The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Best of The Herd)

Date: March 18, 2026
Host: Jason McIntyre (filling in for Colin Cowherd)
Notable Guests: Rachel Nichols, Miles Simon

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Herd" dives into the electrifying aftermath of the World Baseball Classic, breaks down NCAA basketball storylines as March Madness begins, unpacks the drama behind the scuttled Max Crosby trade, and features in-depth tournament player analysis with college basketball legend Miles Simon. The episode is high-energy, conversational, and loaded with sharp opinions, memorable moments, and insider perspectives on the day’s biggest sports events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. World Baseball Classic Recap

Segment Start: [03:16]

• Main Takeaway: The USA fell 3-2 to Venezuela in a classic finale, as the American bats went quiet despite high expectations.
• Venezuela’s Passion: The energy in Miami was described as "jumping," with the Venezuelan team’s passion on full display both on and off the field.
• Analytics in Baseball: Jason discusses the issue with home run-or-strikeout approach in single-elimination tournaments.
• Highlights: A pivotal Abreu home run for Venezuela put the U.S. on the ropes ([05:27]). Bryce Harper’s 8th-inning home run brought hope, but ultimately the Americans couldn’t finish.
• Heartfelt Interview: Venezuelan player Suarez’s postgame interview captured the emotional significance for his nation ([08:14]):

  “Nobody believe in Venezuela, but now we win the championship today, and this is a celebration for all the Venezuelan countries. We’re not just teammates, we are family... That’s why this is a lot for us as a player, players, as a people, as a human being, and as a Venezuela, now we are the champion.”

Notable Quotes

• Jason McIntyre ([04:18]):

  “The World Baseball Classic was really about the vibes and the energy and you could just tell Miami was jumping. The party was crazy last night.”

• Suarez (Venezuela) ([08:14]):

  “Nobody believe in Venezuela, but now we win the championship... we are family. That’s why we play with passion, with love, because we feel the jersey, we feel our country in front of us.”

• Jason ([08:50]):

  “World Baseball Classic, we don’t win it, but we were there at the end and it was great for baseball.”

Timestamps

• Abreu home run highlight: [05:27]
• Bryce Harper game-tying home run: [06:16]
• Game-winning call for Venezuela: [07:30]
• Passionate postgame Suarez interview: [08:14]

2. Max Crosby Trade Fiasco

Segment Start: [09:00]

• Background: Max Crosby's trade from Raiders to Ravens for two first-round picks is abruptly called off after questions about Crosby's medical evaluation.
• Inside Look: Jason likens the situation to a “30 for 30” doc, noting the whirlwind 96 hours and fan outcry in Baltimore.
• Athlete Perspective: Max Crosby’s emotional reflection on his own podcast is played, detailing confusion, anxiety, and a sense of destiny returning to the Raiders.
• Analysis and Speculation: Jason details possible behind-the-scenes tensions in Baltimore: uncertain rationale for the trade, Lamar Jackson’s contract issues, veteran departures, and a rookie head coach.

Notable Quotes

• Max Crosby ([11:43]):

  "The first thought in my head, like, I was terrified. So it just kind of hit me. I'm like, what, is there something wrong? Like, I'm freaking out, like, low key, deep down. I'm like, I can't get another surgery... I'm livid, confused. The whole nine, all in one."

• Jason McIntyre ([12:23]):

  “I'm meant to be a Raider.”

• Jason ([13:23]):

  “Is it too hot of a take to say the Raiders are bigger contenders for a playoff spot next year than the Baltimore Ravens are?”

Timestamps

• Max Crosby’s account of the failed trade: [11:43]

3. NCAA Tournament Top Five Players Breakdown

Segment Start: [19:48]

• Jason’s Top Five ([20:00]):

  1. AJ DeBonsa (BYU) – Most NBA-upside, three-level scorer, “I’m enamored with this kid.”
  2. Koa Pete (Arizona) – High IQ, unselfish, impactful in biggest games.
  3. Cam Boozer (Duke) – Compared to a young Jokic, top 10 in scoring/rebounding.
  4. Darius Acuff (Arkansas) – Derrick Rose/Allen Iverson energy with a better shot.
  5. Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) – Big Ten Player of the Year, journey from obscurity to stardom.

• Jason recounts his own March Madness nostalgia, remembering emotional bracket victories and upsets ([19:48]).

Notable Quotes

• Jason ([21:40]):

  “No, he’s not Jokic, but neither was Jokic when he was 18. Boozer makes winning plays.”

• Jason on DeBonsa ([23:10]):

  “I think for me it’s going to be DeBonsa. They lose Richie Saunders, probably their second best player. Huge loss. All DeBonsa does is step up.”

