The Dan Patrick Show: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction and Sports Betting Updates

The episode kicks off with Dan Patrick and Todd Fritz diving into the latest sports action and betting insights. They discuss recent game outcomes and highlight key matchups heading into the Elite Eight of March Madness.

Key Highlights:

• Recent Game Outcomes:
  • Florida overcame Maryland.
  • Duke dominated Arizona.
  • Alabama showcased a strong performance against BYU and triumphed over Texas Tech in overtime against Arkansas.
• Upcoming Matchups:
  • Ole Miss versus Michigan State
  • Kentucky facing Tennessee
  • Michigan taking on Auburn
  • Purdue battling Houston

Betting Insights: According to DraftKings, the favored teams for the Elite Eight matchups include:

• Florida favored by 6.5 points over Texas Tech ([00:26]).
• Duke favored by 6.5 points over Alabama ([01:14]).

Dan Patrick [00:26]: "Then Duke against Alabama. Duke is favored by six and a half. That will be a rematch they played earlier this year at Cameron."

Interactive Poll: Corn Dogs

Engaging the audience, Dan introduces a fun poll question about the timeless debate: Are corn dogs awesome or terrible? The conversation reflects on how perceptions of corn dogs change with age, highlighting nostalgia and evolving tastes.

Notable Quotes:

Todd Fritz [01:11]: "Corn dog is a staple."

Dan Patrick [01:24]: "And then your tastes change."

Game Analysis: Arkansas vs. Lakers and Bulls Performance

The hosts delve into the dramatic collapse of the Lakers, who lost a significant lead against the Bulls. The discussion highlights strategic missteps and the impact of key plays in the final moments of the game.

Key Points:

• The Lakers lost a 16-point lead with 11 minutes left.
• In the final seconds, a misplayed inbounds pass led to a crucial three-pointer by Josh Giddy.
• Analysis of defensive lapses and player performance under pressure.

Notable Quotes:

Dan Patrick [02:56]: "3.3 left, 117, 116 Lakers Williams to Getty over the midcourt line. You know, he goes midcourt. Oh, it's gone, it's gone, it's gone."

Todd Fritz [03:09]: "What letter of the Bulls logo. What a ball game. Unbelievable."

March Madness Predictions and Tournament Insights

As the tournament progresses, Dan and Todd discuss potential outcomes and standout teams. They emphasize the depth of competition and the unpredictability that March Madness brings each year.

Key Highlights:

• Discussion on the impact of higher seed spreads and the strength of top teams like Duke and Florida.
• Predictions on unexpected upsets and the performance of mid-major teams.
• Analysis of teams' defensive and offensive strategies that could influence their path to the Final Four.

Notable Quotes:

Dan Patrick [06:15]: "Alabama made 25 three pointers, that's the most... they're a basket away from still being alive in the tournament."

Todd Fritz [09:10]: "It's not just the soil that keeps secrets."

Guest Segment: Clark Kellogg on College Basketball and March Madness

In a featured segment, CBS Sports' Clark Kellogg joins the show to provide expert analysis on the college basketball landscape and the ongoing March Madness tournament.

Discussion Points:

• Team Performances:

  • Arkansas’s remarkable tournament run and their adaptability in high-pressure situations.
  • Duke’s consistent performance and the addition of standout player Cooper Flagg.

• Player Spotlight:

  • Cooper Flagg: An 18-year-old phenom compared to Kevin Durant in playing style, noted for his mid-range shooting and playmaking abilities.

  Todd Fritz [19:30]: "What about style though? The style of play?"

  Dan Patrick [21:02]: "Similar builds, similar explosiveness. KD was such a remarkable shot maker even at an early age."

• NCAA Evolution:

  • Impact of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies and the transfer portal on team continuity and player development.
  • Insights into how experienced players are becoming the backbone of successful programs, shifting away from reliance on freshmen.

  Dan Patrick [24:32]: "You can get flash in the pan success doing it the other way, but you've got to have a blend of continuity."

• Tournament Predictions:

  • Duke and Florida as favorites, with Houston and Auburn also having strong chances.
  • Potential surprises from teams like Michigan, noted for their disciplined play and low turnover rates.

