← Zone 1150 - TexAgs Live
Zone 1150 - TexAgs Live
TexAgs Live - Amanda Christovich + Luke Evangelist : 08.05.26
00:45:37
Front Office Sport's Amanda Christovich joins the hour to talk about the possibility of the Protect College Sports act passing and the legal challenges it could possibly face and providing some clarity on the latest regarding the fifth-year...
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- [00:01]
A
So are we going to protect college sports or what? Welcome back into Tech SAGS Live. We are presented by David Gardner's Jewelers, Rollo Insurance studio hour number two of the program. Let's go to the Buppy's Catering and Bartending hotline. Amanda Kristovich from Front Office Sports joins us here on the program. Amanda, how are you?
- [00:18]
B
I'm doing well.
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C
How are you?
- [00:19]
A
I'm great. Thanks for joining us. All right. Tell me how to feel, because I don't know how to feel because every time I read something, I change my mind. I on Friday afternoon, I'm like, it's over. College football is dead. Then Friday night at 7, we get the 5 and 5 and this and that, and all these things are changing. And yes, the SEC and the Big Ten are in. Then I read some things. Well, they still haven't really figured things out. They changed some language, yada, yada. Where are we? Should I feel good?
- [00:47]
B
Well, I think you should feel good if you enjoy chaos and no issues getting resolved. So essentially where we are right now with this bill in Congress, right, that has promised everybody to be the savior of college sports. We were told Friday night that because the Big Ten and the SEC were on board, there would be an easy legislative path with enough senators, Democrat and Republican, to pass the spill through the Senate by the end of this week. And that's important because the Senate goes on recess on August 7th and they don't come back until September. And then we're in midterm season, so it's, like, considered almost impossible to get anything done between then and the end of the year. So we were told that this process would be initiated as early as Monday. It is now Wednesday. It has not been initiated. Shock shocks to all of us. The Senate has other things that they need to be doing. There are several competing priorities, all of which, you know, they want to get done by the end of the week. So I would say it is very unlikely that this bill gets out of the Senate, which is the next step to getting, you know, any sort of rules, whether you like the rules in the bill or not, any sort of rules. And as far as this eligibility lawsuit is concerned, I've been talking to folks across the industry who, you know, are basically operating as if they they're preparing to be able to add more players from the class of 2022 to their football rosters, to their basketball rosters. And so they're waiting to hear if there's going to be a successful appeal from the ncaa. We have no timeline on that. It could be quick, it could be slow. It's just dependent upon the courts. So, yeah, kind of long answer to the short question. But no, no clear rules will be put in place anytime soon, as far as I can see.
- [02:47]
A
All right, so let's play this out. Let's say that. And Nick, by the way, I'm hearing myself in an echo for some reason. But anyway, let's just say that they don't get to vote this week. When will they be able to vote? Are we talking about a whole calendar year, basically, and next summer? Is that where we're at?
- [03:07]
B
Well, I'm already being floated this idea from sources that they could try to vote in September in the Senate and then send the bill to the House, and then the House is to do their whole song and dance. Right. So there is a very unlikely but, you know, existent path to get this bill to Trump's desk by the end of this calendar year. If not, they will have to reintroduce the bill in the next Congress. And I mean, they don't have to wait until next summer. It could, you know, they could pass the bill at any point, but you really just don't know. Based on the legislative priorities especially that will change after the midterms. So, you know, the idea like we are 100% going to have another football season at least, and probably basketball season two, where, you know, there is no federal legislation.
- [04:08]
A
So you mean this 26 fall for sure. Okay, so, so the earliest, if anything happened would be. And that would be still super early start of 27.
- [04:21]
B
I would think so. Because think of it this way, even if by some miracle the Senate is able to pass the Protect College Sports act this week, it still has to go to the House. Right. And then it has to go to Trump. And the House has their own issues with this bill. It is possible that House leadership will be amenable to it now that the SEC in particular has signed on. You know, Steve Scalise is a Louisiana representative, so. And it LSU guys, so that could help. But, you know, football season starts in less than a month. So there's no way that you're getting this bill through the House and then, you know, to Trump's desk and then signed by Trump by week zero or week one, you know.
- [05:12]
C
Right.
- [05:13]
B
So safe to say that this, this is not that we are going to have the 2026 football season that is coming up with the same lack of rules, regulations and restrictions as we had last year.
- [05:27]
A
And let's just play it out again. It gets Approved. House, Senate. Yay. Trump signs it. There's going to be lawsuits afterwards. Right. Because there's going to be people who are like, no, no, no, no, no, you can't cap us. You can't do this. You can't stop a conference from getting bigger, whatever it may be.
