Top Seeds Reach Final Four Mountain! Who’s The Best To Date? Grizzlies Fire Coach. Good Move? Or Bad Timing? Pistons: Bad Boys 2.0? Panthers Best In NHL’s East? Yankees Torpedo Bats. Dodgers: 162-0?

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Celebrating another lap around the track, I’ll get to that in a little while, on this April Fool’s eve, there’ll be no fooling around when it comes to me going all in on everything that’s happening in sports as the latest podcast has arrived. On deck:

(5:52) As I commence the podcast, I’m asking for a bit of a favor. Today is my 56th birthday. I implore you (if you haven’t done so already) to please subscribe to the YouTube channel (@JAYREELZ) or whichever podcast platform you frequent (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) I sincerely appreciate it and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

(7:18) From 68 to four. For the first time since 2008 and the second time in Tournament history, all of the top seeds in each region will face off in the Final Four come Saturday in San Antonio. I’ll discuss how Florida, Auburn, Duke and Houston all got to this point as March Madness this year has been anything but.

(24:18) With less than two weeks remaining in the NBA season, why did the Memphis Grizzlies fire their head coach, Taylor Jenkins? Was it a move that was warranted? Or is this out of desperation? Kevin Durant suffers a left ankle sprain and will be out of the lineup for the immediate future. Are the Suns postseasons chances cooked? Have the 2024-25 Detroit Pistons gone back to yesteryear and are the Bad Boys 2.0? I’ll explain why while I’ll check in on where teams stand when it comes to the playoff chase in each conference. Quite frankly, there isn’t too much to write home about. Oh! If you’re not watching Celtics City on MAX, I suggest you start doing so.

(44:21) Are the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers the team to beat in the playoffs over Washington, Toronto and the like in the Eastern Conference? I’ll share why that may be the case, plus, Alex Ovechkin adds another goal to get that much closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record. (And a possible retirement for the Great 8! Stay with me! I’ll explain.) Sidney Crosby takes down a Gretzky record himself over the past few days. (Could Ovechkin or Crosby be on the NHL’s Mt. Rushmore?) A classy gesture by the Capitals towards goaltender Marc Andre Fleury. I’ll see where we are in the division and wild card playoff races as we’re less than three weeks from the conclusion of the season.

(57:48) We’re just four days into the MLB campaign. We have the Dodgers and Yankees on a pace to go 162-0, with the latter using bats that have caused a stir. The Marlins lead the NL East with three walk off wins, no less. And three teams who made the postseason last year are all winless (DET, MIL, ATL)

(1:07:55) Is it possible that the 49ers will move WR Brandon Aiyuk by tomorrow? In an already active offseason by the once removed NFC Champions, nothing is out of bounds.

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Will #1 Seeds Meet In Final 4 As Sweet 16 Begins? Are Bucks, Lillard Deep Playoff Run Shot? Great 8: Six Away To Great One! Will Isles Make Playoffs? MLB Is Back! Steelers Need Rodgers?

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Hope springs eternal as a new baseball season is here. We get closer to crowning a champion in college basketball and everything in between as the latest podcast is about to go down! On deck:

(6:30) A quick reminder to start off the pod. I released the 2025 MLB Preview earlier this morning on Apple, Spotify and all available platforms. It’s also on my YouTube channel as I streamed the preview yesterday, so please subscribe if you haven’t done so.

(7:42) March Madness returns as the Sweet Sixteen tips off tonight. Will we get plenty of drama, suspense and intrigue that we didn’t see much of last weekend?How about all of the one seeds advancing to a Final Four, which we haven’t seen since 2008? I’ll get into the eight games over the next two nights as we’re thisclose from getting to a Final Four in San Antonio?

(25:42) The Milwaukee Bucks deep playoff run/chances have taken a huge blow with the loss of Damian Lillard who is out indefinitely with a blood clot in his right calf. Is this curtains for the Bucks shot to get to a conference finals? I’ll talk about the Wild, Wild West where you have teams jockeying for playoff positioning from seeds 2-10.

(39:57) Alex Ovechkin gets closer to climbing the top of Mt. Gretzky as he’s six goals from breaking his goal scoring record all time. Will he actually do it over the last eleven games of the season? I’ll unpack the East and West wild card races as they’re heating up. Do the Islanders have a shot to qualify as their one point behind the final wild card spot at the moment?

(50:08) Play ball! Baseball season has arrived! I’ll take a look at the schedule over the weekend, with some pretty good matchups. There’s one that I’m fascinated by that you’d be very surprised that’s on my radar.

(57:16) With the NFL Draft a month away, will the Giants draft QB Sheduer Sanders with the third pick overall after signing Russell Wilson to a one year deal? Which leaves us with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the last team standing that needs a QB. Is Aaron Rodgers the guy they’ll turn to as they pretty much have no other signal caller to turn to?

