PTI - Is UConn a Legitimate Title Contender?

Episode Date: February 26, 2026

Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser discuss UConn's blowout win vs St. Johns, they debate whether the NFL Combine is just about measurements or moves, and recap the Nuggets and Pistons win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey, sports fans, the ESPN app has all of ESPN all in one place. The ESPN app is your home to thousands of live events, ESPN shows, and originals across every ESPN network and service. And now you can check if you already have ESPN unlimited as part of your TV package for no additional calls. Visit activate.esPN.com to learn how to access your account or sign up, then start streaming in the ESPN app. It's all of ESPN all in one place. Sign up or activate now. Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon-Toney. 2,000 people wearing red swimsuits recently tried out for a reboot of Baywatch. Tony Cornhizer, I was one of them.

They said my G-string was unprofessional. You get me images I don't need. Were you a Baywatch guy? Were you a Hasselhoff guy? Were you into that? Let me be honest with you. I know that was a hit show. I never saw it.

I know who the stars were. I never saw it once. Did you? Did you watch it? Never. I know a night it came on back in the old days of appointment TV. I must have been watching something else specific. I never saw it.

Welcome to PTI, boys and girls. In today's episode, the NFL Combine begins. The Pistons beat an injured Thunder team. And P.K. Suban joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with college basketball and a bombogenesis landing directly on Rick Petino at number 15 St. John's last night. St. Johns, which came into this game with number six,

Yukon riding a 13-game winning streak, went out of this game, frozen solid like a package of Greenpeace. St. John's literally missed its last 24 shots and finished with just 40 points, the lowest total of points in any of Rick Petino's 1,224 games as a college coach. Red Storm My Eye. Yukon was up 14 when the drought started, up 32 with the buzzer. Wilbon, what do you make of this game and where do you put the Huskies in the national picture? the only question, where do I put the Huskies? And they could have won this game by a lot less than that. And they're going to be a one seat. They've lost

three games. One of them was like to Arizona. They lost the St. John's. I mean, Tony, they're going to be a one seed no lower than a two. Because I can't see them losing more than one game, so that wouldn't drop them to a three necessarily. So the worst they could be in their wildest dreams

is a three seed, but a one or a two. In the meantime, what does the game mean? Nothing. Rick Petino, as we know, is a Hall of Fame coach. Rick Petino is going to use every drop of film study from that game, not to mention the laboratory that is the gymnasium he will send them to practice in, and they will be so much better for the next two, three, five games because of this. Do I think that the Rick Patino's team is going to lay down like dogs?

No, I don't, and I'm sure you don't. either. Yeah, let me just give you a couple of teams, four teams actually, that UConn has already beaten this year. BYU, Illinois, Kansas, and Florida. That's a really good list of teams, so I don't worry about them. Resumet. I found this game last night, unbelievable, literally non-believable, that a D-1 team of scholarship athletes, of NIL receiving scholarship athletes, could miss 24 shots in a row, could finish with 40 points, the number 15 team in a country. It's, to me, that was actually not possible. All right?

Rick Petino at the end of the game took off his beautifully tailored suit. By the way, they had 14 in the second half. 14 points. It wasn't running time. It was a regular 20-minute half. He takes off the beautiful suit. He puts on a sweatsuit. He blames himself for everything.

Now, this is different than happened two years ago when they lost the game, and he blamed all of his players for everything and said they were physically weak. He learned from that. And if I felt that this was sincere, I would think it was very good. But I watch it. It wasn't necessarily sincere. You're right. They are going to be better.

But the oddest thing is this, and I'll get out on this, three weeks ago, they beat Yukon. They shot 50% and had 81 points. This is not to be believed what happened to the last night. It's a split. It's a split of conference rivals. It's all right. And Petino, whether it's sincere or not,

You make me laugh at that because, of course it wasn't. Not sincere. But you know what is going to be sincere. His effort at getting them to be embarrassed and then better. That is what is going to be sincere about Rick Petino. The National Football League Combine, Tony, is underway in Indy. But the talk around town isn't just about the college stars running around in their undies. NFL GMs are also reportedly discussing free agents and potential trades for established stars.

so are you more interested in the measurements of college guys or the potential movement of vets? I like some of the measurables. I like when they find a quarterback. His hands are too small, which is a no-no, like Joe Burrow. It's too bad that Joe Burrow never became a good quarterback because his hands are too small. Really?

And I never understood why they measured the down lineman in the vertical jump. I mean, I don't really know what that's about. But I'm sure like you, I am less interested in the draftees, most of whom I've never heard of, than I am in what's going on with veterans who I am aware of.

For example, that movement of veterans, will Miami keep Tua? Will Arizona keep their quarterback as well? Kyle Lerner. Kyle Lerick. Will they keep him? I know you want Max Crosby to go to Chicago. Will the Raiders keep Max Crosby?

