Summary of "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" – March 21, 2025
Hosted by Dan Patrick from the iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network, this episode of "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" features insightful conversations with prominent figures from the sports world. The episode delves into team traditions, the evolving landscape of college sports, personal anecdotes, and the challenges faced by coaches and athletes in the modern era.
1. Paul Skeens on Team Traditions and College Sports Dynamics [03:03 – 20:42]
Dan Patrick sits down with Paul Skeens, a notable athlete, to discuss the origins of the "Black Sox" tradition at the University of Michigan and the broader implications of recent changes in college sports.
Black Sox Tradition at Michigan
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Origin Story: Skeens shares how Ray Jackson’s protest by wearing different colored socks evolved into the "Black Sox" tradition, fostering team unity.
"Ray's frustration and protest turned into brother saying, man, shut up. We love you. We're all gonna wear the black socks."
— Paul Skeens [03:21] -
Team Dynamics: The tradition initially led to tension with the coaching staff but ultimately became a symbol of brotherhood and commitment.
Unique Team Nicknames
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Fab Five Phi Slam a Jam & Hoya Paranoia: Skeens highlights the creative and spirited nicknames that contributed to the team’s identity.
"I really loved the Running Rebels. I mean, to me, it said it all."
— Paul Skeens [07:05]
Influence of Georgetown and Iconic Rivalries
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Admiration for Georgetown: Skeens expresses his respect for Georgetown’s style and influence, particularly under Coach John Thompson during the Patrick Ewing era.
"What really started my love for them was the blue and gray Nikes... what you could wear on the street."
— Paul Skeens [07:40] -
Toughest Competitors: Reflecting on playing against formidable opponents like Christian Laettner, Skeens discusses the evolution of big men in basketball.
"He was the toughest for me to play against."
— Paul Skeens [10:56]
Challenges of the Transfer Portal and NIL
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Impact on Team Chemistry: Skeens questions whether the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) can coexist without undermining team cohesion.
"Can you separate them? Can there be one without the other?"
— Paul Skeens [13:43]
Personal Financial Anecdotes
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Early Spending: Skeens shares stories about managing newfound wealth, including gifting Gators shoes to his neighborhood and customizing his truck with high-end sound systems.
"One of the most fun things I did, the pride was stupid. I walked down the street and made alarms go off."
— Paul Skeens [17:50] -
Family Moments: Highlighting meaningful experiences, Skeens recounts buying his father a Cadillac as a gesture of gratitude.
"Getting yelled at while throwing the keys to my father while he's driving off was a pretty cool moment."
— Paul Skeens [20:36]
2. Steve Lapis on College Basketball Coaching and Career Transitions [43:09 – 58:47]
In a separate segment, Dan Patrick interviews Steve Lapis, a CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst, discussing his coaching career, the state of college basketball, and his transition to television.
Memorable Coaching Moments
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1985-86 Villanova Championship: Lapis reflects on what is often hailed as one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history, comparing it to other significant games.
"We knew we had to play well... we shot 79%, we won by two."
— Steve Lapis [43:33]
Modern College Basketball Landscape
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One-and-Done Players: Lapis discusses the shift towards players leaving after a single season and the challenges it poses for team stability and program development.
"We're not going to see the Bill Waltons and Luol Dingers."
— Steve Lapis [45:59] -
Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal: He expresses concern over how these factors affect team dynamics and long-term program success.
"Rick Pitino was not in Caliperi's corner for Caliper to get the job he wanted, so that's where it started."
— Steve Lapis [47:34]
Career Transitions and Resilience
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From Coaching to TV: Lapis shares his experience of being fired from coaching positions and successfully transitioning to a television career, highlighting the emotional and professional challenges involved.
"I had to remake myself by getting into TV. And it's worked out unbelievable."
— Steve Lapis [52:16]
Player Development and NBA Transitions
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Assessing Talents: Lapis analyzes the potential of standout players like Cooper Flagg, emphasizing physical durability and skill adaptation for professional success.
"How is he going to hold up physically?"
— Steve Lapis [54:49]
Coaching Philosophies and Rivalries
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Honesty in Coaching: Discussing figures like Will Wade, Lapis appreciates transparency in coaching transitions despite the negative impact on programs.
"He was very honest. He was very open... I give the guy credit that he hasn't hidden from it."
— Steve Lapis [50:49]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Paul Skeens on Team Unity:
"Ray's frustration and protest turned into brother saying, man, shut up. We love you. We're all gonna wear the black socks."
— Paul Skeens [03:21] -
Paul Skeens on Georgetown's Influence:
"What really started my love for them was the blue and gray Nikes... what you could wear on the street."
— Paul Skeens [07:40] -
Paul Skeens on Transfer Portal Challenges:
"Can you separate them? Can there be one without the other?"
— Paul Skeens [13:43] -
Steve Lapis on Coaching Resilience:
"I had to remake myself by getting into TV. And it's worked out unbelievable."
— Steve Lapis [52:16] -
Steve Lapis on Player Development:
"How is he going to hold up physically?"
— Steve Lapis [54:49]
Conclusion
This "Best of The Dan Patrick Show" episode offers listeners a deep dive into the intricacies of college sports traditions, the evolving challenges posed by modern player dynamics, and personal stories that highlight the resilience required to navigate career transitions. Through engaging interviews with Paul Skeens and Steve Lapis, Dan Patrick provides a comprehensive look at both historical and contemporary issues within the sports world, enriched by candid quotes and thoughtful analysis.