The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: Jon Rothstein & Greg Cosell

Release Date: March 7, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Ross Tucker and Greg Cosell dive deep into the current landscapes of college basketball and NFL quarterback prospects, joined by special guest Jon Rothstein, a renowned CBS Sports college basketball insider. Skipping the typical advertisements and intros, the conversation zeroes in on pivotal topics, enriched with insightful quotes and professional analysis.

1. Changing Landscape of College Basketball

Jon Rothstein kicks off the discussion by highlighting significant shifts in college basketball dynamics, particularly the decline in player retention at mid-major programs. This trend has led to increased unpredictability in conference tournaments.

Jon Rothstein [07:51]: “There’s less player retention, especially at the mid major level... seeds have never been more meaningless.”

The hosts explore how this instability affects team performances and the excitement surrounding tournament outcomes. The focus is on how shifting player rosters can dramatically alter team strengths year over year, making predictions more challenging.

2. Impact of Conference Tournaments on NCAA Bids

The conversation delves into the critical role of conference tournaments in determining NCAA tournament bids. Last year, only 12 out of 32 conference regular-season champions secured their spots by winning their respective tournaments.

Jon Rothstein [07:51]: “Last year only 12 teams out of the 32 conferences that won their respective regular seasons went on to win automatic qualifiers by winning their conference tournament.”

This statistic underscores the volatility and opportunity present in conference tournaments, where "bid stealers" emerge—teams not originally projected to participate in March Madness by winning their tournaments. Examples include Fairleigh Dickinson's historic upset over Purdue in 2023, illustrating the tournament's unpredictable nature.

Jon Rothstein [10:37]: “Fairleigh Dickinson was able then to pull off the biggest upset in the history of the NCAA Tournament by beating Purdue.”

3. St. John’s Triumph Under Rick Pitino

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to St. John’s University and their remarkable achievement of winning the Big East regular-season title for the first time in 40 years. This success is largely attributed to the hiring of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, which has revitalized the program.

Jon Rothstein [13:30]: “St. John's this year was able to be in a situation because it hired a Hall of Fame coach, Rick Pitino... it's the first regular season title outright for St. John's in the Big East since the 1984-85 season.”

The discussion emphasizes how strategic coaching hires and strong program infrastructure enable traditionally mid-major teams to compete with powerhouse programs like Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky. This leveling of the playing field has reinvigorated competition and fan engagement across college basketball.

Ross Tucker [15:04]: “A program like St. John's that has the infrastructure in place to put together a strong roster can now compete with the Dukes, the Kansas and the Kentucky's.”

4. Cooper Flags: The Elite NBA Shooter

Transitioning to individual player analysis, the hosts discuss Cooper Flags, highlighting his exceptional shooting prowess and comparing his skills to those of NBA veteran Andre Karlenko.

Ross Tucker [15:33]: “Cooper Flags like a cheat code... He's been every bit as good as advertised.”

This segment underscores the importance of elite shooting in NBA success and how players like Flags can influence both team dynamics and game strategies.

5. March Madness: Bracket Culture and Popularity

Greg Cosell elaborates on the enduring appeal of March Madness, attributing its popularity to the bracket system, the thrill of betting, and the allure of underdog victories. The one-game elimination format adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability that captivates fans nationwide.

Greg Cosell [11:24]: “It's a one game tournament... the fact that we have this game that obviously is decided by a 68 team bracket with 67 games.”

The hosts discuss how these elements contribute to widespread engagement, making March Madness a quintessential American sports phenomenon.

6. NFL Quarterback Prospects and Free Agency

Shifting focus to the NFL, the conversation turns to quarterback prospects entering the draft and those navigating free agency. Cam Ward is highlighted as a top draft prospect, praised for his physical attributes and on-field performance, yet noted for areas needing improvement like discipline and decision-making.

Jon Rothstein [29:46]: “Cam Ward, he was the most physically gifted of the quarterbacks in this draft.”

In contrast, veteran quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones are analyzed for their potential in free agency. Darnold is recognized for his arm strength and ability to make deep throws, while Jones is identified as needing better pocket movement and discipline to enhance his performance.

Jon Rothstein [36:15]: “Sam Darnold can make every throw.”

Jon Rothstein [38:46]: “Daniel Jones lacks pocket movement, which is imperative for his style.”

These insights provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the quarterback market, influencing team decisions and fan expectations for the upcoming season.

7. Light-Hearted Interludes and Humor

Throughout the episode, Ross Tucker and Greg Cosell infuse humor and personal anecdotes into their discussion, maintaining an engaging and relatable atmosphere. Topics such as pop culture references to the "Maverick" movie and playful banter about workout routines add a lighter dimension to the technical analyses.

Greg Cosell [52:10]: “I have a little bit of that. I work out, I would say, 1.5 times a day...”

8. Conclusion: Key Takeaways

The episode wraps up with a recap of key insights:

• Unpredictability in College Basketball: The evolving dynamics and lower player retention rates heighten the excitement and uncertainty in conference tournaments and March Madness.

• Impact of Strategic Coaching: Hiring experienced coaches like Rick Pitino can significantly elevate a program's performance, as seen with St. John’s.

• Elite Player Analysis: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of top players like Cooper Flags and quarterback prospects is crucial for team strategies and fan engagement.

• Enduring Appeal of March Madness: The bracket system and the potential for Cinderella stories continue to drive the tournament's popularity.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Rothstein [07:51]: “There’s less player retention, especially at the mid major level... seeds have never been more meaningless.”

• Greg Cosell [11:24]: “It's a one game tournament... the fact that we have this game that obviously is decided by a 68 team bracket with 67 games.”

• Jon Rothstein [13:30]: “St. John's this year was able to be in a situation because it hired a Hall of Fame coach, Rick Pitino... it's the first regular season title outright for St. John's in the Big East since the 1984-85 season.”

This comprehensive discussion offers listeners a thorough understanding of the current trends in college basketball and the intricate evaluations of NFL quarterback prospects, all delivered with the trademark humor and insightful commentary characteristic of The Dan Patrick Show.