Hour 3: AJ Dybantsa & Nolan Smith join the show...

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron

Hour 3: AJ Dybantsa & Nolan Smith join the show...
Date: March 16, 2026
Hosts: Myron Medcalf, Matt Jones
Guests: Tom Crean (analyst), AJ Dybantsa (BYU forward), Nolan Smith (Tennessee State coach)

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Episode Overview

The third hour of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron is devoted to NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Selection Sunday. Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf—joined by Tom Crean—give instant bracket reactions, debate upsets, and analyze regional matchups. The episode features two exclusive interviews: with AJ Dybantsa, one of the country's top freshmen (BYU), and first-year head coach Nolan Smith of Tennessee State.

The tone is lively and insightful, packed with predictions, debates, and stories that bring the personalities of college basketball to life.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Selection Sunday Reactions & Bracketology

[00:00–05:45]

• Hosts react to conference tournament results and bracket reveals:

  • “Arizona Wildcats, they win the Big 12 tournament championship.” – Matt Jones [00:00]
  • “NDSU is your regular season and postseason champions of the Summit League.” – Myron Metcalf [00:49]

• Off-the-radar upset picks (“bracket busters”):

  • Matt’s pick: Wright State over Virginia – “That’s completely off the radar. I’m not even saying it’s going to happen…” – Matt Jones [01:46]
  • Tom Crean lauds TJ Power’s 44-point game as a harbinger of March heroics: “…a lot of tournament experiences where some guy comes out of nowhere, drops 30-plus…” – Tom Crean [02:42]
  • Myron: Hofstra over Alabama, praising coach Speedy Claxton’s journey and team’s guard play [03:15–04:08].

• Potential for Tennessee State to push Iowa State:

  • “Eight minutes to go… going to be a one-possession game with my man Nolan Smith in Tennessee State against Iowa State.” – Matt Jones [04:13]

2. Regional Breakdowns and Dark Horse Teams

[04:49–09:10]

• In-depth look at the West (Arizona’s bracket):

  • Arkansas as a wild card, backed by a red-hot Darius Acuff Jr.
    • “I don’t know that anyone in America is playing better basketball than Darius Acuff Jr. right now.” – Tom Crean [05:19]
  • Arizona’s championship credentials: depth, matchup problems, and adaptable offense.
    • “They’re the most prepared team to win a championship... Arizona’s depth is what makes it stand out.” – Tom Crean [06:49]
    • Myron: “I think they win it because… even if they have bad shooting nights from three, they’re rebounding their misses.” [07:26]

• Oddities in seeding: Confusion over committee rationale (Miami of Ohio as lowest at-large, but not mentioned as last team in) [08:33–09:10].

3. Player and Coach Interviews

A. AJ Dybantsa (BYU Forward)

[12:45–19:27]
One of the NCAA’s hottest pro prospects shares his journey, mindset, and leadership growth.

• On making his NCAA Tournament debut:

  • “It just feels good watching March Madness on the TV for all these years, seeing all the buzzer beaters, and now actually being able to play in this is a real feeling for sure.” – AJ Dybantsa [13:12]

• Stepping up as a leader after teammate injury:

  • “He challenged me to be more vocal on the defensive end and just try to pick guys up, which I wasn’t really used to, but… got to do it if you want to win.” [13:36]

• Defensive potential—and praise from Tom Crean:

  • “You are by far the best freshman defender… you’re going to be next level defensively.” – Tom Crean [13:53]
  • “It’s just more of an effort standpoint, just wanting do it… sometimes just being lazy… can’t happen in this tournament…” – AJ Dybantsa [14:24]
  • “You got a chance to be a Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Paul George… type defender…” – Myron Metcalf [17:40]

• Clarification on name pronunciation:

  • “Give me definitively... how am I supposed to pronounce your last name?” – Matt Jones
  • “Yeah, it’s B. Bonsa.” – AJ Dybantsa [15:10]

• Pro outlook and future:

  • “I might come back. Obviously you’re in the running for the number one pick. How are you seeing your professional future…?” – Tom Crean [15:21]
  • “I was waiting for March Madness my whole life and... that’s what I’m really focused on right now.” – AJ Dybantsa [15:36]

• Comparing footwork to Kobe Bryant’s:

  • “When you go to the gym... what would people see?” – Tom Crean
  • “It’s actually a lot of reads… just work on just shooting with the hand in my face… it’s not that complicated.” – AJ Dybantsa [16:47]

• Post-dunk preference (a fun, human moment):

  • “What’s your preference after you dunk on somebody? Is it trash talk? Is it stare downs?...” – Tom Crean
  • “The go to is probably a stare down, especially if it’s a loud one…” – AJ Dybantsa [18:33]

B. Nolan Smith (Tennessee State Head Coach)

[24:31–29:03]
A first-year coach leads his team to March—and reflects on building culture and facing high-major powerhouses.

• On first March Madness as a head coach:

  • “Our guys, they’ve worked all year to become champions and now we’re getting ready to attack this tournament as such.” – Nolan Smith [24:31]

• Building culture after a late hire:

  • “We had to come in and cultivate relationships with these guys... Play fast, press, create organized chaos on defense…” [25:15]
  • Team’s turning point came after a tough loss at Morehead State: “…our guys got together, just locked in and called each other out... From there they took off on both ends...” [25:44]

• Challenges of program-building at mid-major level:

  • “It’s very, very unique here… but… just piecing these guys together… our guys… never made excuses and just kept grinding.” [26:04]

• Standout player—Travis Harper II:

  • “Probably one of the best shooters in the tournament right now... he’s very dangerous, very confident…” [27:00]

• Keys to challenging Iowa State in the first round:

  • “We got a rebound. We got to be tough and physical and do all the little things… apply pressure, get downhill, get some of their guys in foul trouble…” [27:42]

• On the legendary 2007 McDonald’s All American Class:

  • “Absolutely... a lot of Hall of Famers, and from top to bottom, was definitely one of the best classes of all time.” [28:34]

4. Coaching Strategies & Tournament Prep

[29:03–35:02]

• Tom Crean on preparing an underdog for a March run:

  • “Before you show Iowa State… you show some common things that you faced. Okay, your league is not Iowa State’s league, but… we’ve been dealing with this all year, right?” [29:20]
  • “You keep it short, but you keep it intense…” [30:19]
  • “You give them every bit of confidence you can that some of the things they do are good enough to beat Iowa State.” [31:12]

• The importance of matchups, especially for one seeds in early rounds:

  • “This year is the most matchup-oriented for the one seeds through the first weekend.” – Tom Crean [31:55]
  • “You can’t keep advancing… if you can’t defend the rim or defend bigs that can shoot the ball.” [33:38]

