Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - "Best of The Herd"

Episode Information:

• Title: Best of The Herd
• Release Date: March 28, 2025
• Host: Colin Cowherd (with guest appearances by Doug Gottlieb, Richard Patino, and LeBron James)
• Description: A deep dive into the top sports stories, focusing on the evolving landscape of college basketball, player development, and the impact of financial dynamics in collegiate sports.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with host Doug Gottlieb stepping in for Colin Cowherd to discuss recent developments in college basketball. The conversation quickly transitions from initial banter to a critical examination of the current state of the game, highlighting the disparity between past and present playing styles and the rising influence of financial factors in recruiting and team dynamics.

2. Evolution of College Basketball and Player Performance

Doug Gottlieb initiates a discussion on the remarkable performance of emerging players like Cooper Flagg, questioning traditional metrics of greatness in comparison to established NBA stars.

• Doug Gottlieb [02:18]: “Why do people insist on spreading lies about how things used to be? There's two different sides to it.”

Gottlieb challenges the notion that older playing styles were superior, emphasizing the advancements in player skills and athleticism.

• Colin Cowherd [04:53]: “Cooper Flagg is a freak, right? He's a power point guard. He can handle, he can pass, he can shoot. He is a three-level scorer. I love him.”

He contrasts the versatility of modern players with legends like Larry Bird, arguing that contemporary athletes possess a broader skill set, making the game more dynamic and efficient.

3. Impact of Analytics on Modern Basketball Strategies

The conversation delves into the role of analytics in shaping offensive strategies, particularly the preference for three-point shots over mid-range attempts.

• Doug Gottlieb [04:53]: “The three-point shot is more efficient. Math works. It just does.”

Gottlieb criticizes the nostalgic longing for mid-range plays, advocating for a data-driven approach that maximizes scoring efficiency.

• Colin Cowherd [31:55]: “It's not that Giannis would have stunk or he would have scored 250 points. The truth is way more towards the middle.”

He insists that while efficiency metrics support the shift towards perimeter shooting, the essence of the game remains balanced and evolving.

4. Guest Segment: Interview with Coach Richard Patino and LeBron James

A significant portion of the episode features an insightful interview with Coach Richard Patino, the new head coach of Xavier, accompanied by NBA superstar LeBron James. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college sports.

• Richard Patino [25:14]: “It's about building rosters and it's way more transactional now. We're trying to put together our staff and evaluate properly.”

Patino discusses his transition to Xavier, emphasizing the strategic adjustments required to navigate the evolving recruiting landscape.

• LeBron James [26:01]: “We've beaten teams this year who had more money than we did. We've lost the teams who had less money than we did. So we're just trying to take it year by year.”

James highlights the unpredictable nature of success in the NIL era, where financial investments don't always correlate with on-court victories.

5. The Divide: Haves vs. Have-Nots in College Basketball

The discussion shifts to the growing financial divide in college basketball, with institutions like those in the Big East benefiting from substantial investments devoid of revenue-sharing constraints with football programs.

• LeBron James [30:19]: “The Big East is in an amazing position of strength because they don't have a cap. They can invest in men's basketball without the burden of football revenue sharing.”

James underscores the strategic advantage held by basketball-centric conferences, allowing for focused investments and competitive balance.

• Richard Patino [33:12]: “It's about how we're going to invest as we're going against my dad. We're both going to try to beat each other. There's no fight we're gonna win with people who believe Michael Jordan was better.”

Patino reflects on personal dynamics within the conference, illustrating the interplay between tradition and modern financial strategies.

6. NIL’s Long-Term Implications on Recruiting and Competition

The conversation addresses the sustainability of the current financial incentives and their long-term impact on collegiate sports' competitive integrity.

• LeBron James [35:07]: “Somebody’s always going to have more money than you. You’ve just got to do a very, very good job of spending wisely. Not easy.”

James expresses concerns about the perpetuation of financial disparities, emphasizing the need for strategic resource allocation to maintain competitiveness.

• Doug Gottlieb [35:55]: “Our goal is certainly to win championships, but we want to increase your value, and we certainly did that with a lot of players in our program, and we were able to win.”

Gottlieb highlights the dual objectives of immediate success and long-term player development amidst the evolving financial landscape.

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

As the episode nears its conclusion, Gottlieb and Cowherd reflect on the ongoing transformations within college basketball, forecasting continued shifts in recruiting practices, team strategies, and the overall competitive environment.

• Colin Cowherd [37:07]: “The Big East is an unbelievable conference. Congrats on the new gig. Best of luck here in Portal. Season all right.”

The hosts commend Coach Patino on his new role, signaling optimism for the future of Xavier and the broader implications for the Big East Conference.

Notable Quotes Featured:

• Doug Gottlieb [02:18]: “Why do people insist on spreading lies about how things used to be? There's two different sides to it.”

• Colin Cowherd [04:53]: “Cooper Flagg is a freak, right? He's a power point guard. He can handle, he can pass, he can shoot. He is a three-level scorer. I love him.”

• LeBron James [26:01]: “We've beaten teams this year who had more money than we did. We've lost the teams who had less money than we did. So we're just trying to take it year by year.”

• Richard Patino [25:14]: “It's about building rosters and it's way more transactional now. We're trying to put together our staff and evaluate properly.”

• LeBron James [30:19]: “The Big East is in an amazing position of strength because they don't have a cap. They can invest in men's basketball without the burden of football revenue sharing.”

• LeBron James [35:07]: “Somebody’s always going to have more money than you. You’ve just got to do a very, very good job of spending wisely. Not easy.”

Conclusion

"Best of The Herd" offers a comprehensive exploration of the current and future state of college basketball, dissecting the influence of financial dynamics and technological advancements on player performance and team competitiveness. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the episode underscores the complexities of maintaining competitive balance in an era increasingly driven by financial incentives and analytical strategies.

For listeners who seek an in-depth analysis of the shifting paradigms in college sports, this episode delivers critical perspectives and expert commentary that illuminate the path forward for athletes, coaches, and institutions alike.