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March Madness Falls Flat Despite Maryland’s Heroics. NBA Returns LeBron, AD, Jokic, Curry & Butler Back In Miami. Time Running Out On Ovechkin? No 1pm MLB Opening Day Starts? RIP George Foreman

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A big week for the podcast as we usher in a new season for a spring/summer sport and a programming note that you won’t want to miss out on as the latest podcast is served. On deck:

(6:42) March Madness has been anything but, although yesterday you had some drama, but overall it has fallen relatively flat over the first four days. I’ll recap the upsets, including Arkansas stunning St. John’s, UConn giving all that Florida could handle and the travel that wasn’t called as Maryland’s buzzer beater over Colorado State was the game of the weekend yesterday as the Terrapins advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

(31:28) A bunch of returns are the storylines in the NBA as LeBron James comes back from a groin injury a couple of weeks ago. When will Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic make their way back in the lineup after missing time with injuries. Jimmy Butler will visit Miami for the first time since he was traded last month tomorrow night. How will the response be from the fans? Also Steph Curry is looking to get back on the court as he could possibly play vs. the Heat. The Celtics were sold for over six billion dollars last week. I have a message for the new owner Bill Chisholm. And the Cavaliers snap a four game winning streak as they have a hold of the top spot in the East. I’ll break down the latest in the playoff standings to see who’s hot and who’s not. Also, my thoughts on the upcoming Celtics City episode on MAX tonight.

(49:20) Alexander Ovechkin is now seven goals away (with twelve games to play) from surpassing Wayne Gretzky all time on the goal scoring list. Is time starting to run out for the Capitals captain? There have been a couple of key injuries (Oilers Leon Draisaitl, Hurricanes Seth Jarvis) that we have to keep an eye on. The announcement of Pat Maroon retiring after this season. And is Houston the next city to get an NHL team? I’ll get into all that on top of what’s going on throughout the sport as the league is down to its final 10-12 games.

(1:01:07) MLB will make its entrance in 2025 come Thursday as the season begins.(NOTE: My 2025 baseball preview will take place on my YouTube channel during a livestream, Wednesday at 12pm ET. See link below to subscribe and watch) Why are the games on Opening Day starting at 3pm ET or later? I’ll go through some players that will start their year on IL (Yankees Clarke Schmidt, Orioles Gunnar Henderson and Rays Shane McClanahan) And will Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sign in Toronto before the season is up?

(1:09:32) I’ll briefly touch on Jameis Winston signing in New York with the Giants as all is quiet in the NFL.

(1:09:58) Unfortunately, I close out the pod on a sad note as former heavyweight champion George Foreman died on Friday night as I’ll highlight some of the great moments of his career.

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For daily shorts, weekly vlogs and then some, please subscribe to my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMucZq-BQrUrpuQzQ-jYF7w

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UNC Silences Critics…For Now! Will #1 Seeds Reach Final Four? A March Madness Preview. All’s Quiet On The NBA & NHL Front. 2025 Dodgers: Juggernaut Or Sleepwalk?

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Spring is officially here! The same for March Madness as I’ll unpack the NCAA Tournament and all that the sports world has to offer, as the latest podcast is here. On deck:

(6:33) It’s time to witness and experience the Madness! The NCAA Tournament commences today. I’ll have a complete breakdown and analysis of the top storylines (Does UNC have a run in them? Will all 1 seeds meet in the Final Four? Who’ll get picked off first?) Among other intriguing topics, including my Final Four and National Champion predictions as we’ll go in full sprint over the next three weeks to see who ends up in San Antonio April 5-7.

(39:22) The NBA will take a backseat to college basketball over the weekend. It’s been rather quiet in the Association. Do I discuss Paul George being shut down in Philly? I’ll peep the standings and schedule to check the latest in the playoff seedings as we’re three and a half week from the season concluding.

(49:21) On the ice, things are looking like their basketball counterparts as there’s nothing to uncover, despite the wild card races in both conferences starting to heat up.

(57:11) Baseball season is underway, but we’re still a week away from Opening Day throughout the sport. The Dodgers are 2-0 after two wins in Japan over the Cubs. Is this team going to be a juggernaut? Or sleepwalk until October? Plus, a surprise regarding where I'll have my forthcoming 2025 MLB Preview that you won't want to miss.

(1:04:49) Wake me up when Aaron Rodgers either retires or signs on with a team. Besides that, I don’t want anything to do with him. The Houston Texans re-sign a couple of their own defensive players. And I make a brief mention of Rory McIlroy winning the TPC in a playoff and what that means with The Masters three weeks away.

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Does UNC Deserve A Tournament Bid? What’s The Toughest Region? Spurs In Tank Mode? Ovechkin Pressure To Pass Great One? Dodgers Begin Defense. 162-0? Bengals Break Bank On Chase & Tee

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Feeling a little bit green in these parts as St. Paddy’s 2025 has arrived, but so is the latest podcast as we get set to break out from the Sports Dead Zone, Pt. 1 over the past five weeks! On deck:

(6:36) We’ve finally gotten past the doldrums of the Super Bowl leading into this week, as March Madness is about to begin. I’ll go through the controversies of who was left out (West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State & Boise State) and who was selected (North Carolina & Texas) as you’ll get my honest thoughts on this and other issues (No more Sunday championship games on the day where the committee selects who qualifies for the tournament. Games on TNT, TBS & TruTv, who has the hardest region, the easiest) as I get you ready for what’ll take place over the next couple of days, leading into the basketball bonanza of Thursday & Friday.

(35:08) As for what’s happening in the Association, the Cavaliers finally had their 16 game winning streak snapped at home vs. Orlando. Steph Curry has reached 4,000 three pointers made in his career. Is it worth celebrating? When will Knicks guard Jalen Brunson return? De’Aaron Fox is done for the year in San Antonio. Do I smell another tanking? I’ll explain. Plus, remembering Sonics legend, Slick Watts who passed away at 73. I’ll discuss the log jam out West and the lackluster East as we’re less than a month away from the end of the season.

(49:45) On the ice, all is quiet in the NHL. Alex Ovechkin is eight goals from topping Wayne Gretzky overall in the history of the league. How he can thwart any pressure over the last 15 games to secure his place before the regular season concludes? There are a couple of big time wild card races in each conference as I’ll dissect the latest playoff seeds with a little more than a bakers dozen games to go.

