The Dan Patrick Show – Best of the Week

Date: March 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show features highlight interviews and roundtable sports talk from the week, blending exclusive access to A-list guests with Dan Patrick’s signature humor and perspective. This "Best of" episode brings in-depth conversations with standout guests Mac McClung, G League scoring record holder, and Dan Hurley, head coach of the UConn Huskies, discussing careers, the evolving world of basketball, March Madness, NBA expansion, and cultural moments in sports. Banter among Dan’s co-hosts adds both comic relief and fan-level insight into the latest headlines and controversies.

Key Segments & Insights

[03:07] Interview: Mac McClung – G League Scoring King and NBA Hopeful

Discussing the G League Scoring Record

• Talking with Mac McClung about becoming the all-time leading scorer in G League history after a 59-point game.

  • “It was a really cool moment, man. I think my teammates...they were like, you’re getting this record tonight.” – Mac McClung [03:07]

• On the physical toll of such performances:

  • “The 59 was pretty exhausting...I’d probably say that’s close to my limit.” – Mac McClung [03:23]

Navigating NBA Opportunities and Criticism

• On the difficulty of securing a roster spot:

  • “Being in the situation where you're fighting to find a roster spot...Different teams need different things. So whatever it is, I try to adapt and do that...It’s tough, man.” – Mac McClung [03:55]

• On critics and defensive play:

  • “My two games this year when I got called up...I was actually leading the league in steals. So, I don’t know if I agree with that totally.” – Mac McClung [04:51]

Mentorship, NBA Dream, and Viral Fame

• On joining the Lakers as a rookie:

  • “I was just like, I’m this kid from this small town in Gate City...Am I in some video game right now?” – Mac McClung [05:30]
  • Starstruck moments facing LeBron, Carmelo, Rondo, Dwight Howard.

• On dunking being both a blessing and a label:

  • “I’ll lean into it...That was such a cool thing that I got to do. There’s—I’m never going to be like, oh, man, I hate dunking now because of that. That’s a beautiful part of my life.” – Mac McClung [06:52]

• On being left out of the Slam Dunk Contest:

  • “Quite frankly, they didn’t really want me in it this year...They said a couple guys didn’t want to do it if I was in it.” – Mac McClung [07:32, 08:13]

Viral High School Stardom

• “It was some crazy, crazy times...The cool part about it was when we would travel to different schools, school would shut down early because people would be outside waiting for the games...It kind of felt like we were this band that was traveling.” – Mac McClung [09:55]

Personal Growth and Mindset

• On the future and mindset through adversity:
  • “All I’ve tried to do is make the most of wherever I’m at in that moment...I really, truly believe I’m not a victim of anything, man. So whatever happens is how it’s supposed to be.” – Mac McClung [10:45]

Notable Quotes

• "Did you introduce yourself to LeBron or does he say hello to you?"
  – "I definitely introduce myself. I don’t think he...would ever have to introduce himself to me.” – Mac McClung [06:02]
• “If you’re 6'6", you’re not winning the Slam Dunk Contest, but you’re playing in the NBA.” – Dan Patrick [11:39]

[17:51] Interview: Dan Hurley – UConn Head Coach on March Madness and College Basketball’s Future

Tournament Pressure and Coach Persona

• On being on "best behavior" during the tournament:
  • “I don't think I’ve ever gotten a technical in an NCAA tournament game...maybe this time of year...referees also got to be careful that they don’t give me a weak technical.” – Dan Hurley [18:05]

Career Decisions and Peer Advice

• On choosing college over NBA jobs, with advice from Tom Izzo:
  • “Coach Izzo...walked me through his thought process…The point that Coach made to me was, ‘I think you really gotta consider it—our sport right now, it’s so unregulated, it’s such a mess.’” – Dan Hurley [19:32]

Coaching Longevity and Identity

• “When you’re part of teams and this is so, so much a part of your identity, I always say, I can’t believe these guys are coaching in their 70s. But then, you know, you find yourself coaching in your 70s.” – Dan Hurley [21:01]

Coaching Tactics and Tournament Matchups

• On coaching and March Madness upsets:
  • “It’s more about matchups, especially this time of year. You’ve got great coaches...it all comes down to matchups, who’s playing their best...Halftime adjustments are way overrated.” – Dan Hurley [21:40]

NCAA Seeding and Mid-Major Struggles

• “St. John’s getting a five seed after winning the Big East is—crap.” – Dan Hurley [22:15]
• “I definitely think...it’s going to get tougher for mid-majors...But I also think you’re going to see even more international players coming into college basketball as it makes more sense for them.” – Dan Hurley [24:15]

