Posts tagged NCAA Final Four

Purdue’s Time? A UCONN Repeat? SC Spoils Caitlin Clark's Title Run. Coach Cal Leaves Kentucky! A Bucks Flameout In The Works? Fight For NHL’s East Wild Card Spot. Good & Bad Of MLB’s First 10 Days

The sports world continues to heat up in the best sports month of the year. Your favorite little podcast host has it all covered as the latest edition is delivered for your edification. On deck:

(4:38) I have to start off by sharing my thoughts on the earthquake that took place in the Northeast on Friday, which sets up today’s solar eclipse scheduled for this afternoon.

(5:43) As for what’s happening between the lines, we have a mammoth championship game that’ll take place tonight as the NCAA Tournament should conclude with a bang! #1 Purdue will face #1 UCONN with plenty of subplots that I’ll dissect and preview who’ll cut down the nets as champs. I’ll look back to Saturday night’s semifinal games as the Cinderellas (NC State & Alabama) clocks struck 12 to set the stage for a matchup we’ve anticipated. As for the women’s side, Caitlin Clark and Iowa were unable to get the brass ring for the second straight year as they lost to South Carolina in the title game yesterday. I’ll recap their Final Four, the perfect season for the Gamecocks, coach Dawn Staley’s words in regards to Caitlin Clark’s GOAT status as the Hawkeyes fall short. What about the surprising news of John Calipari leaving Kentucky to become the head coach of Arkansas. Was there pressure building for Coach Cal considering two terrible performances in the first round of the tournament over the years? Will he make Arkansas a championship caliber team?

(36:36) There’s an interesting scenario developing in the NBA as we enter the final week of the season. The Milwaukee Bucks are in a battle for the #2 seed in the East. The Orlando Magic, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are hot on their tails to see if they can have the opportunity to host two home series in the playoffs. Despite players on the team who have won a championship, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, do you trust the Bucks to go far in the postseason? What are the expectations for Damian Lillard to step up and take his team to the next level? I’ll uncover all of the latest with teams jockeying for playoff positioning as the chase for the Lawrence O’Brien trophy looms

(51:04) The NHL is also creeping closer to the end of their season. There is a log jam at the bottom of the Eastern Conference Wild Card race. The Islanders are the third seed in the Metropolitan Division, but could easily be knocked out as the Penguins, Flyers and Capitals are breathing down their necks to snatch their potential playoff spot. I’ll break down all of what the ice has to offer as divisions, the President’s Trophy and seedings are all up for grabs as the season ends in ten days.

(1:00:19) We’re ten days into the MLB season. I’ll get into who’s been good (Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Boston) and who’s been bad (Minnesota, Miami and Houston) right out of the gate. Also, some key pitchers are either on the mend, uncertain or certain for Tommy John surgery as the Yankees Gerrit Cole will start throwing this week, Braves Spencer Strider has damage in his right elbow at the moment and Guardians Shane Bieber will undergo the dreaded UCL surgery and is out for the year. Then there are the Oakland A’s as their days are numbered in the Bay Area as they’ll be moving to Sacramento for three years, prior to their expected landing spot in Las Vegas for the 2028 season.

(1:09:36) There were a handful of NFL players that have re-signed with their teams over the past week as the Draft is forthcoming, two weeks from Thursday.

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Caitlin Clark’s GOAT Status, Cinderella NC St. A Purdue-UCONN Clash? 76ers Embiid’s Return, Primed For Playoff Run? An Epic Line Brawl At MSG! MLB’s Wild First Week. Diggs Dealt. Better For BUF?

There’s a championship feeling in the air as I prepare you for a big weekend in sports with plenty to uncover on the latest edition of the podcast. On deck:

(3:57) A rarity for the podcast as I had to record this late Thursday night instead of the usual early morning hours, so my apologies for the delay.

(4:57) The Final Four is set for both the men’s and women’s in college basketball tipping off tonight with the ladies. I’ll begin there as Caitlin Clark has been the story with a dominant, virtuoso performance against rival LSU. Can Clark be called the GOAT of women’s basketball? How about Angel Reese’s reaction after the game, considering a year ago she was the target of ridicule based on her actions after beating Clark in the championship game? What will the ratings be if Iowa makes it to the Final? Then, I’ll cover the men’s semifinals as both Alabama and especially NC State, are the underdogs against the top seeds UCONN & Purdue. Can the Wolfpack get to a Final and relive what the 1983 team did, led by Jim Valvano? Will we see a clash of the titans between the two one seeds? I’ll cover it all as we’re down to the last few games to see who’ll represent in the national championship game.

(21:40) Sixers Joel Embiid made his long awaited return from knee surgery this week. Will he carry his team on a deep postseason run? The Knicks lose a key member of their team as Julius Randle has to get surgery for a shoulder injury. How far can the Knicks go in the playoffs without his presence? I’ll break down the latest in the Association as the season will conclude in ten days. Also, Rajon Rondo retired from the league as he announced that on a recent podcast. I’ll share my thoughts as a Celtic fan on his career and his impact on the game.

