Loading summary
A
Spring is here, and there's a whole new way to chai at Starbucks that's made perfect for you. Choose your sweetness. Dial it up or keep things light. Add a touch of pistachio, a hint of strawberry or vanilla, or make it a spring classic with lavender. Because this season, there's endless ways to chai at Starbucks.
B
Pardon the interruption, but I'm Ray Wilbond. It's middle name pride day, so we're going by our middle names today.
C
I'm Erwin.
B
Courtney.
C
I put the win in Irwin.
B
Very impressive. Do you know there's a million people named Ray? Sure. Some of them like, you know, unsavory characters. Sure. But Irwin, how many Irwins did you. I only knew one.
C
Irwin Stewart, who was the basketball coach at Plainview Kennedy on Long island. And one of the people he coached was Seth Greenberg. Get out.
B
It's true.
C
Unless I have that wrong. I think I have that right. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, Shohei hits a grand slam. More big names than the NFL are set to be released. And Jay Bilis joins us as North Carolina and Duke get set to play again. But we begin today with Jayson Tatum's return to the Celtics tonight at home against Dallas. Tatum tore his achilles less than 10 months ago. He will be coming back far earlier than most expected. Wilbon, what are your expectations in the short and longer term?
B
I have none. In the short term. I just want it to all be sensible. I don't want to see Jason Tatum laying in a heap on the floor because he came back too soon. And I would think that there's enough counsel, there's certainly enough medical experts. And the Boston Celtics are not some fly by night outfit. You know, they're gonna have gone back and forth over this a trillion times with Jason and his representatives and people who are interested. And the short term is okay. Like tonight, I don't expect him to play more than 13 to 15 minutes.
C
Do you?
B
No minutes.
C
No, of course not.
B
Okay, so as we get to April and we get to the first round of the playoffs, maybe he's back in there and he's looking like Jason Tatum. I don't expect it, Tony. I think I'm just hoping it.
C
My notes are going to reflect exactly what you just said. I tend to be more pessimistic about this. I love Jayson Tatum as a player. I admire his courage. I admire his ability. I admire his resolve to get back into this. And in a perfect world, by the time the playoffs start, he has seamlessly Re put himself on that team, and now he's surrounded by better players than when he got hurt because those better players have kept the Celtics buoyant and right near the top, led by Jaylen Brown. So I would say in a perfect world, the Celtics roll to a championship. But. And there's always a but. I'm. I'm a little nervous about this. There's two words that keep flashing in front of my eyes.
B
What?
C
Lindsey Vonn.
B
Yeah. Okay. I'm glad you came out.
C
I thought it was tremendously courageous what she did.
B
It was.
C
She had a torn ACL and she skied anyway, and we were told that it wouldn't get more hurt. And then in the first time on the downhill, she hits a pole and she crashes and she breaks her leg in three different places. So I understand it's a different sport. I understand it's a different circumstance. But that didn't work out. That was not a storybook ending.
B
No, it wasn't a storybook anything. And so with Tatum, you know, first of all, you have to wonder, there are parts to this, like, oh, my God, how is he back in. Whatever this is, 10 months. And this thing used to be a career ending, then a career derailing. Then.
C
Then people came back and like, medical science is better. 15 months.
B
It really is.
C
Medical science is better. But this.
B
This. This is amazing, isn't it?
C
Here's what I would say. This is not baseball. You then don't get to sit in the dugout for half the game. When you're on a basketball court, if you're not at 100, get off jump
B
jumping and cutting and getting hit and moving. Yes, in a way that's going to test that immediately. Even in those 13 to 15 minutes tonight. If that's what he's limited to. Team, the World Baseball Classic is off and running, and Shohei Ohtani's bat is already hot and humming. Shohei, I see how you did that.
C
I like that. That was good.
B
First inning double, then Tony. Excuse me, Erwin. A grand Islam and an RBI single in the second this morning as Japan Mercy ruled Chinese Taipei 13 nil. The United States, with its best ever WBC roster, starts pool play tonight against Brazil. All right, Erwin, what's the bigger headline? Shohei's granny or Team USA's opener?
C
Let's stop with Erwin. Okay? Let's stop with that. This is a very easy question to answer. It's Shohei Ohtani.
B
I agree.
C
We need to look at him. We need to look at how he rises to the moment. The first Time he was in this thing, he was on the championship team and he won the championship by striking out Mike Trout. He goes to the Dodgers for two years. He has two World Series rings. I believe he started Game 7 against Toronto. I believe on, on short rest. Now he's back in this thing and the first time out he gets three hits including a grand slam. Mike, I'm going to use big names here. Use any names you want. Let's start. Let's go. Babe Ruth, Willie Mays.
