The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis: Fan Q&A: LeBron James TikTok songs, March Madness & how to FIX college basketball

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis: Fan Q&A: LeBron James TikTok songs, March Madness & how to FIX college basketball"

Release Date: March 23, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves into a dynamic fan Q&A session featuring basketball luminaries Draymond Green and Baron Davis. The episode, titled "The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis: Fan Q&A: LeBron James TikTok songs, March Madness & how to FIX college basketball," offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of current trends in basketball, from March Madness prospects to the evolving landscape of college basketball and the NBA's international expansion. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the episode.

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1. Introduction to Fan Q&A and March Madness Prospects (02:28 - 06:48)

The episode kicks off with Colin introducing the segment "Get At Me and BD," where Draymond Green and Baron Davis address questions from fans surrounding the ongoing March Madness tournament.

Top Prospects to Watch:

• Cooper Flagg: Both hosts unanimously agree on Cooper Flagg as a standout prospect, highlighting his exceptional skills and potential impact.
• Jace Richardson: Draymond emphasizes Richardson's rise on draft boards and his improved ball-handling skills under Coach Izzo, stating, “Jace has climbed up the charts of the draft boards and I think he's continuing to excel” (02:46).
• Johnny Broom: A fifth-year senior at Auburn, Broom has dominated the college basketball scene this year. Draymond notes, “Seniors get a knock in the draft, although we've changed that a bit” (03:50).

Additional Notables:

• Eric Daly Jr. (UCLA): Described as a "dog" and skilled player, Daly's potential as a focal point for the offense is highlighted.
• Mark Sears (Alabama): Praised for his explosiveness and versatility, Davis expresses excitement about Sears' contributions to Alabama's basketball program.

Notable Quote:

“Johnny Broom are the top three that I'm watching. Cooper Flagg, Jace Richardson. Johnny Broom.” – Draymond Green (03:00)

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2. Challenges in College Basketball: Officiating and Transfer Portal Issues (06:48 - 10:22)

The discussion shifts to the pressing issues plaguing college basketball, with both hosts expressing concerns over the current system.

Key Problems Identified:

• Officiating Quality: Draymond criticizes the way games are officiated, stating, “The way the game is officiated in college basketball makes it boring” (05:51). He advocates for aligning college rules more closely with the NBA to better prepare players for the professional level.

• Transfer Portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness): While acknowledging the flexibility the transfer portal offers, Baron expresses frustration with coaches who exploit it by recruiting one-and-done players without fostering program loyalty or development. He mentions, “It's a meat market for, you know, kids being here one day, leaving the next day” (07:00).

Proposed Solutions:

• Improved Officiating Standards: Both hosts suggest that adopting NBA-style officiating could enhance game competitiveness and player development.

• Financial Incentives for Smaller Schools: Baron proposes a system where smaller schools receive fees when their players transfer to bigger programs, ensuring these institutions are rewarded for their recruiting efforts.

Notable Quote:

“Amateur basketball, it is no longer amateur basketball. This is no longer amateur sports. This is professional sports.” – Baron Davis (09:30)

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3. The Future of the NBA: International Expansion vs. College Talent (10:22 - 13:20)

The conversation transitions to the NBA's trajectory, debating whether its future lies in expanding internationally or capitalizing on emerging college talent.

Discussion Points:

• International Talent Growth: Both hosts agree that the NBA is becoming increasingly global, with potential expansions such as teams in London or Mexico City. Draymond states, “I'll start obviously Cooper Flagg... Certainly seeing a team in London” (11:36).

• Integration of International Rules and Styles: There's a consensus that international playstyles and rules may better prepare players for the NBA compared to the current college system.

• Sustained Dominance of American Talent: While acknowledging international growth, both hosts believe that American talent remains preeminent, though the landscape is gradually shifting.

