Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Tomorrow's Headlines Today

Episode Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Authors: Colin Cowherd, Mick Cronin
• Production: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Release Date: March 27, 2025
• Episode: Hour 3 - Tomorrow's Headlines Today

Introduction to the Transfer Portal Debate

[02:37] Colin Cowherd:
Colin opens the discussion by highlighting his concerns about the timing and impact of the NCAA transfer portal on the ongoing tournament. He emphasizes the need for improvements despite recent guardrail enhancements.

Notable Quote:
"They've got to get this thing fixed. I mean, the guardrails have improved, but it's still absurd that basically in the middle of this tournament, here come the transfer portal questions." – Colin Cowherd [02:37]

Mick Cronin on the Transfer Portal and NCAA Challenges

[02:53] Mick Cronin:
Mick expresses a pragmatic outlook on the transfer portal, advocating for positive action over complaints. He critiques the NCAA's current struggles and timing issues, acknowledging the organization's attempts to seek governmental assistance.

Notable Quote:
"If you don't like something, okay, then get a new job. Don't complain about your job. Shut the hell up. Just go get a new job." – Mick Cronin [03:35]

Impact on College Basketball and Team Dynamics

[04:22] Mick Cronin:
Mick discusses the immediate effects of the transfer portal, noting the large number of players entering and the subsequent adjustments required. He supports the notion of paying players, deeming it a long-overdue change.

Notable Quote:
"And as far as, you know, paying players, I mean, that's here to stay. And it should have come a long time ago." – Mick Cronin [04:36]

Analyzing Team Performances and Strategies

[05:27] Colin Cowherd:
Colin shares his predictions for upcoming games, particularly focusing on Arizona versus Duke. He outlines his reasoning based on player performances and team strategies.

Notable Quote:
"I picked Arizona over Duke for two reasons. Freshmen don't win the title. And Caleb Love, they're going to have to make shots. If he doesn't, they're not going to win." – Colin Cowherd [05:31]

[06:18] Mick Cronin:
Mick provides insights into Arizona's challenges, emphasizing the importance of Caleb Love's shooting ability and the team's reliance on defense to advance in the tournament.

Notable Quote:
"If Caleb Love doesn't make shots, they're not going to win." – Mick Cronin [06:37]

Spotlight on Rising Stars: Cooper Flag

[07:26] Mick Cronin:
Mick reminisces about discovering Cooper Flag, highlighting his defensive prowess and athleticism despite his limited shooting skills. He underscores Cooper's potential impact in the NBA.

Notable Quote:
"He's a fierce competitor. And he's a really, really great finisher and a special player." – Mick Cronin [07:34]

[17:04] Colin Cowherd:
Colin compares Cooper Flag to legendary players, suggesting that with more experience, Cooper could significantly enhance his performance.

Notable Quote:
"He's going to be a star in the NBA. That's what it's all about." – Colin Cowherd [17:19]

Conference Realignment and Its Effects

[09:12] Colin Cowherd:
Colin discusses the merger of West Coast programs like UCLA and USC with the Big Ten, predicting negative outcomes for sports like volleyball and basketball due to increased travel and scheduling conflicts.

Notable Quote:
"I said, it's not going to matter to football. They've got five road games. I said, it's going to hurt volleyball, basketball." – Colin Cowherd [09:12]

[18:01] Mick Cronin:
Mick reflects on the higher scoring nature of the Big Ten compared to the PAC 12, attributing it to both talent and the evolution of the game towards more three-point shooting.

Notable Quote:
"The game's evolved. There's more guys shooting the three. You know, you look at, you know, Dusty May brought with Michigan. They could really shoot the ball." – Mick Cronin [18:10]

Defense vs. Offense: Michigan State's Strategy

[09:27] Mick Cronin:
Mick analyzes Michigan State's potential to reach the Final Four, emphasizing the need for improved shooting and leveraging their defensive depth to overcome opponents.

Notable Quote:
"They have to execute because they don't have a guy they can just give the ball to that can just get you baskets." – Mick Cronin [09:41]

[10:35] Mick Cronin:
He further elaborates on Michigan State's reliance on defense and the importance of players like Chase Richardson and Tyrese Proctor in maintaining competitive play.

Notable Quote:
"Their defense is the key because they run off their defense." – Mick Cronin [10:35]

Tournament Predictions and Key Matchups

[29:00] Jason McIntyre:
Jason presents his predictions for the upcoming tournament games, focusing on potential upsets and the performance of freshman point guards.

Notable Quote:
"I have BYU taking down Bama. They could shoot the three as well as Alabama. This will be a track meet." – Jason McIntyre [29:00]

[30:02] Jason McIntyre:
He continues with predictions, highlighting Florida's depth and Maryland's struggles with foul trouble as factors that could influence the game's outcome.

Notable Quote:
"I think Florida's really, really good. They have four guys, six, nine or bigger who they can throw at the superstar Derrick Queen." – Jason McIntyre [30:02]

[33:49] Jason McIntyre:
Jason analyzes the Houston vs. Purdue matchup, favoring Houston's defensive capabilities over Purdue's offensive strengths.

Notable Quote:
"Houston's really, really good. Kelvin Sampson the last few years has had some awesome teams." – Jason McIntyre [33:49]

The Role of College Basketball in the NBA Pipeline

[22:26] Colin Cowherd:
Colin emphasizes the importance of college basketball as a feeder system for the NBA, advocating for the continued relevance of college programs in developing top-tier talent.

Notable Quote:
"I tell Adam Silver this. I love you, bro, but stop marginalizing college basketball. The coaching's better in college." – Colin Cowherd [22:26]

[23:22] Colin Cowherd:
He contrasts the intensity of college games with the NBA's later-season fatigue, positioning college basketball as more authentic and engaging for fans.

Notable Quote:
"March is a bad month for the NBA because it's juxtaposed all the college kids are playing like their life depends on it." – Colin Cowherd [23:22]

Closing Remarks and Future Discussions

[35:13] Jason McIntyre:
Jason encourages Colin to fully embrace college basketball topics, highlighting the depth and passion surrounding the NCAA tournament.

Notable Quote:
"This is the year to go all in Cooper Flag." – Jason McIntyre [35:13]

[36:02] Mick Cronin:
Mick reiterates the exceptional talent of Cooper Flag, underscoring his defensive skills and potential impact at the professional level.

Notable Quote:
"He's a fierce competitor. And he's a really, really great finisher and a special player." – Mick Cronin [36:32]

[37:20] Colin Cowherd:
Colin praises Cooper Flag's potential, likening his future success to that of legendary players and emphasizing his importance to the team's dynamics.

Notable Quote:
"He's going to be a star in the NBA. That's what it's all about." – Colin Cowherd [37:20]

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Colin and guest Mick Cronin delve deep into the current state of college basketball, focusing on the implications of the NCAA transfer portal, team strategies, and the future of player development. They provide insightful analysis on key matchups in the NCAA tournament, highlighting standout players like Cooper Flag and discussing the evolving dynamics of college conferences. The conversation underscores the enduring significance of college basketball in shaping the NBA landscape and the passionate investment of fans and analysts alike.

Listeners who missed the episode can catch future discussions live on Fox Sports Radio or stream on the iHeartRadio app by searching for "The Herd with Colin Cowherd."