(34:30) What a sight to behold at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night! The Devils and Rangers literally squared off to where a line brawl commenced after the puck was dropped where eight players were ejected for their actions, with the heavyweight matchup of Kurtis MacDermid vs. Matt Rempe being the long anticipated bout. Was this a black eye for the sport? What has the reaction been with fans after this ultra rare occasion? I’ll see what else is happening in both conferences when it comes to the playoff races as most teams have five or six games left in the season.

(46:16) Baseball had an interesting first week. We’ve witnessed a no-hitter on April Fool’s Day, the earliest that’s happened in the long history of the MLB. (Astros Ronel Blanco) Mookie Betts has five home runs so far and the Mets FINALLY get a win!

(53:47) WR Stefon Diggs was shipped from Buffalo to Houston a few days ago for a second round pick in next year’s draft. Who got the better of the trade? You can say both teams, more so for the Bills as I’ll explain. Then you’ve had bizarre instances with Chiefs WR Rashee Rice causing a six car accident on a Dallas highway. Former Lions CB Cam Sutton was on the lam for several days before turning himself in to an alleged domestic violence incident. And sad news as former player Vontae Davis was found dead in his home at the age of 35.

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.

Delicious soda that's actually good for you. Shop OLIPOP direct and Save 15%. Enter code SODALOVE.

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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.

Listen to "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" on Spreaker.

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A New Era Of The Pod Begins With The 2022 MLB Preview. Will Tiger Prowl At Augusta? A Masters Preview. Kansas's Historic Comeback To A Title! NFL OT Rule For Playoffs & Signings

The time has arrived! A double dose of yours truly moving forward as I entertain and inform the masses on all that's going on in sports! On deck:

(3:10) The 2022 baseball season is here! I'll go through all of the divisions, share my over/under selections, a preview of my beloved Mets and who'll make it to the World Series? A surprising prediction that you won't want to miss as we're about to raise the curtain on another year of hardball.

(40:49) Tiger Woods is the top story as The Masters commences today. Does he have a shot to be at or near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday? I'll preview all of what may take shape in Augusta and my prediction as to who will win the first major golf tournament of 2022.

(49:30) I'll recap what was a thrilling NCAA Tournament and Championship Game as the Kansas Jayhawks win in historic fashion. Trailing by 15 points to upend the North Carolina Tar Heels to secure the second title for coach, Bill Self. Should Carolina fans be happy with how the tournament played out? Or bitter because they fell a basket short?

(53:15) I'll touch on some NFL news including the new overtime rule in the postseason, how the Rams payroll is stretched thin with another big signing and Stefon Diggs gets extended in Buffalo as the NFL Draft is three weeks away.

(58:29) And I'll introduce a new social media platform as another avenue for you to follow that'll tie into the podcast for everyone to enjoy.

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 "A New Era Of The Pod Begins With The 2022 MLB Preview. Will Tiger Prowl At Augusta? A Masters Preview. Kansas's Historic Comeback To A Title" on Spreaker.

A Big Podcast Week Leans Into UNC Triumph, Coach K's Exit, Kansas Primed For Title. Lakers: Biggest Disappointment Ever? Mets Concern For Jake/Max. A COL-FLA Cup Final? Tiger To Play At The Masters?

The first full week of April ushers in a new era of the podcast as yours truly is primed and ready to deliver it all for YOU, the casual or diehard sports fan. On deck:

(4:35) I begin with a synopsis of the reasons why I've expanded the podcast to twice a week.

(8:40) I'll also discuss my sojourn to Northern California (San Francisco/Bay Area) as I detail my experience in celebrating another birthday. The beauty of being a sports fan living in the Pacific time zone. I shout out a couple of dear friends who were vital in making our stay pleasurable, but this theme does have a connection with sports. Including, my purpose and responsibility to you the listener, for navigating the podcast in a new direction moving forward.

(18:36) Which leads me to the Final Four this past weekend. Kansas continues to roll in this tournament, while the Mike Krzyzewski era ends against their arch rivals in North Carolina. I'll break down what I was able to see (hence the previous segment), the bitter end of Coach K's career and preview tonight's title game as the Tar Heels try to upend the top seeded Jayhawks. I'll throw some bouquets at the Women's NCAA Champion South Carolina Gamecocks, who ran right past UConn for their second title in five years.

(32:06) I'll stick with hoops as we can put an epitaph on the Lakers embarrassingly underachieving season. Is this the most disappointing season in sports history for a team that had championship aspirations? Does Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have what it takes to make a deep playoff run? Why is Joel Embiid making it all about his MVP candidacy this late in the season? I'll dissect what the latest is happening throughout the Association and introduce who the 2022 Hall of Fame recipients are as we've entered the final week of this long regular season.

(49:45) Is the sky falling for the Met fan like myself? With Jacob deGrom on the shelf for a minimum of four weeks with shoulder tightness and prized free agent, Max Scherzer dealing with hamstring tightness, the Mets could get off to a slow start. Will deGrom's health ever improve? Will he be the pitcher that he once was? Plus, the signing of Albert Pujols comes full circle in St. Louis as he signs a one year deal with the Cardinals to close out his career.