Notable Quote:

“The game is getting better. The game is evolving... The league is very international now.” – Draymond Green (10:30)

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4. LeBron James TikTok Songs: A Cultural Phenomenon (13:20 - 14:15)

In a lighter segment, Draymond and Baron discuss the surge of LeBron James-themed R&B songs on TikTok, reflecting on the intersection of sports and popular culture.

Key Highlights:

• Creative Expression: The hosts appreciate the creativity behind these songs but express concerns over the use of iconic samples without proper attribution.

• Impact on LeBron's Branding: They acknowledge that while these songs increase LeBron's visibility, they also blur the lines between personal branding and artistic integrity.

Notable Quote:

“LeBron, the real big three. I have not heard LeBron James earned this song.” – Baron Davis (13:31)

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5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (14:15 - 14:20)

As the episode wraps up, Colin thanks Draymond and Baron for their insights, emphasizing the importance of addressing the identified issues to foster the growth of basketball at all levels.

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Overall Insights and Takeaways

• Player Development and Systemic Changes: The hosts stress the necessity of evolving the college basketball system to prioritize player development, reduce reliance on one-and-done players, and enhance officiating standards.

• Internationalization of the NBA: There's a clear trend towards the NBA becoming more global, with potential team expansions and increased international player integration.

• Cultural Integration: The blending of sports with other cultural mediums, such as music, showcases the multifaceted influence athletes like LeBron James have beyond the court.

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This episode provides a thought-provoking analysis of the current state and future of basketball, offering listeners valuable perspectives from seasoned professionals. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Draymond Green and Baron Davis offer compelling arguments and actionable solutions to some of the sport's most pressing challenges.

Transcript

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[Nikki Glaser]

This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast. Have you guys seen this new commercial from Stand up to All Hate? It's basically Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady going back and forth with reasons that they hate each other. But then when you really listen to them, the reasons for the hate are just so stupid. I don't know. This this commercial really got me. It's a strong reminder that hate in our country continues to be out of control. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up. Call it out. Your voice is a powerful tool in this fight. You can learn more by following OTs upwithhate the volume.

[Unknown Host 1]

The next segment is get at me and BD where we answer questions from the fans. Since March Madness has started, we'll answer a few questions about college basketball.

[Unknown Host 2]

WAFA 2025 who are the top prospects to watch during March Madness? If you both can give your top.

[Unknown Host 1]

Three, I'll start obviously Cooper FL. But Cooper FL is who he is. I think an interesting to watch is Jace Richardson. Jace has climbed up the charts of the draft boards and I think he's continuing to excel. I think a lot of people early on in the season like oh man, he's a shot maker. He can make shots, but can he handle the ball? So what did Izzo do here, Jace? Handle the ball more, go make plays more. And he's checked that box and so I think that'll be a fun one to watch. So I'm going Cooper Flagg. I'm going Jace Richardson and I think Johnny Broom, he's a fifth year senior at Auburn. I think he's an interesting watch. He's dominated college basketball this year and I think now he's going to keep playing at this level and I think a lot of scouts are going to want to see how he perform in this tournament. Seniors get a knock in the draft, although we've changed that a bit. Shout out to myself and the other seniors that's come in this league and created cause havoc and changing that narrative a little bit. So I think Johnny Broom are the top three that I'm watching. Cooper flag, Jace Richardson. Johnny Broom.

[Unknown Host 2]

You took my Jace Richardson right there. That's my baby right there, man. That's nephew. Yes sir.

[Unknown Host 1]

Yes sir.

[Unknown Host 2]

He out here killing you and Jay.

[Unknown Host 1]

Probably was on the same team when he was born, huh?

[Unknown Host 2]

He was a baby. Yeah.

[Unknown Host 1]

18 years ago. We are two zero seven. That's we believe.

[Unknown Host 2]

Yep, yep. Yeah, yeah. No, I'm telling you, that was my little dude. After that, you know, I had no kids at the time so like I used to always hang with, with Jay Rich. I called Jay Rista Don. I used to hang with the diamond and the baby Dons.

[Unknown Host 1]

That's fire.