• Coaches adept at short turnaround prep:

  • “Tom Izzo’s phenomenal... I think Izzo has the best record in the second game on these tournaments of any coach in the field.” [33:54]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On March Madness magic:

  • “That’s the beauty of this time of year.” – Myron Metcalf [04:47]

• On Arizona as a title favorite:

  • “Arizona’s the only team that could turn to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 guys who can pick up the score low defensively.” – Tom Crean [06:49]

• Dybantsa’s humble approach:

  • “Sometimes just being lazy… can’t happen in this tournament…” – AJ Dybantsa [14:24]
  • “I was waiting for March Madness my whole life… that’s what I’m really focused on right now.” [15:36]

• On handling post-dunk etiquette:

  • “The go to is probably a stare down, especially if it’s a loud one…” – AJ Dybantsa [18:33]

• On the value of program-building:

  • “Our guys… never made excuses and just kept grinding.” – Nolan Smith [26:42]

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:00–05:45] — Bracket selection show reactions, upset picks
• [05:45–09:10] — In-depth look at Arizona’s regional path, case for title favorites
• [09:10–12:33] — Seeding logic confusion, transition to interviews
• [12:45–19:27] — Interview: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
• [24:31–29:03] — Interview: Nolan Smith (Tennessee State)
• [29:03–35:02] — Coaching strategies for underdogs, matchup analysis, second-game coaching
• [37:08–44:00] — Hosts “play out” their tournament picks, Final Four and championship predictions
• [44:10–45:17] — Most exciting first-round games to watch

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Tournament Predictions & Bracket Picks

[37:08–44:00]

• Hosts pick their “chalk” Sweet 16 and debate who advances:
  • Arizona emerges as universal champion pick.
    • “The winner of the NCAA selection special championship is Arizona.” – Matt Jones [41:58]
  • Case for Arizona: unmatched depth, multiple scoring threats, ability to withstand off-nights from stars.
  • Noted Final Four sleepers: Duke, Virginia, Florida, Iowa State
• Tips for bracket fill-out:
  • “The two most common mistakes people make is what we did. Always picking 1 seeds…” – Matt Jones [43:24]

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Engaging, Authentic Moments

• Playful jabs and self-deprecation (e.g., Tom Crean about Provo: “Cause there’s nothing to do… Are you trying to… down blow Provo?” [20:43])
• Name pronunciation riff around AJ Dybantsa [15:10–20:35]
• Insider tales, e.g., McDonald’s All American class; preparation memories with Tom Izzo [28:34, 33:54]

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Final Thoughts

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron captures Selection Sunday’s excitement, blends sharp analysis with quotable moments, and uses two standout interviews to showcase the personalities shaping this year’s tournament. Whether you’re strategizing your bracket, curious about future NBA draftees like AJ Dybantsa, or rooting for underdogs led by new voices like Nolan Smith, this episode sets the table for a thrilling March.

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(For more coverage, tune in every Sunday morning at 10 am ET on ESPN Radio.)

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

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. The Arizona Wildcats, they win the Big 12 tournament championship. The UMBC retrievers dancing on a March Madness. This is A victory for St. John's and the Panthers are going dancing. Our nation, the 2026 Conference USA champions and Hawaii is on to the NCAA tournament.

[Myron Metcalf]

NDSU is your regular season and postseason champions of the Summit League.

[Matt Jones]

Shark Nation.

[Myron Metcalf]

Put your fins up.

[Matt Jones]

Liu has won the NEC. And the Roy State Raiders, your 2026 Horizon League tournament champions. The Hobster prime heading to the NCAA tournament. They are CAA Conference tournament champion.

[Myron Metcalf]

Sienna back where it belongs.

[Matt Jones]

And the Saints are marching into the madness. CBU says save the last chance for me. Let the games begin. This is the men's bracketology selection show on ESP and on the ESPN app.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Let the games begin.

[Matt Jones]

That's a very haunting song. It's intense. The games begin here on the men's college basketball selection special on ESPN Radio presented by Marriott Bonvoy. He's my metcalf. I'm Matt Jones. Tom Crean joining us as well. The times of the game should come out here very shortly for the first and second round. Some questions. As you know, I have a text machine where people can Write in text 772-774-5254. Let's do a couple here. One person writes map. I like that you said right State over Virginia. As you're off the radar upset pit. Everybody always picks things like McNe State and then everybody picks. I'd like Tom and Myron's potential completely off the radar upset pick. Mine was right State. That's completely off the radar. I'm not even saying guys it's going to happen, but what' to watch for you just never.

[Tom Crean]

I mean TJ Power dropped 44 in the day. I mean I think we have a lot of tournament experiences where some guy comes out of nowhere, drops 30 plus

[Myron Metcalf]

score 32 points all of last year at Virginia. Is that crazy?

[Tom Crean]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Is that right?

[Myron Metcalf]

He's a great. He's one of the best pure shooters I've ever seen.

[Tom Crean]

Well, he's probably. He's on his way back to the power four level after that performance. But if you're Illinois, I don't think you want to Face a guy time that just scored 44 and led his team to a win.

[Matt Jones]

I like that one. So that's off the radar. What about you?

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm going to go. I've already said this once, but I'm going to say it again. South Florida. Florida over Louisville, without question.

[Matt Jones]

That's a 6 11, though.

[Myron Metcalf]

I think you want a bigger one,

[Matt Jones]

more aggressive than that one. Okay.

[Myron Metcalf]

Hofstra over elevator.

[Matt Jones]

That's a good one.

[Myron Metcalf]

You want me to go lower than that? No, no, that's a.

[Matt Jones]

That's a good. Hofstra over Alabama. That's if Phylon starts to play out of control and speedy. Claxton, what a cool story. By the way, last time then, you know, goes the tournament as an assistant coach, goes the term as a player, and now's a head coach.

[Tom Crean]

Donated part of his NBA salary to help build the arena they play in. I mean, he.

[Matt Jones]

He is as Hofstra. I didn't even know that he did.

[Tom Crean]

He is as Hofstra as you can be.

[Myron Metcalf]

He can coach now. He can coach now.

[Matt Jones]

They're not just a good story now.

[Myron Metcalf]

Wait till people see Preston, Ed Mead. Ed Mead and Cruz Davis. Now you talk about guys that are going to be high priced guys if they decide to leave and worth it. But what he's done with that team, my concerns would be are they going to have enough to defend inside consistently. But. But they're going to put a lot of pressure on the Alabama guards with the way that they shoot the ball.

[Matt Jones]

Can I give you my longest, Longest off the shot?

[Myron Metcalf]

State's Northern, right.

