The Herd with Colin Cowherd - THE HERD - Hour 3 - Mark Medina Talks Lakers Rise and Rockets Mess

Episode Date: March 17, 2026

NBA Writer Mark Medina joins the show to talk all the latest in the NBA, including the Lakers' recent run of success and the struggles from Kevin Durant and the Rockets. Plus, J-Mac dives into a controversy arising out of college basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Hey guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas.

We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it. But, you know, tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you.

you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the ice. Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where SportsSlice comes in. I'm Timbo, and every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Winning on Clay is an art. The rallies are relentless. And at the French Open, only the toughest survive. I'd know. I competed there for decades. Join me, Renee Stubbs, on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast for no nonsense breakdowns of the biggest matches, the toughest players, and the moments that define Roland Garris. Jen should win.

She's an outsider to win the French friend. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lernerabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now. And I actually can win on any surface. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcasts on the IHeart Radio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged.

It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening to The Heard Podcast.

Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio in noon to 3 Eastern, 9 a.m. to noon Pacific. local station for the herd at fox sports radio.com or stream us live every day in the iHeart radio app by searching fox sports radio or fsr. You're listening to fox sports radio. Next guest, oh boy, covered the NBA for 16 years. Beat writer for the Lakers and Warriors. Boy, what a great job. Mark Medina, so glad to have you in studio, Mark. And it's a great time to be alive. The Lakers are cooking with gas. It's so fun to watch. Great time to be alive. Great time to be with you and Rachel and see you. It's a lot of NBA. There's a lot of things on Pat. A lot of things happening.

So, Lakers last night the win, was it more about the Rockets' ineptitude or just the Lakers' greatness with J.J. Reddick pulling all the right strings? Well, I think both things can be true. The Lakers have been playing at a really high level. We've seen the offensive chemistry with Luca Datchez, LeBron James, and Austin Reeves perform better.

We've actually seen them be a pretty good defensive team, but the Rockets also struggled. They did not shoot well from three. They struggle struggle without Alpern's saying good for the second consecutive game with a back injury. And Kevin Durant, he himself put the blame on himself because of just how poorly he shot. He had seven turnover. So a lot of things unpacked from that game.

Yeah, it seems like the criticism of the Lakers was, hey, LeBron Reeves and Luca, they can't play together. And now Reddick has kind of maybe had a talk with LeBron. I don't know that we've got the full story, but something's different clearly in the last two weeks. Well, I think here's the distinction. before this week, the Lakers performed better without LeBron James, but they're not better without LeBron James. A lot of the things had to do with availability, first and foremost, LeBron missing the first 14 games of the season because of Sky Attica shortly after he returned,

then Austin Reeves goes down, 19 consecutive games with a calf injury. But they're also a flawed roster. They weren't great defensively, DeAndre and you weren't sure what you're going to get. But from X's and O's role dynamics, I thought since the Lakers, got Luca Donchage last season, the dynamic's been fine. Lucas running the offense, Austin Reeves and LeBron have been playing off of each other. But I think what's been going on is they're getting more reps, but everything else around them, there's more clarity.

Better starting lineup with Marcus Smart there, having a defensive-oriented presence. DeAndre Aden is performing a lot better. And as a team, they just seem to be a lot more consistent on both ends of the floor. I mean, Reeves was horrible last night, 0-4-8 from 3. LeBron was fine. It was the Luca show. I can't believe this Luca narrative that's out there, Mark. Oh, he's not first team all NBA.

He's overweight. He's not dunking. I mean, the guy is playing it. He's got to be one of the top three or four players in the league, right? Oh, without a doubt. I mean, look, Luke is not a perfect player, but he has made improvements relatively speaking on defense. Obviously, he's only one technical away from having to serve a one-game suspension.

But when you put into context, the proper context of his offensive brilliance, His great shot making, the stepback three is how he creates. Those positive attributes vastly outweigh the negative attribute. So, yeah, I mean, it's all about putting it in a proper perspective. I'm sure some of the people are annoyed with the Lakers talk. But listen, man, they're one of the hottest teams in the league. That being said, the rockets are a bit of a disaster right now. I want to go back to the All-Star break and the burner scandal that came out for Duran.

So that clearly shows he's not a leader. he's not totally bought into this team, doesn't love Shingun and Jabari Smith. But now we're seeing Shingun not play well. Now he's got an injury. I don't know if he's going to play Wednesday. Have you heard anything? Yeah, I think it's been day today.