(56:38) Baseball begins tomorrow! Not the most conventional Opening Day that we’ll see, but the Dodgers are in Japan for a two game series vs. the Cubs. What are the expectations? Is it 162-0 or bust? A complete sweep (11-0) in the playoffs? The Yankees continue to deal with injuries to their pitching staff (Clarke Schmidt). Your Opening Day starter for the Mets comes as a surprise. Another position player turning to pitching (Joey Gallo) and the stadium issue in Tampa goes from bad to worse.

(1:08:49) NFL free agency will start to cool off a bit, but not without the Bengals making a historic big splash for both of their wideouts as Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins gets paid. I’ll keep you up to date on the most recent signings from Cooper Kupp to Cooper Rush over the past three, four days.

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Visions Of ’83 For NC State, Bama’s First Final 4. Purdue-UCONN Matchup? Is Any Lead Safe In NBA? My Dark, Twisted MLB Nightmare! Rangers: NHL’s Best? NFL Up To Old Tricks!

No fooling around on this first day of April! I’m ready to fire on all cylinders as I’ve got plenty of sports talk to unpack as a new week, month and quarter begin. On deck:

(4:08) I offer an apology to you guys and gals for not publishing my Thursday podcast (after the MLB Preview) due to some unforeseen circumstances. Add in Easter and celebrating a birthday yesterday, it had yours truly running around, enjoying life as I haven’t posted any thoughts on what’s happening in sports on my YouTube channel, social media, etc. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I send a mea culpa to start.

(6:30) March Madness pivots to April as the Final Four in the Men’s tournament is set! You have a Cinderella in #11 seed, NC State. A #4 seed and first time ever visit to a semifinal in Alabama. Then the two #1 seeds in Purdue (first FF since 1980) and UCONN (defending champs) I’ll talk about their journey to this point, including some early headlines of these four teams representing out in Glendale where the Final Four will take place on Saturday night. On the women’s side, there’s lot of intrigue with a regional semifinal tonight where LSU will play Iowa to see who goes onto the Final Four. We know about these rivals dating back to last year’s tournament. NC State has advanced, just like their male counterparts. Can the Lady Huskies do the same with a win tonight vs. USC?

(28:24) The Association is down to the final couple of weeks of the season. It’s a Wild Wild West at the top and bottom of the conference. Lakers continue their winning ways on a current East coast trip, trying to stay ahead of the Warriors for the ninth seed. Golden State keeps winning, where the Rockets had their eleven game winning streak snapped as they’ve tried to keep pace with the Dubs for the final seed out West. Has luck run out for Houston? What about the race for the top seed between OKC, Denver and Minnesota? Who needs it the most? I’ll check on what’s happening out in the East, as it’s not as intriguing, unless you’re interested in the battle of the 3-8 seeds. More importantly, is any lead safe in the NBA? After watching the Celtics blew a 30 point lead to Atlanta last week. And the Bucks coughed up an 18 point fourth quarter lead against a LeBron James-less Lakers team. This could be something to pay attention to come playoff time, although it’s unlikely to happen.

(42:40) Just four days into the baseball season, I’m already living a dark, twisted nightmare. My beloved Mets are 0-3 and the Yankees are 4-0. I’ll explain further as to why this is the case. I’ll discuss some early suspension for two pitchers (Mets Yohan Ramirez and Blue Jays Genesis Cabrera), which teams had a good weekend and who didn’t?

(53:06) On the ice, we’re down to about seven or eight games left of this long season. Are the Rangers the best team in the NHL at the moment? Are they peaking at the right time? I’ll get into their chances of competing for a Cup and take a trip to see what teams are in good stead for making the playoffs, who’s on the cusp and who’s fallen off completely?

(1:02:52) Lastly, there are a few NFL news and notes to dive into. I like the new kickoff rule (adopted from the XFL) Reviewing intentional grounding, roughing the passer and hits out of bounds (Ok?) Moving the trade deadline up to Week 9 (Fine.) Some acquistions last week, highlighted by the Jets acquiring Eagles pass rusher, Haason Reddick (Alright!) Here’s comes the cold water. The Eagles opener in Sao Paolo, Brazil, the Friday game after the likely Chiefs raising the curtain on the season the day before, will be aired on Peacock. (What?!) And there will be two games on Christmas Day, but the holiday falls on a Wednesday! (SERIOUSLY!?) What’s next? A game every day on the NFL calendar?

I’m honored to welcome in a new partnership to the podcast. Are you familiar with Olipop soda? If not, you’ll definitely want to acquaint yourself with this healthy, crisp and refreshing beverage that has no GMO’s, organic with natural ingredients that you can read. They have the classics (Vintage Cola, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime) as well as new flavors that are irresistible (Banana Cream, Watermelon Lime and my favorite, Tropical Punch) Please go to www.drinkolipop.com, type in SODALOVE for 15% off of your purchase.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

For daily shorts, weekly vlogs and then some, please subscribe to my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMucZq-BQrUrpuQzQ-jYF7w

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

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Houston Survives, One True Cinderella As Madness Exhales. The Race For Seeding In NBA. Seven Teams Fight For NHL’s President’s Trophy. MLB Over/Unders. Chiefs Trade Top CB

It’s a big week for yours truly as I’ll close out the first quarter of the year with the first of two podcasts coming your way with all that’s happening in the sports universe. On deck:

(4:00) We can all exhale from the Madness of March that took place over the past 96 hours. I’ll get into the micro and macro of the past four days (the four #1 seeds still alive, including Houston hanging on against Texas A&M. CORRECTION: I mentioned Texas Tech, NOT Texas A&M at times as the team that faced Houston. My apologies for the egregious error. Purdue could be Final Four ready.) The Cinderella teams couldn’t make it to a Sweet Sixteen (other than #11 NC State) I’ll get into how the SEC & Mountain West got destroyed. Has Kentucky coach John Calipari’s star fallen after another inexplicable first round exit? The three Big East teams has showed up and showed out. (UCONN, Marquette & Creighton) as we now wait for the tournament to tip off come Thursday. I’ll also see what’s happening with the women’s tourney, although I don’t have much to unpack.