[Unknown Host 2]

So shout out to Jace. My other guy is Eric Daly Jr. Fire from UCLA. I'm talking about a dog. Talking about somebody that's skilled. I feel if coach just let him go, right? If the cuz just let him go and like let him just be the focal point of the offense. I think UCLA is going to be good. He's built for the NBA and as we've seen, UCLA makes great, great, great professional athletes. Even our younger. I like this guy, Mark Sears.

[Unknown Host 1]

Oh yeah, Alabama. Yeah.

[Unknown Host 2]

I want to see what he do. He's explosive, versatile. He's their motor, right? And I, you know, I just, I just like, I like how you get down. He's smooth, he efficient, he can score the rock. I Want to see what he do? I want to see what Alabama does. Because this is the first time I think that the Alabama basketball is ranked higher than Alabama football.

[Unknown Host 1]

Yep.

[Unknown Host 2]

For the first time in a long time.

[Unknown Host 1]

That's a fact. All right, I like that list. I like that list at TNB777. What is the biggest problem with the current system in college basketball? I think number one, transfer. I'm sure he's talking about all the transfer portal and nil and all of that stuff and that's fine. But I think the way the game is officiated in college basketball makes it boring. You can't play defense, you can't guard the post. The rules of college basketball need to get closer to the rules of the NBA because I think some of the rules of college basketball creates a disservice for guys coming into the NBA. And so that's what I think is most wrong with the system is the way the referees referee the game, the way they call the game, the way you have to guard. I think it sucks.

[Unknown Host 2]

Yeah, I think it is. It's the officiating because the games are just drawn out. And then I also think a lot of it is I'm not mad at the transfer portal, right? Because I'm still filling out a bracket. It's still UCLA online. I still love my Bruins and I'm still watching young talent go places and flourish. Now some of these coaches need to go sit they ass down because they don't know what they doing and they recruit the wrong guys and they not really building up programs. When you think of somebody like Caliper, when he was doing one and done, he was still building up the program for guys to come in and be one and done. Now everybody is looking at how can we get guys to come in for one year and do something at my school, turn my school around. And it's just not the same. It's not the same pedigree, right. It's just like a meat market for, you know, kids being here one day, leaving the next day, you know, like there's no adversity or loyalty. And so now you're gonna get a lot of these young kids coming out of high school that are talented, that need to grow and develop. It's going to take them two or three years to find the right place. A lot of it is, you know, coaching and building up a program. And you know, not every coach should be going after one and dones, right? The more coaches even for a lot of these, like the mid majors are Killing right now. And the bigger universities are struggling because they just keep playing with the nil stuff. Instead of like a Michigan State stick to the system, build a program for sure.

[Unknown Host 1]

Michigan State definitely doing that. Always.

[Unknown Host 2]

Nil is not affecting, y'all, right. Like, Izzo is going to take chances on kids that fit his program 1 million percent. You know, now there's an entitled wave of kids coming in with parents and managers sometimes telling these coaches what they are and are not going to do. And then when they get there, they don't see success. They out middle of the year.

[Unknown Host 1]

Yeah, yeah. No, that's a fact. And you, like you say, you just don't learn how to grow through adversity. I think another thing is, I think some of these smaller schools, the whole system need to be reworked. Some of these smaller schools, like in professional soccer, you know how you can loan out a player or you can sell a player and not sell a player, because that sounds bad, but you receive a fee if someone sign your player. I think some of these smaller schools that are getting these guys into these positions to then go to bigger schools and make nil money, they should receive a fee from these bigger schools as well. And that's how you can still kind of keep the playing field somewhat level, get some money into some of these smaller schools pocket that don't have the resources to have nil. I think that's the way reward them for their recruiting. They recruit good talent, they build up their development, they develop good talent, and then that talent goes somewhere else to a bigger school for more nil money. That school shout out to pay that school some money. I think that needs to go into effect. And then also lastly, stop acknowledging this amateur basketball, it is no longer amateur basketball. This is no longer amateur sports. This is professional sports. And they need to address it as such.