Okay. Jabari Smith has been fine, but he's nothing special. But what are we seeing with this Rocket team? 12 points in the fourth quarter. KD had six turnovers in the second half. Is it safe to say he's just not a leader, not an alpha, can't be the guy on this team? Well, I think Kevin Durank can certainly improve in that respect.

he also put blame on his efficiency from X's and O's, but I think it goes beyond that. They've clearly missed Fred Van Fleet this season without having that defendant ball handler. They haven't been able to be consistent from three. Operin Schengun, he hasn't been consistent on both sides of the

floor here. So, you know, Kevin, I thought, was revealing and when he was taking the blame on himself at the same time saying, hey, maybe I'm more effective if I'm being a screen setter to create more space. So I think it's a team-wide thing. both pre and post, all the attention on his Twitter burner-barner account behavior.

I think it's more tactical in finding the right chemistry than is anything off the floor. Chemistry is an important word. Like, they took Jabari Smith high in the draft. I think I asked, I don't remember it was Rachel or someone else like, over under half an All-Star game in his career for Jabari Smith. Like, is he good? He's certainly fine. But, like, maybe this roster just isn't good enough.

Now, Tari Isson, I believe he's a free agent. and there's some reports that the Lakers really like him as like a stretch four. I don't know, man. Like, are we going to see Kevin Durant like trying to get out of Houston? Maybe I'm going overboard here, but do you think he's going to be on the Rockets next year? Yeah, I mean, he agreed to that extension. I know that he's switched teams throughout his trip. He's agreed to many extensions before.

I think he's with the Rockets for here to stay. And Tar He said, you mentioned him as a great player, but recently he's struggled. I mean, I think he's been one of 25 from three last eight games. So, yes, Kevin's Durant. specifically in their loss against the Lakers put the blame on himself because of his low efficient numbers and contributing to their high volume of turnovers. But this is a team-wide thing as far as their offensive synergy, the three-point shooting, the spacing, as well as their defensive effort.

So we'll come back to LeBron in a sec, but I just want to put a bow on Kevin Duran. So he left the Warriors where he won titles and MVPs in the finals. I don't know, Mark. He just hasn't seemed to get back to that mountain top. He was close with the nets, toe on the line against Janus and the bucks. Has he diminished his legacy? I know people hate that. But has he gone downhill, if you will?

I know you're supposed to get older and struggle. But I'm told he fits anywhere. He's supposed to be dominant. Has he? Well, I think here's the challenging thing with Kevin Durant. When you're looking at performance X's and O's, his play hasn't diminished that much since the Achilles injury. He's still one of the most efficient players in the NBA.

And that's something that's very distinguishable when you're looking at. at some of the other players high on the all-time scoring list, he can be a high-volume score, but not a high-volume shooter. He's still that efficient player. It's about all the teams that's around him. Some of it's external as far as injuries, roster fit. Yeah, some of it's leadership. But I think you're talking about Luca and everything.

I look more at the positive attributes with Kevin and what he brings on the floor to anything negative. And a lot of the shortcomings since his Golden State departure, more have to do with the rest of the organization. the players around them. Everyone gets blamed except Kevin Durant. Well, it's Russell Westbrook's fault that he has to get out of O'KC. And then, well, Kyrie Irving went sideways in Brooklyn.

And then who do we blame in Phoenix? Oh, the coaches. He had multiple coaches. It's never Kevin Durant's fault. And I like KD. I've defended the guy, but Mark, at some point, like he's got to take some ownership, right? You can't just be like, well, hey, I'm not the leader. I'm not the point guard.

Am I being too harsh? Yeah, there's ownership high to take around. But I think when you're looking at each team specifically with Phoenix, I don't think it was a head coaching problem. They went through two pretty good head coach with the Frank Vogel and Mike Booneholtz. It was a roster construction problem as far as availability, having enough defensive depth when they went to go all in to get Bradley Beale. That came at the expense of having great roster depth around him as well as availability because of his injury. So to be clear, I'm not saying he's completely blameless.

He can do no wrong. But proportionally, I don't think most of it falls on. Okay, let's go to a team everybody likes it. and that's the Spurs. One Mniamma last night here against the Clippers, 21, 13, four blocks. The end of the game situation, he's literally flying around the court

to prevent them from shooting. I mean, a guy special. I personally think Stefan Castle is like a major star in the making. He had an incredible move last night. I think the Spurs are the team to be in the West. Who you got?