[Tom Crean]

State.

[Matt Jones]

Well, Wright State, I'm picking. Okay. All right. I'm not picking this one. I'm just saying, you write this down, Evan. Eight minutes to go in the game on Thursday or Friday, whenever they play, it's going to be a one possession game with my man Nolan Smith in Tennessee State against Iowa State.

[Tom Crean]

I believe that. Like, I mean, that's not a crazy idea. They forced turnovers.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Tom Crean]

25th and defensive turnover rate.

[Matt Jones]

They're tough and there's some. I can't think off the top of my head. They had a game, they played a power team this year where it was in that exact situation. I can't remember which one it was. Tom's looking at me like I'm nuts and saying that. But that's the beauty.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's the beauty of this time of year.

[Matt Jones]

All right, let's go to the West. This is the Arizona bracket. Arizona is the one, Purdue the two, Gonzaga the three, Arkansas the four. I was going to ask you all this question so I'll just use my pick now to give you a chance to say it. I think Arkansas, as much as it pains me to say it with our former coach, there is the one team where a guy could just put the team on his back and the, the one team that no one picks as the potential national champion that I could see doing it if everything went perfectly is Arkansas.

[Tom Crean]

Cal has always advanced to the second weekend with great point guards. I mean, to me Derek of is in that Derrick Rose, John Wall, de' Aaron Fox category. Those teams always advance. I don't know that anyone in America is playing better basketball than Darius Acuff Jr. Right now. I don't know that there's a matchup for him individually right now because of the way he's playing. And I just think if you're Arkansas, you got to be excited because your leader is hot at the right time.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, if they do get to a game against Wisconsin, he will be hard to guard because they can run the pick and roll so well. He can score, he can move it. But the stars of the game, if they're going to beat Wisconsin are going to have to be Trevon Brazeale, they're going to be Nick Pringle, going to have to be Malik Ewan because they're not only going to have to score inside, they're going to have to come out and guard outside and threw a 40 minute game. And that would be the only pause I'd have on that. But it wouldn't shock me at all to see Arkansas keep climbing. I thought you go back to the way they played at the beginning of the year. They've hit a couple of lulls but they've been improving. I thought, I thought John's team got a lot better last year at Arkansas in February.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, they were, they started last year 1 and 6 in conference and then by the end.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, and I'm not sure I would say that right now, But Darius Acuff Jr. Has been so good. But if you get that type of Brazil that you got today for you, don't even have him be that good for that long. But he's got to be good long.

[Matt Jones]

He was great the entire SEC tournament played this year.

[Myron Metcalf]

Hey, there's, there's, there's no limits to that team.

[Matt Jones]

Arizona is my pick. We'll do this at the end, but I'm gonna give my tease. I'm gonna pick Arizona to win the whole thing. Do you think they're the best team in the country now that Foster is

[Tom Crean]

out at Duke, I think I still have Duke because who Cameron Boozer is. I'll tell you what Arizona is. They're the most prepared team to win a championship. Like I think at any point in the tournament you're going to go through a scoring drought. Your best player is going to be off. Arizona's the only team that could turn to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 guys who can pick up the score low defensively. They're really tough, they're physical. I mean co opied has been kind of hot and cold looking like an elite player sometimes kind of off and looking like a freshman other times. If you're telling me that dude is maybe the fourth or fifth best player in any given game who's really prepared to face that. So I think Arizona's depth is what makes it stand out.

[Myron Metcalf]

I think their depth, I don't think they have many weaknesses. I think they have eight legitimate high major starters in that team. I think they got matchup nightmares like Ivan Karchenkov is a problem. Braden Buries is a problem. Jaden Bradley can run it. You mentioned co opit. Yeah, they're tough and physical inside. I think they win it because. Because even if they have bad shooting nights from three. I mentioned this earlier in the show and since they played Houston, so I think it's eight games now, Houston the first time when they beat him at Houston, 22% of their points are coming from the three point line. 24% of their points are coming from the foul line, which is crazy. But, but you're. They're rebounding their misses which I think when you get into this time of year, okay, you have. If you're going to really win it, you have to understand a lot of your strengths are going to be taken away. Is your worst weakness something that you can control or can that beat you? And their weakness might be the three point shooting percentages but the rebounding and the ability to get fouled I think negates that.

[Tom Crean]

You gotta be a good shooting team though, I think to win a championship. That's the one question. Like we haven't had a lot of bad three point teams in recent years win titles there.

[Matt Jones]

The playing game in this region is Texas, NC State. I don't totally understand what the committee chair was saying a minute ago. If you look, they've now released the official list of seeds. Miami of Ohio is the lowest at large team in the tournament, but yet he said they weren't the last team in Texas. SMU and NC State were But they are the lowest Atlantic. That doesn't make sense to me. And I tried to get and didn't really get an answer. I don't get that either they were the lowest or they weren't. I don't, I don't understand what he means.

[Tom Crean]

I mean the entire Midwest region. I mean, he said Michigan dropped to the third one seed after losing to Purdue and they gave them the easiest region. I don't understand the conversation about Miami. I think to me is it feels like they were selective and what the championship games meant throughout some of these tournaments. And I think that's my choice.

[Matt Jones]

But he did say, Tom, that like had Michigan State one, then they, excuse me, had Purdue not one, the Michigan State would have been a two. I mean that's. But see, that would have been easy for them just to flip both teams

[Myron Metcalf]

in the big they are saying that these tournaments really matter. They do say that, especially at the highest level of it. Because Joe Linardi's theory is for every loss you have late in the year, like once you're in right, it counts half a seed, right? Which is very interesting because I had to think about that a little bit and it makes sense. Now you get into this. We had people legitimately being dropped a seed or jumping a full seed by the win.

[Matt Jones]

Also noted that Houston or UConn could have taken the last one seed if they the NCAA Men's College Basketball Selection special is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Save when you bundle motorcycle, RV, boat insurance, visit progressive.com one of the top players in the country and the potential number one overall draft pick will join us to talk about his getting ready for the tournament. That's next on the Selection special on ESPN Radio. Matt and Myron the Podcast. I like things my way, my coffee, my schedule and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self injecting with the Vivgard Hyrulo pre filled syringe which contains fgartigamide 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 myway.com and talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hytrulo brought to you by Argenics. As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger 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 Granger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-granger, click grainger.com or just stop by. It is the NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament selection Special presented by Marriott Bonvoy, Matt Jones, Myron Metcalf and Tom Cream. The game times are out. The tournament will kick off Thursday in Buffalo, New York at 12:15 South Florida in Louisville. I believe Louisville kicked off the tournament last year, actually playing Creighton in the very first game of the tournament. Then Penn in Illinois, McNeese and Vandy, Hawaii and Arkansas and east and Vandy maybe trying to pull that early upset before as the tournament starts. I'm not gonna sit here and go through all of them. But South Florida, Thomas said, can beat Louisville. You, you feel pretty strong about that. I know you did a couple of South Florida games and you, you think that's really 11, that can take out a six?