- [05:46]
B
Yeah. Look, the folks in the Senate are doing everything they can from, like, a legal and legislative perspective to include provisions in the law that would protect against litigation. But, like, as we've seen, the lawyers in college sports are extremely creative. So there are grounds by which they could challenge the constitutionality of this law once it is passed. And I imagine that folks are already looking to, you know, to prepare to do so. The biggest challenge would have been if this law had said that players are not employees under the law that automatic. I actually literally know the lawyer that would file a lawsuit to challenge that. However, the Prattette College Sports act is, like, very specifically new. There's a neutrality clause on athlete employment status. So I don't think that particular avenue would be something that would be challenged. But of course, like, there are going to be other ideas. And the Senate is, like, basically playing whack a mole right now, trying to include as many. I mean, the bill's 171 pages. Like, you know, so they're doing everything they can to anticipate any potential litigation or challenges or what have you, but, you know, it's impossible to, I guess, anticipate any. Everything that could come from this man.
- [07:12]
A
Did you get any insight to why the SEC changed their mind and the Big Ten?
- [07:19]
B
Well, it seemed by that, like, 11th hour on Friday night that the holdup really was about the language in the bill about revenue sharing and the cap and how to legislate the cap and make sure that the cap wasn't circumventable. Right. Which surprised me because for all this time, we were all under the impression that the biggest concerns that the Big Ten and the SEC had with the bill was related to the fact that they were called out in this expansion provision that they would be prevented from a merger and that they would. You know, there was this pooling of the media rights option that they were not interested in, and they were worried that they were going to be forced into. Even though the bill said it was optional. It seemed that throughout the week, the provisions that. And the amendments that were offered with, related to those issues, like, were enough for them. But, but, but for, like, 24 to 48 hours, it was really about this cap circumvention. And obviously, I wasn't in the room, but I think I can just imagine that the university presidents at these leagues probably said, okay, we've gotten more than a dozen amendments to, to satisfy our particular concerns, Cap, circumvention, meteorites, et cetera. So are we really going to still be against this bill, which the senators are telling us is our only chance of federal legislation in the next year? Like, are we, Is it really better to have nothing than to have something that is imperfect? And I think that they basically signed on because they said we don't, you know, like something is better than nothing. Right. So I think that, that, that, that just, that's just my observation. I didn't have anyone telling me that. But it really was the Capsir convention.
- [09:13]
A
Amanda, do you see a scenario? Okay, because it looks like it's going to be a little delayed now. It feels like it's going to be at least until 27, but we'll see. Because I didn't think Friday was going to happen and Friday ended up happening. But do you see a world where Clemson, Florida State, Miami, whoever, they're like, okay, I don't want to wait five years to enter a conference and not be in a conference if I really want to move to the SEC or the Big Ten. Do you see them trying to, even though there's the grant of rights is until 20, 20, 2031. Excuse me, do you see them trying to expediate that process? Because this is looming.
- [09:52]
B
I mean, maybe, but you know, it's kind of like, it's kind of dating in the sense that, like they might want to expedite the process, but if the Big Ten, if they don't have any offers from the Big Ten in the sec, they then like, nobody, you know, you have to have the other party willing to take you out. So I, I don't really see that process being necessarily successful unless something changes, you know, in the eyes of the Big Ten or the sec. You know, there is a provision that allows for, in this bill, Obviously there's the five year thing, but it allows for, for up to 19 members in terms of expansion for these big power leagues. So it doesn't like completely take the concept of expansion off the table, but, you know, it's like the Big Ten and the SEC have to be willing to take these, these schools out. And I just don't really see that happening at this particular point.
- [10:55]
A
All right, so put your crystal ball or look into it. What do you think is going to happen in the next month, in the next six months, in the Next year when it comes to the Protect College Sports act or maybe just the future of college athletics.
- [11:09]
B
Okay, so next month, within the next month, or just say, like, within the next week. Like, I don't think this bill is going to advance through the Senate by Saturday. There's just too much else going on in the Senate right now. I think there is a very slim chance that it gets passed, but there is a possibility that it gets passed before the end of the calendar year through the Senate. I really have no prediction at this point to get it through the House. I'd have to see sort of what the tenor of my sources are on the House side who, like, you know, I mean, I haven't really been focusing on. Because the bills in the Senate. If this doesn't happen by the midterms, I, I think it's. It's going to be back to square one. Because regardless, you know, like, the midterms are predicted by many, you know, political folks to change the makeup of Congress in some way, and that is going to create a bunch of new dynamics. So it's like they might have to write a new bill. Like, I don't know. So I don't. I think that if they'll. If this bill doesn't get passed, then what federal legislation is, like, off the table for the next year? I think as far as the eligibility issue is concerned, I think it would have behooved the NCAA to get ahead of this and offer a waiver. Instead, we're going to be sitting here and waiting for this appeal process to go through, which could be okay for basketball, but for football, I'm talking to sources who are like, okay, like, our training camp started and like, we can, like, we can still add a guy if we have a roster spot. Like, that's crazy, you know, but it seems the NCAA just wants to fight this out in court. So. No, no, no. Like, clarity there either. But hey, we're still going to have football in a few weeks, so, like, things could be worse.
- [13:14]
A
By the way, I haven't seen anybody add a player from 22 on a football roster yet. Have you seen that yet? Has it happened?