(26:19) The NBA is going to lay in the weeds over the next week or so, since it’s being swallowed up by March Madness. Is the return of Russell Westbrook going to move the needle in the Association? I’ll take a peek at a few intriguing races (the 3-5 seeds in the East, the top 3 out West and can the Rockets overtake the Warriors for the final play-in spot?)

(39:41) Don’t look now, but there are seven teams in the NHL that are separated by one point for the President’s Trophy as the best regular season team in the league? Is this something to hang your hat on, considering that past teams who’ve held that distinction, haven’t won a Stanley Cup? I’ll check what else is happening, especially with the playoff races in both conferences as we down to about a dozen games or so in the season.

(46:40) The curtain on the 2024 MLB season is on the horizon. First pitch is set for this Thursday across the sport. I’ll review the over/under win totals for all teams in light of my baseball preview on Thursday, which I’ll select three overs and three under. I’ll share my thoughts of the Mets signing DH JD Martinez. Brewer fans will have to wait until next year to see their stud starting pitcher, Brandon Woodruff. And pay respects to former Orioles owner, Peter Angelos, who passed away at the age of 94.

(56:08) A trade of note forthcoming in the NFL as the Chiefs are reported to deal CB L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee for two draft picks in the upcoming draft next month. How big of a loss this will be for the defending Super Bowl Champions?

I’m honored to welcome in a new partnership to the podcast. Are you familiar with Olipop soda? If not, you’ll definitely want to acquaint yourself with this healthy, crisp and refreshing beverage that has no GMO’s, organic with natural ingredients that you can read. They have the classics (Vintage Cola, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime) as well as new flavors that are irresistible (Banana Cream, Watermelon Lime and my favorite, Tropical Punch) Please go to www.drinkolipop.com, type in SODALOVE for 15% off of your purchase.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

For daily shorts, weekly vlogs and then some, please subscribe to my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMucZq-BQrUrpuQzQ-jYF7w

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

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Road To The Final Four With Predictions As Madness Begins. Two Tragedies Rock NHL. Ohtani Gambling Controversy With Interpreter? NFL Signings. College Expands Playoff To 14

There’s plenty of sports Madness to unpack and then some, as the latest episode comes your way. On deck:

(3:45) The Madness has arrived that is the NCAA Tournament. I’ll break down the four brackets. Who has it rough? (UCONN) Who does not? (Purdue) What bracket is wide open? (South) Which teams could be sleepers? (Grand Canyon & James Madison, anyone?) But in the end, who do I think will be part of the Final Four in Phoenix two weeks from Saturday. I’ll share a brief thought on the women’s tournament as I would think that ESPN would want to see an LSU-South Carolina championship game, with LSU & Iowa (and Caitlin Clark) to play in the regional final.

(26:43) As for the pros, it’s been a low key week, despite the Celtics hanging on to beat the Bucks without Giannis last night. I’ll look at what the schedule has over the next few days as the NBA will get swallowed by college basketball over the next couple of weeks.

(29:40) Sadly, there were two tragedies in the NHL this week. Konstantin Koltsov, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the mid 2000’s and was dating #2 women’s tennis player in the world Aryna Sabalenka, died on Monday at the age of 42. Then there was Chris Simon, who won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996 and one of the toughest players in the history of the league, died later shortly after Koltsov at the age of 52. Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews is not only gunning for an MVP, but also a 70 goal season as he netted two vs. Washington last night and currently has 56. In the same game, Alexander Ovechkin scored a pair and needs just 50 goals to surpass Wayne Gretzky as the all time leader in goals scored throughout a career. There’s a big matchup on Saturday night as the Florida Panthers will visit the NY Rangers as both teams jockey for positioning in the Eastern Conference.

(44:25) Don’t look now, but the MLB season has begun. Not here in the States, but in Korea as you had the Dodgers-Padres play a two game series. The bigger story is the firing of star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, based on gambling debts that he owes and Ohtani having money stolen from his account to pay those wagers. Was Ohtani involved? Did he have a clue that his interpreter was gambling and that money was transferred out of his account? This will generate more buzz as the Dodgers arrive back to US soil. I’ll suggest what Ohtani and the Dodgers should do to avoid a complete firestorm with the media which will surely inquire as to how much Ohtani was involved in this situation.

(52:21) There are a couple of NFL signings to unwrap (WR Mike Williams to the Jets. Chase Young to the Saints) And another retirement to report as Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch had to step down because his body wouldn’t cooperate as he was dealing with a serious neck injury.

(55:43) Before you can experience a 12 team playoff in college football, all nine conferences have agreed to approve a 14 team playoff starting in 2026. ESPN just inked a seven year deal until 2031-32 season for $7.8 billion dollars, so we know what this all boils down to! The GREEN!

