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.

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.

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

Become a Patron!

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.

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.

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

Become a Patron!

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

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.

Become a Patron!

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.

Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.

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

Become a Patron!

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.

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

Become a Patron!

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?

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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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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.