Posts tagged UCONN

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.

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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?

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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Trust In Celtics? Can OKC/T-Wolves Take Next Step? Lakers/Dubs Staying Power Lead NBA Second Half? UConn Loss: Concerns? Rangers Cup Threat? College’s 12 Team Playoff. Mahomes Rule? Ohtani Overload?

Inching closer to the end of another month, but also the beginning of the latest podcast as I dive into all that’s happening in sports. On deck:

(2:53) With the ‘second half’ of the NBA season tipping off tonight, I’ll get into a breakdown of what to expect in both conferences as we march on to mid-April before the start of the playoffs. Are the Boston Celtics to be trusted to finally win an elusive championship? Can the Cleveland Cavaliers be a threat in the East? What about the Milwaukee Bucks? The Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers? How about the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat? Out west, can the Minnesota Timberwolves or Oklahoma City Thunder represent in an NBA Finals? Will the Denver Nuggets defend their title? How about the LA Clippers getting to their first ever NBA Finals? You can’t forget about the LA Lakers or Golden State Warriors. Do they have staying power if they get into the postseason? So much to answer and I’ll have an in-depth look as to how this’ll play out over the last couple of months.

(26:00) As for college basketball, #1 UCONN suffers a rough road loss at #15 Creighton. Any concerns or worries about the Huskies? Also, #17 Kentucky loses to LSU on a last second shot as the unpredictability of this college season continues to rear its ugly head.

(31:18) On the ice, the New York Rangers are the hottest team in the NHL, winners of eight straight. Is this the year that they finally get to a Stanley Cup Final, considering what’s taken place over the last two seasons? I know the Florida Panthers are nipping at the heels of the Bruins and Rangers in the conference, winners of six straight as they try to get back to a Final. Auston Matthews has been on a goal scoring tear (had two last night in Arizona. Currently 51 on pace for 75). Alexander Ovechkin scored two goals vs. New Jersey the other night as he’s 56 goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky all time in the sport’s history. How many will he need to get this season in order to reach him next year? I’ll check on what else is going on in the league as they’re past the two-thirds point of the regular season.

(43:33) College football has their 12 team playoff format mapped out, but now there’s some discussion about expanding it to 14 in 2026? What!?

(48:57) In the late 1980’s, early 90’s, we had the Jordan Rules, where the Detroit Pistons did their best to defend Chicago Bulls legend, Michael Jordan. Fast forward thirty some odd years later, Las Vegas Raiders coach, Antonio Pierce, has the self proclaimed, Mahomes Rule after beating them on Christmas Day, their last prior to running the table winning the Super Bowl. Has he found the formula to slow or stop the Chiefs QB? Was this premature of him to say?

(54:12) Spring training is well underway throughout the MLB. Can we please stop with ALL of the attention regarding Shohei Ohtani’s batting practice home run in his first camp as an LA Dodger? Seriously!? Then there were the comments by Angels 3B, Anthony Rendon, stating that baseball isn’t his priority. WHAT!? Is there any concern in Yankee-land over Aaron Judge’s comments regarding his big toe that he injured in Dodger Stadium last June? Saying that he has to manage it over the upcoming season. You had former Royals 1B, Eric Hosmer announce his retirement. And here we go with the Mets. Projected ace, Kodai Senga has to be put on the shelf due to arm fatigue. ARM FATIGUE!? (It has been announced after the recording that he’ll likely be on the IL to start the season) As a diehard fan, you can’t make it up!

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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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.

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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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