[Myron Metcalf]

Absolutely. I think, and I don't think it's just because it's Louisville. That speed is incredible. They, they could win, too. I mean, because it's going to be very, very hard to turn around and get ready for a team. They play so fast, they're aggressive, they're physical, do a lot of good things.

[Matt Jones]

All right. We are now joined on the phone by a player that has been talked about throughout the year and now gets a chance to play in his first NCAA tournament. AJ DeBonsa of BYU. AJ, first of all, congratulations. Thanks for coming on. What does it feel like to get to play in an NCAA tournament? I'm sure you have watched them your whole life and you're going to be tipping off. We don't know against who your opponent is yet. But coming up this week, first off,

[AJ DeBonsa]

I appreciate y' all having me, but no, it just feels good watching March Madness on the, on the TV for all these years, seeing all the buzzer beaters, seeing all the upsets and, you know, actually going to a Final Four with Team USA and now actually being able to play in this is a real feeling for sure.

[Tom Crean]

A.J. what kind of leader did you have to become when Richie Saunders went down with the season ending injury?

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, Kyc, you know, he challenged me and Rob to step up big time because Richie was our vet, he was our vocal leader. So, you know, he challenged me to be more Vocal on the defensive end and just try to pick guys up, which I wasn't really used to, but you know, got to do it if you want to win games. And I've been trying to do it to the best of my ability.

[Myron Metcalf]

AJ this is Tom Crean and I've been on any network I've talked on, especially espn, that you are by far the best freshman defender. But at times it hasn't been as good with the switching when you guys had some tough games. I think you're going to be next level defensively. I think you'll be an all league defensive guy at a young age. What do you have to do going into this tournament not only as a team defender, but to make yourself be ready to be that individual, individual defender that you're so fully capable of being?

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, for me it's just more of an effort standpoint, just wanting do it. Obviously I have the physical tools and the physical ability to do it, but you know, sometimes just being lazy and stuff like that especially it can't happen in this tournament because you know it's one or go, it's either win or go home. So you know, just trying to be, you know, active hands, being help side get some weak side blocks and just taking full pride in my one on one defense.

[Matt Jones]

Now I have a feeling that I'm going to be saying your name over the next 15 or 20 years. And a lot of times this happens with kids where their name gets pronounced two different ways and you never know what, what's actually supposed to be. So AJ Give me definitively when I say your name on ESPN radio for the next decade. How am I supposed to pronounce your last name correctly?

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, it's B. Bonsa.

[Matt Jones]

And I always tell him he's wrong,

[Tom Crean]

it's D. I said the right way.

[AJ DeBonsa]

All these people are wrong.

[Tom Crean]

I said it the right way. AJ we heard you do an interview where you said, you know what, I like college, I might come back. Obviously you're in the running for the number one pick. How are you seeing your professional future as you get ready to head into this NCAA tournament?

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, definitely, like just being a kid and you know, it could potentially be that close. You're definitely looking forward to it. But I mean I was waiting for Mars Madness my whole life and you know, that's, I'm really focused on right now.

[Myron Metcalf]

A.J. when you go into the gym, another basketball question for it because people see it and we can talk about the release point, you know, how you get your shot off over everybody. You're as close with your footwork in college to what Kobe Bryant was with his footwork around. No, absolutely. I'm not comparing. I'm not saying he's Kobe. Aj AJ AJ I've coached Anthony Edwards, Dwayne Wade, Victor Aleep. I know some guards, but here's what I. I'm not comparing you to Kobe. What I'm saying is your footwork and your ability to score over top of people in the post, in the short corner, in the block area, when you drive it into the lane, that is what is Kobe like to me. Okay. When you go to the gym, because everybody knows Kobe's workouts. All you have to do is read about. His workouts were crazy, right? Start 4:30 or 5 in the morning. If somebody came in and watched you working out individually on your offensive game, what would they see?

[AJ DeBonsa]

It's actually a lot of reads. So I have a defender in front of me or a coach or a manager, and, you know, he'll actually give me a move and based off of that, I'll just try to counter off of it or, you know, just work on just shooting with the hand in my face. I'll give. It's not that. It's not that complicated. My workers aren't that complicated.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, you're. You're doing it. And again, I don't want America to get wrong. Wouldn't say. I'm not saying he's Kobe Bryant.

[Tom Crean]

We got you.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay, that. That's one of one. I'm saying his footwork and his ability to rise up over any size person is as good as there is.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, this man, you understand, A.J. this man coached Dwayne Wade in college. Yeah, he, quote, coached Anthony Edwards in college. AJ that's gotta feel good to even have that word used with you, right?

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, yeah. No, I definitely know who Tom Cream is. Yeah. Just see, he's got some of my favorite players. But, you know, for him to even say that, I mean, it feels good, but I wouldn't even give myself.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, no, no, no, no. I was using the comparison. And I would tell you, your defense. I say this all the time on the air. Your defense is. Is you. You got a chance to be a Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, OG Anunoby Typ defender that can play great team defense and can get around screens, that can anticipate your level of quickness with your hands and with your feet is incredible. And I hope that you show America and the world this week just how good you are defensively, because I Think it's a very under. Everybody sees your scoring and they see how you play. I'm not sure everybody understands how good you can be defensively, and I hope everybody gets to see that.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, I definitely showcase that.

[Tom Crean]

Aj, what's your preference after you dunk on somebody? Is it trash talk? Is it stares down? Is it the walk off? Like, what do you prefer in those moments when you really get somebody?

[AJ DeBonsa]

You know, the go to. The go to is probably a stare down, especially if it's a loud one, the loud punch. I probably wouldn't stare down under the same thing.

[Matt Jones]

Listen, A.J. i've seen you talk. Don't act like I haven't seen you talking at people during games.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, I mean, I definitely talk, but my. My top two dunks this year, it was just a stare down. Get back on defense. Yeah, I think we're losing both times. So I just get back on defense.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, that's tough when you do it, when you lose it, unfortunately, AJ Looking forward to it. You actually play. I don't know if you know the time yet. You will be the last game to start in the first round. So you got to watch all those games. You tip off at 10:40 at night in the. In that game, but good. But you'll be waiting a long time. But I know you'll be ready to go.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, for sure, I'll be ready.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right.