4. Miles Simon Interview: NCAA Tournament Insights

Segment Start: [25:32]

NCAA Backcourt Comparisons & Underrated Stars

• Miles sees parallels between Houston’s backcourt and his Arizona champs from ‘97 ([26:52]):

  “The backcourt that reminds me of our team is actually the Houston backcourt... Kingston Flemings, Mike Bibby, Milos USAN... Mercy Miller off the bench, like the Jason Terry for our team.”

• On Jason’s Top Five:
  Miles argues for Thomas Houck (Florida) as a top player, emphasizing his improvement and leadership ([27:52]).

Florida & Final Four Picks

• Florida's Potential: Despite a bad SEC tourney loss, Miles has Florida going to the national title game ([28:58]).
• Final Four Picks: Arizona, Michigan, UConn, Florida.
  On UConn:

  “There’s something to be said about championship coaching. Hurley’s going to have these guys prepared.” ([29:46])

St. John's and Duke Analysis

• St. John’s as a “hard out” in the tournament due to defense and athleticism ([31:49]).
• Expresses concern about Duke’s injuries, especially missing Caleb Foster ([32:30]).

Momentum and Peaking

• Miles downplays "momentum" as overrated for college teams, emphasizing learning from losses ([33:08]):

  “Kids, they don’t think about that. They live in the moment... As a coach, you talk about next play.”

Arizona’s Current Team

• Cites their ability to win different styles and improved coaching by Tommy Lloyd ([34:48]):

  “They can win in different styles of fight... I’m not too concerned about Tommy Lloyd because... he’s continued to get better as a head coach.”

5. Analyst Deep Dives: Trends and Player Development

Segment Start: [39:14]

• European Influence: Increasing numbers of high-impact European players in NCAA due to attractive NIL money and exposure:

  “Now these young guys... get to play on some of the biggest stages and make six figures, develop and then get ready for the NBA. Tommy Lloyd is a master of that.” ([39:44])

• Player Watch:

  • Cam Boozer: Versatile, elite passer, brings “hard hat every night.” Likened to an NBA All-Star trajectory ([41:11]).
  • AJ DeBonsa: Miles asserts he’s the clear #1 NBA draft pick, “separated himself from the group.” Praised for handling pressure and leading BYU ([42:58]):

    “He is the real deal in all aspects... he’s the guy that has the ball in his hands making all the decisions.”

6. Lakers & NBA Check-In

Segment Start: [44:51]

• Lakers Surging:

  • Team has won 9 of 10, with LeBron embracing being the “third option” behind Luka and Austin Reaves—a major shift for a superstar ([45:16]).
  • The Lakers now run the most zone defense in the NBA, fueling their turnaround.
  • On LeBron’s buy-in:

    “Arguably the greatest player ever... accepting being the third option and letting Luka and Austin Reaves be the engine... that’s huge for this team and uplifting to the whole group.” ([45:16])

• Defensive Identity:

  • Since January 18, Lakers have a top-10 defense; their zone tactics breed confidence.

Timestamps

• Miles Simon on Lakers’ tactics: [45:16]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jason (reflecting on the World Baseball Classic):

  “I mean, folks, it’s 12 hours later. I still get goosebumps watching that and listening to it. An awesome comeback.” ([06:42])

• Miles Simon on old tournament memories:

  “Unfortunately, like, my kids don’t care that much. So, like, that kind of hurts my heart. Like... people tell them, like, your dad was this great player, but, like, the kids, they don’t care.” ([25:53])

• Miles Simon on college momentum:

  “We lost. We finished fifth. We had nine losses on the seat. We were 19 and nine going into the NCAA Tournament... But that didn’t, like, like, kids... they really live in the moment.” ([33:08])

Notable Segments with Timestamps

• World Baseball Classic breakdown: [03:16]–[08:50]
• Max Crosby trade drama and player podcast perspective: [09:00]–[13:23]
• NCAA Tournament Top Five Players: [19:48]–[25:32]
• Miles Simon interview & deep college hoops analysis: [25:32]–[44:51]
• NBA/Lakers analysis with Simon: [44:51]–[47:16]

Episode Tone & Style

• Upbeat, direct, and debating—Jason (filling in for Colin) brings energy, rapid analysis, and strong opinions.
• Insider guest analysis is warm but candid; Miles Simon delivers both praise and tough questions.
• Personal anecdotes and big-picture thinking make for an engaging listen, especially for fans tuning in for pre-March Madness hype.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking in-depth episode insight, major sports storylines, and expert analysis.