- [13:23]
B
No, no. It kind of sounds to me, and I'm going to have a story coming out about this, but, like, the sources that I've talked to, it sounds to me like everyone is sort of doing research and preparing for, like, what players might be available to them or what players they might be interested in. And again, this is only for teams that have roster spots. Right. Because you can't go above the rost limit. But I think everyone's kind of in a holding pattern right now. It's like they're ready to pull the trigger if and when their conference or, you know, this appeal comes through and they get some sort of official word that, like, they have legal protection to add a player. So everyone's kind of in, like, the research mode, right. And they're getting ready to figure out who they would want to add, but nobody's done it yet.
- [14:11]
A
And am I understanding it correctly? If you sign a professional contract that is now voided, so what if you, like, got invited to a training camp or to an OTA and then you get cut, you still cannot come back to college football?
- [14:25]
B
Correct. If you signed a professional contract, you are no longer eligible. And it's the same with basketball. So whatever the, the eligibility rules for, like, professional, you know, any sort of professional contract in any sport were before this ruling. This ruling didn't change that.
- [14:42]
A
Gotcha. Amanda, great work. If we talk again in the next couple of weeks, that means good news for at least if you believe in the Protect College Sports Act. But it sounds like it may be a little while till we get that through. I appreciate your time as always.
- [14:54]
B
Yeah, thanks for having me.
- [14:56]
A
Thank you. See ya. Amanda Kristovich there on the Bupes catering and bartending hotline. We'll hit a break. We will come back with a lot more here on Texas Live. In fact, we're going to hear from abr. I interviewed him yesterday on our huddle on Texas Aggies United. You'll get part of that here on texags Live. When it comes to your money and your peace of mind, it starts with the right team. That right team should be and is Aggie owned Paragon Financial Advisors. They're an independent fiduciary serving clients in Texas and across the country with no commissions, no sales pitches, just trusted advice tailored to. You have a team of 18 professionals, including nine CFPs, a CFA and a CPA. And their expertise does run deep at Paragon because credentials matter and so does your future. Check out the website paragon-adv.com or give them a call 979-693-3907 to schedule your free consultation today. It is Paragon Financial Advisors. Integrity, expertise and trust. Paragon Financial Advisors keep up with high schools all over the branches Valley. The high school reports Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4.
- [15:57]
B
30.
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D
Ships. Ships. Guy Chip Hunt.
- [16:00]
A
And we're back. It is Tech Sags Live. We are presented by David Gardner's Jewelers Rollo Insurance studio. Nick. So there has been somebody from the 22 class that did sign to come back and it's from the national champions. Yeah, Stephen Daly from the Hoosiers coming
- [16:17]
C
back, obviously a freshman in 2022.
- [16:20]
A
Pretty productive for them. Last year, 35 total tackles, had five and a half sacks, two force fumbles. And they literally put out a video for him yesterday.
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C
And I think he was the first
- [16:31]
A
kind of notable player to take advantage of this new rule. And Kurt Signetti doing the same, bringing back some veteran depth. So that's at least the one I've seen.
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C
Maybe there's more on a lower level,
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A
but that one I think the most notable so far. But no professional contract. He didn't try out? He didn't get drafted?
- [16:49]
C
No, I guess not, no.
- [16:51]
A
All right, so there is somebody there and there will definitely be more, especially situations where guys were maybe going into the workforce really good, productive college football players, maybe not NFL level for their respective programs, and they're like, you know what? I can play another year. Let's go. So I'm sure we'll see more of that where there's a need. All right, let's listen to ABR had Ashton Bethel Roman in studio yesterday. We chit chatted about the off season. He's put on some muscle. Guys forget how much he told me. He'll say it in the interview. Like, was it 10? You weren't here yesterday, Nick. I think it's like 10 to 13 pounds around that range. He looks good. He feels ready to roll. Here's my interview with Ashton Bethel Roman. Hey, friends, and welcome into the huddle, brought to you by Texags and United. Our guest is Ashton Bethel Roman. Abr. What up, man?
- [17:36]
D
What's going on? How are you doing? Good.
- [17:39]
A
So I was telling you when we were at SEC media days, people were talking a lot about you. Like, man, this guy's about to be a breakout performer. I'm like, dude, did you see him last year? He was already a breakout performer. How do you feel entering this year where your game's at?
- [17:55]
D
I feel more mature. Feel like I've definitely learned and developed more throughout, like my college career and my collegiate career. Like, I feel more mature in how things work. I know how things work, how things operate, stuff like that.
- [18:11]
A
I'd like to get inside your head on some of the plays you make, man. Like, do you even know you're doing things when you're doing it? Is it just instinct like that catch at LSU with your left hand or the diving catch against South Carolina, whatever it may be, like, you're just in the moment, right? There's not a thought process. This is what I gotta do. You just do it.
