Summary of "Ty Jerome on the Cavs' Breakout Season & National Champion Will Howard on Ohio State's Title Run" – The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host: Ryen Russillo
Podcast: The Ryen Russillo Podcast by The Ringer

Introduction

In this episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast, host Ryen Russillo delves into two compelling sports narratives. First, he sits down with Ty Jerome, a standout guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, to discuss his tumultuous early career, recent breakout season, and the Cavaliers' promising trajectory. Following this, Russillo interviews Will Howard, Ohio State's national champion quarterback, who shares insights into Ohio State's title run, his experiences at the NFL Combine, and his aspirations for a professional football career.

Interview with Ty Jerome: Rising Through the Ranks with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Early Career and Trades [00:00 – 05:04]

Ty Jerome opens up about his challenging start in the NBA, including being a first-round pick who faced multiple trades shortly after being drafted. He recounts, "I've always had the vision of who I want to be in this league... holding that belief in yourself until you finally get a consistent opportunity" [01:40]. Jerome was initially traded to Phoenix, where he anticipated a seamless transition but instead dealt with an ankle injury that sidelined him until mid-December. This setback, coupled with differing views with then-coach Monty Williams, made his rookie season a "roller coaster" [03:05].

Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Coaching Relationships [03:05 – 07:40]

Jerome discusses the impact of his ankle injury and the difficulties in adapting to new coaching styles. After Phoenix, he experienced a series of trades to Houston and Golden State, where a groin injury further complicated his trajectory. Ultimately, he found stability with the Cleveland Cavaliers in early 2023. Reflecting on his perseverance, he notes, "As humans, we're always going to have that doubt in our journey... keeping going and figuring out until I get this opportunity" [05:04].

Unique Playing Style and Game Impact [07:40 – 21:23]

Russillo shifts the conversation to Jerome's distinct playing style. He praises Jerome's ability to keep options open during drives, likening his decision-making to a quarterback's strategic passing. Jerome elaborates, "Defenders get real antsy when you touch the paint... I can dribble back out if I want, stop, make a pass" [09:56]. This adaptability makes defenders uncomfortable and enhances his effectiveness on the court. Jerome emphasizes the mental resilience required to establish oneself in the NBA, stating, "The hard part is figuring out how to stay resilient and stay confident until you make your first shot" [06:49].

Team Dynamics and Cavs' Success [15:04 – 16:23]

Discussing the Cavaliers' depth and teamwork, Jerome highlights the collective buy-in from the entire roster. "Everyone's just like, all right, my number is called. I got to go impact the game" [15:04]. This selflessness from key players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and others has been instrumental in the team's success. The cohesive attitude allows the Cavaliers to maintain flexibility and competitiveness, even during playoff runs.

Interview with Will Howard: Leading Ohio State to a National Championship and NFL Aspirations

National Championship Journey [28:09 – 35:54]

Will Howard shares his experience transitioning from Kansas State to Ohio State, emphasizing the immense pressure and high expectations placed upon him. Reflecting on a pivotal loss to Oregon, he says, "There really was no panic... it's really just one of 82" [17:22]. This mindset helped the team stay focused despite significant deficits, leading to a remarkable comeback and eventual national championship victory. Howard credits the coaching staff, particularly Tony Bennett, for instilling resilience and a strong team ethic, stating, "He set the blueprint of exactly how to act on the court, off the court" [24:14].

Overcoming Adversity and Team Resilience [35:54 – 44:31]

Howard delves deeper into the team's ability to handle adversity. After a disappointing loss to Michigan, he describes how the team used the setback as motivation: "Adversity... turned us loose... something to really cling to" [35:59]. This collective determination was crucial in their playoff performance, allowing Ohio State to overcome challenges and secure the national title. Howard emphasizes the importance of intrinsic confidence and team support in maintaining high performance under pressure.

Critical Plays and Winning Mentality [44:31 – 51:28]

Highlighting specific games, Howard recounts the strategic decisions that led to victories against top teams like Tennessee and Notre Dame. In the rematch against Oregon, he describes a defining play where he took a crucial shot, saying, "We were doomed to make playoffs and run the table" [37:41]. These moments underscore the team's strategic prowess and mental toughness, contributing to their championship success. Howard also discusses the importance of maintaining composure and executing under high-stakes conditions.

NFL Prospects and Future Plans [51:28 – 54:08]

As the NFL Draft approaches, Howard reflects on his readiness for a professional career. He emphasizes his preparation and adaptability, stating, "Whatever team I'm going to be on, I'm going to be ready for it and I'm going to attack it, 100%" [52:11]. Howard expresses confidence in his ability to contribute immediately, drawing from lessons learned at Ohio State. He envisions himself competing vigorously, whether starting right away or working to earn his position, aiming to foster strong team relationships and prove his reliability on the field.

Conclusion

This episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast offers an in-depth look into the careers of Ty Jerome and Will Howard, highlighting their resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Jerome's journey through trades and injuries to become a key player for the Cavaliers exemplifies determination and skill. Meanwhile, Howard's leadership in securing Ohio State's national championship and his readiness for the NFL showcase his strategic mindset and intrinsic confidence. Both athletes provide valuable insights into overcoming adversity and striving for excellence in their respective sports.

Notable Quotes:

• Ty Jerome:

  • "I've always had the vision of who I want to be in this league... holding that belief in yourself until you finally get a consistent opportunity." [01:40]
  • "The hard part is figuring out how to stay resilient and stay confident until you make your first shot." [06:49]

• Will Howard:

  • "Adversity... turned us loose... something to really cling to." [35:59]
  • "Whatever team I'm going to be on, I'm going to be ready for it and I'm going to attack it, 100%." [52:11]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a rich and engaging overview for listeners who haven't tuned in.