B
Okay.
C
Ted Williams, Derek J atani is with them. And he pitches. And he pitches.
B
Yeah, yeah. I, I, I want to see some, some more pitching. I want to see some more pitching.
C
You will. You will.
B
And I guess not. In this I want to see health,
C
but in the regular season I just
B
want to see health. Good health for me. I don't want to see him falling out with tears and stuff busted up either. But it's Shohei. It's not Team U.
C
And we'll get to that.
B
Listen, I was just thinking this morning about how baseball, soccer and basketball for sure people don't belong to a smaller place anymore. Even if it's a big place. They belong to the world. They do. You see them, you know who they are. You buy their jerseys, you drink, whatever. They're endorsing sh in that with LeBron and who, I mean who else? Whoever else we want to go to over the years. Messi. So sh is there.
C
Yes.
B
So I, I don't, I thank you Japan for sharing Shohei with us. We're going to make you share him anyway. But the US will get to that. But it's Shohei.
C
We are not, we're in not real danger of losing to Brazil. Brazil has no major league players on their roster at all. But you know who they got? They got the youngest guy in the field. They have 17 year old Joseph Contreras, son of Jose Contreras who pitched 11 years in the bigs. 17. He's going to Vanderbilt and bringing a 98 mile an hour fastball with him. That's a name. There's some confrontation Holmes to pay attention to. Absolutely. Let's move to the NFL and a bunch of news we can comment on. Here we go. The Saints all time sack leader Cam Jordan is set to become a free agent. He had ten and a half sacks last season on a bad team. Geno Smith will be released by the Raiders and will hit the free agent market. The Houston Texans gave pass rusher Daniel Hunter $40 million for one season. He had 15 sacks last season. And SNY is reporting that new jets offensive coordinator, your boy, Frank Reich. His preferred option of quarterback next season is Carson Wentz, whom he has coached in Philadelphia and in Indianapolis. Wilbon, have at it.
B
You know, it's not the jets and it's not Carson Wentz. It's just not Gino. I think if he goes into this where he looks at a situation where he's needed, all right, Cuz he's gotten paid, he's needed. Whether that's as a spot starter, a bridge starter, and there's several of those available, or backup. Cuz even if he's backing up in November and September, he may be starting by November. So there are places that could use him that he can't even necessarily foresee. So I think that's big. Cam Jordan, 15. That 10 and a half sacks is a lot at that stage of your career. 36 years old, that's huge. And by the way, there's some other guys off book. Max Crosby, his name is out there every hour. If you're one of the teams and you hope your guys get into it, Cowboys, Bears and others. Max Crosby's out there, Trey Hendrickson's out there. So there's more to come.
C
Let me just say of Geno Smith, he was a reclamation project before Sam Darnold. And by the way, in the same place in Seattle. Yeah, in the same place. I will start by saying if somebody offered me a one year contract for $40 million, I would take that contract, you know. Yeah. It's a little odd that if you're gonna give a guy 40 million for one year that you wouldn't try and get him on a multi year deal. But this happened last year. They got him for $35 million and
B
he had a great season.
C
He bet on himself and he won. And he's gonna try and do that again. And by the way, he's on a great defense. Houston defense. You didn't want to mention Carson Wentz, so I will. Carson Wentz, when he started at Philadelphia, he was really, really good. Mike, in his second year as a starter, 112 passed for almost 3,300 yards, 33 touchdown passes, only seven interceptions. And then he tore his ACL and he's never been the same. And Philadelphia won the super bowl with Nick Foles and Carson Wentz was forgotten. He is a gamer. He'll go out there and play hurt for you. I find myself rooting for him. But not the Jets. The jets kill quarterbacks. They just destroy them.
B
You can't root for him to actually be on the jets or for anybody to think that he is the answer to quarterback for the Jets.
C
But Reich was his quarterback's coach in Philadelphia and then his head coach.
B
He's for a long time. Frank Reich. I covered Frank Reich 15 years ago. Yes, at Maryland.
C
How many years ago?
B
Well, 40 at least.
C
Let's take a break. Coming up, why is Duke suddenly so good? We're gonna ask Jay Bilis, whose middle name is Scott.
B
Do I hear 45? Yeah. We'll also ask him whether the selection committee should take into account Miami of Ohio's efforts to schedule tougher teams.
C
You covered Boomer and then Reich and Gel Ball.
