The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 2 (March 4, 2026)

Main Guest: Rick Pitino, Head Coach of St. John's

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Herd, Colin Cowherd sits down with legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino to discuss the current state of college basketball, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, the increasing influence of European players, and keys to success in the upcoming NCAA tournament. They also touch on Pitino's coaching philosophy, his energy and longevity in the game, and the evolving landscape of both college and professional sports. Hour 2 also features NFL and NBA headlines and analysis, lively banter between Colin and J. Mack, and insights into the differences between pro and college sports systems.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NCAAB Tournament Expansion & Inclusivity

[05:50]

• Pitino's Stance on Expansion: Rick Pitino questions the reasoning behind expanding the NCAA Tournament beyond its current size.
  • "Is it to make sure if a St. Louis is undefeated and people are somehow thinking of not putting them in the tournament... I think that's absurd... You deserve an NCAA bid." — Rick Pitino

2. NIL and the State of College Basketball

[06:24]

• Colin Praises the System: Colin argues that recent changes (NIL deals) have made college basketball more appealing for top athletes compared to alternatives like the G League.
• Pitino Explains Foreign Influence: European and international players are coming to the NCAA because top college programs now offer better compensation than EuroLeague teams (unless a player is their top star).
  • "College basketball has elevated to a level of great play. I've never seen college basketball in the last two years this strong. I've been coaching 50 some odd years." — Rick Pitino [07:35]
  • He puts this era on par with the "Kareem and Walton days where everybody stayed in school."

3. European Basketball Players & Style of Play

[09:03]

• Technical Skill Over Finesse: Pitino praises European players’ understanding and movement but jokes about their defensive communication.
  • "They pass, they cut, they really understand how to play... most of them defensively can't guard me, but on offense they're great." — Rick Pitino [09:03]
• Evolution of European Players: The old stereotype—that European players are soft—no longer holds true with stars like Jokic, Luka, and Giannis bringing physicality to the game.

4. AAU, Parents, and Player Development

[10:31]

• Pitino's Surprising Take: Pitino does not blame the AAU for issues in American player development. Instead, he points to over-involved parents pushing transfers and quick moves over commitment and grind.
  • "I'd rather blame parents than I would AAU... Parents need to just sit in the stands, enjoy the game and let the kids develop." — Rick Pitino

5. Building Defensive Cohesion with Diverse Teams

[11:23]

• Communication Gaps & Solutions: Pitino discusses challenges coaching a culturally diverse roster, tying together players from multiple continents.
  • "One weak link kills your defense... I said, just talk and communicate defensively. I don't care if you do it in Greek. Open your mouth up and talk defensively." — Rick Pitino [11:53]

6. Tournament Success: Beyond the Clichés

[13:11]

• Guard Play & Free Throws: Pitino emphasizes free throw shooting as the most overlooked but essential stat for March Madness — even ahead of guard play.
  • "First thing you have to look at is free throw percentage... If you have a team that doesn't make free throws, they can't win six games. Can't." — Rick Pitino

7. Coaching Longevity, Adaptability, and Energy

[14:41]

• Pitino on Staying Relevant: He attributes his long, energetic career to adaptability and the ability to connect with players of all ages.
  • "If you want to get something off your chest, tell me. I'm going to act like a 43 year old for you. You have to change with the times because it's all different." — Rick Pitino [15:00]
  • He took time off after previous setbacks, tried golf and the racetrack, but returned to coaching because of his passion and ability to evolve.

8. Broader Sports Headlines from Colin & J. Mack

After [17:19]

• NFL Trades: Discussion about the Rams' big trade for CB Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs. Implications for both franchises’ direction.
• Player Movement: Identifying surprise moves (e.g., Dallas Goedert likely leaving Eagles, potential swaps for David Njoku).
• Free Agency Musings: Daniel Jones' situation with the Colts, QB market speculation (Mac Jones, Kyler Murray), and value analysis.
• NBA Title Contenders: Debate sparked by Kevin Durant’s claims of league parity—Colin narrows true contenders to San Antonio, OKC, Denver, and possibly Boston (if Tatum is healthy).
  • "When you play a five, six or seven game series and I can hunt your weakness, that’s where regular season teams get exposed." — Colin Cowherd [29:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On NIL and Foreign Talent:
  "You look at Duke, Arizona, Michigan... can win a national championship because of their incredible talent... Never seen college basketball in the last two years this strong." — Rick Pitino [07:35]

• On Changing with the Times:
  "I've seen the game change from Bobby Knight total motion to a triangle offense... Now big men step away from the basket and shoot threes playing five out. You have to change with the times." — Rick Pitino [15:00]

• On Parental Over-Involvement:
  "The parents need to just sit in the stands, enjoy the game and let the kids develop." — Rick Pitino [10:31]

• On Free Throws in March:
  "If you have a team that doesn't make free throws, they can't win six games. Can't." — Rick Pitino [13:11]

• On Personal Philosophy:
  "I may be 73, but I act like I'm 43. I've heard every story from every player." — Rick Pitino [14:41]

Key Timestamps

• 05:50 — Pitino on tournament expansion and what makes a team deserving of a bid
• 07:35 — Elevation of college basketball, impact of NIL, and foreign player influx
• 09:03 — Detailed comparison of European style vs. U.S. basketball, and their role in the NCAA
• 10:31 — Player development: AAU, parents, and American basketball culture
• 11:53 — Coaching communication challenges with international teams
• 13:11 — Tournament success factors: free throws and guard play
• 14:41 — Pitino discusses his longevity, adaptability, and staying energized as a coach
• 17:19 onward — Colin and J. Mack NFL and NBA news and reactions

Final Thoughts & Wrap-up

This episode provides a candid, insightful look into current college basketball trends, directly from one of its most seasoned leaders. Rick Pitino's perspective bridges the old and new eras—addressing system changes, NIL’s impact, the global talent pool, and player development nuances. The conversation is peppered with practical wisdom for both fans and those in the game, all framed in Colin’s signature energetic, analytical style. The wider sports news coverage rounds out the hour, making this a must-listen for any dedicated sports enthusiast.