Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Mark Few
Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction of Mark Few and His Roles
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth conversation with Mark Few, the esteemed head coach of Gonzaga University’s basketball team and a contributor to Team USA. The discussion delves into Mark’s coaching philosophy, his approach to recruiting, and his experiences balancing collegiate and international basketball dynamics.

Recruiting and Team Culture
Mark Few highlights the evolution of recruiting dynamics in college basketball. Previously, fewer players sought out Gonzaga, requiring Mark to proactively seek talent. However, as Gonzaga’s reputation has grown, top prospects now approach him directly. This shift necessitates a more selective approach to recruitment.

Mark Few [03:35]: "We have to be more selective because more people want. It used to be, if they come, I'll take them."

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining Gonzaga’s team-oriented culture amidst increased recruitment pressure. Mark underscores the necessity of recruiting players who not only excel individually but also value teamwork and are willing to adapt to the program's ethos.

Team USA and Learning from Pros
Mark discusses his involvement with Team USA and how it intersects with his role at Gonzaga. He draws parallels between collegiate athletics and professional play, particularly in the context of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape.

Mark Few [05:06]: "LeBron is all about winning and his preparation and how much film he watches... That's why he's one of the greatest winners in the history of all sports."

By referencing NBA stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry, Mark imparts valuable lessons on preparation, communication, and relentless pursuit of excellence to his Gonzaga players. These insights bridge the gap between college basketball and the professional realm, enhancing his coaching strategies.

Analysis of Player Cooper Flagg
The conversation shifts to the rising star Cooper Flagg, comparing his versatile skill set to that of Jayson Tatum. Mark Few praises Flagg's comprehensive abilities both offensively and defensively, predicting his immediate impact in the NBA.

Mark Few [07:38]: "He can score if he has to. He's got a great feel for the game... he impacts the game in a big way on the defensive end."

Mark draws attention to Flagg’s scrimmage performances against Gonzaga, highlighting his readiness and multifaceted talent, which sets him apart as a promising NBA prospect.

Team Strategy: Analytics vs. Manalytics
Colin introduces the concept of "Manalytics"—the human elements of the game that analytics might not capture, such as grit and clutch performance. Mark Few concurs, emphasizing that while data-driven strategies are invaluable, the intangible qualities like toughness and confidence often determine the outcome in critical moments.

Mark Few [12:08]: "Do they have that moxie? Do they have that grit? Do they have that toughness?"

He argues that the ability to perform under pressure and make decisive plays transcends what can be measured by statistics alone, underscoring the importance of cultivating these traits in players.

Maintaining Energy and Potential Retirement
The hosts share a light-hearted exchange about personal wellness and energy levels. Mark Few reflects on his longevity in coaching, attributing his sustained energy to maintaining a balance between professional dedication and personal well-being. He hints at eventual retirement plans, focusing on passing the torch to capable successors to preserve Gonzaga’s legacy.

Mark Few [17:25]: "It's time for them to experience this as a head coach, you know, at some point."

News Highlights: Aaron Rodgers and the Minnesota Vikings
Transitioning to sports news, J. Mac discusses the ongoing saga involving Aaron Rodgers and the Minnesota Vikings. The conversation speculates on the Vikings’ indecision regarding their quarterback situation, weighing options between keeping JJ McCarthy, Daniel Jones, or pursuing Rodgers.

Colin Cowherd [22:00]: "They are. I mean, it keeps getting leaked by legitimate sources. That's wild."

Mark Few offers his insights, pondering the Vikings' strategic considerations and the potential impact of acquiring Rodgers versus other quarterback options.

NFL Playoff Predictions
In a lively segment, Colin and J. Mac predict four new playoff teams in the NFL, analyzing team dynamics, coaching strategies, and player performances. The teams discussed include the Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers. Each prediction is backed by detailed reasoning, reflecting on past performances and offseason changes.

Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Colin and Mark Few reflect on the multifaceted nature of coaching and athletic performance, blending statistical analysis with human intuition. The conversation underscores the delicate balance between data-driven strategies and the irreplaceable human elements that define sports. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Mark Few’s coaching philosophy, his take on current sports happenings, and the intricate dynamics of collegiate and professional basketball.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [03:35]: "What we found up here, like, what fits us is just staying true."
• Mark Few [05:06]: "He is just all about winning and his preparation and how much film he watches."
• Mark Few [12:08]: "Do they have that moxie? Do they have that grit? Do they have that toughness?"

Timestamps Reference:

• Recruiting Challenges: 03:35
• Team USA Insights: 05:06
• Analysis of Cooper Flagg: 07:38
• Analytics vs. Manalytics: 12:08
• Retirement and Energy Levels: 17:25
• Aaron Rodgers and Vikings Discussion: 22:00
• Playoff Predictions: 30:00

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Colin Cowherd and Mark Few, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the episode’s content.