Money, Players, and Team Building

• On recruiting and NIL:

  • “What’s the most money somebody has asked you for?”
    – “Four and a half million, I think.” – Dan Patrick and Dan Hurley [25:42-25:48]

• “I prefer having a core of homegrown boys...and supplement with transfers so it doesn’t feel so transactional...” – Dan Hurley [25:12]

Personal Stories and Upbringing

• Reflections on a Jersey City childhood and its impact:
  • “The advantage of growing up...in the city...you’ve got a real versatile, relatable way about you...You develop a connection to all people. You’re comfortable out on the street corner, but also in the boardroom.” – Dan Hurley [31:29]

Notable Quotes

• “If you didn’t get invited to a birthday party...do you go up to the fence and listen to the kids splash around in the water? No one’s doing that.” – Dan Hurley [28:35]
• “My mom would have a whistle and she would put us through the paces as people would be looking out in astonishment.” – Dan Hurley [29:50]

[38:26] Roundtable: NBA Expansion and Las Vegas Franchise Names

• Discussion about possible team names for a potential Las Vegas NBA expansion team:

  • Avoiding gambling references (“Jokers”, “Dealers”, “Craps”)
  • Ideas thrown out: “Dice,” “Diamonds,” “Outlaws,” “Neons,” “Venom,” “Show Boys,” “Spearmint Rhinos,” “Excaliburs,” “Spheres”
  • Humor about tricky overlap with WNBA’s Aces, existing “Nuggets,” and the challenge of finding original branding.

• “You don’t want your team called the Jokers. But then you have to trade for joker and get him in there.” – Dan Patrick [39:07]

[43:47] Callers & Community: NBA Expansion and Player Talent Pool

• Listeners weigh in on NBA expansion and concerns over player quality:
  • “I don’t know if we have enough players to expand.” – Tracy McGrady (as referenced by Dan Patrick) [43:50]
  • Discussion on owners’ financial windfall from expansion fees.

[47:30] Sports Culture: The Fight Over “Iceman” Trademark

• The crew breaks down Caleb Williams’ and George Gervin’s competing trademark claims to “Iceman.”

  • Background: Williams, the NFL QB, mimics a soccer celebration made famous by Cole Palmer; Gervin has been known as “Iceman” since the 1970s.
  • “If you line them up and ask the jury which one of them is Iceman, they’re going to point to George Gervin.” – Dan Patrick [50:58]

• Debate over who truly owns a sports nickname, with references to other common nicknames (like “LT”).

Memorable Moments & Humor

• Dan’s Corduroy Jacket Banter: Exchanges about fashion ("corduroy love”) lead to listeners offering jacket swaps [42:28].
• Sausage and Peppers, Crab Dogs: Light-hearted mention of foods in the studio, poking fun at overindulgence [53:01].

Highlights & Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Mac McClung on NBA Realities:
  “I had a coach tell me...‘You’re an NBA player, all you need is an opportunity.’ And I almost was laughing, like, well, you got to give me that opportunity.” [03:55]

• Dan Hurley on March Madness:
  “St. John’s getting a five seed after winning the Big East is—crap.” [22:15]

• On Mid-Majors in Modern College Hoops:
  “I think it’s only going to get tougher for mid-majors...but you’ll see more international players coming in.” [24:15]

• On Nicknames and Ownership:
  “If you line them up and ask the jury which one of them is Iceman, they’re going to point to George Gervin.” [50:58]

Episode Structure & Flow

1. Opening: Quick banter, set-up for interviews (skip ads and product mentions).
2. Mac McClung Interview [03:07–12:01]: G League record, NBA dreams, viral fame, dunk contest politics.
3. Dan Hurley Interview [17:51–32:56]: Tournament insights, college hoops culture, NIL and recruiting, personal anecdotes.
4. NBA Expansion Roundtable [38:26–41:58]: Naming the Las Vegas team, franchise colors, overlap with other sports.
5. Caller Contributions [42:28–47:30]: NBA expansion, concerns about player quality and league dilution.
6. Sports Culture Debate [47:30–53:06]: The “Iceman” nickname trademark dispute and broader nickname ownership issues.
7. Light Banter/Outro: Food, fashion, and studio camaraderie.

Conclusion

This episode gives listeners candid and insightful views into the personal journeys of Mac McClung and Dan Hurley, along with energetic group discussion on the evolving basketball landscape, March Madness excitement, and the quirks of sports culture. Through quick wit, informed sports analysis, and authentic storytelling, The Dan Patrick Show delivers an engaging mix of humor, expertise, and insider perspective for fans and newcomers alike.