Notable Quotes:

Clark Kellogg [23:23]: "They put up 162 points. That's the most scored by one team in a non-overtime game since the Nuggets scored 168 back in 2008."

Dan Patrick [25:58]: "The quality of teams across the country has been elevated because of what you just said in terms of teams being older, the extra Covid year, the freedom of the transfer portal."

Player Comparisons and NCAA Challenges

The conversation shifts to comparing college players to NBA stars, focusing on Cooper Flagg and other emerging talents. The hosts debate the fairness and impact of such comparisons on young athletes.

Key Points:

• Comparative Analysis:

  • Cooper Flagg likened to Kevin Durant for his versatile scoring and athleticism, though cautioning against premature comparisons to legends like Larry Bird.

  Dan Patrick [37:16]: "I thought he dominated the game last night with his passing. It was beautiful to watch."

• NCAA Constraints:

  • Criticism of the NCAA’s handling of the transfer portal and NIL, expressing concerns over the sustainability of smaller programs and the future landscape of college sports.

  Dan Patrick [39:25]: "The NCAA has screwed this thing up so much. I don't know how you put the toothpaste back in the tube."

Controversial Moments: LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith Incident

A heated discussion emerges around an incident involving LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith. The hosts analyze the fallout from LeBron's comments and Stephen A.'s reactions, debating the implications for both figures and their public personas.

Discussion Points:

• Incident Breakdown:

  • LeBron James publicly criticized Stephen A. Smith, leading to tension between the two.
  • Examination of the media’s role in escalating conflicts and the personal impact on the individuals involved.

  Dan Patrick [44:16]: "They both had an awful week. LeBron, he's too big to be that type of bully."

• Host Perspectives:

  • Dan expresses frustration with the negative attention both figures received, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism and avoiding personal attacks.

  Dan Patrick [46:37]: "There are only losers in this scenario, us as the sports media... they have no life, Dan."

Notable Quotes:

Todd Fritz [50:11]: "J.J. Redick, put him in the game. Do you think LeBron goes, hey, put him in on Ty Tyrese, Maxi torches just about everybody who guards him."

Dan Patrick [51:45]: "LeBron's a nice guy. That's why I don't like the fact because he really came off as a bully in this entire thing."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Dan and Todd reflect on the dynamic nature of college basketball, the influence of experienced players, and the evolving strategies teams employ to navigate the competitive landscape of March Madness. They emphasize the excitement and unpredictability that make the tournament a beloved spectacle each year.

Closing Remarks:

Dan Patrick [55:32]: "Nothing's ever as simple as you think. The story is much more complicated and nuanced than that."

Todd Fritz [55:30]: "Have fun tonight."

Notable Quotes Overview

• Dan Patrick [00:26]: "Then Duke against Alabama. Duke is favored by six and a half. That will be a rematch they played earlier this year at Cameron."

• Dan Patrick [01:24]: "And then your tastes change."

• Dan Patrick [02:56]: "3.3 left, 117, 116 Lakers Williams to Getty over the midcourt line. You know, he goes midcourt. Oh, it's gone, it's gone, it's gone."

• Todd Fritz [19:30]: "What about style though? The style of play?"

• Clark Kellogg [23:23]: "They put up 162 points. That's the most scored by one team in a non-overtime game since the Nuggets scored 168 back in 2008."

• Dan Patrick [25:58]: "The quality of teams across the country has been elevated because of what you just said in terms of teams being older, the extra Covid year, the freedom of the transfer portal."

• Dan Patrick [37:16]: "I thought he dominated the game last night with his passing. It was beautiful to watch."

• Todd Fritz [50:11]: "J.J. Redick, put him in the game. Do you think LeBron goes, hey, put him in on Ty Tyrese, Maxi torches just about everybody who guards him."

• Dan Patrick [51:45]: "LeBron's a nice guy. That's why I don't like the fact because he really came off as a bully in this entire thing."

Final Notes

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive look into the current state of college basketball, March Madness dynamics, and the evolving challenges within the NCAA framework. Through insightful discussions and expert guest contributions, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the strategies, player performances, and administrative shifts shaping the tournament.

For more engaging discussions and in-depth sports analysis, tune into future episodes of The Dan Patrick Show on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.