The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2 – Don’t Let That Guy Beat You, Seth Greenberg

Release Date: March 31, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Seth Greenberg, ESPN College Basketball Analyst and Former Virginia Tech Coach
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction

In the second hour of this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the intricacies of NCAA basketball with his special guest, Seth Greenberg. The discussion centers around coaching philosophies, player performances, and the evolving landscape of college basketball. Throughout the hour, Dan and Seth analyze recent games, evaluate standout players, and consider the future trajectory of the sport.

Main Discussion

Coaching Strategies and Player Management

Dan opens the conversation by reflecting on recent NCAA games, highlighting Florida's unexpected comeback against Texas Tech. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing star players like Walter Clayton Jr. III to dominate the game unchecked. Dan states:

"Never let Walter Clayton Jr. III take those shots. He is as good as anybody, if not better than anybody in the tournament at taking those shots under pressure."
(Timestamp: 15:30)

Seth Greenberg agrees, sharing his long-standing philosophy:

"Look, that was my philosophy every time I won a big game, we took the other team's best player out. I mean it was just automatic."
(Timestamp: 50:45)

They discuss the balance between allowing star players to shine and ensuring team cohesion. Seth highlights the challenges coaches face in maintaining this balance, especially with the increasing influence of social media and player mobility.

Player Spotlight: Cooper Flagg

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Cooper Flagg, a standout player whose unselfish playstyle and versatility have garnered attention. Dan compares Flagg to NBA legends:

"He’s the most versatile player I’ve seen. I compare him to Grant Hill, Scotty Pippen, very much those two guys, I think."
(Timestamp: 55:10)

Seth adds depth to this comparison, noting Flagg's ability to initiate offense and his exceptional passing skills:

"Cooper Flag's a really good passer. He’s got great defensive range and he’s so damn unselfish."
(Timestamp: 1:05:20)

They ponder whether Flagg's playstyle might be too selfless, potentially hindering his team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities when necessary.

Evolving NCAA Landscape

The conversation shifts to the broader changes in college basketball, particularly the impact of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies. Dan and Seth discuss how these factors are transforming team dynamics, player retention, and overall competition.

"This is the future, you know, with NIL, with the transfer portal. And that's why in a lot of ways, look, this is the way it's going to be."
(Timestamp: 1:15:00)

Seth emphasizes the need for guidelines and contracts to ensure academic progress and team continuity amidst these changes.

Listener Calls

Jeremy from New York

Jeremy shares his excitement over the Pistons' performance, tripling their win total from the previous season—a first in NBA history. He also expresses mild disappointment over the absence of lower-seeded teams in the Final Four but acknowledges the deserving nature of the current contenders.

"Best of the weekend, probably the Pistons tripling their win total from last year. Worst of the weekend, I would have liked to see a lower seed in the Final Four, but like you said, Dan, those teams deserve to be there."
(Timestamp: 20:15)

Dan considers Jeremy's suggestion about hosting a contest for listeners to visit the "Man Cave," though he remains cautious about the logistics and potential disruptions.

Turzo

Turzo engages in a detailed discussion about Cooper Flagg, cautioning against lofty comparisons to legends like Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. He advocates for setting realistic expectations for emerging players.

"We tend to do this now, all of a sudden, Cooper Flagg will be a disappointment to people because, well, he wasn't Larry Bird. He's not. There isn't another Larry Bird."
(Timestamp: 35:40)

Turzo also touches on the importance of patience in evaluating young talent, drawing parallels to past number one draft picks and their career trajectories.

David from Ohio

David seeks advice on supporting his wife during pregnancy. Dan offers heartfelt guidance, emphasizing anticipation, small gestures, and unwavering support during this transformative period.

"You have to be more attentive. And even when you think you're being attentive, be even more, because there's going to be some mood swings, and it's going to be directed at you."
(Timestamp: 28:30)

Guest Insights with Seth Greenberg

Seth provides an in-depth analysis of current NCAA tournament dynamics, focusing on the Final Four teams: Duke, Florida, Houston, and Auburn. He appreciates the separation of these top teams throughout the season, asserting that it sets the stage for high-quality matchups.

"This year is a very good thing because those four teams have separated themselves all season long."
(Timestamp: 55:50)

On Cooper Flagg, Seth praises his versatility and compares his playmaking abilities to esteemed NBA players, while also acknowledging the challenges of balancing individual brilliance with team success.

"He can initiate your offense kind of like they do with Tatum and Scotty Pippen... his feel for the game... he's playing like, I got this, we're in good shape."
(Timestamp: 1:02:10)

Key Takeaways

• Coaching Philosophy: Emphasis on neutralizing opposing star players without stifling team dynamics.

• Player Development: Cooper Flagg exemplifies the modern versatile player, balancing scoring with playmaking and defense.

• NCAA Evolution: Transfer portals and NIL policies are reshaping team compositions and competitive balance, necessitating new guidelines to maintain academic and athletic integrity.

• Listener Engagement: The show remains interactive, addressing a wide range of topics from personal advice to in-depth sports analysis, fostering a community feel.

Conclusion

Hour 2 of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive exploration of current trends in college basketball, enriched by Seth Greenberg's expert insights and thoughtful listener interactions. The discussion underscores the delicate balance between individual excellence and team strategy, all within the rapidly evolving landscape of NCAA sports. For fans seeking a deeper understanding of the game and its underlying dynamics, this episode is an invaluable listen.

Notable Quotes:

• “Never let Walter Clayton Jr. III take those shots. He is as good as anybody, if not better than anybody in the tournament at taking those shots under pressure.” – Dan Patrick [15:30]

• “Look, that was my philosophy every time I won a big game, we took the other team's best player out. I mean it was just automatic.” – Seth Greenberg [50:45]

• “Cooper Flag's a really good passer. He’s got great defensive range and he’s so damn unselfish.” – Seth Greenberg [1:05:20]

Listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.