I actually have the Spurs too. I mean, they've beat the Thunder and the regular season matchup, two out of three times. They're clearly not just the team. team that's happy to be there. They have a right combination of young players, veteran players, and they're ready to

make that step. That doesn't mean that they're going to win an NBA championship or get out of the Western Conference finals. But if they are going to fall short, it's not going to be because they're overwhelmed with the moment. It's just going to be tactical, and the Thunder are pretty good. They're obviously first

in the West for a reason. And I think it's something to be said that even with overlapping injuries to their own group this season, most notably to Jaylon Williams, They've been a well-oiled machine. But I think Victor Wenbanyama, it's clear. We all known he's going to be a special player, going to be a special player.

But I just love these intangibles about him. Just how competitive he is. He's putting out there he wants to win MVP. J. Mack, they got 50 wins last night. And he was talking about, you know what? I'll be impressed if we get 60 because it makes up for, you know, the poor record that the Spurs had his rookie season. And he's all about like these little details.

I was talking to Rudy Goldberg last week. Minnesota Timberwolves, fellow Frenchman. And he was saying that Victor asked him recently, hey, what kind of water do you have at your house? Because I want to make sure that the water that I have is, like, filtered correctly. There's like small, nerdy little details that he's really happened into because he knows that all those little small nuances can make a big difference.

What do you make of this theory, hey, you got to walk before you can run in the NBA playoffs. And this group, other than Harrison Barnes, hasn't, they have no playoff chop. really. Do you think, hey, maybe these guys aren't ready for the finals yet, or is it possible they could just make the leap? No, there is validity to that theory. I mean, Rachel Nichols knows who's on set has often talked about that. I mean, when you look at the history of the NBA, the Chicago Bulls went through that with Michael Jordan, the Los Angeles Lakers with Kobe Shack. So there is something to that. But I think when you're looking at the makeup of this Spurs team, I think it's more about just tactical adjustments game to game than all of a sudden. a very mature team for their age is all that is going to feel overwhelmed with playoff pressure. They seem to really relish high stakes game competitive moments, that 25-point comeback against the

Clippers, those marquee matchups against the Thunder. But the playoffs is a different animal as far as being able to beat an opponent four times out of seven and make those in-game adjustments. But again, if they fall short of the Thunder, presumably they mean the Western Conference finals, I don't think it's going to be because. one or two of their players shrink and feel overwhelmed. It's going to be the Thunder are really good, and there are some tactical adjustments that they didn't make. Let's go to the East.

They told me you love the Celtics. I do. But then, you know, I'm a Knicks guy. I got to ask, do you remember the series last year? Because the Knicks were leading the Celtics before Tatum got hurt. The Knicks were playing amazing in that series. I think they stole game one with a big comeback in memory serves. I still got the Knicks in the East.

We got some guys on staff who love the Pistons. I think Rachel's on the Celtics. What do you got, Mark? Well, sorry to get on your bad side, but whatever. I'm choosing the Celtics over the Knicks. I think the Knicks, they're in the mix, but they've been a better defensive team since January. Offensively, not so much.

To be clear, the fit with Jalen Brunson, Carlenton Towns is great, but there's inconsistency with everyone else. With the Celtics, they've been a well-oiled machine. Jalen Brown has taken its game to another level, being in the MVP conversation, great two-way player. He's been even more efficient with

knowing when to score, when to pass out of double teams. That's something he prepared for. With Jason Tatum, his comeback here has come at a perfect time because they've been able to gradually put him into the mix. And to be clear, even before this, he's been used to adjusting his game. He prepared to increase his playmaking when the Celtics got Christopps Porzingis and Drew Holiday for that championship season. I think that he's relished into that.

Same thing with the rebounding role. So you add all that up, plus they have really good. supporting cast-type players with Derek White, Peyton Pritchard. I think they're coming out of the east. Sorry, Jay Mack, but two months is going to happen. I love Tatum. He's like the one Boston Celtics guy like, but I'm looking at the numbers. Obviously, he's coming off a major injury.

But before the Achilles, he was like six to eight free throws a game. He's at two right now. So he's, I mean, teams are going to figure out, hey, he doesn't want to drive. He's not attacking the way he used to. I just, I mean, is he going to become a three-point shooter? and that's kind of it in the playoffs. Because remember, these regular season games, hey, 32 minutes, no big deal. In the playoffs, hard 32 minutes, day off, next game.