- [18:28]
D
Nah, I just do it. I don't. I don't. Like, it's like your brain moves so fast when. Like, in the heat of the moment, and your brain moves so fast. So for the LSU catch, which, to be honest, wasn't that. I feel like the South Carolina one was more impressive. I think that was, like, the craziest catch I've ever made in my life because of how difficult it was in the heat of the moment. But, like, the LSU one, like, I'm running across the field, the ball gets thrown. I see it's a little behind me, and then my body just reacts to it. And then when I caught it, I mean, like, after the fact, like, when the game was over and I watched the clip, I was like, oh, that's pretty cool. Okay, that's kind of loud. But. But all in all, I don't think it was more impressive than the South Carolina. When that was over my shoulder, I couldn't really see the ball diving, and we were down by, like, 30.
- [19:22]
A
So, yeah, I don't know if you all win that game without that catch. Like, you dominated the second half, but I feel like that play right there, kind of like you guys are going to win that game after that catch.
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D
Yeah. Honestly, when I knew that we was gonna win that game was when Isaiah Williams scored his first hood. I was like, man, nothing could go wrong after this. I was so excited, I was happy. I almost cried. I'm not gonna lie. I almost cried when he did that. That's when I knew we was gonna win that game. But that catch definitely helped. That was probably a good morale booster. Yeah.
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A
So camp starts tomorrow. How do you feel physically?
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D
I feel huge, man. I feel.
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A
In a good way, right?
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D
Yeah. I used to be scared to gain, like, a whole bunch of weight, but it's good. Like, Coach Moffat, he like an uncle to me because he coached my dad when he was at lsu, but he been working me like a dog, man. I ain't gonna lie. And I put on probably, like, 10, 12 pounds, and it's all good weight. And then I also maintained my speed. I probably got faster, honestly.
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A
Got faster.
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D
Yeah, I probably did.
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A
And more powerful?
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D
Oh, yeah, most definitely. Like, my bench. I got strong, man. Yeah, I got strong.
- [20:44]
A
What's that? So what is that? Like, you've played college ball at a certain size. You played extremely well last year, but now you have like these new weapons you've added to your arsenal, and you get to test it out tomorrow.
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D
Yeah, for me, it was more so, like, it was like the eye candy perspective. Like, I played at, like, 185, 180 around that area last year, and I didn't have a problem with it, so to speak. It's just like, when I look on, like, when I look at the TV copy, I look kind of, like, look kind of scrawny, you know? It's like, yeah, I need to, like, put on a couple more pounds. So I looked apart. So that was really my thought process. Like, I'm trying to. Of course I want to get stronger, you know, get faster, get more physical, stuff like that. I mean, it's all gonna come with the game, but, like, I just wanted to look more of the part of, like, a sec receiver. That was my thought process.
- [21:38]
A
Well, you're not the only one who put on some muscle in that weight room or in that wide receiver room. Mario put on some muscle, right?
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D
He did. He did. He'd be surprised at some of us, I ain't gonna lie.
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A
Yeah. So when I go out there, because I saw you guys in the spring, so even. Even from the spring to now, I'll be looking at practice be like, dude, these guys put on some muscle.
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D
Person who is freakishly strong is Terry. Like, that's because he's from the country, though. That's the only reason why his country strong. He's from Timson. Ain't all they got to do is lift hay over there and stuff. So that's why he's so strong. It don't even make sense what he be doing. But, yeah, Terry probably the strongest. I'm probably second, though.
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A
Okay.
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D
I'm probably this bench. Ooh, I'm probably second.
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A
So people are talking about this wide receiver room. Okay? They are. They're saying that it could be the deepest in the sec, which, yeah, I think it will be. Talk to me about the room overall and what you guys. The expectations you guys have,
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D
man. I think we. Some Danimals, man. Like, I feel like we just. We got all types of stuff, which is just. It's just so convenient. Like, we got a true X in Zay because, like, he's like 6, 3, 6, 4, 220. Like, he's huge. We got a Swiss army knife with Terry. We got Rio, who a shifty guy who could also blow the top off. And then we got me, who I blow the top off and do other things in the intermediate. With intermediate routes. Stuff like that. And yet. Yet about to be crazy this year. But we got so many weapons, and I just hope all of them get used. And I feel like they will with Coach Wig. I think he got a good offense set up for us to work and go be great.
- [23:26]
A
Will we notice something different about the offense, you think?
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D
Maybe some tempo? I mean, I can only expect. I mean, I think Wiggins. I think Wiggin's gonna call plays a little differently than Coach Klein, but they is two different people, so I don't know, but I guess we'll see whenever the first game is. Yeah, we'll see then. I guess.
- [23:48]
A
Yeah, we'll absolutely see then. And what about Marceau? What do you think will catch your eye about where he is now?