B
Yeah, Right.
C
And they all went to the pros. And o', Donnell, Neal o' Donnell went ed Maryland.
B
But only one of them had the greatest comeback of all time in college football. Frank Wright. Frank wright.
C
Was it 35 points or something?
B
31 nothing.
C
Is that what it was? 31 nothing? Yeah. Little history kids.
D
As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Granger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery. They're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by.
E
I like things my way. My coffee, my schedule and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo pre filled syringe which contains fgartegamide alpha and hyaluronidase qvfc. It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment my way. Visit vivgartmyway.com that's V Y V G A R T my way.com and talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hyrulo brought to you by Argenics.
C
North Carolina and Duke meet again tomorrow at Cameron. Ray Wilbon will be there. So will today's guest, the dashing ESPN college basketball analyst, Mr. J. Scott. Billis Scott with one team, very one team. Let's start with this. North Carolina was without freshman star Caleb Wilson with a broken left hand. Now he has broken his right thumb. He is out for the season. What does that mean for the Tar Heels? What does that mean for him?
F
Well, first it's heartbreaking for Caleb Wilson because he's one of the best players in the country. He's going to be a top five draft pick if he decides to come out into the NBA draft. And he was just getting back to where he was going to play again. Carolina is 5 and 1 without him in the lineup. Without him for the remainder of the season. It just makes their ceiling lower. They had Final Four capability with Caleb Wilson in the lineup. Without him, it's going to be a lot more difficult. I still think that, that with the way they can play without him, you could see them in the second weekend, but I think it certainly dims their hope for getting beyond sweet 16. Is it possible? Of course it is. But one thing they've done really well is some players need to be needed and guys have stepped forward and done more. Just because they had a certain role with Caleb Wilson in the lineup doesn't mean that's who they are. And they've shown that they're more than just Caleb Wilson.
B
Well, they can sure use them tomorrow, Jay, because since Duke lost to Carolina a month ago, the Blue Devils are seven and oh, as you know, and they have just been crushing teams. Where do we start with what's working so well for Duke in that stretch?
F
You know, Michael, I think what's working so well for them is this heightened role acceptance that they have. You know, players oftentimes come in to a team setting and they have a view of themselves and it's not a negative thing, but sometimes it's. It's based on scoring. And Dame Sar, the freshman from Italy is in the starting lineup now and he's basically taking the opponent's point guard and guarding at the point of attack. He's six, eight, he's got really long arms and he's an excellent defender. That's kind of his superpower. And he has bought in, if you will, to that's where he can have the greatest impact on the game. And he's been a star in that role. And I think that's gone throughout the team. You know, Cameron Boozer is the best player. He's going to get all the headlines. He's going to score the most points. But other players are doing things that are impacting the game almost as much in their area of expertise, if you will. And I think Duke has done an amazing job of embracing roles and everybody doing their job and then they're taking their cues from their teammates. Know what they do is valuable and they keep doing it at a high level. Their defense is as good as anybody's in the country. It may be the best in the country.
B
All right, we're going to we'll transition from the blue bloods and talking about them to a hopeful Miami of Ohio, which tells Yahoo that it was turned down by 75 or more schools when it came to attempting to schedule them this season and that if necessary, it hopes the committee, the selection committee would take that into consideration. Jay, how you feel about that?
F
Well, first they're going to get in no matter what. The easiest thing for Miami of Ohio to do is to win their conference tournament, get the and this is all put to bed and nobody has to worry about it. Number one, they're really good. They're a very good basketball team that has a chance to win a game or two in the NCAA tournament. But when you get down to the resume part of it, they've only played one team, that being Akron, and they beat them. That's ranked in the top 50. Everybody else they've played is outside the top 150. They've only played one quad two game on the season. That being Akron, they haven't played no quad one games and they've played three non division one games in their 30 wins. I don't the fact that they couldn't have played a tougher schedule. Could they get exactly the schedule they wanted, though. But you know, the major conference teams can't service Everybody in Division 1. But they could have played a tougher schedule but they're going to get in and any talk that they won't. But if they had lost one game, we wouldn't be talking about this because their resume wouldn't match up with the teams that have played tougher schedules and also lost games. But that being said, they're they're, they're a really good basketball team and, and they're going to be in the tournament whether they win their conference championship.
C
Not they're going to be in, they should be in. And people want to see them.
B
Yeah.
C
That they will be a draw for however long they're in there, even if it's only one game. We'll get you out of here on this. AJ DeBencer told the Desiree News that he might stay because his mom wants him to graduate. Do you, Jay, think that's possible and what does his NBA future look like?