Will the Philadelphia Eagles keep A.J. Brown? Where is Aaron Rogers going to go if he's going to go? Where is Kirk Cousins going to go? Will Indianapolis pay their quarterback Daniel Jones? Here's the deal, Mike. This is the beginning to kickoff of Hot Stove. And Hot Stove is great in basketball, is great in baseball, and it's great in football.

No disagreement, by the way, don't forget about Cincinnati's Hendrickson, if we're talking about pass rushers who could be on the move. They can't for back-to-back-to-back years come to a contract situation. So, Tony, I'm interested in the vets a move, although I will say, And I need to be a little bit apologetic.

You know how much I have hated the combine and cursed the combine. You're going to tell the story? You're going to tell the story about Tuesday? Oh, yeah. You're going to tell the story about Tuesday? Yeah, I clicked on because it said Combine Live. And I clicked on. Too bad it was last year's combine, but I watched anyway.

But Tony, we need some up the middle pass rush help and a stout one defender in the same body. We the Bears. And so this kid, that would be Caden McDonald, with, you know, we need him in the middle. He's like 6, 4, 360 pounds. So, yes, I have my eye on certain positions out of the rookies and their measurables. Yes, I do.

You're like, yeah, you're like a full-fledged assistant coach now without portfolio. You watch last year's combine two days ago. But a minute. Only a couple of minutes. You didn't even know. Let's go to the NBA in two of last night's featured games. Detroit beat Oklahoma City and Detroit, 124 to 116. but Oklahoma City was missing its top four scorers at the tip

and finished without his top six scores. Denver routed Boston and Denver last night, 103-84 with Nicole Yokic getting 30 points and 12 rebounds. These are four of the top five teams by wins in the entire NBA. Wilbon, what was the more intriguing outcome to you? Denver. It was Denver, Tony, beating the Celtics. And look, the Celtics at the end of a road trip.

You know, we talk about schedule losses. And the NBA has more scheduled losses than any other league. where you can look at it three weeks ago, and they're not getting that game. The Celtics weren't getting this game. But, but, but, I digress. Nicole Yokic, I told you yesterday, I don't think he's going to miss another game.

And I think he will be eligible for the MVP award because of that in terms of the voting. So, Tony, I thought that was it. Oklahoma City played their JV. And by the way, they are so deep and so talented that they can press Detroit in Detroit, even without their dudes, even without the MVP SGA.

So that was fine. But I think Denver, look, I picked Denver this year when I didn't know what San Antonio was going to be or they were going to come this quickly and I don't pick people to repeat. I have had Denver. And so this is a fascination to me. I disagree with this.

I mean, I fully expected that result. The other one, I thought that Detroit was going to have an easy game. I thought they were going to be up by a lot of points early. they're playing a phantom team. There's nobody out there for Oklahoma City. They're at home, and they have just come off a bad loss at home to San Antonio. They were down 12 at the first quarter. They were only up six at the half.

Mike, that was a three-point game with five minutes to go, and it's not like Kate Cunningham went five for 26 because he went 11 for 16. Mike, if I was a fan of the Detroit Pistons, I would be discouraged now. I would think these were two underachieving games at home in a row, San Antonio and Oklahoma City who didn't have anybody out there. And I watched a lot of that game. I couldn't believe it. I thought Detroit would sprint out.

And they didn't. Tony, the only pushback I would give is that there was probably a little bit of a letdown coming out of that loss to San Antonio at home. Tony, Oklahoma City has 20 guys who can play. Oklahoma City has like, we used to call it in pro football a taxi squad. Oklahoma City has dudes at home that can come out and get you 20. They just do that. But Julius Alexander wasn't out there and Holmgren wasn't out there.

And Hudsonstom wasn't out there. He still got dudes. You know, a lot of guys. Well, maybe they do, but I expected something different. Let's take a break. Because I watched it. Coming up, Powell Canada's lost to the United States and the gold medal game changed their approach going forward.

we're going to ask P.K. Subbaugh. We'll also ask him about the Stanley Cup chances for Connor McDavid and the Oilers. It's like three years running, we're asking about this, aren't we? If I'm watching the NBA, I expected Detroit to do better. I expected them to put that game in hand by the end of 15 minutes.

The other guys are the champs, Tom. The NHL season got back underway last night, which makes it a perfect time for a visit from our great friend ESPN NHL analyst PK Suban. start with this. You are Canadian. How does the loss to the United States in the Olympics, you know, the Olympic gold medal hockey game sit with Canadians? And do you see that changing the Canadians approach going forward? Well, for me personally, I hope it tweaks their approach. I mean, there's no question they could have ended that thing in overtime multiple times.