I’m honored to welcome in a new partnership to the podcast. Are you familiar with Olipop soda? If not, you’ll definitely want to acquaint yourself with this healthy, crisp and refreshing beverage that has no GMO’s, organic with natural ingredients that you can read. They have the classics (Vintage Cola, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime) as well as new flavors that are irresistible (Banana Cream, Watermelon Lime and my favorite, Tropical Punch) Please go to www.drinkolipop.com, type in SODALOVE for 15% off of your purchase.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

For daily shorts, weekly vlogs and then some, please subscribe to my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMucZq-BQrUrpuQzQ-jYF7w

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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Madness Takeaways: Big East Snubs, UCONN’s Tough Bracket & Purdue’s Easy Path. Steelers Shock With Pickett & Fields Trades. MLB In Korea. Game Clock Issues In LA?

Spring is officially arriving tomorrow, but right now is the latest podcast detailing ALL that’s happening in the sports universe. On deck:

(4:16) We can finally usher out the Sports Dead Zone, Part 1 (at least until summer) and begin a huge stretch of sports talk over the next few months. Jump starting that is the Madness of March. The NCAA Tournament tips off tomorrow night with the First Four, and in earnest, on Thursday with the first of two days of college basketball from 12 noon to 1:00am. I’ll discuss the top three storylines of the selection process (Mountain West over Big East), UCONN’s tough bracket to defend their title. And Purdue’s cakewalk to a Final Four, considering how their bracket unfolded. I’ll get into the whole bracket on Thursday’s pod, so this is the appetizer to set you up for the main course later in the week. I’ll take a peek at how I was disappointed of the selection committee on the women’s side, where they have Iowa and LSU in the same bracket and not different brackets.

(24:36) What has gone on in Pittsburgh this offseason? It’s almost as if the Steelers have had an identity shift. I say that because just the past few days alone, they traded their former #1 pick Kenny Pickett to the Eagles. Then surprised me in acquiring Justin Fields of the Bears for what? A sixth round pick? I’ll unpack all of what GM Omar Khan has done to date and assess how this was a change from the front office that even their biggest fans didn’t expect? I’ll discuss what the Vikings did by picking up another first round pick (via Houston) Some other key signings/trades that transpired. And the retirement of Rams DT Aaron Donald, who called it a career on Friday after ten years in STL & LA.

(41:43) As much as we’re looking forward for the baseball season to start next Thursday, it actually starts on Wednesday. That’s right! The Dodgers-Padres will kick off 2024 in Korea for two games. Am I cool with MLB throwing out the first pitch outside of American soil? The Yankees dodged a potential catastrophe to their starting rotation regarding the health to Cy Young ace Gerrit Cole, but do they still look for reinforcements since the aforementioned will be out for at least a month? Then Mets owner, Steve Cohen, addressed the media to announce that 1B Pete Alonso will likely not be signed before Opening Day. YOU KNOW that I have something to say about that with the season starting in ten days.

(52:27) The Association is rather low key, despite a wild and inexplicable final two minutes of the Warriors-Lakers game because of game clock and shot clock malfunctions as the Dubs won in LA. Speaking of LA, the Clippers have hit the skids, losing 4 of 5 and not having an identity, as stated by Paul George. What’s going on there? I’ll see where we’re at throughout the league with the latest in the standings as we’re about a month away from the conclusion of the NBA season.

(59:30) Besides my Islanders going through a bad stretch of late, falling out of the Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference (albeit a point in the standings as of this moment), the NHL is status quo as I’ll take a trip around the ice as they head into the homestretch.

(1:03:23) With The Masters teeing up three weeks from this coming Thursday, the TPC at Sawgrass took place over the weekend. Scottie Scheffler is the first player ever to win back to back as he shot -20 and a 64 in the final round as he’s primed for another run as the top golfer on the tour. NOTE: I mentioned that Scheffler won the Masters last year. It was in 2022. Jon Rahm won last year. My apologies for the error.

(1:04:57) Although it’s not a Grand Slam in the world of tennis, the winners at Indian Wells were Iga Swiatek on the women’s side and Carlos Alcaraz (who stopped Jannik Sinner’s 19 match consecutive streak) captured the men’s title as both winners look to build on their victories with the French Open two months away.

I’m honored to welcome in a new partnership to the podcast. Are you familiar with Olipop soda? If not, you’ll definitely want to acquaint yourself with this healthy, crisp and refreshing beverage that has no GMO’s, organic with natural ingredients that you can read. They have the classics (Vintage Cola, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime) as well as new flavors that are irresistible (Banana Cream, Watermelon Lime and my favorite, Tropical Punch) Please go to www.drinkolipop.com, type in SODALOVE for 15% off of your purchase. Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

For daily shorts, weekly vlogs and then some, please subscribe to my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMucZq-BQrUrpuQzQ-jYF7w

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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PGA vs LIV, Mother Nature's Wrath Headlines The Masters. UConn Stands Tall, But Competition Small? NBA Does NOT Want This 1st Round Matchup! NHL's Panthers/Oilers Storm Into Playoffs?

