Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron - Episode: Hour 3: Josh Pastner & Nolan Smith Join the Show
Release Date: April 6, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf delve deep into the current landscape of college basketball, focusing on the challenges and dynamics introduced by the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations. The episode features insightful interviews with UNLV Head Coach Josh Pastner and Memphis Assistant Coach Nolan Smith, who share their experiences and perspectives on coaching in the modern era of college sports.
Interview with Josh Pastner: Navigating Coaching Amidst NIL Challenges
Josh Pastner's New Role at UNLV
The episode kicks off with a heartfelt congratulations to Josh Pastner on his new position as the head basketball coach at UNLV. Pastner reflects on the tumultuous start to his tenure, highlighting the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the NIL era.
"[...] when I took over the job, obviously the transition from the previous coach being let go to me being hired, everyone, the entire roster went in the portal. So when I came in, I didn't have zero players."
— Josh Pastner [02:00]
Pastner emphasizes the stark contrast between his previous coaching roles at Memphis and Georgia Tech, where retaining players was more straightforward without the portal and NIL complexities. His initial efforts focused on community outreach and fundraising to stabilize the program.
Pressure of Coaching vs. Being a Player
The discussion shifts to the pressures inherent in coaching compared to playing. Pastner underscores that while players face significant pressure on the court, coaches bear the ultimate responsibility for the team's success.
"There's more pressure as a coach because your job depends on winning the games and advancing... You're relying on 18 to 24-year-olds to make a shot for you to determine your happiness and sadness."
— Josh Pastner [07:25]
He elaborates on the relentless nature of college basketball scheduling, where every game carries weight toward tournament qualification, unlike the NBA's more forgiving 82-game season.
Impact of NIL on Team Stability
Pastner discusses how NIL has exacerbated player turnover, making it challenging to build and maintain a cohesive team. He highlights the difficulty in competing with established programs that can offer substantial NIL opportunities, placing smaller schools like UNLV at a disadvantage.
Interview with Nolan Smith: The Struggles and Strategies in the NIL Era
Reflecting on Duke's Heartbreaking Loss
Nolan Smith joins the conversation to provide his take on Duke's recent loss to Houston. He empathizes with the heartbreak felt by Duke, recalling his own experiences as a player and coach in high-stakes games.
"Duke was winning that battle. And so for them to lose that game the way they did, you know, you just feel so bad for them in that moment."
— Nolan Smith [24:31]
Smith praises UNLV's head coach John Shire for instilling toughness and unity within the team, despite the challenges posed by a young roster.
Youth vs. Veteran Teams in Tournament Play
Addressing the dynamics between young, "one-and-done" teams and veteran squads, Smith asserts that veteran presence is crucial for success in high-pressure tournaments.
"You always need some vets. Veteran presence on a talented young team is needed."
— Nolan Smith [26:50]
He emphasizes that while talented freshmen can drive a team, the experience and composure of seasoned players often determine the outcome in tightly contested games.
Challenges for Mid-Major Programs
Smith highlights the difficulties faced by mid-major programs like Memphis in competing with Power Five schools, especially under the current NIL framework. He points out that without significant NIL support, attracting top talent becomes increasingly difficult.
"The numbers that you're hearing from the majority of the Power Five schools... we're not even close."
— Nolan Smith [27:59]
Balancing NIL and Athletic Development
When asked about recruiting strategies beyond just financial incentives, Smith stresses the importance of offering pathways to professional careers and personal development, aiming to attract players who prioritize growth and opportunity over immediate financial gain.
"At the end of the day, the main thing it has to remain the main thing, which is, do you want to be an NBA player?"
— Nolan Smith [29:00]
Navigating NIL: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Discussion on NIL's Impact on College Basketball
Hosts Matt and Myron engage with both Pastner and Smith on the pervasive issues caused by NIL in college basketball. They discuss the relentless player movement, the strain on coaching staff, and the destabilization of team rosters.
Potential Regulatory Measures
Pastner and Smith explore possible solutions to mitigate the chaos introduced by NIL. Ideas include implementing contracts for players to prevent constant movement and creating revenue-sharing models to support smaller programs.
"Maybe something similar to the Japanese baseball bidding system, where smaller schools receive compensation when players are poached by bigger programs."
— Matt Jones [17:00]
Smith adds that enforcing stricter contracts and penalties for early departures could help retain talent within programs longer.
The Future of NIL and College Sports
Both coaches express skepticism about the NCAA's ability to effectively regulate NIL, citing ongoing issues with agent interference and the lack of comprehensive policies to maintain competitive balance.
"The way it's structured now is not right. Especially as Jim Boeheim said, the mid-majors... there's no way they can combat that."
— Tim Welsh [33:05]
National Championship Insights
Previewing the Upcoming Finals
Smith provides a breakdown of the imminent national championship games between Houston and Florida, analyzing team strengths and strategies.
"It's going to be absolutely a big-time game... Florida defends the way they ice ball screens and get after with active hands."
— Nolan Smith [30:12]
He predicts a fiercely contested matchup, emphasizing the defensive prowess of both teams and the importance of veteran leadership in high-stakes scenarios.
Assessing Player Performances
The conversation touches on standout players like Walter Clayton Jr., discussing their roles and the challenges they face against top-tier defenses.
"He's very good at keeping his dribble alive and attacking, probing the defense, going inside, then back out, finding the open man or finding shots for himself."
— Tim Welsh [41:30]
Smith underscores the necessity for teams to balance offensive aggression with defensive discipline to succeed in the tournament.
Concluding Thoughts: The End of the Cinderella Era?
In a compelling finale, the hosts and guests debate whether the current state of college basketball signifies the end of the "Cinderella" narratives—teams that achieve unexpected success through underdog stories.
"From just like a basketball purist, we get the best product at the time where the game is the most visible."
— Nolan Smith [43:07]
Pastner and Smith express mixed feelings, acknowledging the romanticism of Cinderella stories but emphasizing the importance of determining the true best teams through rigorous competition.
Final Takeaways
This episode provides a comprehensive look into the transformative effects of NIL on college basketball, featuring firsthand accounts from coaches navigating this new terrain. Josh Pastner and Nolan Smith offer valuable insights into the pressures of coaching, the necessity of veteran leadership, and the urgent need for regulatory solutions to preserve the integrity and competitiveness of college sports.
Notable Quotes:
- "There's more pressure as a coach because your job depends on winning the games and advancing." — Josh Pastner [07:25]
- "You always need some vets. Veteran presence on a talented young team is needed." — Nolan Smith [26:50]
- "The way it's structured now is not right." — Tim Welsh [33:05]
- "It can end up battling when you're playing Houston for sure that's where they really will collapse on him." — Tim Welsh [41:30]
Conclusion
Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron delivers an engaging and informative episode that captures the complexities of modern college basketball. Through candid discussions with esteemed coaches, the show sheds light on the evolving challenges and potential pathways forward for the sport amidst the ongoing NIL revolution.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are intended to reference specific parts of the discussion for clarity.