The Dan Patrick Show: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show Release Date: March 27, 2025

Introduction The Dan Patrick Show brings together insightful conversations with A-list guests from the worlds of sports and entertainment. In this episode, host Dan Patrick engages with former NBA player and CBS Sports college basketball analyst Wally Zerbiak, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, and ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kirchen. The episode delves into pressing topics such as the transfer portal in college sports, the evolution of player greatness, the impact of major league teams on baseball, and intriguing local mysteries.

Interview with Wally Zerbiak

Career Insights and College Basketball Dynamics

Dan Patrick kicks off the episode with a conversation featuring Wally Zerbiak, a former Minnesota Timberwolves player and current CBS Sports college basketball analyst. Zerbiak reflects on his collegiate journey, discussing his time at Miami of Ohio and the high level of coaching he received.

Transfer Portal and NIL Era Zerbiak expresses concerns about the current transfer portal system and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, stating:

"In today's landscape, the way players from mid-majors are getting taken away from small teams and going to the big schools puts a lot on coaches that are still coaching plate because they need to focus on trying to win a national championship and win games." (04:03)

He argues that the transfer portal introduces unnecessary distractions for coaches and suggests potential solutions, such as limiting transfers or implementing contractual agreements to ensure player commitment.

Greatness in Basketball: Kobe vs. LeBron vs. Jordan

The discussion shifts to evaluating basketball legends. Zerbiak shares his perspectives:

"Michael Jordan did it in a small span of time and just dominated every Finals, I just don't think there's anything LeBron can do to surpass that." (10:16)

While acknowledging LeBron James's incredible longevity and current form, Zerbiak maintains that Jordan's Finals record sets him apart as the greatest of all time.

March Madness Predictions

With the NCAA Tournament underway, Zerbiak provides his insights on potential upsets and standout games:

"I think Maryland might be able to pull an upset. They have a great Crab five and they're rested after the first weekend." (11:14)

He highlights the upcoming match between BYU and Alabama as a must-watch game, anticipating a high-scoring affair.

Discussion on Cooper Flag's Future

Analyzing the future prospects of standout player Cooper Flag, Zerbiak weighs the risks and rewards of staying at Duke versus entering the NBA draft:

"It's a lot of fun to play in college basketball on campus. But the thing is, there's a lot of risk if he does go back... he's going to be the number one pick in the draft." (12:21)

Zerbiak underscores the importance of balancing career advancement with personal development and safety.

Interview with Greg Sankey

Enhancing SEC Basketball Performance

Dan transitions to speaking with Greg Sankey, the SEC Commissioner, focusing on the conference's efforts to bolster its basketball programs. Sankey recounts a pivotal moment in March 2016 that led to strategic changes within the SEC to improve competitiveness in the NCAA Tournament.

Managing the Transfer Portal and NIL

Sankey discusses the broader implications of the transfer portal and NIL policies on college football and basketball:

"The transfer portal puts a lot on coaches that are still coaching plate because they need to focus on trying to win a national championship and win games." (25:42)

He emphasizes the need for an orderly process and suggests potential reforms to mitigate the challenges posed by these systems.

College Football Playoff Expansion

Addressing the structure of the College Football Playoff, Sankey shares his thoughts on potential expansions:

"I think there's some relevance to thinking about expanding the number whether it stays at 12 or 14." (28:27)

While not advocating immediate expansion, he acknowledges the ongoing discussions and the benefits of providing greater access to top teams.

Regional Focus in SEC Sports

Sankey highlights the Southeastern Conference's commitment to maintaining regional play in non-revenue sports, ensuring that smaller sports like softball and baseball thrive without the need for extensive travel:

"The Southeastern Conference meets the exact question that you've asked me on a sport by sport basis." (33:08)

He praises the SEC's model as a balanced approach that caters to both major and minor sports within the conference.

Interview with Tim Kirchen

The Dodgers and Baseball's Global Reach

In a candid conversation, Tim Kirchen, an ESPN baseball analyst, defends the Los Angeles Dodgers' impact on baseball:

"I think they're great for baseball because wherever they go, they're going to draw a lot of people." (42:14)

He argues that while the Dodgers may be perceived as a "villain" to some, their success contributes positively to the sport's growth and global appeal.

Opening Day in Japan

Kirchen discusses the implications of having Opening Day games in Japan, balancing the desire for domestic uniformity with the financial and global benefits:

"The beauty of this sport is its unpredictable nature. I think the Dodgers are the best team and I think there are six other teams in the NL that have a chance to win the World Series." (43:36)

He expresses a preference for starting the season uniformly in the U.S. but acknowledges the positive outcomes of international games.

MVP Considerations and Player Health

The conversation shifts to Most Valuable Player (MVP) discussions, particularly surrounding Shohei Ohtani:

"I refuse to believe that we're just going to give it to Ohtani before the season starts... I want to watch the season play out." (46:50)

Kirchen emphasizes the importance of evaluating players based on their season performance rather than pre-season hype.

Concerns Over Pitcher Injuries

Addressing the alarming number of pitcher injuries, Kirchen attributes the issue to early specialization and overuse:

"You gotta stop the 10-12 year-old from throwing off a mound 12 months out of the year. That's how guys are getting hurt." (50:27)

He advocates for a more diversified athletic upbringing to prevent overuse injuries and ensure the long-term health of pitchers.

Local Mystery: Yazoo Clay

Beyond sports, the episode touches on a chilling local mystery in Mississippi involving Yazoo Clay:

"Yazoo clay eats everything, so things that get buried there tend to stay buried until they're not." (20:33)

Construction crews at Mississippi's largest hospital uncovered over 7,000 bodies from a former state asylum, unveiling decades-old secrets. This segment highlights the podcast Under Yazoo Clay, which delves into the complexities and untold stories of this enigmatic region.

Conclusion

The Best of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive look into the current state of college sports, the dynamics of major leagues, and intriguing local narratives. Through expert guest insights and engaging discussions, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the sports landscape and beyond.

Notable Quotes:

• Wally Zerbiak on the transfer portal:

  "The transfer portal puts a lot on coaches that are still coaching plate because they need to focus on trying to win a national championship and win games." (04:03)

• Greg Sankey on SEC basketball strategy:

  "Mike Trangisi helped us talk about the right things... hiring the right people, recruiting." (22:24)

• Tim Kirchen on pitcher injuries:

  "You gotta stop the 10-12 year-old from throwing off a mound 12 months out of the year." (50:27)

Listen to The Dan Patrick Show on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Stay connected with the latest in sports and entertainment, brought to you by Dan Patrick and his exclusive lineup of A-list guests.