The sports landscape gets a face lift as we usher in another major tournament in a legendary setting to go along with everything else that's happening as I deliver the latest podcast for the masses. On deck:

(2:51) A tradition unlike any other begins today as The Masters tees off with the first major Grand Slam tournament of 2023. Not only will there be some stiff competition from both the PGA & LIV Tour (don't worry, I'll get into that.), but Mother Nature will have a big say in all of this. The weather is expected to not only drop temperature-wise (Friday's high is 79. Saturday & Sunday? 53 & 57, respectively) but the chance of rain is ranging between 70-90% from Friday through Sunday. How will the elements be a factor? Will the tournament be completed on time? Could there be a final round on Monday? The dynamic of the PGA & LIV players going at it on this course for the very first time? Intriguing subplots abound as we'll see who'll come out on top and wear the Green Jacket come Sunday. Or Monday!

(19:07) The UConn Huskies cruise to a National Championship on Monday night as they defeat the upstart San Diego St. Aztecs. The Final Four didn't match up to what took place in the first two weekends of the tournament. Which leads to the question, was the competitive field weak overall, especially when all four #1 seeds were knocked out by the Elite Eight?

(25:48) It's coming down to this. The final few days of the NBA season as teams are jockeying for position to get themselves into the postseason. The Lakers had a chance to get out of the 7-10 seed for the play-in tournament, but lost to the Clippers who hold a slight lead ahead of them and would've had an opportunity to leapfrog over their crosstown rivals. If there is one matchup that could potentially happen in the first round that the Association DOES NOT want to see, it's Golden State vs. Phoenix. I'll explain why as I uncover all of the playoff possibilities for those who are hanging in, and some who are hanging on to see if they can qualify for the playoffs.

(34:56) Two teams that are surging in the NHL and their quest, not just for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but for home ice throughout are the Florida Panthers (#1 seed in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race) and the Edmonton Oilers (who are one point behind Vegas for the top seed out West) I'll take a look at the Central Division race as it's a three team flat footed tie at the moment (Minnesota, Dallas and Colorado all have 98 points) and a wild card race in the West which may have the Calgary Flames (currently on the outside looking in) sneak in the back door to snag a playoff berth.

(49:02) We’re one week into the baseball season and the Mets are up to their old tricks. Do I have to get into this? I’ll discuss the good start that Tampa Bay has gotten off to, while the Phillies and Mariners have stumbled out of the gate. Angels 3B Anthony Rendon received a four game suspension for an altercation with a fan in Oakland. I was surprised by the outcome. Is Rendon being used as an example by the MLB?

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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SD St. Magic Carpet Ride/UConn Dominance Highlights Title Game. Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Double Standard. Lakers Peaking Or Peaked? NHL's Furious Playoff Races. MLB's Opening Weekend, Over/Unders

Let us rejoice as we begin a big stretch with plenty of sports to divulge and dissect, this month and the foreseeable future. Here to deliver the first podcast of two this week as I get into all that's below.

(3:07) The National Championship Game in Men's college basketball is tonight as the upstart San Diego State Aztecs will go up against a dominant UConn Huskies team that hasn't broken out a sweat in the five games they've played to date. I'll review the Aztecs last second buzzer beating win, the pain of Florida Atlantic losing in the final second, UConn steamrolling through the to this point and Miami's poor play as they were outclassed on the big stage. Will the Aztecs magic carpet ride lead them to a title? Are the Huskies destined to run the table without the opposition posing a threat? I'll preview the Final as to who'll cut down the nets as champions of the sport. I'll also touch on what happened in the women's tournament as there was some controversy surrounding Iowa's Caitlin Clark. She's shown a lot of fire and swag up until her team lost in the final to LSU, but Most Outstanding Player Angel Reese gave Clark a taste of her own medicine by gesturing the "You Can't See Me" wave, was it right for Reese to do that? Or even Clark for that matter, earlier in the tournament? Is this a double standard?Was it classless for both of them to do this? You'll get a complete analysis of this scenario as it's caused a firestorm on social media over the past day.

(26:44) Don't look now, but here come the Lakers! Winners of 10 of 14, currently in the seventh seed out West and with a shot to go as high as six, are they peaking at the right time? How about the Timberwolves? They have been so erratic, that they lost to a tanking Blazers team AT HOME! As they try to position themselves for the play-in tournament next week. There's a jam at the bottom of the Western Conference bracket as Oklahoma City, Dallas and Minnesota are fighting for the final two spots to extend their respective seasons a week from tomorrow.

(39:21) The NHL season has eleven days to go with some intense division and wild card races coming down to the wire. We know the Bruins have won the President's Trophy, but are three wins and seven points from setting regular season records for wins and points overall. Out West, you have Minnesota, Colorado and Dallas separated by a point. (97, 96) in the Central. While Vegas, Los Angeles and Edmonton are divided by two points (101, 100, 99) in the Pacific. This is on top of what we're witnessing in both wild cards between the Islanders (as I'll share my thoughts on them), Penguins and Panthers in the East and Kraken, Jets, Flames and Predators in the West as it's coming down to the wire with just a week and a half to go.

(49:22) The first weekend is in the books when it comes to the MLB. Justin Verlander is on the IL for the Mets (are you shocked, Met fans?) I'll get into how quick some of these games have been due to the rule changes implemented before the start of the year. The Mariners lose three out of four at home (and pitcher Robbie Ray to the IL) vs. Cleveland to start their season. Kodai Senga's first start was a success for the Mets. How he's the wild card of their rotation with Verlander on the shelf? Angels 3B Anthony Rendon got involved in an altercation with a fan out in Oakland. Will there be a suspension handed down? Lastly, I forgot to mention my three over & three under win totals on Thursday's podcast so I apologize for not doing so at that time.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

Listen to "SD St. Magic Carpet Ride/UConn Dominance Highlights Title Game. Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Double Standard. Lakers Peaking Or Peaked? NHL's F" on Spreaker.