It's a lot more challenging. I just, I don't know that he's going to hold up for short. Yeah, so I talked to some outside doctors for perspective with Jason Tame coming back from injuries. And to be clear, they're not working with them, but they have medical degrees. They're not holding clipboards drawing up plays as coaches, but they hold up clipboards, you know, to treat patients. And they outlined this.

They said because of how Achilles injuries are. 10 to 12 months. The timetable is reasonable. And they projected that this final month of the season, it would be about gradual minutes sitting back to backs. But as far as his role, it would be more about playmaking and playing off the ball, not so much defense. But once the playoffs started, they projected that he would be ready to have that increased scoring load. But you know what? It's fine now because Joe and Brown's doing that. And they have a lot of great three-point shooters. Brown 41 last night. She had 21 free throws. Come on. All right, on the spot, it's not on the list of questions.

Give me your first team all NBA right now. This is really tough. It is. There's like nine guys. Okay, I would say Chey Goldice Alexander. By the way, it's not by position anymore, right? Yeah. Five best.

Okay. SGA. It's Cheongledges Alexander, Nicole Yokic, Victor Wenbinoj, Jaylen Brown, Luke Godach. Well, okay, if you didn't have Luke in there, we would have some work. But Kay Cunningham has a case as well. Kay Cunning him was an MVP candidate. I think he was third in the MVP's like three weeks ago.

And now he's falling off a cliff. Well, he's been more of efficient score this season now. He has had a few setback games team-wide. They're not the greatest three-point shooting team. But the M.O. last off-season was how to be more efficient as a shooter, as well as knowing how to vary your shot die with threes, mid-range finishing. He's improved there. But J-Mack, the guys that we're talking about, especially Luca,

they've just been playing really, really well. And the Lakers have been on the terror. What about Anthony Edwards? love for Ant? I mean, come on. That guy's amazing. Anthony Edwards is great, but here's the MO on Ant. When it's high stakes games, he's really good. When they're playing against bad teams, he's not so good. Now, in the playoffs, that's good. But Chris Finch, the Wolf's coach, has often talked this season that Ant has the potential to be the best two-way player in this game, but the keyword here is potential. He's improved defensively. He's improved as an

outside shooter, knowing when to attack, he uses mid-range. But it's about putting that together on a more consistent basis. Okay, if Ant could be the, I'm assuming that's the non-Wemby edition best two-way player, right? Yeah, and also I think it's more, Finch is trying to challenge him to be more consistent. I do. We love Finch. He comes on the set and in the commercial breaks. I'm just peppering him with questions. Obviously, can't reveal what I ask him. But if Ant's not the best two-way player, it's got to be Wembeen Yama, right? Yeah, I mean, yeah, it'll be Wembeeniamma. Jalen Brown has put himself in that mix, too. And let's talk forget, he won finals MVP largely

because of his defense on Duke Godotche. So, yeah, I would say yeah, Wembe, Jalen, and then Ants after. Okay, we'll wrap up with Steph Curry, my guy, huge Steph Curry fan. I don't know that I want him back to season, Mark. I mean, I don't need another injury.

He's getting up there an age. Where are you on Curry? Yeah, I know there's gray area, but I think the simple thing is they're not going to put him back if there's a significant risk of injury. They think that he can heal enough for at some point the regular season. And, you know, they say, hey, we're not about tanking and all that.

That's rhetoric. But there's also a practical part of it. They're mathematically still in the playing tournament. They're ninth right now. They're one game out being eight. They think, you know, if you have Steph Curry on your team as well as their nucleus, they can win a playing game and at least make things competitive in a first round series. Now, to be clear, J. Mack, they're not in contending status here.

But there is a value in having the whole team, even though Steph Curry, Draymond Green, they've been in high stakes playoff games, but as a unit to be in a playoff series in hopes to carry that over for next season when Jimmy Butler is going to be back. He just turned 38 this week, actually. Happy birthday, Curry.

