The Dan Patrick Show Episode: Hour 1 – Shedding No Tears for Tournament Snubs, Seth Greenberg
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Overview

In this engaging first hour of "The Dan Patrick Show," hosts Dan Patrick and Seaton O'Connor dive deep into the controversies surrounding the NCAA Tournament selections. With special guest Seth Greenberg, an ESPN college basketball analyst, the discussion centers on the perplexing inclusion of North Carolina over traditionally strong teams like West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State, and Boise State. The episode not only dissects the selection committee's decisions but also delves into broader implications for college basketball and associated sports narratives.

1. NCAA Tournament Selection Controversies

North Carolina's Inclusion Over Familiar Contenders

The episode kicks off with a heated debate over North Carolina's selection into the NCAA Tournament, leaving fans and analysts puzzled by the exclusion of teams such as West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State, and Boise State.

• Dan Patrick ([26:21]): "The system is flawed in this way, Dan. We've got to have a better set criteria."

• Seaton O'Connor ([26:36]): Highlights North Carolina's performance issues despite their legacy, stating, "I haven't been following it every single day... but when you get to 68 teams, it's really hard."

Seth Greenberg's Analysis

Seth Greenberg provides his expert opinion on the matter, emphasizing the need for a more transparent and standardized evaluation process.

• Seth Greenberg ([26:18]): "North Carolina can beat San Diego State. They can give Ole Miss a game. But you don't get a free pass to get in the tournament. You earn your way."

He critiques the current selection framework, suggesting that subjective biases may be influencing outcomes, thereby sidelining deserving teams.

2. Examination of Team Performances and Criteria

West Virginia's Missed Opportunity

The discussion turns to West Virginia's performance and why their season wasn't sufficient for an at-large bid.

• Paul Pabst ([26:22]): "West Virginia had plenty of chances down the stretch here to do something notable. Beat Colorado, the very least."

He points out that West Virginia's inability to secure a critical win against a significant opponent like Colorado cost them dearly in the selection process.

Indiana and Ohio State's Close Calls

The hosts analyze other teams that were on the bubble but ultimately didn't make the cut.

• Dan Patrick ([06:16]): "The last four teams that were out... Indiana was close, Ohio State was close, Boise was close."

They discuss the fine margins that often decide these selections, highlighting the difficulty for teams on the cusp.

3. Impact on Future Tournament Selections

Bubba Cunningham's Role and Potential Conflicts

The conversation touches upon Bubba Cunningham's role as the head of the NCAA selection committee and questions the integrity of the selection process.

• Dan Patrick ([06:34]): "There's a guy named Bubba who heads up the NCAA selection committee. I don't think there's a conflict of interest."

However, concerns remain about his possible influence, especially with North Carolina's inclusion.

Need for Clearer Selection Criteria

Seth Greenberg emphasizes the necessity for the NCAA to adopt more objective and transparent criteria to prevent future controversies.

• Seth Greenberg ([26:36]): "We've got to have a better set criteria... Instead of having everyone say, well, you know, the prism."

He advocates for a standardized set of priorities in evaluating teams, rather than subjective assessments.

4. Tournament Predictions and Key Storylines

Florida's Dominance in the SEC

Paul Pabst predicts Florida as a strong contender in the tournament, highlighting their robust performance in the SEC and their depth.

• Paul Pabst ([27:44]): "The dominance of Florida. I think Florida can have a, a Yukon type run through the NCAA tournament."

He lauds their balanced playstyle and comprehensive team strength as key factors for their potential success.

Cooper Flagg's Availability and Impact

The guest discusses Cooper Flagg's participation in the tournament, weighing the benefits and risks of his involvement.

• Paul Pabst ([30:19]): "I think he's going to get the green light to go... They need him to win national championship."

Flagg's health and performance could be pivotal for his team's aspirations, adding another layer to the tournament's unpredictability.

5. Styles of Play: College vs. NBA Basketball

Paul Pabst's Take on Coaching and Player Dynamics

The conversation shifts to the differences between college basketball and the NBA, particularly regarding coaching control and player autonomy.

• Paul Pabst ([36:28]): "College coaches have a bit more control over the style of play, whereas in the NBA, stars are bigger than their coaches."

He argues that college basketball's unique rules foster more opportunities for upsets, maintaining the tournament's excitement and unpredictability.

6. Legendary Coaching and Team Dynamics

Rick Pitino's Coaching Prowess

Seth Greenberg praises Rick Pitino's exceptional coaching abilities, attributing his consistent success to his strategic acumen and ability to inspire his teams.

• Paul Pabst ([32:48]): "He's a savant. He takes his team and beats you... Rick Patino is New York basketball."

Pitino's influence on his teams' performances is highlighted as a critical factor in their tournament readiness.

7. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the selection controversies and share their final thoughts on what fans can expect from the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

• Dan Patrick ([40:07]): "We are going to have a great NCAA tournament."

• Paul Pabst ([40:09]): "Thanks for having me, dad. Much respect."

The episode concludes on a high note, with anticipation building for the tournament's progression and the unfolding of its myriad storylines.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick ([26:21]): "The system is flawed in this way... we've got to have a better set criteria."

• Seth Greenberg ([26:18]): "You don't get a free pass to get in the tournament. You earn your way."

• Paul Pabst ([27:44]): "The dominance of Florida... I think they're that good."

• Paul Pabst ([32:48]): "He's a savant. He takes his team and beats you."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Dan Patrick Show" offers a comprehensive analysis of the NCAA Tournament selection process, spotlighting key controversies and offering expert insights from Seth Greenberg. The hosts navigate through the complexities of team performances, selection biases, and future implications for college basketball, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of one of the most debated topics in sports each March.