- [23:55]
D
I'd probably say his, like, his maturity when it comes to it, too. I feel like he's grown. People always say, like, he's not a passing quarterback, which I don't really understand. He plays quarterback, but through for over 3,000 yards. Yeah, I don't really get that. But he's definitely matured in terms of, like, how he reads defenses and how he communicates with us, like, with us receivers, tight ends, running backs, what he sees, what his perspective is. And, like, I feel like Coach Wig is giving him, like, a lot of Coach Wig. Coach lynch is giving him a lot of freedom for him to like more so absorb the game in the right way. And I feel like it's helping us and helping him the most. So I expect great things from Marcel.
- [24:40]
A
So you were here, Elko's first year, second year. You know what a good team looks like. Can you sit here the day before fall camp starts and be like, we got just as good of a team as we had last year. Like, we. Can you tell that already or is it's fall camp going to be the. What really answers that question?
- [24:57]
D
Uh, I could. I could tell, like. Cause when I look at the team last year, how many guys got drafted?
- [25:05]
A
Like, 13, 10 guys got drafted. 14 went to the combine.
- [25:09]
D
Yeah, like, I can't say off of, like, we got a unit right now. We got a unit. I'm not gonna know, especially. Cause I was kind of out for the majority of spring due to my shoulder, so I won't be able to. I can't, like, really say, yeah, like, this team's better than that team, but we got a unit right now. We talked about those guys last year, like Cassius Howe, kc, Chase Besantes. Like, those were guys. Those were seasoned guys. But I think the team we got Right now, I think the sky's the limit. Of course. I just hope we just gotta all put it together and work cohesively and the sky is the limit.
- [25:49]
A
Do you pay attention to the schedule or. Nah, I just. What comes, comes.
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D
No, I don't pay attention to the schedule at all. Like last year, I like, we would play. We get done with the game. I come back on Monday and I'm seeing who we played today. They put it up on the board. I'm like, okay, yeah, that's cool. I mean, like, before, like now, like, I see it, like, I probably see, like, we play Arizona State. I'm like, okay. I don't know when, but I know we playing. I know we play lsu. I know we play Bama. I don't know when, but I know we playing. Actually, that's a lie. I know there's this five game stretch that's a little. It's crazy that I'm excited for towards the end of the season. Five things like, ou, Belma got Tennessee in there.
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B
Yeah.
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D
Or like. Yeah, like South Carolina too, or something.
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A
Yeah.
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D
Yeah, I did see that. Which I'm excited for them road games. I'm excited for them road games, but usually I don't pay attention. I don't like having marked out on a calendar. I'm just a baller. I just go out there and play.
- [26:51]
A
How much is. So last year, as we were getting close to the season, the talk was about finish. And although you didn't finish the way you guys wanted to last year, it was a stronger finish in November. How much of an emphasis is, hey, we gotta be finishing in December and in January.
- [27:09]
D
It's definitely a big emphasis, especially because I've been here since Elko got here. So it's like I remember when we were climbing ourselves up the ranks my freshman year and then losing up Auburn and South Carolina and then Texas. So I remember that feeling. And then I remember actually involving myself more my sophomore year, going undefeated and then losing to Texas and Miami and getting to the playoffs, stuff like that. So I just feel like we just gonna climb, like we gonna. We gonna keep setting the tone, like we're gonna keep surpassing our previous goals. I think that's what it's gonna be. And like they say, like, they know they say, like the third time in the charm. So, like, yeah, third time's a charm.
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A
Well, I can't wait to see you tomorrow, man. And the rest of the way, you've grown up and become a real stud. Well, you always were, you know that. But yeah, look, you're all big and strong lifting a lot like, I'm proud of you, man. Thank you for coming in.
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D
All right. Thank you.
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A
Appreciate you. Ashton Duffel. Roman, right here on the.
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D
All right.
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A
Appreciate his time here in the studio as I made it awkward at the end of the interview. We'll hit a break, we'll come back. Luke Evangelist live from Rupp Arena. I don't know, it's blue. It's very blue. So we'll talk to. No, he's in the Bahamas. We'll chat with him here in a moment. Now a moment for Caldwell country Chevrolet, Highway 21 in Caldwell online at Caldwell Country Chevrolet. That's the place to go when you're looking for your trade in, right? You got a car at home that you are ready to move on from or maybe you're looking for a car for your kiddos. They're of that age where they need to start driving and you just want to get some good pricing from good people. That's Caldwell Country Chevrolet. They can handle all the jobs you're out there looking for. Right. So if you are looking for a kid, if you're trying to do it for a business, if you're just ready to get yourself an upgrade, let's go to Caldwell Country Chevrolet where they're going to give you a great trade in value and amazing customer service. It's not a far drive when you go out there. It's about a 15 minute drive. The edge of Bryant, the beginnings of Caldwell, a short conversation away. But you'll see the difference when you step on the lot and do business with the good people at Caldwell Country Chevrolet, Highway 21 and Caldwell Online. Caldwellcountrychevrolet.com the Money Machine. The money machine is open now. Let's go@zone1150.com or you can enter through the Zone newsletter to win $5,000. Come on. We're back here on TexActs Live. We are presented by David Gardner's jewelers Rollo Insurance studio. Let's talk a little Aggie basketball as they continue their pre, pre season, right, the pre the preseason in the Bahamas. And our great reporter Luke Evangelist is basically reporting everything that they're doing from eating to beach activity to all the nonsense. Luke is now joining us on the Bupes catering and bartending hotline from a very nice looking fake Rupp Arena. Luke, how are you, buddy?