Listen, I know this is selfish of me. I love him. And I know Rachel disagrees. I want to see him on a contending team next year. And I know that's probably not going to happen. The Warriors, why would they give away Curry? But, like, they're not going to be better. I don't know the Butler, I don't know what his status is next year coming off a major

injury, there's no path to success for them next year. You can't look up and pods and company have them like as the four seat. That's not happening. Yeah. I don't know. Am I being selfish or I think both things are true. I think Rachel and I are correct that they should be playing and competing to try to make the play in tournament playoffs. But yeah, they have to make changes with the roster. They obviously tried that with the Janus Anten-Cupo sweepstakes. That didn't work. But I don't know what the roster is going to look like next season, but knowing how aggressive They are. They are going to try to improve the supporting cast so that Steph Curry still has that chance.

Would you be outside if Curry asked out? He's not going to ask out. Thank you, Mark. They're not going to trade Steph Curry. What if he says, I want to play for a contender? I know Rachel doesn't. He's with the Warriors for life. Nobody would fault you, Curry, if you did that.

All right, Mark Medina, NBA insider, great stuff. Sorry, I got to try to, you know, say some stuff that I really believe deep down. All right, coming up next, Rachel makes her final four picks. And we're head to head on one of them. That's next here on the herd. One more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within the IHeart radio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like.

Hey, this is Jason McIntyre. Join me every weekday morning on my podcast, Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre. This isn't your typical sports pod pushing the same tired narratives down your throat every day. Straight Fire gives you honest opinions on all the biggest sports headlines, accurate stats to help you win big at the sports book, and all the best guests. Do yourself a favor and listen to Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers, and guess what?

We have some big news. What's the news, new? Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to... We're the first people to do podcasts.

Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts throughout there. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes.

I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing. a bit for the podcast for people could call in and say, Hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite.

Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman helped make you funny. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and headwriter, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines.

We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people. people who live them. Listen to SportsSlice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs. And on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on clay. Jenchian went. I mean, she went down to three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted.

She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lernerabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now. And I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of I Heart Women's Sports.

Jacob Kingston grew up in an isolated polygamous sect. We were God's chosen kingdom on earth. He felt destined for greatness. So when a swaggering Armenian businessman catapults Jacob into an extraordinary world, he doesn't look back. Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, meeting the president of Turkey. I'm Michelle McPhee, and this is one of the most shocking criminal consulting. I've ever come across. When Jacob met Levan this went to a billion dollar fraud.

But with two kings from entirely different worlds, just how long can their empire survive? The largest tax investigation in American history. You need to tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me? Jacob told Levan, you're ruining my life. Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

Tom Brady, back on the field for the fanatics flag football classic right here on Fox. It's a star-studded three-team round-robin tournament featuring the best in the game. My Washington Commander's quarterback will be there. Saturday, 4 p.m. Eastern, only on Fox. All right, let's waste no time. Let's go to Rachel Nichols with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news.

This is the herd last. news. All right, Jason, you made your picks yesterday. It's my turn. Here we go. Final four picks, let's go. So I think, you know, you and I are the same on most of these, but not all. I do think West and Midwest, you've got Arizona and Michigan coming through. Both have brackets that they should be able to handle no problem. In the east, I will say I'm a little worried about a possible St. John's matchup. I'm a little worried about a Michigan State matchup, but I do have Duke making it through. And in the South, we do agree both that that Florida region is just, it's too chaotic. And Florida just doesn't feel as strong. You had Illinois coming out of the south.

I have Houston coming out of the South. And I want to remind you that I might have flipped to something else. Iowa States in the mix and all that. But wait, but wait. The Elite 8 game, the Sweet 16s games are in Houston, Jason. You can go to the arena, the Rockets, where they're going to play those games, you can bike to the University of Houston campus in 15 minutes. That's unfair. So I just, I think that... Houston will be playing there.

They're not going down before that. Yeah. So I feel like between the home court advantage and not just at the fans, but like the comfort level, right? You're on your own space. You're in your own bed. All of that stuff. So I don't know.

All right, you want to go head to head, though, on Illinois? You want to tell me why you think Illinois is there? Yeah, I just, I bet on offense in March. I probably should bet on defense. Illinois, number one in a country in offense. I think Houston's top five. in defense. So it's a clashing styles. Obviously, the coach matchup, you know, Underwood had a family member who was an intern here.

