Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Hour 1 – Hammer Time?
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf
Platform: ESPN Radio
1. Tournament Updates and Final Four Teams
The episode kicks off with Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf delving into the latest developments in the NCAA basketball tournament. With both Florida Gators and Duke advancing to the Final Four, the hosts express their excitement and analysis of these teams' performances.
Jay Williams (Myron): “The Florida Gators come back to beat Texas Tech after being down nine in the last four minutes of the game. And then Duke just rolls on an Alabama team that I thought was very dangerous.”
[01:21]
They highlight Florida's impressive comeback and Duke's dominant victory over Alabama, setting the stage for an intense Final Four.
2. Number One Seeds in the Final Four: A Boon or a Bane?
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the impending possibility of having four number one seeds in the Final Four. Matt and Myron explore whether this concentration of top-seeded teams is beneficial or detrimental to the tournament's excitement and competitiveness.
Matt Jones: “The ratings have been great. So I don't know, you know, if America's really rejecting the idea.”
[02:30]
Myron Medcalf: “I actually think the last few weeks have been the best few weeks college basketball's had maybe since COVID in sort of capturing the national attention last year.”
[02:52]
They argue that having top-seeded teams enhances the quality of play and viewer engagement, countering the common perception that it stifles unpredictability.
3. The Role of Coaches in Modern College Basketball
The hosts delve into the evolving landscape of college basketball coaching, emphasizing the blend of veteran expertise and emerging coaching talent. They discuss prominent figures like Tom Izzo, Rick Barnes, Bruce Pearl, John Shire, and Mark Pope, highlighting their contributions and adaptability in the current era.
Jay Williams: “The coaches issue is big. You... have a new generation that's out there of interesting coaches along with some guys from the old.”
[04:31]
Matt Jones: “The other element of this that people I think aren't talking about is the elite coaches that are still alive.”
[03:54]
They also touch upon the behavior of modern coaches, particularly Danny Hurley, debating whether passionate displays border on problematic.
Matt Jones: “I think some of the things have gone too far with some of these moments with officials and... sometimes he crosses the line.”
[05:51]
4. Player Spotlight: Cooper Flagg and the All-Time Duke Starting Five
A key highlight of the episode is the discussion about Cooper Flagg, a standout player for Duke, and his potential legacy in the program. Matt and Myron debate Flagg’s place among Duke’s all-time greats.
Matt Jones: “My all-time starting five at Duke... would include Cooper.”
[26:13]
Myron Medcalf: “I think Cooper's generational. I just think that's a different level.”
[28:34]
They compare Flagg to legends like J.J. Redick, Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, and Zion Williamson, considering his impact and future potential.
5. The Portal Era: Navigating Transfers and Team Dynamics
The conversation shifts to the "portal era," where player transfers have become a significant factor in team compositions. With over 1,200 players already in the portal, Matt and Myron discuss its implications on team stability and coaching strategies.
Jay Williams: “Tom Izzo... is focusing on this team. Do you agree with Tom Izzo of. I ain't worried about next year. I'm trying to win a title this year.”
[40:25]
Myron Medcalf: “This is what works for Tom and others like him... the guys in the Mark Pope kind of lane, where that generation is going to have to rebuild every year.”
[41:18]
They critique the timing of the portal opening and its impact on tournament play, advocating for a delay to preserve the integrity of the current competition.
6. Personal Anecdotes: Experiencing Atlanta’s Vibe
Matt shares his personal experiences in Atlanta, painting a vivid picture of the city's vibrant culture and lively atmosphere, adding a personal touch to the episode.
Matt Jones: “There's like a carousel in the middle of the city... people running around with horse carriages playing old school soul music.”
[10:07 – 10:35]
His anecdotes provide listeners with a glimpse into his life outside the sports analysis, fostering a connection with the audience.
7. Fun Banter: Celebrating MC Hammer’s Birthday
In a lighter segment, the hosts celebrate MC Hammer's birthday, sharing humorous and intriguing stories about the iconic artist. This segment showcases their chemistry and ability to blend pop culture with sports discussions.
Jay Williams: “So MC Hammer is 63 years old today. Happy birthday, MC Hammer.”
[37:10]
Matt Jones: “Don't mess with MC Hammer.”
[39:49]
Their playful exchange about MC Hammer’s legacy adds a fun dynamic to the podcast, balancing the intense sports talk.
8. Final Thoughts: The Future of College Basketball
Wrapping up, Matt and Myron reflect on the current state and future of college basketball. They emphasize the high quality of play, the importance of top-tier teams advancing, and the need to balance tradition with modern changes like the transfer portal.
Myron Medcalf: “This feels like I'm finding out who the best team is.”
[31:39]
Matt Jones: “We are watching the best basketball right now in the final stage of college basketball.”
[15:26]
Their optimistic outlook underscores a belief in the sport's evolving landscape, driven by talented players and strategic coaching.
Conclusion
"Hour 1: Hammer Time?" offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the NCAA basketball tournament, the impact of coaching and player dynamics, and the broader changes shaping college basketball. Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf blend insightful commentary with personal stories and lively banter, making the episode both informative and entertaining for listeners.
Notable Quotes:
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Jay Williams (Myron): “The tournament has now given us...if Auburn wins today and then if Houston wins, if we get four teams number one season, the final Four, is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
[01:21] -
Matt Jones: “I think Auburn is looking now like the team that lost one game in 90 days. That's a real number.”
[18:28] -
Myron Medcalf: “We get the best product at the time where the game is the most visible.”
[31:39] -
Jay Williams: “Don't mess with MC Hammer.”
[39:49]
This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and the dynamic interplay between the hosts. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the current landscape of college basketball.