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Rule Changes, Ohtani's Future & Usual Suspects Lead Into MLB's 2023 Preview. Final Four: An Encore? Or Dud? KD's Back/Celtics Big Week. Wild's Huge Road Win. Commander Sale Means No Deal For Lamar

Let's rejoice as a baseball season begins, a college basketball tournament is coming to a close and everything in between when it comes to sports as I got you covered on all that's happening. On deck:

(3:42) After a few words of hope springing eternal, another lap around the track for yours truly, the long awaited baseball season is here! I'll discuss the top three storylines (i.e. rule changes, Shohei Ohtani & the Usual Suspects...you'll have to listen in order to find out!)heading into the 2023 campaign, breaking down the divisions, my surprises and disappointments and my World Series prediction, which may raise an eyebrow as I get your ready for the marathon that is the MLB.

(50:30) The Final Four will take place on Saturday to determine who'll become champions in college basketball. Will there be an encore to what we've seen to date? Can UConn continue to dominate?

(54:34) In the Association, Kevin Durant is back in the fold as he played his first game at home in Phoenix. Is there enough time in the regular season for KD to get ready for the playoffs? Plus, a battle out West as the T'wolves and Lakers could potentially fight for a play-in home game. The Celtics have a big few days ahead as they'll play the Bucks tonight, then the Sixers on Tuesday as they try to inch closer to the #1 seed in the East and away from the #3 seed where the Sixers reside at the moment.

(57:15) The Minnesota Wild won a big game in the Central Division as they have a little breathing room by beating the Colorado Avalanche last night. The Rangers will face the Devils as they try to catch them in the Metropolitan Division for home ice in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I'll look at the latest with the wild card races as well, where the Islanders have put a some distance ahead of the Penguins in the East.

(59:34) We have two groups bidding for the Washington Commanders as the estimated cost could be around six billion dollars. At the moment, this does not bode well for Lamar Jackson as he's searching for a new destination, with very few teams that he can go to. Could this be a Le'Veon Bell 2.0 situation? Will he sign the franchise offer by the Ravens?

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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SD St/FAU/Miami & Dominant UCONN Lead Best Tournament Ever? Mavs In Disarray Out West. NHL Playoff Races Heat Up! Lamar Wants OUT, But Where To? Key MLB Injuries & Over/Unders

An unforgettable Tournament headlines the final week of March, with lots to dissect and digest as the sports world is primed for a big month ahead. On deck:

(3:01) In a time where most pundits, personalities, etc. are prisoners of the moment, I can honestly say, this has to rank as one of the best, if not the best, NCAA College Basketball Tournament of all time. It has reached levels that we couldn't imagine or dream of with plenty of upsets, controversy, comebacks, you name it. All four #1 seeds didn't make the Elite Eight (first time that's happened) Three schools reaching the Final Four (i.e. Florida Atlantic, Miami and San Diego State) for the very first time. UCONN who's been on this stage before, but their first visit since 2014. I'll recap all of the Madness throughout the past four days and set the stage with some early headlines as I have a wild and crazy recap of what took place.

(28:11) As for the pros, the Dallas Mavericks are in a free fall out West. They've collapsed to the point where they are out of the conference play-in scenario amid getting beat back to back games by the lowly Charlotte Hornets. The discontent of the head coach, Jason Kidd. Their star player, Luka Doncic frustrated, not only with what's going on the court but in his personal life as well. And Kyrie Irving going after the fans? It's a mess down in Big D. Could they salvage this bad stretch and make it into the 7-10 seed tournament? LeBron James is back after a 13 game absence with a foot injury as they met the Bulls in LA. Patrick Beverley is up to his old tricks, but can the Lakers survive these final two weeks and make it into the postseason? Then there are the Nets (remember them?) as they battle to stay in the top six teams out East. They've been and will be without Ben Simmons (remember him?) as he's dealing with a back issue. Can they hang on and avoid being a part of an early playoff play-in?

(41:10) On the ice, things have been heating up with the divisional and wild card races in the NHL. I'll update the latest as we're less than ten games away from the conclusion of the season.

(44:51) Some big news has come down the pike over the last hour as Lamar Jackson has requested a trade to the Baltimore Ravens. Why has it come to this? Where can he go? I'll answer all of that and mention some other notable signings over the past few days.

(53:20) Baseball fans, get ready! The season is just three days away. If you're a Yankee fan, I'm sure you're not happy as another starting pitcher (i.e. Luis Severino) will be on the IL to start the season, making him the 3rd starter who'll be on the shelf as they break camp. The Phillies have lost their longtime first baseman, Rhys Hoskins to an ACL injury. Why his absence won't impact their lineup as much as you think? I'll also take a peek at the over/under win totals throughout the sport as I'll select three overs and three unders on the next podcast, with a full preview of the upcoming season that you won't want to miss.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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Sweet 16 Storylines, Princeton's Final 4 Chances? Houston/Texas Home Cooking? Ja's Return, Play-In Race Out West & Willis Reed Dies. NFL Free Agent Leftovers. Will WBC Buzz Carry Into Opening Day?

It's another 'sweet' podcast as I'll have plenty to share when it comes to my thoughts and feelings on all that has to do with the world of sports. On deck:

(2:48) After a brief recap of what lies ahead over the next week (i.e. MLB starting next Thursday. Another lap around the track for your humble little podcast host, April Fools Day, etc.) there's a little calm before the big storm once we turn the calendar to the fourth month of the year where there'll be PLENTY to discuss.

