Summary of "Best of The Herd" Episode – The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Release Date: April 7, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry, the team delves into some of the most significant sports events of the weekend. Despite Colin Cowherd’s absence due to his fishing trip, Jason and Alex provide insightful commentary on the unexpected outcomes in college basketball, the LA Lakers' performance, and emerging NBA talents. The episode is structured into several key sections, each addressing different facets of the sports world, enriched with notable quotes and detailed analysis.

1. Explosive College Basketball Final Four Upset

Timestamp: 09:30 – 17:00

The episode opens with a deep dive into the shocking Final Four outcome where the Houston Cougars defeated the Duke Blue Devils. Jason McIntyre expresses his disbelief at Duke’s late-game collapse, highlighting the vulnerability of relying heavily on a young roster.

• Jason McIntyre (09:30): "The finals are here, and the only thing for sure it's the last time to bet on college basketball this season."

He emphasizes the impact of the transfer portal, suggesting that veteran-heavy teams like Houston have an edge over youth-centric squads like Duke.

• Jason McIntyre (12:45): "All college basketball season, what have we talked about? It's the veteran teams using the transfer portal to bring 22, 23, 24-year-olds onto the court. Those are the teams that have thrived. But not Duke."

The discussion further critiques Duke’s coaching decisions, particularly John Shire’s handling of in-game situations, leading to several turnovers in critical moments.

• Jason McIntyre (15:20): "He couldn't inbound the basketball. It was painful to watch anybody who's coached basketball at any level or played basketball, you know, inbounds..."

2. Assessing Cooper Flag’s Potential NBA Stardom

Timestamp: 17:00 – 29:00

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Cooper Flag, Duke’s standout freshman. Jason and Alex passionately discuss his statistics and potential future in the NBA, drawing comparisons to legends like Kevin Garnett and Jayson Tatum.

• Jason McIntyre (18:45): "Cooper Flag was putting up 27 points, seven boards, five assists, three blocks. He leads Duke in practically every single statistical category that matters."

• Alex Curry (24:10): "Cooper Flag's the best white American basketball prospect since Larry Bird."

Despite his impressive performance, they acknowledge the challenges young players face in high-pressure environments, citing Cooper’s fading performance in the final minutes against Houston as a point of concern.

• Jason McIntyre (22:30): "He did that a couple times in the final 10 minutes against the Houston pressure. That's fine. I'll leave you with two notes."

3. LA Lakers’ Resurgence and Luka Doncic’s Dominance

Timestamp: 29:00 – 42:00

Shifting focus to the NBA, the hosts commend the LA Lakers for their recent victories, particularly highlighting Luka Doncic’s exceptional performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They discuss how the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Doncic, are positioning themselves strongly for the playoffs.

• Jason McIntyre (30:15): "They had one of the great three-point shooting days in franchise history. I think they tied a franchise record for threes."

• Alex Curry (35:00): "Fear the Lakers, because if you're facing them in a series, in the playoffs, they are the team to be terrified of."

The conversation extends to player dynamics, analyzing how Doncic’s skills can potentially disrupt traditional defensive strategies, using examples like Lou Dort’s inability to contain him.

• Jason McIntyre (38:00): "SGA is the kind of guy who gets all the calls. And if you watch closely, he kept driving all game long, and he would miss his shot."

4. The Okla City Thunder’s Challenges and Playoff Outlook

Timestamp: 42:00 – 50:00

Alex Curry provides a critical look at the Oklahoma City Thunder, discussing Russell Westbrook’s performance and the team's reliance on Nikola Jokic. The hosts debate whether the Thunder can sustain their season momentum, especially without key players like Jamal Murray.

• Alex Curry (44:23): "Russ is no different than he's been all along, and particularly when it comes to the media."

• Jason McIntyre (45:07): "Nikola Jokic is playing the best basketball of his life, without a question, the best player in the league right now."

They explore the potential vulnerabilities of the Thunder in the playoffs, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and leadership.

5. Emerging NBA Trends and Future Predictions

Timestamp: 50:00 – 52:22

In the concluding segment, Jason and Alex speculate on future NBA movements, including possible trades and the trajectories of rising stars like Cooper Flag. They touch upon the broader implications of player dynamics and team strategies as the season progresses.

• Jason McIntyre (51:10): "He could be maxed out or interesting."

• Alex Curry (51:38): "I love everything about Cooper Flag, and I hope you're right. I hope it is."

Notable Quotes

• Jason McIntyre (09:30): "The finals are here, and the only thing for sure it's the last time to bet on college basketball this season."

• Alex Curry (24:10): "Cooper Flag's the best white American basketball prospect since Larry Bird."

• Jason McIntyre (38:00): "SGA is the kind of guy who gets all the calls."

• Alex Curry (35:00): "Fear the Lakers, because if you're facing them in a series, in the playoffs, they are the team to be terrified of."

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a comprehensive analysis of key sports events, blending statistical insights with passionate commentary. Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current sports landscape, highlighting both emerging talents and established teams' strategies. Their discussions not only reflect on past performances but also forecast future developments in college and professional basketball, making the episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis and engaging dialogues.