And throughout the game, they had their chances. They dominated in play. But, you know, when we look over at the U.S. side, that's a team that was built to withstand Canada's pressure. They maybe weren't going to be able to outscore them and beat them six-nothing. They don't have Crosby. They don't have McKinnon. They don't have McDavid. But what they do have

is depth and strength in numbers. And they were able to get a lot more people involved throughout this tournament, which left Canada's top players, in my opinion, exhausted by the end of the tournament. Canada failed, in my opinion, to get everybody involved.

Now, did that cost them? No, that didn't cost them the tournament, but ultimately put USA in a position to take the tournament. And how did they do that? Connor Hullabuck, obviously. They didn't plan on getting out goaltendered. But Jack Hughes was fresh. I know he took that penalty and almost was the reason that USA didn't win,

but when he came on that ice, we're looking at three fresh players. Zach Werencki, that wasn't Quinn Hughes who made the play on Nathan McKinnon beside the net. That was Zach Werenski. right? He's their fourth or third defenseman in that tournament. So Team USA got big contributions and got players to step up through this tournament. I don't think Canada got enough players involved. Celebrini was awesome. McDavid was awesome. McDavid was awesome. McKinnom was awesome. McCarr was great. They were tired at the end of the tournament. And McCar, what happens when you're tired?

You make poor decisions. That's a poor pinch by him, right? You watch him for 10 gays guys. He ain't going to make a mistake. He's tired. Nathan McKinnon, same thing. So, their key guys were all on the ice in that moment. Canadians are going to take that one tough because when you look at your best and they're out there and you lose, it's tough to handle. But can you really criticize those guys?

You've got to criticize them in the moment, but when I look at the whole tournament, Team Canada should have had more guys involved. You can't have your best players out of gas at the end of the tournament. That's when you need them the most, is in that overtime. And to me, Team Canada wasn't prepared enough for the format.

To me, Schaefer should have been there. Josh Morrissey, once you knew he was out, you only got one defenseman that can move the puck up the ice, Kail McCarr. Well, that's why he's tired in overtime. So they needed another D. I'm not saying Schaefer was the guy. Maybe if Morrissey wasn't hurt, that gives him that look. But they didn't have enough.

And in my opinion, when you get out goaltended and you don't score on a five on three, you're going to lose that tournament. And Team USA took advantage of it. So Canadians got a right to be upset, but they're going to have to tweak how they put together the next roster and how they bring guys in. They need more guys involved. One guy, I'm sure they'd like to have had out there was Sidney Crosby, who of course got hurt

and we'll start to transition back to the NHL season resumed out for at least four weeks. And, of course, the penguins are in the playoffs right now, P.K., but how big a blow is this? Because you see the penguins sliding because Crosby is missing so much time. You know, I'm a little bit optimistic. We know that this is going to hurt them. Let's be real about it. You can't replace Sidney Crosby. I don't care who you put in the lineup

or what trade you make. You ain't replacing them, and it's a big hole. But I'm optimistic about Pittsburgh because, you know, they've had a great season. Give Kyle Dubas and them credit. They've managed to bring in young players. Chinikov on their third line. They got bigger with Brazo and Manta on the wings.

Malkin's playing better. Novak, Kindle, some of the young players that they brought in. They still have one of the best four. lines in hockey. Their D looks okay. I know they got Carlson who's still got to make sure that he's consistent every night, but I don't mind it. And they pick up

Skinner, who's obviously looking better than Christian Jari right now who gave up six goals last night. So they're not in a terrible position in the second half, but losing Crosby's going to hurt him. So they're going to have to weather that storm. Hopefully he can get back earlier. We got to talk about the Panthers for a second.

Of course, they beat the Oilers for the cup the last two seasons, and they're just sort of out of it. They're not the Panthers team that we necessarily expected. But where is Edmonton PK? Do you see the oilers is sort of, I don't know, being re-energized

by all this? Is there a run coming out of them over the next few weeks? Well, this is getting repetitive. And I feel the only reason why I come positive with the oil is because Connor McDavid and he deserves to have 10 rings right now with how great he is. And I just don't see

how that's going to happen in Edmonton. They're going to have to show me. First of all, net. They got to get in net figured out. Christian Jari gives up six last night. That's not a great start to come in against a team of Anaheim. So we know up front, they're front loaded, they're heavy

upfront, we know they have the experience to put the pressure on teams. Can their defense get it done? And to me, if their defense doesn't get it done, their goaltending is going to be left out to dry. So they're going to have to make some moves. I still do believe they're in a better position than they were last

year and the year before. They're going to have to show me, I think Connor McDavid understands that there's so much competitive balance in the league right now, it's up for grabs. So you can't get too caught up in losing streaks and winning streaks. You've got to keep forging it on and just get in. And if they get in, we know they're a dangerous team. But their goaltending and defense for me just aren't good enough. I don't know how to say it.

