Podcast
The Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast
Hosted by Jared Kotler · EN
Listen to the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast to catch up on all things Connecticut sports.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Nathan Grube on the Future of the Travelers Championship | Behind the Scenes of a PGA Tour Event
1w ago00:27:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube to discuss how the tournament has evolved during a period of unprecedented change in golf. From the introduction of Signature Events and a new television partner in NBC Sports to the arrival of a new PGA Tour commissioner, Grube shares his perspective on where the sport is headed and how the Travelers Championship continues to grow while staying true to the traditions that made it successful.
Transcribe →Alex Karaban on NBA Draft Combine, UConn’s New Roster, Solo Ball, Nik Khamenia & NBA Dreams
3w ago00:24:17Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAlex Karaban joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast to talk about everything that’s happened since the end of the season, including his experience at the NBA Draft Combine, the pre-draft process, and the next steps in his basketball journey. Alex discusses how this year’s combine felt different compared to 2024, improving his vertical leap by 5.5 inches, his favorite and least favorite drills, team workouts, and whether he pays attention to mock drafts. He also shares what he wants NBA teams to know most about him as he prepares for the draft.We also dive into the outlook for UConn Huskies basketball next season, including the roster coming together, the returns of Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins, thoughts on Solo’s wrist injury, and highly regarded transfer Nik Khamenia. Beyond basketball, Alex talks about participating in a Make-A-Wish event at Great Wolf Lodge, watching Steph Castle in the NBA Playoffs, and some of his favorite things about spending time in Chicago — including where he stands on deep dish pizza.
Transcribe →Alex Oriakhi on His UConn Career and New NIL Venture
4w ago00:24:43Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailUConn national champion Alex Oriakhi joins the show to talk about his new NIL venture, NIL Hype, and how today’s college basketball landscape compares to his time at UConn.We discuss:• Building NIL Hype and navigating the NIL era• The chemistry behind UConn’s 2011 national championship team• Being around UConn’s recent championship teams and attending the Final FourA fun conversation filled with stories from one of the key pieces of UConn’s title run and insight into the changing world of college athletics.
Transcribe →Why UConn Vintage Merch Is Taking Over | Jeff Shawinsky of Seen Vintage
May 1500:22:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailVintage sportswear is bigger than ever — and UConn gear is right at the center of it. This week, we’re joined by Jeff Shawinsky of Seen Vintage to talk about the rise of vintage college merch, how he turned his passion into a business, and why old-school UConn Basketball apparel has become such a hot commodity. We get into how Jeff went from being a UConn fan to a vintage seller, why vintage sportswear has exploded in popularity, and the process behind hunting down rare gear. He also breaks down the “holy grail” of UConn merch, Big East Tournament classics, and championship-era apparel, along with some of the coolest and most random items he’s come across.
Transcribe →New UConn Football Coach Jason Candle Breaks Down His First Season Approach
May 500:24:15Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailNew UConn Football head coach Jason Candle joins the show to break down his first few months on the job.From assembling a roster in today’s transfer portal era to navigating NIL, Coach Candle shares what’s surprised him most about UConn Football and why he’s excited about the future.We also dive into quarterback evaluation, spring practice takeaways, scheduling as an independent, and how he balances the process of building his program with the pressure to win right away.Plus, some fun topics to close it out—golf with Gruden, his favorite Red Sox player, and what would be on the menu at a Candle family tailgate.
Transcribe →Luke Murray Says Goodbye to UConn Basketball + Talks Boston College Future
Apr 3000:28:00Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFormer UConn assistant coach Luke Murray joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast after being named the new head coach at Boston College. Murray discusses what made the BC opportunity appealing, how he plans to build the program from scratch, and what kind of culture he wants to establish in year one.We also dive into UConn’s March run, working alongside Dan Hurley from Wagner to Rhode Island to UConn, how Hurley has evolved over the years, and what advice Murray has for whoever steps into his demanding former role.Plus: thoughts on Braylon’s next step, Solo Ball battling through injury, favorite UConn memories outside the national titles, and the unforgettable Billy Joel moment.
Transcribe →CCSU AD Tom Pincince Breaks Down the Wild New Era of College Athletics
Apr 2700:32:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe college sports world is changing fast. NIL, the transfer portal, conference realignment, and new financial pressures are reshaping everything. We sat down with Tom Pincince, Athletic Director at Central Connecticut State University, to discuss how CCSU Athletics is navigating the new era of college athletics.We talk about the biggest challenges facing mid-major programs, how student-athletes can benefit from NIL opportunities, the impact of the transfer portal, donor support, facilities, and what success looks like for Central moving forward.If you care about the future of college sports, this is a must-listen to conversation.
Transcribe →Inside George Steinbrenner: The Truth Behind “The Boss” + A Little UConn/St. John's Talk with Mike Vaccaro
Apr 2300:35:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMike Vaccaro of the New York Post joins the show to discuss his new book The Bosses of the Bronx and the fascinating legacy of George Steinbrenner. We dive into how Steinbrenner became known as “The Boss,” whether his larger-than-life persona was truly who he was or partly an act, and what most people still get wrong about one of the most polarizing figures in sports history.We also talk about how quickly he changed from calling himself an absentee owner at his opening press conference to becoming one of the most hands-on owners in sports, how he embraced Yankees success while enjoying Mets struggles, and how he might handle the current landscape with Steve Cohen owning the Mets. Mike shares insight into the origins of the Yankees’ famous beard and hair rules, Steinbrenner’s relationship with the media, and some of his favorite stories from the book—including one that didn’t make the final cut.We also explore whether George would thrive or clash in today’s social media era, if owners like him still exist, whether the Yankees are fundamentally different now than they were under his leadership, and just how many times Brian Cashman might have been fired if George were still in charge. Plus... of course we had to dive into a little UConn/St. John's talk with Mike!
Transcribe →What Went Into Braylon Mullins Coming Back to UConn? Dad Josh Mullins Explains
Apr 2000:18:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhy did Braylon Mullins decide to stay at UConn? In this exclusive interview, Braylon's dad, Josh Mullins, breaks down the full process behind his return to the Huskies and what went into one of the biggest decisions of his career. From family conversations to evaluating the future, this is the behind-the-scenes story UConn fans have been waiting to hear!
Transcribe →The End of an Era with Alex Karaban: Recapping the National Championship and His UConn Career
Apr 1300:46:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSTAY TUNED POST CREDITS FOR YOUR VOICEMAILS! In the final episode of our four-year series with Alex Karaban, we reflect on an unforgettable journey at UConn and dive into everything from the emоtions of the past week to what’s ahead. Alex shares what it was like preparing for a matchup against a massive Michigan team, how he has handled the tough loss, and what made this year’s Final Four experience unique compared to the others. We also get insight into his relentless mindset, including getting back in the gym immediately after returning to Connecticut, along with what surprised him most during his time at UConn and the biggest lessons he’s learned along the way.Beyond the court, Alex talks about his favorite non-basketball memories, whether he leaves with any regrets, and the games and moments that will stick with him forever. He breaks down the toughest players he’s faced, the best trash talkers, funniest and most underrated teammates, and gives us stories from the locker room and behind the scenes with Coach Hurley that fans haven’t heard before. We wrap with a look at what the next few months hold for him, what he’ll miss most (and least) about college, his favorite UConn uniform combo, thoughts on sticking with one program in today’s era, and advice for the next wave of Huskies like Jayden.
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