F
Well, it's certainly possible. AJ DeBonsa is so good that he can do whatever he wants. And you know, you look back and I know it's a long time ago in its ancient history to play your today. But you know, Tim Duncan stayed four years in college and it didn't cost him too much. When you're the real deal, you get to do whatever you want. And AJ DeVonts is the real deal. Just from a financial standpoint, I don't think many people would counsel going back to school given the amount of money that he's going to make in his lifetime playing basketball. And just because he's not going to graduate. If he goes into the NBA after this year, he won't graduate on the timetable that that we grew up with. You know, you graduate in four years and you matricul late on at age 22. That doesn't mean he can't pursue education while he's in the MBA and get his degree. It just won't be on the timeline that traditionally it's been on back in the old days. But, you know, I think it's great that he loves the experience and would like to continue. I'm not sure that the business reality of the NBA is going to allow him to do that.
C
Thank you for being with us.
B
Thank you.
C
Jay, you're going to be stuck with Wilbon at the game.
B
Yes, sir. We'll see you tomorrow.
C
Thank you. Thank you. You can catch more of Scott. That's his name, Scott, his middle name. On college game day tomorrow morning at 10 Eastern. Let's take one last break. But still to come, heartbreak for Holy Cross, which goes down at the buzzer.
B
And Irwin here breaks down the biggest moves at the NHL trade deadline. When you're a rookie, you're gonna make $13 million a lot of money.
C
You can't.
B
How do you.
C
Well, because you can delay it for one year if you want to delay it for one year, but 40 years is not.
B
That's not going to accomplish the goal.
D
If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple shop pay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful ready to go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place, from inventory to payments to analytics and more. Spread your brand's Word with built in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers. And did I mention that iconic Purple Shop pay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify is the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.comnetwork. go to shopify.comnetwork shopify.comnetwork
G
Rich Eisen here. You know that feeling of handing off your taxes and then hearing nothing? Total radio silen well, not anymore. Now your taxes are done for you by a TurboTax full service expert who checks for every deduction and keeps you in the loop with real time updates on your phone. Just match with your dedicated expert, upload your docs and go live your life confident you're getting every dollar you deserve. This is how taxes should be. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real time updates only in iOS mobile app only available with TurboTax full service experts.
C
Happy time people. Happy 31st birthday Josh Hart He's a local for us. Wilbo Joshy he went to Sidwell Friends School and then went to Villanova where he was on Jay Wright's first championship team in 2016. Two of his Villanova Wildcat teammates are now Hart's teammates on the Knicks, Jalen Brunson and Mikhail Bridges. Hart is sort of the forgotten Brunson and Bridges and Karl Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby get most of the attention, but Hart is quietly averaging 12 points, seven and a half rebounds and five assists per game and he's shooting 48.7% from the field. Hart was once Big East Player of the Year in college and Villanova retired his number three jersey.
B
The Knicks better not forget him. He's the guy who's got to do a lot of everything, including D up people who are particularly hard to grab. Guard Josh Hart I don't know that when he left Villanova that we thought he was going to have this kind of career. It's an impressive career.
C
You say he's a golf freak too, right? Plays all the time.
B
Teeing it up. Might be teeing it up today. Are the Knicks playing tonight?
C
Happy Anniversary. Ray Bourque on this day 26 years ago, the Bruins traded their 21 year veteran and 12 time captain to the Avalanche after Bourque had asked for a trade to a Stanley cup contender. The great defenseman reached his goal by winning. Winning the Cup. One season later in Colorado, during the post game presentation that followed the Avalanche's Game 7 victory, Colorado captain Joe Sackett broke with tradition and gave the cup to Bourque to skate with it first. Bourque had waited longer to win a cup for the first time than any other player in the 108 year history of the Stanley Cup. 1,612 regular season and 214 playoff games. Bourque remained so popular in Boston that 20,000 fans cheered him when he brought the cup to City Hall.
B
Our dear producer, Boston's own Matt Kelleher was filling me in on how beloved Ray Bourque is. And I tried to come up with a quick Mount Rushmore in Boston and I got Brady Bird, Russell and Orr. And then I have Poppy.
C
Ted Williams.
B
But they. But he got booed all the time. Do you remember right? Did they ever love Ted? Did they ever love him? I'm talking about.
C
Williams is not on the list. Not on the list. They love him. Bill Russell.
B
Yeah, Bill Russell.