We've got to get you out of here quickly. So we're going to ask this question quick and ask for a quick answer. The avalanche dominated the early part of the season. And do you see Colorado as the team to beat now? Well, for their offensive players, I hope they have energy come to playoffs because those guys hum. I mean, the way they play, they play fast and play with the puck. But the Minnesota Wild, they are going to have to get through Minnesota and Dallas to do that.

I think Minnesota is the team that's gun and form right now. I don't have to hear that out of that locker room, but I see Quinn Hughes, I see Brock Faber, I see Matt Boldie, I see Caprisov, I see potential debt players coming in. They got great D. Minnesota's a problem. And I think that they're only going to get better as the season goes on. That's the team for me to watch. You know, Dallas is dangerous too. You got to give them credit.

But we've seen them year over year. They have to prove that they're ready to take that next step. I think Minnesota's got a lot of firepower. They got a lot of energy. And I think they want Colorado. PK, it's a pleasure. I'm so glad to have you back. Yes, sir.

Thank you. Thank you. Thanks for having me back. guys, it's always a pleasure. I hope to see you guys soon. You can catch PK on the point tonight, followed by the Rangers and Flyers and the Kings and the Oilers. Let's take one last break, still to come. The Colts give Anthony Richardson permission to seek your trail. Really? What is the market exactly for him? Permission. And a million-dollar bonus help restore the glory of the dunk.

Happy time, people. Happy 46th birthday, Steve Blake. This is right in our wheelhouse, Wilbon. We covered this guy in Maryland, where he was a four-year starter for our pal Gary Williams. Blake was the point guard on Maryland's NCAA championship team in 2002. When Blake left college, he was fifth on the all-time list for assists in a D-1 career with 972. Now he is seven. Blake played 13 seasons in the NBA for eight different teams, mostly coming off the bench. Washington drafted him in the second round. From there, Blake went to Portland, Milwaukee, Denver, the Clippers, the Lakers,

Golden State, the Nets in Detroit. For his long and plentiful career, Blake averaged six points and four assists a game. Tony, I remember his freshman year, and he became so dependable, so quickly, you know this, for those Gary Williams teams. And he had to go against a great conference in point guards like Jay Will,

who wound up being drafted second overall. And Blake held his own. He got to a final four that they came up short and got to another final four. He and Juan Dixon. And they won. Just a great backport. From Maryland, love Steve Blake.

Happy anniversary, Damien Lillard on this day three years ago. Lillard set a Blazers franchise record with 71 points. Lillard made 133-pointers, just one shy of Clay Thompson's record 14. Strikingly, those 71 points only tied the league high that season, as Donovan Mitchell had 71 as well. There are 10 players in NBA history have scored 70 or more. Wilt, of course, did it six times. But five have come in the last eight years.

Lillard, Mitchell, Devin Booker, Joelle M. Bede, and Luca Donchichich. Lillard has been rehabbing a torn Achilles all season, won the three-point contest at this year's All-Star Game. He should be ready to return at Portland next season at 36 years old to collect his $54 million contract. That's great. You know, I'm a big Lillard guy, but I'm going off script here for a little bit. You see the video just then of wilt going up and slamming it down?

Are you producers, are you TV producers who want to show dunk after dunk, meaningless garbage. Go get some wilt video and put that up there every now and then. Happy trails to pre-agency for Matt Scherzer, the 41-year-old warrior God is reportedly returning to the Blue Jays. Scherzer went 5 and 5 with an ERA over 5

across 85 innings for Toronto last season, though he was more effective in three playoff starts. Reports say the three-time side winner, his new deal is for one year and $3 million. That's pretty steep pay cut from last year's $13 million And the message I get from that is take what we are for you. Shut up and sign it. Just sign it.

Look, he's going straight to the Hall of Fame. But this year, out of old guys who've been great, great, great, I would take Verlander to have a better season than Max, I think. I would. We'll see. That's why they play 162. Let's go to the big finish. Cults have given quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade.

Should there be takers? You think? Everybody hopes they find the next Sam Donald. Maybe Anthony Richardson will be that. Oregon and Oregon. State will not meet in football this fall for the first time since 1944. Tony, that's a shame to me. That stinks.

I don't care if they're not in the same conference. Play the game. Tee it up. Sun's owner Matt Ishbia wants to personally add million-dollar bonuses to the dunk contest and three-point contest. The next year's All-Star Game in Phoenix, would that help? No. I like Matt's spirit on this and what he's trying to do, and the game is in his building

next year, but I don't see it helping. Yankee Slugger Giancarlo Stanton says, can't open a back. of chips due to elbow pain but he's determined to play a full season your thoughts I'm taking the under last one men's college hoops tonight 13th ranked Michigan State at number eight Purdue okay mr. big ten he got Tom isle time I'm going with the upset on the road okay we're out of time we'll try to do better the next time and I'm Tony Cornut I'm Mike Lobon same time tomorrow knucklehead