[Matt Jones]

AJ debons, and thank you very much from byu. Appreciate your time.

[Myron Metcalf]

Thanks, AJ thank you.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Thank you.

[Tom Crean]

That's a lot.

[Matt Jones]

There you go. There's gonna be a day here, Myron, where we go. We interviewed AJ DeBonsa when he's in college. He's gonna be that good.

[Myron Metcalf]

I know the world knows how to pronounce it.

[Tom Crean]

Knows how to pronounce it.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's right.

[Tom Crean]

And you know, I don't know how you see him. And I love Darren Peterson and everything he brings to the table. I don't know how you watch him and think there's somebody else who can be the number.

[Matt Jones]

Would you take him number one?

[Tom Crean]

I think you have to because a possibility.

[Matt Jones]

Tom, would you?

[Myron Metcalf]

Based on the potential of upside of what he could do defensively. If I was getting ready to win, if I ended up with that lottery pick and I was really close to being a finalist in the Western Conference or Eastern Conference or a finalist. I might take Cam Boozer because I think he's the most ready. He won't play from day one.

[Tom Crean]

He's going to be great from day one and be great.

[Myron Metcalf]

But if you're looking for two, three years. And Darren Peterson certainly right in this conversation. Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings. Caleb Wilson. AJ DeBianta can be an incredible defender. Not good. Great. Like all league defensive player of the year in the league at some point. Not that far down the future.

[Matt Jones]

Debonza.

[Tom Crean]

DebonSA.

[Myron Metcalf]

Did I say it wrong?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, you said bansa Debons.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, Debona. See, I gotta listen.

[Matt Jones]

Debancer. No, he said Bonsa.

[Tom Crean]

Yeah, Debonsa.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Tom Crean]

When I went to Provo, one of the things he said is being up there allowed him to just really lock in and focus. He is a basketball junkie, man. And I think that's just gonna help.

[Matt Jones]

Cause there's nothing to do. You're saying. Cause there's nothing to do in Provo.

[Tom Crean]

But I think he. No, I think he.

[Matt Jones]

Are you trying to down blow? He took Provo.

[Tom Crean]

I was in practice with him. He told me he wanted that kind of environment. It is beautiful up there.

[Matt Jones]

It is beautiful. All right, so you, Tom and I are gonna stick around. But you are about to take off. So I want before you take off to go do some kind of big time show where you're with all the stars. What is your Final Four?

[Tom Crean]

Okay. I guess I'm gonna shock everybody. You know, supposed to be the expert or whatever. Give me Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Florida.

[Matt Jones]

That's the weakest thing.

[Tom Crean]

What do you want? You want my. You want my honest Final Four? Do you want the. The matt upset special Final Four?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, listen. Sponsored by Marriott. Is that what you're saying? Come out here and take the 41 seats. If she'd be sponsoring. Give me your. Give me your. Off the radar could make the Final Four and it would shock everybody.

[Tom Crean]

Team okay.

[Matt Jones]

In every region.

[Tom Crean]

I'll give you that. Obviously, number five, St. John's you got to put them in that conversation. I think four Arkansas out of the west. In the Midwest. I think Alabama can kind of overwhelm teams potentially. And in the South, I think I would pick Illinois. Keaton Wilder is a real dude.

[Matt Jones]

All right, I'll let you take those, Myron. Thank you very much. Tom Crane and I are going to stick around and we're going to go through some of the rest, including a couple of coaches coming to their first tournaments. I saw one of these coaches, Tom. I mean, you've probably had this happen before. I watched him play in high school and now he's coaching the team to the tournament.

[Myron Metcalf]

Amazing. In his first year.

[Matt Jones]

I'm guessing that's making me. Making me feel kind of old. We'll do that and more here on the NCAA Tournament men's college basketball selection special on ESPN Radio. Matt and Myron the podcast. Save money and get a better view of the road when you replace your worn out wiper blades at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Right now, save $10 on a pair

[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

your local O'Reilly Auto Parts store or online@o'reillyauto.com quick time out. Some breakfast intel you want to know about. Kodiak Frozen Power waffles and flapjacks are built for busy mornings. Heat it, eat it and you're out the door.

[Myron Metcalf]

No long prep, no complicated game plan. They're packed with 12 to 14 grams

[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

grains, not refined white flour. So you're getting something that actually fuels you and there's depth on the roster. Buttermilk and vanilla, blueberry chocolate chip. Even gluten free options.

[Myron Metcalf]

Breakfast that delivers, snack that delivers. Find Kodiak frozen waffles and flapjacks in

[Matt Jones]

the frozen aisle at your local grocery store. They're the ones with the bear on the box. It is the NCAA tournament men's college basketball selection special presented by Marriott Bonvoy. The women's bracket has come out and the women's show will be next here on ESPN Radio as well. I'm Matt Jones. My Metcalf had to run off and do other things. I'm still with my man, coach Tom Crane. And we are now joined on the phone making his first NCAA tournament from Tennessee State, Nolan Smith. Nolan, I was telling Tom during the break, it makes me feel old. A guy that I watched play high school basketball is now taken a college team to the NCAA tournament as a coach. From, from high school basketball to NCAA tournament, congrats. And you got to be excited about your team and what's ahead.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah. Thank you so much for having me and absolutely. I'm very excited. Our guys, they worked. They've worked all year to become champions and now we're getting ready to attack this tournament as such.

[Myron Metcalf]

Nolan, this is Tom Crean. Congratulations. I was sitting next to Kevin Keats since last Saturday. And so whenever you were on tv, there was no, there was no beat objective with Nolan. He was totally, I mean, no beat objective for Nolan. With Kevin, he was totally locked in. But here's my question, because you got the job in July and everybody talks about that. When did you start to feel inside of the summer or in the fall or a certain time period of the season where, okay, they've really not only bought into what we're doing, they are locked in to what we can become.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, you know, first getting the job when we got it, obviously we had to come in and cultivate relationships with these guys, get them to trust us, get them to understand what we were trying to do. Play fast, press, create organized chaos on defense with everything we do. And really it was the Morehead State lost at their place that when we got back, our guys got together, just locked in and called each other out, talked about what we needed to do and what we weren't doing. And from there they took off on both ends of the court.

[Matt Jones]

No one tell folks what it's like. You're at Tennessee State in today's world where players, you know, come and go and what it's like to build a program at your level. What is it like on a day to day basis and, and how good does it feel when you take a group like you have and are able to build them to make a tournament run?