(3:50) In the meantime, we have a Sweet Sixteen to get into as we get to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. I'll have my top storylines with the two #1 seeds left (Alabama & Houston), the Cinderella’s (Princeton & Florida Atlantic) and everything in between from Gonzaga, UCLA, Michigan St., Tennessee, UConn, Creighton and so on as I'll take a look to see which teams will be the last four standing when it's all said and done, as well as, what the best Final Four and worst one could be for the network (TBS) broadcasting the game. There's some coaching news to discuss as Rick Pitino is officially the coach at St. John's. Could he bring them back to relevancy, not just in the Big East but nationwide? And Georgetown has hired Ed Cooley, formerly of Providence to take over for the departed Patrick Ewing.

(29:13) Ja Morant is back with the Grizzlies after an eight game suspension. Is this their time to get themselves on track for a deep playoff run? Karl Anthony Towns has returned after almost four months with a calf strain to keep the Timberwolves in the hunt for the play-in tournament out West. Can they creep into the top six and avoid the semi-do-or-die two game scenario? It's a log jam from the fifth through twelfth seeds in the conference, which is currently the best race in the NBA? Lastly, I cannot forget about the passing of New York Knick legend, Willis Reed at 80 years of age. To this day, him coming out of the tunnel at Madison Square Garden before Game 7 of the NBA Finals back in 1970 on a bad leg is still iconic and a revered moment in the history of sports.

(41:14) The NHL has been status quo since the podcast on Monday. It's hotly contested as we're down to the final ten to twelve games of the season, with three tight division and both wild card races still up for grabs as I'll recap the latest on the ice.

(43:26) I have some NFL free agency leftovers. The Jets have signed former Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman to a one year deal, while trading Elijah Moore to Cleveland. Is Aaron Rodgers far behind?

(45:21) With the baseball season a week away, the WBC just completed to some buzz that was unexpected. All of the talk was about the last at bat in the Championship Game between Shohei Ohtani vs. Mike Trout. Was it theater? Was it overhyped? Does anyone care? Will there be any carryover or influence into Opening Day? Astros 2B Jose Altuve will be out for at least two months after getting hit by a pitch during the Classic as they'll defend their World Series title without their leader.

Please subscribe, leave a rating and post a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Stitcher, Spotify, Luminary, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you'd like to contribute to the production of the podcast, please visit my Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/TheJAYREELZPodcast

Many thanks for all of your love and support.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

Listen to "Sweet 16 Storylines, Princeton's Final 4 Chances? Houston/Texas Home Cooking? Ja's Return, Play-In Race Out West & Willis Reed Dies. NFL Fre" on Spreaker.

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Cinderella's Princeton/FAU. Arizona, Purdue Disappoint As Sweet 16 Is Set. Grizzlies On The Move With Ja Back? Eagles FA Comings & Goings. USA's Cakewalk To WBC Final? Edwards Tops Usman In MMA

Spring is in the air as it's officially the first day of a new season. Which also segues into the first of two pods this week as I've got you covered on anything and everything sports related. On deck:

(3:09) I have to start off with a mea culpa as my Monday podcast from last week was deleted from the podcast stratosphere. I don't know how that happened, but it also affected the order of Thursday's podcast as well. I apologize for any mix up and confusion in trying to download/listen to the episodes from last week. It goes without saying, I greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.

(5:03) This time last week, we had 68 teams on the NCAA Tournament docket. Now we're down to the Sweet Sixteen. I'll review the good (i.e. Princeton, Fairleigh Dickinson and Florida Atlantic) the bad (i.e. Duke, Virginia) and the ugly (i.e. Arizona, Purdue) as we close out the first week of the Madness and have our sights set on the next round continuing on Thursday. NOTE: While discussing Arkansas being able to hang with Kansas, I referred to them as Arizona. My apologies for the error.

(30:33) I'll stay on the hardwood and briefly go through the Association. Ja Morant should make his return after his eight game suspension. After an enormous 29 point comeback vs. San Antonio on Friday, could this be a turning point after a tumultuous few weeks for the Grizzlies? Can Memphis and Sacramento put pressure on the leaders of the West in Denver? What about the Sixers as they've leapfrogged over the Celtics and have only the Bucks ahead of them in the East?

(34:33) The NHL has been relatively low key as the Rangers did the Islanders a favor, sweeping the Penguins this weekend to where the Islanders regained the top Wild Card spot in the East. Besides that, we're just counting down these last dozen or so games to get to April and begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

(37:28) There were plenty of transactions after the initial wave as the NFL offseason has commenced. I'll discuss the Steelers transactions (i.e. Patrick Peterson, Isaac Seumalo and Cole Holcomb), the Cowboys bringing in a wideout (Brandin Cooks via trade with Houston) Bengals sign some reinforcements on the offensive line (Orlando Brown, Jr.) but incumbent Jonah Williams is requesting a trade. Speaking of O-Line, Texans Laremy Tunsil is now the highest paid in tackle in the sport to stay in Houston. Adam Thielen is now a member of the Carolina Panthers.

(46:00) USA is back in the WBC Final as Cuba was their latest triumph. They'll face either Japan or Mexico in the championship game. Is it me but did the US have a cakewalk of a schedule to get to this point? Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch in Venezuela's game vs. US the other day. He suffered a fractured thumb. How long he'll be out? Who knows, but could there be some possible retribution down the road?

(50:59) Leon Edwards defeats Kamaru Usman for the second time in eight months to defend his 170 pound title, but found this one more satisfying in a majority decision than a knockout in their previous bout.