- [29:53]
C
Doing well. Yeah. This is the arena that's been constructed here in the Baja Mar Convention Center. As you can see, low ceiling, bright lights Definitely a different look. But, yeah, happy to report that the team did wake up this morning and they ate breakfast and all the ankles look strong.
- [30:11]
A
All right, I'm gonna. I'm kind of being funny and serious here. If Tech SAGS would have rolled out a team to play against the Aggies yesterday, let's Billy Olin, Nuno, Luke Bronnie, or Zane and Zane and Nick. Okay.
- [30:26]
C
Right.
- [30:27]
A
I know we would have lost by 50, 60, 80, 100 points, but would it have been closer than what we saw yesterday?
- [30:34]
C
You know, we probably would have lost by 120 with how a and M played yesterday. I know the level of competition is not, you know, really comparable to anything that A and M is going to face in the game that matters this year. I think the teams they're playing right now, these foreign teams, they are teams that have won college national championship either last year, like Carlton did, who they're about to play two years ago, like Victoria did, or they won Columbia's top professional league like the Toros did yesterday. But obviously we know that the best American, like South American and North American players are just going to go straight to college basketball. So it's no surprise that the level of competition here is not the best. But it's okay because it's really about A and M working on themselves. And I thought without any other outside circumstances, no matter who they were playing yesterday, that was the most complete 40 minute effort that we've seen from an A and M team so far in the Bahamas. That first game they had that probably eight minute lapse against Victoria, but yesterday they were firing on all cylinders. And that's really what you want to see is can these guys stay locked in for 40 minutes when they're up by 40, 50, 60, 70 points? And I really like Dana's effort for all 40 minutes yesterday. And we'll see if they can do it again on short rest through two
- [31:51]
A
days or two games, I should say. What's the biggest confirmation of what you thought this team could be? Again, I preface everything understanding that the level of opponent is not what they're going to face, but just from what the basketball looks like.
- [32:05]
C
I mean, from what the basketball looks like. The if you've watched these games, it should validate everything we've been saying about how good the guard play is. I mean, we've talked all off season about the revamped backcourt. You bring in P.J. hagerty since December. Hi, Sean. Archie came over from McNeese. You've got Jalen Reese from LSU, Bryson Warren, who is yet to play because he's still awaiting NCAA eligibility, is a high volume three point shooter. And then Lucas Walls, another low volume, high percentage three point shooter. So their backcourt is a lot more versatile than it was last year where it was a lot of live and die by the three. But if you shelled out the $30 for the flow sports subscription, you've seen it firsthand that there's a lot more slashing ability and they can get downhill and they're going to be at the free throw line a lot more. So if you, you know, been watching or if you've just been following along with the coverage and not seeing it with your own two eyes, just don't be surprised in November when you see this team for their first real game just how much better the guard play is than last year.
- [33:10]
A
So obviously I'm not going to overreact. None of us should to great scoring, bad scoring, good free throws, bad free throws. But there was an improvement from the 50% to the 80% and I'm sure Bucky was happy to see that.
- [33:24]
C
Yeah, Bucky was thrilled with that. I mean he loved that they got to the line 60 times yesterday. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I was hanging out with the ref from the game last night at the blackjack tables and let's just say he was pretty on board with there being 60 free throw attempts for A M. That was a really physical game and when you're physically outmatched, you have to foul more to stop the men. I mean, I don't know if there's not on the court yet, but when they do like to stop Mackenzie and Bako, you have to get two hands on him and wrap them up. And so it looked like a football game at times, but A and M was more aggressive, getting downhill. They got more calls than they got in the first game and then ultimately when they got to the line, they made their opponent pay. So they shot 58% in the first game, getting to the line 33 times. And in the most free throw attempts that I think I've ever seen in a game with 60 attempts, it shot 80%. So a lot better from the free throw line and that's where you're going to need from this team because if they're not going to be as great of a three point shooting team, they better be better inside the arc and getting to the paint, getting to the line and then making those free throws.
- [34:29]
A
I want to get back to basketball here in a second, but can you just Kind of tell me what your day looks like because I heard blackjack table. I think there's been a beach outing. So, like, I know you're doing a lot of work, so I'm not trying to be funny here, but like, what does it look like there for you? What does it look like for the team?
- [34:45]
C
Okay, so I think me and the team have pretty similar schedules. Like, I'm eating team meals with them, I'm seeing what they're up to, and when I'm at the beach, they're at the beach. When I'm at the blackjack tables, they're in their room sleeping. So for me, if I'm not covering a game here, I'm walking around the beautiful Baja Mar, I'm gambling my life savings away and I'm chilling at the water park, going around the lazy river. Look, I'm not going to lie. Like, I'm having a blast. Like, I'm doing my job, I'm working, I'm covering games and I'm interviewing. It is just really fun to be around the team and hang out with them and just enjoy a beautiful vacation here with them. And you can see the team chemistry coming together. And that's been really fun to watch. But yes, my typical day does enjoy a lot more leisure than actual work.