[AJ DeBonsa]

Oh, yeah. I mean, it's very, very unique here. But you know, for us, the guys that come in with the staff, I was able to get in, you know, it felt really good just, you know, piecing these guys together. A bunch of the guys are returning guys, getting Dante Harris really last minute and, you know, he was really the glue guy, the veteran, veteran point guard who's been a Big east mop in the tournament and won at Virginia, played under Coach Bennett. You know, when it all started to come together, it just looked really good. But again, our guys throughout the whole season, this whole season long, never made excuses and just kept grinding.

[Myron Metcalf]

When you get into the tournament, I think people are going to learn this name quickly. Travis Harper ii. I've been watching him since he was a junior in high school. He's from Columbus. Georg, where's number two for you? He's averaging 17 points a game. Tell our listeners what Travis Harper II has meant to your first year here.

[AJ DeBonsa]

He's been amazing. Probably one of the best shooters in the tournament right now. He had games where he's hit nine threes in the game, five threes, probably multiple times, and he's very dangerous, very confident in our freedom and our style of play offensively where we want to get up and down and play fast. You got to find him very early and then he's also a really good score because he can also, if you run him off the line, he can get to a mid range shot and elevate over the top.

[Matt Jones]

All right, you play Iowa State in the first round. Interesting contrast of styles. I know you haven't probably gotten to look at them a lot yet, but what are you going to have to do besides just play well in order to have a chance to, to have success? And I've said you're going to be in this game, so tell them, Tell people how you're going to make it happen.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yeah, I mean, we're, we're excited. We got a rebound. We got to be tough and physical and do all the little things in order to be in the game. Our guys have been locked in, locked in on all the little things. And then obviously, you know, you like to come out and make shots. But I think for us, first and foremost, if we apply pressure, get downhill, get some of their guys in foul trouble, attack the weak link defensively, get them in foul trouble, and just do all the things that we've done all year long to win games, and our guys are really focused on us.

[Matt Jones]

I think you're going to be in it. And also, I got, I can't let you go without asking you this. I was at the 2007 McDonald's All American Game that you were in. I think it's the greatest McDonald's all American game of all time. O.J. mayo, Michael Beasley, Blake Griffin, James Harden, Kevin Love, Derek Rose, that, Patrick Patterson, all these guys. You were there as well. Do you stand up for the 2007 McDonald's All American Class and say it might be the best one of all time?

[AJ DeBonsa]

Absolutely. Absolutely. We still got, we still got a couple guys still playing in the NBA today. So big time class, a lot of hall of Famers, and from top to bottom, was definitely one of the best classes of all time.

[Matt Jones]

The Timberland performance, though, was really awkward. I'm not going to, I'm not going to lie to you. I think you were in the locker room during it, but it was, it was painful to watch. But Nolan Smith, good luck in the first round of the NCAA tournament and congrats on your season.

[AJ DeBonsa]

Yep. Thank you so much.

[Myron Metcalf]

Good luck, Nolan.

[Matt Jones]

All right, so how do you go in, Tom, if you're a coach of a team like Tennessee State or one of these fifteens, fourteens, even a 16, one of these teams that you know they're going to have to play perfect to have a chance, how does a Coach go about preparing and really getting their team to believe, hey, can do this.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, before. Before you show Iowa State or right after you show some Iowa State, you show some common things that you faced. And, okay, your. Your league is not Iowa State's league, but you can still show some things. Well, when we played against SIU Edwardsville, they did this. When we played against Little Rock, they did that. That's what Iowa State does these things. So they see themselves actually going through it, whether it was successful or unsuccessful, they see something. They see themselves, right? And you say, okay, we've been dealing with this all year, right? And he grew up in an environment, being in Duke where it was the. It was the St. Louis tournament, right. Or it was the Indianapolis tournament, they broke him up into. Into the pods, four games. So. Right. So. But he may not do that. Okay. But once he gets into the film, he's got to show not only the strengths of this team, but he's got to show his team where we can attack them. So when you get out on the floor, you're keeping the confidence high with their shooting. You're scrimmaging some.

[Matt Jones]

You.

[Myron Metcalf]

You keep it intense. You keep it short, but you keep it intense. But you start by defending things that you've defended all year. If they're common to the team, you're playing in Iowa State. But as the. As it goes into it now, you say, okay, we have to be able to attack them this way because Iowa State's a very distinct defense. They can put a lot of pressure on you. They're always creating points off the turnovers. They play differently, they can turn the speed up, they could switch, but at the end of the day, they're going to try to keep you on the side. So you have to figure out, okay, this is what we've got to do to play in the middle. And we're not just going to be able to drive and make plays off the wing or off the corner against this team. They're too good. We got to skip past it or we got to hit the paint and we got to make a pass across court. So now you take what makes them good. You work on that. But you've already given them something that they say, okay, we've seen this. We've seen these actions, We've seen this type of player. Now we got to get it put together for Iowa State. But you give them every bit of confidence you can that some of the things that they do are good enough to beat Iowa State, the tournament.

[Matt Jones]

You always hear coaches Say, well, the tournament is always about matchups. Tournaments, all about matchups. This, that sometimes I know the teams that I know especially well. I'll say, man, I really don't want to see. I'm a Kentucky guy. I really don't want them to see. For instance, with Kentucky, do not play a team like Florida. They're never going to be Florida. The size is just too much. Are there games you look at here in the first round and you say, you know what? That team, that's just a horrible matchup for them. And even if they might be equal or even a little better, I'm not picking them because they just got the worst matchup they could have there.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, that's. I think this year above, and I've said this a couple times the last couple days, I think this year is the most matchup oriented for the one seeds through the first weekend.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Myron Metcalf]

Which usually it gets bigger when you get into the second weekend. But I also think the brackets kind of played out pretty well. I do think Duke was going to have a hard time with, with the physicality of the Ohio State guards, but with. If they play TCU because they can drive, they can get into you, they can make it tough.

[Matt Jones]

So you think TCU can give Duke a game?

[Myron Metcalf]

Absolutely, absolutely. Absolutely they can. I think I thought going into the day, whatever bracket Michigan was in was going to be very matchup oriented because they struggle with teams that have bigs that can shoot the ball.

[Matt Jones]

Robbie Avila at St. Louis.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, but I think they can guard that. He can't. He.

[Matt Jones]

He can't beat.

[Myron Metcalf]

You can guard him. But see, here's the other thing. There's a combination. Duke beat him. Cause they attacked the rim. Texas Tech beat him because they attacked their stars. They went after. I know, I'm sorry, I'm talking about Duke. But, but, but when you look at Michigan, when you look at that team, okay, the bottom line is they've got to be able to guard on the perimeter. They've got to be able to defend the pick and roll. And it's not as much the roller, it's the pop guy because they struggle getting back out to that. So you say, okay, who's got bigs that can really shoot the ball? That could give a team like Duke or give a team like Michigan problems? Vanderbilt gave Florida that problem.

