at the basket and consistency issues.
Alan Hahn [05:03]: "I'm really concerned about the Knicks defense. It is terrible. I watch games and they give up routinely."
Don Hahn adds that the defensive problems are exacerbated by Cat Atkinson's compromised knee, affecting his mobility and aggressiveness on the court.
Don Hahn [05:27]: "He has done a terrific job and I think they deserve their due because we talked about it last week."
Peter Rosenberg critiques specific player performances, particularly Miles McBride's shooting inefficiency, and underscores the team's dependency on key players like Josh Hart.
Peter Rosenberg [08:48]: "Payne and Shannon are winning six man of the year, dragging you to the second round. And so inversely, Josh Hart doesn't even take one."
Key Points:
- Defensive Breakdown: The Knicks are struggling with give-ups on backdoor layups and baseline defenses.
- Player Injuries: Cat Atkinson's knee issues are a significant factor in the team's defensive shortcomings.
- Team Strategy: The hosts discuss the potential impact of Mitch Robinson's return and how it could bolster the team's perimeter defense.
3. Management Decisions and Player Retention
The conversation shifts to management decisions, specifically the Knicks' handling of Isaiah Hartenstein. Peter Rosenberg emphasizes Hartenstein's crucial role and laments his departure, attributing it to contractual constraints rather than the team's reluctance to pay.
Peter Rosenberg [13:39]: "He is that good. But it's not the Knicks' fault like that's the only thing."
Alan Hahn reflects on the financial and contractual limitations that led to Hartenstein's exit, suggesting that a longer-term deal might have secured his stay.
Alan Hahn [13:13]: "They probably should have given him a three-year deal which would have allowed them to have a little more control."
Key Points:
- Impact of Player Departures: Losing Hartenstein is seen as a significant blow to the Knicks' defensive and offensive capabilities.
- Contractual Limitations: The Knicks were restricted by league rules in offering Hartenstein a more lucrative, longer-term contract.
- Future Prospects: The team faces challenges in replacing Hartenstein's unique skill set in the short term.
4. Listener Interactions and Tactical Discussions
Throughout the episode, callers contribute insights and pose questions, prompting in-depth discussions on various sports topics.
Hockey Strategy Debate: A caller questions a coach's decision to pull the goalie under precarious circumstances, leading Don Hahn and Alan Hahn to dissect the tactical merits and risks involved.
Caller [18:23]: "The worst decision hockey coach ever made Saturday... Why pull your goalie for goal scoring?"
Don Hahn [19:05]: "If you pull the goaltender with three minutes to go while you're coming out of your own zone, maybe that's too early."
Basketball Coaching Decisions: The hosts analyze coaching strategies in basketball, particularly concerning player rotations and defensive matchups.
Alan Hahn [19:25]: "The whole idea is to win the face-off... you hope you win the face-off."
Key Points:
- Tactical Decision-Making: Examination of high-stakes game decisions in hockey and basketball, weighing short-term gains against potential long-term consequences.
- Player Utilization: Discussions revolve around optimal player matchups and leveraging player strengths to maximize team performance.
5. Upcoming Sports Events and Future Content Teasers
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts preview upcoming topics, including the NFL Combine and potential player signings, maintaining listener engagement with what's to come.
Alan Hahn [21:14]: "So that leaves a lot of meat on the bone for us to discuss this stuff and more tomorrow."
Don Hahn mentions the possibility of discussing Matthew Stafford's future, indicating a segue into NFL-related topics in subsequent episodes.
Don Hahn [21:26]: "There's some... We'll see what kind of money he can get or he'll just stay in LA."
Key Points:
- NFL Discussions: Anticipated conversations around player contracts and team strategies in football.
- Continuation of Sports Analysis: The podcast promises ongoing deep dives into various sports and managerial decisions.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Peter Rosenberg [01:00]: "Give UConn credit for all they've accomplished and they're still a talented team... it's time to put that narrative to bed."
- Alan Hahn [05:03]: "I'm really concerned about the Knicks defense. It is terrible. I watch games and they give up routinely."
- Peter Rosenberg [08:48]: "Payne and Shannon are winning six man of the year, dragging you to the second round. And so inversely, Josh Hart doesn't even take one."
- Peter Rosenberg [13:39]: "He is that good. But it's not the Knicks' fault like that's the only thing."
- Don Hahn [19:05]: "If you pull the goaltender with three minutes to go while you're coming out of your own zone, maybe that's too early."
Conclusion
In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of UConn's basketball prowess and the New York Knicks' defensive challenges. Through insightful discussions, listener interactions, and strategic breakdowns, they offer listeners a nuanced understanding of current sports dynamics in New York and beyond. The episode sets the stage for future discussions, promising continued in-depth sports coverage.
For those interested in New York sports and beyond, "Hour 4: Last Call Crew" offers a rich tapestry of analysis, anecdotes, and expert opinions. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or following college basketball's evolving landscape, this episode delivers engaging content worth delving into.