C
Yeah, Russell. Happy trails to Holy Cross. The Crusaders are out of the Patriot League tournament after squandering a six point lead with under three to go to Lehigh. Lehigh's Nazir Whitlock was the difference late. He tied the game at 66 with 11 seconds to go, forced a Holy Cross turnover with two seconds left and took the hair court shot at the buzzer that won the game. Whitlock said he shot was off when it left his hands quote. But then I was like wait. And then it went in. Adding this is March. Lehigh now faces Colgate in Sunday semis. But wait, that wasn't the only buzzer beater yesterday. My girl Bella Pucci from Binghamton also hit a game winner, pushing my team seed Bearcats past six seed Bryant in the America east tournament. Wow it Bulldogs.
B
This is when it starts. This is the fun of it. It's the early weekends before you even get to the 64 or 68 or whatever.
C
I also think. I also think that the first weekend is the best.
B
It is better than the excitement.
C
I totally agree with you. All right, let's go to the big finish.
B
Let's do it.
C
Victor Wembanyama had 38 and 16 as the spurs took care of the Pistons. Is that a big deal?
B
And five block shots and they keep beating the best teams in the league. It is a big deal.
C
They're the favorites to win now. You don't want to hear it. They're the favorites to win.
B
So young. God. They're great to watch. The NHL trade deadline passed a couple hours ago. Biggest deal, Tony?
C
The Cavs traded John Carlson to Anaheim. He'd been with the Capitals 17 years. Kim and Ovi. Yeah, the Chargers. And free agent center Taylor Beish.
B
Tyler.
C
Tyler, I'm sorry. Agreed to terms on a three year, 30 million million dollar deal. Is that significant?
B
Yeah. Joe Walton, Rashawn Slater. Injuries they had. They got to get better right now on the offensive line. Joel Embiid. Your boy is out at least another week with an oblique. You're so surprised.
C
No one in the world is surprised. Nobody in the world is surprised. He misses so many games. Last one. Tyler Redick. Your boy could win his fourth straight NASCAR race on Sunday. Do you like his cheeks?
B
Yes. This is like. Just go back 35 years. How many times? Once Jordan started winning and he's going to Carl. Do we not like his chances? I like Tyler's chances. We're out of time in Arizona the next time.
C
I'm Tony Kornheiser. Thank you.
B
He's Irwin. I'm Ray Wilbond. Have a great weekend.
G
Knucklehead from 30 for 30 podcasts.
B
Ma', Am, did you say someone got shot?
F
Brian Pata, senior defensive lineman from Miami,
B
gunned down the key to this case.
E
It's Brian.
B
An hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing with somebody.
G
This might be a hit.
B
You want the truth? They just want a conviction.
C
Being placed under arrest.
B
We had a killer amongst us.
G
Murder at the U.
C
Listen now.
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser (“Erwin”), Michael Wilbon (“Ray Wilbond”)
Guest: Jay Bilas (ESPN College Basketball Analyst)
Date: March 6, 2026
This episode of PTI dives into the major sports headlines of the day, headlined by the surprise early return of Jayson Tatum to the Celtics after his Achilles injury, Shohei Ohtani’s electric start in the World Baseball Classic, major movement in the NFL offseason market, and a college basketball roundtable with Jay Bilas as Duke and North Carolina get set to clash again. The tone is lively, sharp, and insightful, with Tony and Mike in classic debate form and Bilas offering expert analysis.
Segment starts: [00:55]
Theme: The surprise, risks, and hopes around Tatum’s early return from Achilles injury
Wilbon’s cautious optimism:
Tony’s apprehension and historical caution:
Long-term hopes and reality:
Segment starts: [04:01]
Ohtani’s grand slam headlines the WBC’s opening:
Ohtani's place among legends:
Wilbon on Ohtani’s global stardom:
New WBC talent:
Segment starts: [06:38]
Big player moves and contracts:
Wilbon focuses on Geno Smith's opportunities:
Tony on money, contracts, and career arcs:
Segment starts: [11:34]
Josh Hart turns 31:
Ray Bourque’s trade and long-awaited Stanley Cup:
March Madness Buzzer-Beaters:
Segment starts: [23:33]
Classic PTI—witty, energetic, and informed back-and-forth blended with decades of perspective and storytelling. Guest segments with Bilas are analytical and direct, adding authority and insight.
This episode blends immediate intrigue (Tatum’s comeback), reverence for talent (Ohtani’s brilliance), and a savvy read of shifting sports landscapes heading into March—offering context, caution, and celebration in equal measure.