[Matt Jones]

Yes, he did.

[Myron Metcalf]

So I think if people are looking for matchup hunting, all right, as they're filling out their brackets, everybody says the guards. Yeah, you can't get through the tournament without good guards. But you can't keep advancing. Okay. If you can't defend the rim or defend bigs that can shoot the ball. And I think really watch for who's got fives and fours that can really shoot the ball against some of these better teams.

[Matt Jones]

Of the coaches in the tournament, they always used to say there are certain coaches that are really good on preparing on a short day. Like you don't want to play them in the second game of one of these two day periods. Any coaches particularly you like on a 48 hour turnaround.

[Myron Metcalf]

Tom Izzo's phenomenal.

[Matt Jones]

Tom Izzo I think has the best record on that.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I lived that. It was, it was, you know, and it all started when we were actually at Hartford and we beat Eastern Michigan on a Thursday night and then we had to face Princeton on a Saturday. And that's when he started his 20 to 25 minute sessions. Whether it was film for 20 minutes, whether. And. And this was pre texting. This was pre concentration. Spanish for the average teenager. Teenager being nine seconds. Right. Like he, he was so far ahead of his time with that and. And he's really been remarkable with that. I would say just looking at. I keep going to South Florida. I think it's not as much about the coaches right now is it's about how different their style might be inside of a day that you may not have seen in a while. Grant McCaslin, do not sleep on Texas Tech even though JT Toppin is out that ball screen game. Especially if Christian Andersen is healthy. Devin Atwell has become one of the better shooters. He came from UNC Wilmington but he's one of the better shooters in the league. I think Grant can get you ready in a short period of time. I think Jamie Dixon can get you ready in a short period of time. I'd have to go a little bit more through the bracket but I do

[Matt Jones]

think that Izzo has the best record in the second game on these tournaments of any coach in the field. We still have a lot more to go. Tom and I are going to take our final four picks. A couple little pods to watch. I really love the idea of St. John's Northern Iowa, Kansas, Cal Baptist, that little foursome. And then like he said, Louisville, Saint, South Florida, Michigan State, North Dakota State. Those would be Buffalo and San Diego. That's where I would like to have my tickets this weekend. You can tune in for NBA action tomorrow night. The Hawks host the Magic. Presented by Indeed. Coverage begins at 6:30 Eastern on ESPN radio and ESPN app. Final four picks next on ESPN radio Matt and Myron the podcast. When was the last time you felt in control of your business? Finances, Expenses tracked, invoices sent, taxes ready. That's where Found comes in. Found brings your banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and taxes together in one simple app. Manage expenses, invoice clients, send payments and prep for tax time right where you bank. Join the hundreds of thousands who have already streamlined their finances with Found. Open a Found account for [e-mail] that's f o u n d dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by lead bank member FDIC. Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start. Thumbtack knows homes so you don't have to. Don't know the difference between matte paint finish and satin or what that clunking sound from your dryer is. With Thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro. You just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the Thumbtack app download. Today. We have been having a blast here on the NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament selection special presented by Marriott Bonvoy. He doesn't, Tom doesn't know I'm gonna do this. So we're gonna, I'm gonna play out the tournament with you, Tom.

[Myron Metcalf]

Okay?

[Matt Jones]

And you and I are gonna pick and then I'm gonna look up here, I'm gonna look at our producers and they will break the tie. So you all, are. You all, if Tom and I disagree, you are gonna break the tie with a one or a two. Okay?

[Myron Metcalf]

So you just look at what are we doing?

[Matt Jones]

I'm gonna pick. We're gonna take the top four seeds in each one. We're gonna start the sweet and we're going to assume all the top seeds have advanced. Okay. And then we're going to see who you would pick to the title from there.

[Myron Metcalf]

So maybe strong assumption right there though. But it's your game. It's your game. So I'll play. I'll play.

[Matt Jones]

All right.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'll play.

[Matt Jones]

I'm going to have Duke in the sweet 16. Who's going to be with them, St. John's or Kansas? You can pick St. John's all right, so Duke. St. John's who would you take?

[Myron Metcalf]

Duke.

[Matt Jones]

Duke. Okay, we'll go Michigan State. Yukon. Who you got?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yukon.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, I'm agreeing with you. I'm going to take. I'm taking Tom Izzo. So I would take Michigan State.

[Myron Metcalf]

Mr. March.

[Matt Jones]

State or Yukon. One for Michigan State. Two for UConn. James. Pick Yukon. Yukon to the next round. All right, Florida. You got him against Nebraska. Or Vandy or McNeese or Troll.

[Myron Metcalf]

I have Nebraska winning that game.

[Matt Jones]

Nebraska. All right, so Florida. Nebraska.

[Myron Metcalf]

Florida.

[Matt Jones]

Florida moves on. I agree. Illinois or North Carolina? The Sweet 16.

[Myron Metcalf]

Illinois.

[Matt Jones]

So Illinois versus Houston.

[Myron Metcalf]

Houston in Houston.

[Matt Jones]

Houston. So we, Tom and I have the ones and the twos moving on on both the east and the south. Let's go to the west. Arizona. Will they be playing in the Sweet 16 against Wisconsin or Arkansas?

[Myron Metcalf]

If Nolan Winter is back, I'm going Wisconsin.

[Matt Jones]

Wisconsin. Okay. We'll see. I was going to go.

[Myron Metcalf]

I think the shooting is so good. I mean, 31 threes in two games against Michigan.

[Matt Jones]

I was going to go Arkansas. So that's a split. Look over here. Wisconsin. James or Arkansas. What do the producers say? Arkansas. Arkansas. All right, so you've got.

[Myron Metcalf]

I thought was going to win. Yeah, I could change by tomorrow.

[Matt Jones]

You got Wisconsin. I got Arkansas, but Arkansas moves on. So if it's Arizona and Arkansas, who you go got?

[Myron Metcalf]

Arizona.

[Matt Jones]

Arizona. I'm taking Arizona because I got to get them to the finals. Who's going to sweet 16, Gonzaga or BYU?

[Myron Metcalf]

Gonzaga.

[Matt Jones]

Gonzag. All right, so then this Gonzaga versus Purdue. I'm going to go with the Zags there. What do you got? Gonzaga. All right, we're good. We got the Zags. That's the first time we don't have a one or two there. Michigan. Let's say are they going to play Texas Tech or Alabama?

[Myron Metcalf]

Michigan.

[Matt Jones]

But who would win? Texas.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm sorry,

[Matt Jones]

I'm taking Alabama.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm going Texas Tech.