- [35:34]
A
Hey, what time is it there, by the way? I'm just curious, like the difference in time zone.
- [35:37]
C
It is 1043. We're an hour ahead.
- [35:40]
A
Okay, so you're eastern time. Okay, so I want to go back to Tyshon Archie for a moment. You've been high on him for a while. And specifically this weekend too, or this week, I should say. What stands out about the way he plays that really catches your attention?
- [35:55]
C
He just sees the game so well. Like, the thing with buckyball guards is they need to have a high processing speed because the decisions they're making are a lot quicker. The reads they're having to make are a lot quicker than a normal system because of how fast they play. And everything about Tyson Archie is fast. You look at what he does offensively, he is just a guy that can score in bunches. Like, I don't want to say he's. If there's a three point shooting contest and I have to bank on one player on this team once they get really hot to not miss, it's Tyson Archie. Like his. I guess the, the way you can equate it is like in NBA 2K, like when he gets that heating up icon, he just doesn't mess. And so when he gets hot. You saw it at the end of the first half. He hit back to back threes in about 25 seconds. He really does not miss. And so people are going to underestimate him because he's like 6:1, 140 pounds. And defensively he's really aggressive on the point of attack, but he's got some work to do in the half court starting one on one. But you love him on the press and he's going to play a lot of minutes for what he does offensively because when you take P.J. haggerty and Jalen Reese off the floor, here comes Tyson Archie, who can get a shot off from 30 plus feet and rain threes, drive by opponents and use his speed to get to the hoop. And then he makes his free throws at an 85% clip. So he's the perfect Energizer Bunny and like spark plug guard to have off the bench. And I cannot be more high on Tyson Archie. And he's really proved it this week. I mean, he had 21 points in like 19 minutes yesterday, four assists, sees the game well, can shoot the ball well, and don't be surprised because of his size, but I think he's really going to hold up well in the SEC because of what he does offensively.
- [37:37]
A
Luke, I don't know if you've done research on this or not, so I apologize for the question off the cuff, but how have teams in college basketball done when they get this extra pre. Pre season, right. This little pre tour. Like I know Buzz had one a couple years back when he was here at A and M. Does it?
- [37:53]
C
Yeah.
- [37:53]
A
Does it typically help? Does it. Is it just. Does it matter? I feel like it would help a team that looks brand new with almost a completely new roster.
- [38:01]
C
Again, yeah, I don't have any like statistical data that will tell you it helps, but from all the coaches that I've talked to, they say it helps. And this staff is really excited they get to go on a foreign tour this year because it's exactly what this team needed. Look, they were probably going to play each other in practice this week anyways, so I think it's better that they're playing a different team because they've been inflicting this style on each other. So sometimes it's good to, even if the competition isn't great, to just get out of the country, relax a little bit and then go play someone with another jersey on. So these foreign tours can be really beneficial on the court, but where I think you're really going to see the most benefit is off the court. Team bonding. Spending an entire week on vacation with each other. These guys are going to the water park, they're hanging out 24, seven. And there's something about it just being in a low stress environment that'll bring a team together. And I've already seen the team chemistry come a long way since I got here. So for a team with half of returners, half newcomers, I think this is the perfect time to go on a foreign tour and get to know each other even more than they did just in College Station. But definitely the staff is excited that they get to be here, and they love that they'll have a good baseline in August to then say, okay, when we come back from our break, when school starts up in late August, here's three games of film that we can have coach up our team on and then get from.
- [39:24]
A
Hey, Luke, before I let you go, when they take on Master Will's cousin Carlton. What are dad jokes? Sorry, apologies. What. What are some things you're looking for?
- [39:34]
C
Well, Carlton's not the biggest team. Toros yesterday was, like, the only team here that really has, like, bottle inside and, like, six, ten plus. So I'm looking for A and M to really dominate physically inside. Like Jamie Vincent, who was dominant in the first game. In the first half, he had, like, 10 points, three offensive rebounds, and three blocks in, like, seven minutes. So I'm looking for a high impact from A and M Biggs. I want to see Kate Phillips get more physical. I feel like he hasn't really emerged yet here in the Bahamas. And then I want to see a little bit more from Josh Irving. He has really impressed me in practice, but he's had a couple of freshman moments here in the Bahamas. So I just want to see A and M's bigs get a little bit more physical and really dominate inside. We've seen a lot from the guards, but this is a game much like the first one where I think the bigs may take over here.
- [40:24]
A
Good stuff, Luke. Great work. Enjoy your trip. We'll talk to. Do you come back tomorrow?
- [40:30]
C
Yeah, I get back around, like, 11:00am Tomorrow.
