The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 1 - On to the Sweet 16 Release Date: March 24, 2025

Host: Colin Cowherd Guests: J. Mac and Bill Simmons

Opening Remarks and Sweet 16 Overview

The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd announcing the progression to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, noting the dominance of power conference teams. Colin shares his initial bracket predictions, expressing uncertainty about certain upsets and highlighting the strength of traditional basketball powerhouses.

"[...] six teams left in college basketball and yeah, I got 15 of them. I don't know what happened to J. Mac Brackett, but Captain Chalk is coming, baby."
— Colin Cowherd [02:43]

Impact of NIL and the Transfer Portal on College Basketball

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the effects of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal on the dynamics of college basketball. Both Colin and J. Mac evaluate how these factors have altered team compositions and the likelihood of mid-major upsets.

"Nil is actually, actually great for college basketball because it keeps some of the better players in college for another year, like Zach Edie."
— Colin Cowherd [05:30]

J. Mac raises concerns about the diminishing "Cinderella" stories, questioning whether talented players are quickly absorbed by bigger programs, thus stifling unexpected tournament runs.

"Don't you think it's kind of killed Cinderella? I mean, if you're good at a small school for one year, you're gone."
— J. Mac [12:15]

Colin counters by arguing that the Cinderella narrative was always more myth than reality, citing historical examples where upsets involved teams with substantial talent.

"That's considered the all time Cinderella rolling. Massamino told me when I used to host his co. I hosted his coaching show in Vegas. He goes, we love Georgetown. They were physical. We had an NBA center in N. Pinckney. We could slow it down. I thought I could go toe to toe with John Thompson. We had no fear of Georgetown. St. John's crushed us."
— Colin Cowherd [12:44]

Team-Specific Analysis

Arkansas vs. St. John's

Colin discusses John Calipari's Arkansas team advancing past St. John's, emphasizing the strength of the SEC and Arkansas's improvement under new coaching.

"Arkansas got off to a really bad start this year with Calipari. It's a new coach, new staff, new players. They played very well at the end of the year."
— Colin Cowherd [11:49]

J. Mac adds that Arkansas's performance is a testament to their resilience and the depth of the SEC.

"They are a pretty damn good team. I like your flex to start the show. 15 of 16 sweet 16 teams. Well done."
— J. Mac [11:49]

Maryland vs. Florida Showdown

The hosts highlight Maryland's thrilling buzzer-beater against Florida, discussing the controversies over potential traveling violations and the strategic implications for Florida advancing in the tournament.

"Maryland is a good story. Good story, good team."
— Colin Cowherd [25:26]

J. Mac praises the freshman Maryland player, noting his high school connections and potential impact on future games.

"The freshman went into the huddle before the final play and said, give me the mfing ball. That's awesome."
— J. Mac [25:34]

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers

Shifting gears to the NFL, Colin delves into the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation, scrutinizing their handling of Aaron Rodgers and the team's broader strategies.

"Aaron wanted to go to Minnesota, knew the division, closer to Malibu, closer to home. He wanted to go to Minnesota."
— Colin Cowherd [09:30]

He criticizes the Steelers for bypassing Michigan's pro day to pursue Rodgers, suggesting that this misstep reflects poorly on their overall strategy and offensive capabilities.

"The Steelers are 29th in touchdown passes with a variety of quarterbacks since 2021. Think about this. That's fewer than the Patriots, the Raiders and the Bears."
— Colin Cowherd [09:50]

UConn and Coach Dan Hurley

A substantial segment is dedicated to UConn's impressive tournament run under Coach Dan Hurley. Colin and Bill Simmons commend Hurley's intensity and effectiveness in building a robust program that resonates well with players.

"Dan Hurley is 13 and one in his last 14 tournament games. [...] His players love him."
— Colin Cowherd [17:45]

Bill Simmons echoes the sentiment, emphasizing Hurley's ability to foster a winning culture while maintaining strong relationships with his athletes.

"His players love him. Some have stayed for an extra year."
— Bill Simmons [22:29]

NBA Insights

The conversation transitions to the NBA, with Colin sharing observations on LeBron James' return to the Lakers and speculating on the potential of emerging stars like Cooper Flag.

"LeBron returned Saturday night against the Bulls at home. He missed seven straight games. The Lakers, they got blasted by Chicago, gave up a buck 46."
— Colin Cowherd [30:31]

J. Mac and Bill discuss the implications of player acquisitions and the importance of star players in enhancing team performance and fan engagement.

"He'll be the biggest white star that the NBA has had in decades. [...] Cooper Flag's got a lot of that."
— J. Mac [33:03]

Auburn's Basketball Program

Bill Simmons highlights Auburn's basketball program under Coach Bruce Pearl, noting the program's growth and competitive edge within the SEC. Colin expresses his support for Auburn's chances in the tournament, appreciating Pearl's coaching acumen.

"We got these two seven footers at Michigan that are both really skilled and really physical and they're obviously really, really good."
— Bill Simmons [42:20]

"I think of Bruce Pearl. That's the first thing I think of with Auburn."
— Colin Cowherd [42:34]

Final Thoughts on College and Professional Sports

In their concluding discussions, the hosts reflect on the symbiotic relationship between college and professional sports, advocating for the continued relevance of college basketball amidst the evolving landscape influenced by NIL and the transfer portal.

"College basketball between the brands March Madness."
— Colin Cowherd [44:10]

Bill Simmons underscores the value of college environments in player development, arguing that the NIL agreements offer a better pathway for athletes compared to the G League.

"With the NIL, we are absolutely able to compete with the NBA. Kids would rather their kids are better off being in their teens and their 20s in college, continuing to develop and being able to be compensated for their value and their worth versus having to go into the G League."
— Bill Simmons [40:48]

Closing Remarks

Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating his support for Auburn and emphasizing the importance of strong coaching and player development in both college and professional sports.

"If my kid was a college basketball player, I'd rather you take some classes, get coached hard in college, not go to the G League."
— Colin Cowherd [48:00]

Key Takeaways

• NIL and Transfer Portal: These elements have fundamentally shifted college basketball dynamics, favoring established powerhouses and reducing the chances for mid-major upsets.

• Team Strengths: Traditional teams like Duke, Kentucky, and Auburn continue to demonstrate strong performances, while discussions highlight the resilience and strategic growth of programs like Arkansas and UConn.

• Professional Sports Dynamics: Insights into the NFL's quarterback decisions and the NBA's player acquisitions emphasize the intricate balance between team strategy and player talent.

• Player Development: The conversation advocates for the significance of college sports in nurturing athletic talent, arguing that current systems better support long-term player growth compared to alternative pathways like the G League.

Notable Quotes

• "The more social platforms we have, the busier we get, the more distracted we get."
  — Colin Cowherd [15:41]

• "College campuses are some of the great times in your life. [...] It's a community."
  — Colin Cowherd [47:33]

• "The quality of NBA basketball will be better and better served if they would stop drafting so much on potential."
  — Bill Simmons [40:48]

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of college basketball, the interplay with professional leagues, and the broader implications of recent changes in athlete management and team strategies. Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated follower, the hosts offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sports.