Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd (June 25, 2025)

The "Best of The Herd" episode of Colin Cowherd's acclaimed sports podcast delves deep into the most pressing sports narratives of the time. Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, this episode features insightful discussions, expert analyses, and notable guest appearances, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape.

1. NFL Draft Predictions and Analysis

The episode kicks off with a thorough examination of the upcoming NFL Draft. Colin Cowherd and co-host John Middlekauff share their predictions and insights into team strategies.

• Cooper Flag as the Top Pick:
  Colin emphasizes Cooper Flag's suitability for the Dallas Mavericks, stating, "Cooper Flag is going to Dallas. Dallas has the deepest front line in the NBA... He’s the perfect fit" ([19:41]).

• Comparing NFL and NBA Drafts:
  John Middlekauff reflects on the differences between NFL and NBA drafts, noting the maturity and preparation levels of players: "In the NFL, guys come in at 23... They've been in college for three or four years, their bodies are mature."

2. College Basketball Renaissance

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the resurgence of college basketball, attributed to changes like the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal.

• Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal:
  Rick Pitino, a guest on the show, elaborates on how these changes have enriched college basketball talent: "We've found that... European basketball players want to come here and attend college and stay away from going to the pros" ([42:31]).

• St. John's Transformation:
  Pitino discusses his role in rejuvenating St. John's basketball program, highlighting strategic player development: "We have player development sessions every morning... make the players better" ([47:33]).

3. NBA Draft Insights

The hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of the NBA Draft, focusing on key prospects and team needs.

• Highlighting Key Prospects:
  Colin Cowherd expresses strong support for Cooper Flag, comparing his aggressive playstyle to legendary players: "Cooper's got a little old school physicality and an old school aggressiveness with a really, really nice handle" ([39:03]).

• Draft Strength Evaluation:
  Rick Pitino assesses the current draft's strength, noting an influx of European talent: "There are players here that have upside, especially the European basketball players... they may have more upside because they're not seen as much as the college kids" ([53:13]).

4. Comparative Analysis of Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre

An intriguing segment compares the careers and playing styles of Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre, drawing parallels and highlighting their similarities.

• Career Trajectories:
  John Middlekauff outlines the similarities between the two quarterbacks, emphasizing their late starts and similar career arcs: "They both enter Green Bay as backups and then eventually get the starting job" ([02:56]).

• Defensive and Offensive Dynamics:
  The discussion touches on team dynamics and potential playoff outcomes, with Middlekauff stating, "If Kyrie Irving comes back... I think that's a team good enough to play for the Western Conference finals championship" ([20:48]).

5. Special Guest: Rick Pitino on Coaching and Player Development

Rick Pitino shares his extensive experience in coaching, player development, and navigating the evolving landscape of college basketball.

• Embracing Change:
  Pitino emphasizes adaptability in the face of new regulations: "You have to win the day. You have to get the job done" ([41:28]).

• Player Traits for Professional Success:
  Discussing Cooper Flag, Pitino highlights key attributes that make him NBA-ready: "He's physically ready, he's extremely athletic, he shoots the basketball... ready for the NBA" ([42:47]).

• Challenges with NIL and Transfers:
  Pitino addresses concerns regarding the NIL and transfer portal's impact on team cohesion: "The bad thing of the NIL... so many agents out there are negotiating during the year to get a player more money" ([51:55]).

6. MLB Insights and Personal Anecdotes

Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts touch upon Major League Baseball, sharing personal experiences and broader sports observations.

• Personal Connection to Baseball:
  Rick Pitino recounts his childhood experiences as a Yankee fan: "I grew up... I was a huge Yankee fan from those days as a youngster" ([53:24]).

• Comparing Sports Popularity:
  The conversation shifts to the relative popularity of different sports, with Pitino remarking on football's dominance: "The popularity of football today just blows me away from where it was 30 years ago" ([54:07]).

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

The episode wraps up with reflections on the discussed topics and anticipations for upcoming sports seasons.

• St. John's and Future Prospects:
  John Middlekauff praises St. John's progress and Rick Pitino's leadership: "St. John's basketball is good for college basketball. It feels. With Pitino in the Garden, it feels big" ([57:03]).

• Optimism for the Future:
  Colin concludes with optimism about the evolving sports landscape, emphasizing continuous improvement and strategic planning.

Notable Quotes:

• "Cooper Flag is going to Dallas. Dallas has the deepest front line in the NBA... He’s the perfect fit." – Colin Cowherd ([19:41])

• "We've found that... European basketball players want to come here and attend college and stay away from going to the pros." – Rick Pitino ([42:31])

• "They both enter Green Bay as backups and then eventually get the starting job." – John Middlekauff ([02:56])

• "He’s physically ready, he's extremely athletic, he shoots the basketball... ready for the NBA." – Rick Pitino ([42:47])

• "The popularity of football today just blows me away from where it was 30 years ago." – Rick Pitino ([54:07])

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a rich tapestry of sports discussions, from in-depth draft analyses to transformative coaching strategies in college basketball. Through expert insights and engaging dialogues, Colin Cowherd and his guests provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current and future state of various sports leagues. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a casual follower, this episode encapsulates the dynamic and ever-evolving world of sports.