- [40:33]
A
Okay, cool.
- [40:34]
D
We'll.
- [40:34]
A
Safe travels. We'll talk to you then.
- [40:36]
C
Yep. Thank you, David. And I'll have a Mai tie, and you're on it.
- [40:39]
A
Yeah, please do. Please do. And bring one for me. All right, let's hit a break here. When we come back, we'll have an open segment. I do want to ask a question. This is live spot time, but I have a question. For both Kaylee and Nick. You guys ever go to a restaurant and like, you start getting full and you're like, all right, I'm not going to keep eating. But it's in front of you and you just keep eating and you're like, why am I doing that? I want to take it home, but I can't stop. There's an extra French fry or the burger. Yes. No, Maybe. Yes. Happens a lot, right, Nick? Yeah, of course. Okay. I mean, this is a true story. I went with Anneliese and isla to Bubba's 33 on Friday night.
- [41:14]
D
All right?
- [41:15]
A
And we all. We got the wings. Because I always get the wings when I go there. And then we got burgers and I had. All of us, all three of us had so many wings. Then when we got to the burgers, like, all right, we're just going to have half the burger. We went all in and we were so stuffed. But it was so good. Bubba's 33 is awesome. You need to check it out. They have late night bites, discounted menu favorites for late night cravings. They're available from 9pm to 11pm on Sunday. Sunday. Excuse me. Through Thursday and Thursday at 10pm to 12am Friday and Saturday. So no happy hour needed. They have $5 drink specials all day and every day. It's the place to go for great food, TVs all around. And I'm telling you, you're going to love the atmosphere. The food is delicious. It is Bubba's 33 on Highway 6 in College Station. Go check them out. Start your Sunday mornings with the best week ever from ESPN Radio Radio. Listen in from 6 to 9 on the Zone 11:50am and 93.7 FM. Back here on Tech Saddx Live. We're presented by David Gardner's Jewelers. We are in the Rollo Insurance studio. Let's go to the Angry Elephant News and Social Center. Hayley Dreier, tell us something good.
- [42:23]
B
I do have one other thing. I know today is mainly all about football, but I did just want to say tonight is Bobby Shuttleworth's flight at Ellis Field. The Aggies host UIW in their first exhibition game. And on Saturday they travel to Austin to play Texas for their second exhibition game. Which it's interesting because the Aggies don't play Texas in the regular season. So this is the only time.
- [42:46]
A
Maybe that's why they said it, because I don't remember them playing much in the exhibition season before and their season. I believe the official start is next Wednesday. Am I right about that?
- [42:56]
B
I believe so.
- [42:56]
A
Yeah. I think it's next Wednesday. We're going to have Coach Shuttleworth on the show. August 12th, they traveled to Rice. Yes. Next. Next Wednesday.
- [43:04]
B
Yes.
- [43:05]
A
And so, yeah, appreciate Coach Shuttleworth on this program. I do want to. I think we have time to play the bite. Do we have enough? Yeah, we have time. It's only a 30 second sound by. Here's Coach Elko talking about the defense. Richard Zane asked a great question because at the end of last season, coachelka was like, we got to look at what we do to make sure that we can teach this defense better. So some of these mistakes that have happened don't happen. And he kind of chuckles at the question because, well, we've been working on that for months. We're at a different phase of it. So here's Coach Elko breaking down what the defense could look like.
- [43:37]
C
We looked at how we were teaching, how we were coaching everything to try to put it in ways that our kids could play faster, freer and more consistent. You do that every year. Last year, particular to the run game and making sure that we tightened some of that stuff up, we felt like was really important. Obviously, as we stand here today, I think we did it. I think we did it the right way. But until you get into the fire and the rigors of the season, you can't judge and evaluate that stuff now. You've got to let it play out over time.
- [44:09]
A
So if you trust in the Coach Elko process and you trust in what he's doing, which I do, and I think many of you do too, because of. We have, first off, we have seen in his first two years, this growth going back to the commentary that we had at the top of the show of this team has not had the opportunity to back to back it right back to back successful seasons. Now, your definition of success may be different. For some, that means a national championship only. I think for where Texas A and M is right now, double digit wins. To me, successful seasons, right? And for them to be able to double down on that and do it once again. There's this process that they're going through. And this process, if we're kind of zeroing in on the defensive side, is, hey, we expect this from them. It's not happening. And I think we've even seen that here, like in all walks of business, all walks of life, there are times where we have an intern group where Nick and I have to look at ourselves like, hey, what are we doing to not able to get them to where we need them to be by the end the of semester. And that's what all great organizations do. And Coach Elko is running this football team like a football team, but also a Fortune 500 company, right? He's got the checks and balances. He's got it all. You laughed at me again. What did I do this time? Fortune 500. You rolled your eyes again. How many times did you get in trouble as a kid for rolling your eyes? I figured we'll be back with tech Sac Live.
- [45:37]
B
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A
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B
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A
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B
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A
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B
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