[Unknown Host 2]

David GT go 8. How do you guys see the future of the NBA being even more international? Or are the college seeds that are going. Are these college seeds that are coming in going to take over? Look, the game is getting better. The game is evolving. Like, man, we just talked about K. Cunningham, right? We just talked about Austin Reeves, right? Cooper flag is up next. You got the kid AJ Going to Utah, right? You got Jace at Michigan State, right? You are always going to get a new wave of personalities and talent in the league. Obviously, the league is very international now. I think you will find more international talent, games, activities, maybe even a tournament, maybe even the Commissioner's cup may wind up international. But I definitely see the future of the league you know, expanding into more of a global games, Right? Like there could potentially be a global NBA games at one point.

[Unknown Host 1]

Yeah, 100%. I think at some point you see a team in London. I think at some point, you know, you start to see that as well. So the game will definitely continue. It's happening. Mexico City, these things.

[Unknown Host 2]

Mexico City. I'm with that.

[Unknown Host 1]

London, these things are happening. I'm telling you, it's happening. Here's the thing. For a New York team to fly to London is no different than flying to la, you know. And so what's the challenge of that is figuring out the TV schedule of it, right? Like, that's the challenging part of it. But nonetheless, I think that's coming at some point or another within the next 10 years. But the game will continue to go more international because the game is growing all over the world. Players are getting better. And then there's a case to be made that international basketball prepares you more for NBA than college. There's a case to be made on that. Now, I don't think the talent level has equaled out yet. There's still more talent in America than there is worldwide. But I think as far as the preparation goes, I think that we're starting to see the international game and the rules that these guys grow up playing as probably better suiting for the NBA game than the college game because some of those rules are just trash. So we'll still have a mixture of both. But I think you'll start to see more and more international guys. But you can never get rid this our sport. You're never going to get rid of us. This is just what it is. Last one, Rory 3000 Baron, I know you make music, so I wanted to get your reaction on all these LeBron James R& B songs coming out.

[Unknown Host 2]

They got Luca, Don a reason and.

[Unknown Host 1]

LeBron, the real big three. I have not heard LeBron James earned this song.

[Unknown Host 2]

Homeboy tripping. This is hard. He got the Michael Jackson sample. That's sick. You know, hey, that's my. One of my favorite songs. All time in life, man in the mirror, dude. And he remixed that from LeBron and the Lakers. A good idea, but you can't. Come on, man. Don't do my boy Michael Jackson like that. It was fly, though. But don't do. Come on, man. Let my Michael Jackson man in the mirror have his own little space. Sheesh. Oh, man.

[Unknown Host 1]

Get at me. That's a wrap.

[Wendy's]

The volume.

[Nikki Glaser]

This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser podcast. Have you guys seen this new commercial from Stand up to All Hate. It's basically Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady going back and forth with reasons that they hate each other. But then when you really listen to them, the reasons for the hate are just so stupid. I don't know. This this commercial really got me. It's a strong reminder that hate in our country continues to be out of control. So join us at iHeart in standing up to It. If you see hate, speak up. Call it out. Your voice is a powerful tool in this fight. You can learn more by following OTs.

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[Wendy's]

Wendy's is the official hamburger of March Madness, which means more deals for you and more burgers for your face. It also means we got a junior bacon cheeseburger or a double stack for $1. With an in app offer and a purchase. It's hard not to get excited when there's an offer of two of the freshest hot off the grill burgers that Wendy's makes. The Junior Bacon Cheeseburger with the fresh beef, applewood, smoked bacon, cheese, crispy lettuce, tomato and mayo and the hot and juicy Double Stack with two patties of fresh never frozen beef with cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickled onion. The real champions of March Madness. Head to Wendy's app and grab a $1 junior bacon cheeseburger or a $1 double stack and an in app offer and a purchase for the freshest deal in fast food Gotta be Wendy's.