(57:55) Could we have a potential 1996 Stanley Cup Final rematch between Colorado & Florida? They are the two best teams in each conference as of this moment. I'll go around the ice to bring you up to speed on the NHL landscape. (The Lightning's chances to three-peat. Are the Islanders still alive for a Wild Card spot? The Flyers handling of Keith Yandle's iron man streak. And the unfortunate passing of the Senators owner, Larry Melnyk)

(1:05:21) Will Tiger Woods make it all the way back from a near fatal car accident 14 months ago to participate in the first major golf tournament of 2022? That'll be the biggest question leading up to Thursday's tee time as the Masters will commence in Augusta.

(1:10:18) To conclude, I'll have my Hero and Zero of the Week. And a heads up on another social media platform that I'll jump into for the very first time come later this week.

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 "A Big Podcast Week Leans Into UNC Triumph, Coach K's Exit, Kansas Primed For Title. Lakers: Biggest Disappointment Ever? Mets Concern For Ja" on Spreaker.

UCLA-Gonzaga Classic/Showdown With Baylor For Title, Intriguing NBA Playoff Scenarios, MLB Bails On ATL for ASG, NHL's Canucks & COVID, Sick Of NFL Pro Day Hype! Koepka Return/Masters Preview

Turning the calendar to April as the best sports month of the year arrives. I’ll have it all covered as Episode 188 is firing on all cylinders. On deck:

(5:25) Highlighting the instant classic between UCLA vs. Gonzaga in the semifinals. What this victory means as they set their sights on an undefeated season against the second ranked team in the nation? With a win, are Gonzaga considered an all-time great team? As great as this game was, it actually could’ve been just a touch better. I’ll explain.

(31:31) The NBA has a couple of developing playoff stories to keep an eye on. In the East, how the 4-8 seeds (in particular, 4-6) are imperative for avoiding Brooklyn or Philadelphia in the first round? Out West, why the Lakers positioned in the 4-5 or 6 seed means trouble for the Nuggets or Clippers? Also, the one thing that almost stopped the Jazz on their magical regular season to date?

(45:51) Some storylines to highlight the first weekend of the MLB season, including the move by the league to remove the All-Star Game in Atlanta come July? Was it the right move? What about The Masters and the Atlanta Hawks? Will we see something similar in the days to come? Of course, I have a thought on the extension of Mets SS Francisco Lindor as he’s signed on the dotted line for the next ten years at $341 million dollars!

(59:30) The Vancouver Canucks are now dealing with the fallout of COVID, north of the border for the first time this season. Will they regroup to make a push to the final seed in the Western Division? I’ll also discuss the hotly contested Central and Eastern Divisions as the competition is stiff as to who’ll come out on top once the playoffs begin.

(1:07:51) Why all of the hype and oversaturated news coming out of these pro days as the NFL is three and a half weeks away from the Draft? I’ll assess this nonsense and why are fans caught up in this? And the WFT (Washington Football Team) will keep their current title for the team? REALLY?

(1:14:43) The tradition unlike any other is back. The Masters starts on Thursday. I’ll have a preview and prediction as to who’ll win. Plus, Brooks Koepka may make the first tee after knee surgery just a few weeks ago?

(1:20:25) Not to mention, my Hero and Zero of the Week.

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 "UCLA-Gonzaga Classic/Showdown With Baylor For Title, Intriguing NBA Playoff Scenarios, MLB Bails On ATL for ASG, NHL's Canucks & COVID, Sick" on Spreaker.

NCAA's Final Four, Duke's Luck Runs Out, Mets/Yanks/Bryce, MLB Opening Weekend, Nets & Isles Playoff Push, Kristaps Assault, NFL Pass Interference Rule

The BEST sports month of the year has begun. And that’s NO April Fool, on the latest edition of The JAYREELZ Podcast. The Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is set. I’ll recap the teams who’ve made it to Minneapolis that have set themselves up to make it to the title game. Plus, I’ll review Duke’s lucky run to the Regional Final that ended in being upset AND with the prospects of Zion Williamson expected to declare himself for the NBA Draft. Or not? The MLB season is underway as I discuss the opening weekend for the Mets, Yankees and Bryce Harper, whose contract is already paying dividends to the Philly faithful. I’ll also check in on the Nets and Islanders as they’re in hot pursuit of the playoffs. The Isles are in. The Nets control their own destiny, but there are teams waiting to leapfrog them as we’re into the final ten days of the NBA season. You’ll hear my thoughts on if the Nets will make it and why it’s important for them to qualify for the postseason this year! I'll also get into the allegations of former NY Knicks forward, Kristaps Porzingis of sexual assault. I’ll get into the pass interference rule that’s been implemented for the NFL this year. Will it be successful? Can it be successful? We’ll have to wait and find out, but I have an opinion on this that you won’t want to miss. Get your sports fix right here, from the one who brings the entire sports world to you all by himself on this weeks episode of The JAYREELZ Podcast. (Episode 62)

Music by Bensound.