The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 1 – This March Lacked the Usual Madness, Jon Scheyer
Release Date: March 31, 2025

March Madness Overview

Timestamp: 15:00 - 15:50

Dan Patrick opens the discussion by reflecting on this year's March Madness, highlighting its divergence from the usual unpredictable nature. Unlike previous tournaments teeming with upsets, this year's Final Four comprises four number one seeds: Houston, Duke, Auburn, and Florida. Patrick expresses a nuanced perspective:

"It's four number one seeds, Houston, Duke, Auburn, Florida. People are disappointed, but you have the four best teams in the country."
— Dan Patrick [16:30]

He acknowledges the lack of mid-major surprises but emphasizes the high quality of the competing teams, suggesting that viewers will still find the tournament engaging despite the absence of Cinderella stories.

Interview with John Shire, Duke Head Coach

Timestamp: 23:17 - 32:08

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with John Shire, Duke's head coach, who discusses his transition from player and assistant coach to leading Duke into the Final Four. Shire shares insights into his coaching philosophy and the challenges of maintaining team continuity in an era where top programs often recruit battle-tested transfer players.

"I have to be myself and wherever that takes us, you know, I can live within the. at the end of the day because that's the only way I'm going to succeed."
— John Shire [24:00]

Shire elaborates on building a team that balances freshman talent with experienced players:

"We're still bringing in really talented, ready-made players that we develop over the course of the year and have big expectations like the guys you had mentioned as freshmen."
— John Shire [25:00]

He reminisces about memorable moments from his coaching career, including the nail-biting finishes and the importance of player maturity during high-pressure games.

"I felt jittery. I felt pressure... I just try to ingrain in them from day one in the preseason of being the hunters, not the hunted, and just going after this thing."
— John Shire [27:10]

The conversation also touches on player development, particularly Cooper Flagg's unselfish playstyle, drawing parallels to NBA star Kevin Love.

"He's part of what makes him so special is him bringing along his teammates and his feel for his passing, like it is an incredible weapon for our team."
— John Shire [31:00]

Patrick and Shire conclude the interview by discussing the expectations for the Final Four and the legacy of coaching greats like John Wooden and Dean Smith.

Cooper Flagg and Player Expectations

Timestamp: 8:00 - 12:00

Earlier in the show, Dan Patrick delves into the topic of young basketball talents, specifically focusing on Cooper Flagg. He addresses the media's perception of Flagg and the burden of expectations placed upon him, comparing his potential career trajectory to that of Kevin Love.

"Maybe he's a Hall of Famer. He's a borderline hall of Famer...It's not fair to him to have those expectations."
— Dan Patrick [10:00]

The discussion includes a brief exchange with Paul Pabst, clarifying that Patrick's intent was not to disparage Love but to highlight the challenges Flagg might face due to high expectations.

"It was about Cooper Flagg and the expectations that Kevin Love has not had a disappointing career. He's probably close to a Hall of Fame career."
— Dan Patrick [11:19]

This segment underscores the delicate balance coaches must maintain in nurturing young talent without overwhelming them with unrealistic expectations.

NFL's Tush Push Controversy

Timestamp: 36:26 - 42:00

Transitioning from college basketball, Patrick discusses the NFL's controversial "Tush Push" play, analyzing its impact on the game and potential regulatory changes.

"It's like the extra point. Nobody's watching Touchdown. You go get a beer, then all of a sudden you move it back..."
— Dan Patrick [40:00]

The conversation critiques the play's predictability and the NFL's efforts to balance entertainment with player safety. Patrick speculates on the future of such plays and their acceptance among fans and players alike.

Yankees' Torpedo Bats Debate

Timestamp: 36:28 - 54:14

An extended discussion ensues about the New York Yankees introducing "torpedo bats," which have a reshaped design aimed at increasing the sweet spot and enhancing hitting performance. The segment features multiple perspectives from hosts and guests, debating the fairness and historical implications of such equipment modifications.

"It's designed to put more wood, more mass concentrate, an area of the bat where a hitter is most likely to hit the ball."
— Seton O'Connor [52:02]

Patrick addresses the MLB's approval of the bats and the potential for other teams to adopt similar designs, sparking a debate on whether this innovation disrupts the traditional integrity of the game.

"You can't go up there with a two by four...It still has to measure 2.61 inches at most in diameter."
— Dan Patrick [53:42]

Critics argue that while the design is within regulations, it gives an inherent advantage, potentially skewing game outcomes and altering the sport's historical fabric.

Best and Worst of the Weekend

Timestamp: 33:38 - 37:07

In the recurring segment, Patrick hosts callers share their personal highlights and disappointments from the weekend's sports events. Notable mentions include Duke's defensive prowess and Yankees' controversies over equipment changes.

"Best to the Duke Blue Devils defense shutting down the Alabama three-point machine...my worst hearing some Yankee haters complaining about the Yankees' new bats."
— Caller Chris [33:47]

Patrick engages with the callers, providing humorous takes and expanding on the topics to entertain the audience.

Play of the Day: Aaron Judge's Triple-Home Run Game

Timestamp: 47:05 - 49:28

Highlighting a standout performance, Patrick celebrates Aaron Judge's achievement of hitting three home runs in a single game, placing him among Yankee legends like Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio.

"Aaron Judge, one of four Yankees to have at least three career games with three or more home runs."
— Dan Patrick [48:06]

The segment praises Judge's prowess and underscores the significance of his feat within the team's rich history.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick

  "It's four number one seeds, Houston, Duke, Auburn, Florida. People are disappointed, but you have the four best teams in the country."
  [16:30]

• John Shire

  "We're still bringing in really talented, ready-made players that we develop over the course of the year and have big expectations like the guys you had mentioned as freshmen."
  [25:00]

• Dan Patrick

  "Maybe he's a Hall of Famer. He's a borderline hall of famer...It's not fair to him to have those expectations."
  [10:00]

• Seton O'Connor

  "It's designed to put more wood, more mass concentrate, an area of the bat where a hitter is most likely to hit the ball."
  [52:02]

Conclusions and Insights

• Quality Over Chaos: This year's March Madness may lack the usual unpredictability, but it showcases the top-tier teams, ensuring high-quality competition and engaging games.

• Coaching Philosophy: John Shire emphasizes authenticity in coaching, developing a blend of fresh talent and experienced players to maintain team continuity and performance.

• Player Development: Balancing expectations for young players like Cooper Flagg is crucial to their growth and preventing undue pressure that could hinder their potential.

• Sporting Integrity vs. Innovation: The introduction of redesigned equipment, such as the Yankees' torpedo bats, raises questions about maintaining traditional sports integrity while embracing technological advancements.

• Entertainment vs. Tradition: In both college basketball and the NFL, there's an ongoing tension between enhancing entertainment value and preserving the traditional aspects that define these sports.

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show provides a thorough examination of the current state of March Madness, insightful discussions with a top-tier college basketball coach, and engaging debates on sports innovations and controversies. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or a casual sports enthusiast, the episode offers valuable perspectives and lively conversation.