[Matt Jones]

All right, who the producers have? Texas Tech. Texas Tech. Michigan. Texas Tech.

[Myron Metcalf]

Michigan.

[Matt Jones]

Michigan. They go on to the next round. Who's going to the sweet 16, Tennessee or Virginia?

[Myron Metcalf]

Virginia.

[Matt Jones]

Virginia. So Iowa State? Virginia.

[Myron Metcalf]

I really think I want to State. I'm going Virginia.

[Matt Jones]

I'm taking Iowa State. Producers, break the tie. Iowa State. Iowa State moves on. Either way, we're down to the Elite Eight. Duke, Yukon. Tom's thinking on this one. You could tell you you want to pick a get. You don't believe in this Duke team a lot, do you?

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, I. Yeah. I don't believe they're going to win it, but I'll go with Duke.

[Matt Jones]

You're going to take Duke? I would take Duke in that one as well.

[Myron Metcalf]

Hoping Gongba is back by that weekend.

[Matt Jones]

Rematch of the national championship. Florida and Houston.

[Myron Metcalf]

I got Florida.

[Matt Jones]

I had Florida going into this weekend, but they became very vulnerable a couple different times. Even Kentucky.

[Myron Metcalf]

Don't misread it, man. It was one game. Don't misread it.

[Matt Jones]

I'm still taking Houston. Producers break the tie. We're going to go with Florida. Florida. All right, one seeds go on Arizona versus The Zags.

[Myron Metcalf]

Arizona.

[Matt Jones]

Arizona in a route. I agree. Michigan, Iowa State.

[Myron Metcalf]

So I don't get Virginia.

[Matt Jones]

You do not get Virginia. You got voted out.

[Myron Metcalf]

Voted that I was State.

[Matt Jones]

Iowa State. So that would be the first one.

[Myron Metcalf]

I have Iowa State of Virginia going the final four. So I'm going to have to go for the record.

[Matt Jones]

I have Tennessee State and a one possession game at the under eight timeout in the second half and he. And he's gotten the final four, I guess. Well, I was going to take Michigan so you all have to break the tie. Who is it? They're going with Michigan. Michigan.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, they're going with Michigan.

[Matt Jones]

All right. Well, Tom, you're out. But you. I was staying Virginia. For the record, folks, are the teams that Tom believes in more.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, they can't both get to the final four so I still think. Yeah, they're in the same Duke, Florida

[Matt Jones]

rematch of last year semifinal. Florida, Florida, Arizona, Michigan, Arizona, Arizona. I'm the same way. So you've got. We've got Florida and Arizona for the title.

[Myron Metcalf]

Arizona.

[Matt Jones]

Arizona. I agree with you. Arizona. So the winner of the NCAA selection special championship is Arizona. Make the case for why Arizona is going to cut the nets down there.

[Myron Metcalf]

They've got more ways. It's going to be a heck of a game. There's no doubt about that. But I think the one thing I see when you watch the Arizona can match up with the forwards of Florida. I think the guards of Arizona with. With Braden Burries who's incredible. Jaden Bradley who's the player of the year. Anthony Delorso. Del Orso who started last year comes off the bench. I think that team. The only difference I see in all honesty with Arizona and Florida and I've said this for a couple of weeks in studio when we've talked about it. Boogie Flan. That's the difference to me.

[Matt Jones]

I totally agree with you.

[Myron Metcalf]

I think it's Arizona. I think Arizona. I like Urban Clavzar.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. For Arizona, Arkansas or excuse me, Boogie Flame. Florida.

[Myron Metcalf]

My fault. Yeah, I like Urban Clavzar. I think that's one of the reasons Florida's so much better. He's doing such a great job coming up.

[Matt Jones]

He's doing great in this season.

[Myron Metcalf]

We talked about it in the Kentucky game when they. When Kentucky played at Florida and Todd golden took boogie out with about at the 18:24 second mark and put Urban Clavsar in. Change the game.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

So I think it could go either way but I'm just going to go with a little bit more depth and harder matchups to guard one on one with Arizona.

[Matt Jones]

For those of you filling out your brackets, I've run a bracket pool for over 30 years. The two most common mistakes people make is what we did. Always picking 1 seeds. But last year the 1 seeds did extremely well.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, no, no. We didn't all pick one seats.

[Matt Jones]

You're in Virginia, Iowa State.

[Myron Metcalf]

Your crew in there overrode me.

[Matt Jones]

So Virginia or Iowa State? Your final four team from that region. Which one?

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm going Virginia. So you're gave me but I took Iowa State. I'm still confident.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, so you've got. Well, you would say Virginia. So Arizona, Virginia, Duke and Florida is your final.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. And here's the thing. Michigan really is going to Ms. L.J. casa. Really going to miss and they could have easily gotten beat by Wisconsin yesterday. Purdue gets them today. They're really, really good but they have certain things that they don't do as well and the bigs are a big part of that game.

[Matt Jones]

You're most excited to watch in the first round.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh man, I got to look now. Yeah, for me the ones I'm calling for Westwood One. But I'll.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, you're doing what, the games in Tampa?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I'm doing the games in Tampa. So we'll start at 12:15 on Friday morning. We'll have Iowa. Where's Iowa? I would say Clemson.

[Matt Jones]

I'll tell you one of mine is in the very first session. Vanderbilt and McNee State. Just because that has a chance to not only be a popular 12, it also has a chance to be a game that can get out of control and be fun, fun to watch. So that's the one I'm most looking forward to.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm going to stay with what I said at the very beginning. The most exciting one for me that I'm not calling would be Louisville, South

[Matt Jones]

Florida also in the very first session. So for those of you ready to watch when they come out the gate are Tom's favorite game and my favorite game.

[Myron Metcalf]

Who is yours?

[Matt Jones]

Mine is McNe.

[Myron Metcalf]

But you thought Tennessee State was going to be in a one possession game.

[Matt Jones]

That's what the under eight to go. Then they'll pull away and take them. Tom, it's been a blast. One of my favorite days of the year. I love listening and watching this show, and I love getting to do it. The Women's Selection Special is next with Q. Myers and Mia o'. Brien. This is ESPN Radio. Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

You can listen to the show live

[Matt Jones]

every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN Radio, the ESPN app and on SiriusXM channel. Cast.

[Myron Metcalf]

Matt and myron the pod.

[Matt Jones]

Shot clocks, big shots, upsets, aces tgl playoffs are here. First atlanta drives, starts their repeat run against los angeles golf club. Then rory's boston common golf and tigers jupiter links face off in their playoff debuts. Who will advance? Keep up. It's playoffs. Tune in Tuesday, march 17th at 6:30pm and 9:00pm only on espn and the espn app.