Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron: Hour 1 – Selection Show Summary

Release Date: March 16, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf
Platform: ESPN Radio

1. Introduction and Setting

The episode kicks off on Selection Sunday, the most anticipated day in college basketball, where the NCAA tournament brackets are unveiled. Hosts Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf, in studio together for the first time since pre-COVID, set the stage for an engaging discussion on the tournament selections and key storylines shaping this year's bracketology.

2. Bracketology and Selection Sunday Overview

Myron Metcalf expresses his excitement, stating, "This is maybe my favorite day of the year sports-wise, when the brackets come out" ([00:34]). The hosts delve into the anticipation surrounding the automatic bids, with only Big Ten and American tournaments still pending at the time of recording.

Matt Jones adds enthusiasm, "It's Selection Sunday, man. It's always the most exciting day of the year." ([01:20]) They discuss the balance of joy and disappointment as teams either make or miss the tournament.

3. Discussion of Key Teams and Storylines

a. North Carolina's Bracket Bust Potential

Matt Jones highlights the precarious situation for North Carolina, noting, "From 1975 to 2009, North Carolina missed the NCAA tournament twice... now today, if they miss it, that's two out of three years" ([02:39]). This marks a significant downturn for a historically strong program.

b. Duke's Prospects and Cooper Flagg's Availability

The impact of Cooper Flagg's injury on Duke's tournament prospects is a focal point. Myron Metcalf questions the implications of Bubba Cunningham—the chair of the selection committee and athletic director at North Carolina—announcing the brackets, especially concerning Duke’s chances ([04:16]). The conversation incorporates humor and speculation about Flagg’s availability: "Cooper Flag will be available for the NCAA Tournament. So don't expect that to impact their seeding" ([40:04]).

c. Texas and the Dominant SEC Conference

Myron Metcalf praises the SEC, claiming it's "the best league I've ever seen" ([16:04]). Tom Crean concurs, emphasizing the depth and competitiveness of the conference: "Florida... they just keep getting better... they're playing the best basketball in America right now" ([06:16]). The hosts discuss how the SEC's strength surpasses traditional powerhouses like the Big East, highlighting that the conference is poised to secure numerous top-seed spots.

d. St. John's Renaissance under Rick Patino

A standout storyline is Rick Patino’s transformation of St. John's, winning the Big East tournament for the first time in over 30 years. Myron Metcalf lauds Patino, saying, "Rick Patino at St. John's has done one of the most amazing things we've ever seen" ([07:25]). Matt Jones echoes this sentiment, forecasting St. John's as a potential national championship contender: "I think they're that good." ([07:50]).

4. Interview with Tom Crean

Tom Crean, a featured guest, shares his insights on the pressures of coaching during Selection Sunday:

• Stress and Focus: "It's unbelievably nerve-wracking... You're really trying to navigate... your mind is on that." ([13:26])
• Managing Public and Family Expectations: Emphasizes the importance of administrative support and involving family in the process to handle ticket requests and media attention ([15:37]).
• SEC Dominance: Aligns with Metcalf's view on the SEC's superiority, providing statistical backing on teams' performances: "Florida, when Walter Clayton was on the court, the conference games... plus 2,43. Duke... plus 456." ([16:04]-[17:02])

Crean discusses the challenges young, freshman-led teams face in winning championships, attributing it to physicality and the speed of the game: "It's the physical play... the game goes faster... you have to build a process which is really hard." ([18:23]).

5. Predictions for the Tournament

Myron Metcalf's Five-Team Picks

Myron presents his five-team prediction, confidently asserting, "The four number one seeds are Duke, Auburn, Houston, Florida." ([24:51]). He adds Alabama as his wildcard contender: "I’m going to put Alabama as my fifth team that can win the title because they can score so much." ([25:47]). Myron's picks reflect his confidence in traditional powerhouses and emerging teams.

Matt Jones' Insights

Matt considers factors such as player injuries and team resilience:

• Duke: Likely to reach the second round without Flagg but uncertain about advancing further without him fully available ([05:12]-[05:42]).
• Houston and Auburn: Strong defensive teams with robust offensive capabilities ([26:18]-[26:44]).
• Michigan: Unique playstyle with two seven-footers, making them a tough matchup ([29:06]).

Surprise Teams:

• BYU and McNeese: Potential dark horses capable of deep runs due to strong performances in late-season tournaments ([29:55]-[32:36]).

6. General Discussion on Bracketology

The hosts discuss the increasing complexity and competitiveness of bracket selections, noting the SEC's overwhelming presence with 13 teams likely to make the tournament ([16:04]). They emphasize the strategic elements involved in predicting matchups and the influence of coaching styles, especially those emphasizing big men and unique offensive structures.

Notable Quote:
"You’re acting like it’s not cool to have been the kid that was the bracket guy. I feel like that was pretty cool." – Myron Metcalf reflecting on the personal aspects of bracketology ([38:14]).

7. Key Conclusions and Final Thoughts

As the bracket reveal approaches, Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf express their excitement and the significance of this event in the sports calendar. They underscore the pivotal role of player availability, team depth, and coaching strategies in shaping the tournament's outcome.

Myron Metcalf concludes with enthusiasm, "This is the greatest sporting event in the world, and this is the first time you and I have done it in studio together since COVID" ([39:44]).

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones: "It's Selection Sunday... one of the most remarkable spans in college basketball history." ([02:39])
• Myron Metcalf: "You won't let UAB win because they'll steal a bid if they do." ([11:06])
• Tom Crean: "There's nothing like it. As a head coach, you get really caught up in how it's going for everybody else." ([14:13])
• Myron Metcalf: "Rick Patino is the biggest star in this NCAA tournament in terms of recognizable figures." ([08:42])

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an in-depth analysis of the upcoming NCAA tournament, highlighting the dominance of the SEC, the resurgence of storied programs like St. John's, and the intricate dynamics of bracket selection. Through expert insights and lively discussions, Matt and Myron provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect as the tournament unfolds.