Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Hour 2: Ruth is a Tapper (feat. Seth Davis)
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, host Dan Le Batard and co-host Stugotz engage in a dynamic conversation with special guest Seth Davis, the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Hoops HQ. Filmed from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the trio delves into a range of topics spanning sports, pop culture, and personal anecdotes, offering listeners a blend of insightful analysis and lighthearted banter.
TV Show Discussions
White Lotus and Severance
The conversation kicks off with a discussion about popular TV series. Dan asks Seth if he's caught up on HBO's White Lotus.
- Dan Le Batard [02:03]: "Are you caught up on White Lotus, sir?"
- Seth Davis [02:35]: "I am through season two... I've watched a couple episodes of Severance. I have no idea what's going on."
Seth admits he's not fully up-to-date with White Lotus and finds Severance challenging to stay awake through due to its slow pacing.
- Chris Cody [02:35]: "Are you guys falling asleep during Severance?"
- Seth Davis [02:51]: "There's something about the tone and the pacing of it that is so slow that I'm perpetually falling asleep during it."
College Athletics and Rick Pitino
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the resurgence of Rick Pitino in college basketball and the broader landscape of college athletics.
- Chris Cody [03:23]: "Can you please explain to me whether or not you're surprised that Rick Pitino has been allowed to climb back toward the top of the sport, given how his last tenure ended?"
- Seth Davis [03:35]: "No, because he can win... In today's era, Dan, with the portal, you can rebuild very quickly. And when you have a coach like Rick Pitino, you got guys who want to play in the NBA and so they want to play for Rick Pitino. So not surprised at all."
Seth argues that Rick Pitino's coaching prowess and ability to attract top talent make his return unsurprising, despite previous controversies. He criticizes the FBI investigation into Pitino as a "nothing burger," suggesting it was a waste of resources that ultimately did little to tarnish Pitino's reputation compared to other coaches like Bill Self.
ACC vs. SEC in College Sports
The discussion shifts to the shifting dynamics between the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in college athletics.
- Mike Ryan [05:09]: "What do you make of what's happening inside the ACC? Are they feeling the pressure?"
- Seth Davis [05:48]: "The SEC's financial advantage is really sticking out, particularly in men's basketball, baseball, women's basketball... The ACC has a lot of catching up to do."
Seth highlights the SEC's financial strength and its impact on sports like men's basketball and baseball, contrasting it with the ACC's struggles. He emphasizes the need for the ACC to adapt to modern demands, referencing North Carolina's recent hiring of a general manager as a step towards modernization.
NIL Deals and Their Impact
The conversation then delves into Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and their implications for college sports.
- Seth Davis [07:54]: "Players are going to have money in their pockets. If you don't have money to put in your players' pockets at a competitive rate... there's not as much money out there as maybe some people think."
Seth discusses how NIL deals are transforming the landscape, allowing players to monetize their personal brands, which in turn affects team dynamics and competitive balances. He underscores the necessity for universities to adapt financially to retain top talent.
Coaching Changes at Miami
Seth comments on recent coaching changes at the University of Miami, specifically the hiring of Jay Lucas from Duke.
- Greg Cody [11:10]: "Miami is introducing Laryn Yeager's replacement today in Lucas from Duke. What do you think of that hire?"
- Seth Davis [11:16]: "It's a great hire... But the transfer portal opens on March 24th, so Miami needs to solidify their coaching situation quickly to stay competitive in recruiting."
He praises the strategic timing of the hire but points out the challenges Miami faces due to the impending transfer portal opening, suggesting that a delay could benefit their recruiting efforts.
Personal Anecdotes and Stand-Up Comedy
The conversation takes a personal turn as Seth shares his brief foray into stand-up comedy and intermittent fasting.
- Seth Davis [15:07]: "I did some stand-up comedy because I wanted to scratch an itch... But at Sports Illustrated, things were happening for me, so I decided I was done."
- Seth Davis [13:21]: "I'm doing intermittent fasting for Leah... It's about being hydrated, being healthy. But I can put away cheesecake like no one."
Seth reveals his attempts at stand-up comedy during his time in New York City but ultimately chose to focus on his career at Sports Illustrated. He also discusses his commitment to intermittent fasting, blending humor with personal health practices.
Evolution of Sports Illustrated
Seth reflects on the transformation of Sports Illustrated in the digital age.
- Seth Davis [17:57]: "The only constant in life has changed... Sports Illustrated is still there, still a very good monthly magazine... But it didn't adapt like Netflix did compared to Blockbuster."
He laments the magazine's struggles to adapt to the digital era but acknowledges its resilience and the quality of its current content. Seth draws parallels with other businesses that failed to innovate, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the modern media landscape.
NCAA Bracket Picks and Sleeper Teams
As March Madness approaches, Seth shares his insights on potential sleeper teams to consider in tournament brackets.
- Seth Davis [20:26]: "Drake Bulldogs... St. Mary's... UC San Diego... These teams play a slower tempo, which can be advantageous in the tournament."
He highlights teams like Drake, St. Mary's, and UC San Diego, noting their strategic play styles and potential to upset higher-seeded teams. Seth emphasizes the importance of tempo control in tournament success, suggesting that slower-paced, defense-oriented teams have a tactical edge.
Lighthearted Banter and Cheeto Discussion
The episode concludes with a series of humorous exchanges about an $89,000 Cheeto, blending absurdity with playful debate.
- Chris Cody [38:01]: "How is that possible? How is that an $89,000 Cheeto?"
- Greg Cody [38:26]: "Somebody welded together like five or six different Cheetos into that design."
The hosts humorously dissect the plausibility of such an extravagant Cheeto purchase, interspersed with playful jabs and exaggerated scenarios. This segment showcases the show's signature blend of sports talk and comedic relief.
Notable Quotes
- Seth Davis [03:35]: "No, because he can win... Rick Pitino is a great coach."
- Seth Davis [05:48]: "The SEC might have a storied history, but it's past history... The ACC has a lot of catching up to do."
- Seth Davis [07:54]: "Players are going to have money in their pockets. If you don't have money to put in your players' pockets at a competitive rate... there's not as much money out there as maybe some people think."
- Seth Davis [17:57]: "Sports Illustrated is still there, still a very good monthly magazine... But it didn't adapt like Netflix did compared to Blockbuster."
- Seth Davis [20:26]: "Drake Bulldogs... St. Mary's... UC San Diego... These teams play a slower tempo, which can be advantageous in the tournament."
Conclusion
This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive exploration of current trends in college athletics, the impact of NIL deals, and the evolving dynamics within major sports conferences. Seth Davis provides expert insights into coaching strategies and team performances, while personal anecdotes and humorous segments add a relatable and entertaining dimension to the discussion. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode delivers a balanced mix of analysis and levity, making it a valuable listen for a diverse audience.