I became a bigger fan of the team. It's going to be, that's a great game. I can't wait for it. And then, of course, Arizona, Michigan, we have that matchup as well. Damn. Yeah. So, by the way, I wish Arizona and Michigan were on opposite sides. Because I think those are the two best teams in there. I do have Arizona coming out on that side. and then on the other side

it's tough I've got Duke coming out back into the championship game I don't feel great about it Jason I feel backed into it by the bracket well the problem is we get all I mean I don't know about you I get all wishy-washy like I'm like oh Duke's going and now I'm like Duke is vulnerable I don't know I mean I don't believe in some of the Yukon Sparty I don't

it's gonna be a great tournament I do think Arizona is going to win it all finally the 25 year curse will be over I wanted to ask you because... Is it 25? 2001. So, yeah. Myel Syon's on the show tomorrow. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Oh, my gosh. All right, so you're a gambler. So I wanted to ask you, there's these potential, I mean, there's the first round matchups that, you know, everyone likes to pick their upsets in the first round, right? Okay. So here's the three that I've seen the most people picking.

And I want to know which one of these you would bet the underdog on. So there's North Carolina VCU. I have bet VCU. High Point versus Wisconsin. I mean, Wisconsin. Boom busts with the threes. They'll shoot 50 them. I would probably lean Wisconsin with the moon.

Santa Clara versus Kentucky. I bet Santa Clara. Okay. So you're two out of three. Yeah. Santa Clara has 0 and three against Gonzaga, I believe. But yeah, there's going to be some underdog upsets. Remember last year it was super chalk?

Yeah. So now the lines are inflated. I saw the top two seeds are all double-digit spreads of over 20. Yeah. They're begging you to bet the underdog. I mean, I think we'll see some interesting games a little closer than last year's first round. Yeah, yeah. I always like to see who comes out of the first round, you know, with those matchups.

All right, let's talk about the Cowboys because this just incensed me in the meeting this morning. They, of course, had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. They've made some great moves in free agency to shore that up. And here's a quote from Jerry Jones. Let's take a listen to him. He says, you know, things are looking rosy from a situation. I will just listen to what he says, and then I'll tell you why it got me mad. I don't know that since we've had pre-agency as we know it today, where it's really very viable.

Most teams involved very actively making deals, if you will. I don't know since that has evolved come about than we've ever had this kind of reshaping of an aspect of our team. And I'll tell you, when you have the challenges we had last. year, there's no place to go but up on the defensive side of the ball. And had we played a lick of defense last year, we'd have had ourselves, I think, a real playoff run. That's it. That's the part. You know why they couldn't play a lick of defense?

Can I guess? Because you, Jerry Jones, traded away your best defensive player a week before the season started. Like, come on, man. The lack of self-awareness is jarring. I just, I can't understand. I can't understand, A, not to see that coming, by the way, trading away Micah. Oh, I wonder what's going to happen.

The whole year, your defensive coordinator, the whole summer, planning around Micah. Right. Oh, he's gone? Right. And waiting, by the way, if you knew it was going to come down to this, why do it? I have long been saying Jerry Jones, the way he handles these young players and not extending them and waiting to the last moment. It's just ridiculous. On Dak Prescott and C.D. Lamb alone, he could have saved $64 million by just extending them earlier

instead of waiting until when he did. By the way, that's $64 million, you could have spent on more good defensive players. I mean, I just, it's all himself, is shooting himself in the foot. And I'm a Washington fan, so, you know, I don't mind the Cowboys suffering. But if I was a Dallas fan, Jason,

I would hear that, and I would be mad for a week. Like, what are you doing? Like, dude, come on. Disappointing stuff from Jerry. Yeah. Part for the course. You feel like that's what you're getting from him? Yeah.

for the last 30 years. Well, let's talk about baseball. Venezuela beat Italy last night to advance to tonight's championship game, World Baseball Classic. It's Venezuela's first time in the final, and after the game, Ronald Ocuna Jr. was talking about, you know, he missed basically the Braves World Series because he had a torn ACL, so he was just watching, right? So he says, this final, it's kind of his personal chance for a high-stakes title. Plus, you add in that he's playing for his country. This was great.

In an interview in Spanish, he said, quote, I love the Atlanta Braves, but before I play for Braves, I was born in Venezuela, which is perfect. So who you got tonight between these two teams? I'm going to go out on a limb, USA? I mean, by the way, I mean, that's, you say it as if it's a done deal, it's not. I mean, this is a very even matchup, but yes, I mean, we believe in our guys, right? Davis broke it down earlier. It sounds like it's not a great pitching matchup, so there could be some fireworks at the plate? I worry about the pitching. And, you know, I'm, I'm always like guys should play. I wanted Steph Curry to play all those fourth quarters in 2015. when Steve Kerr was pulling him, I'm always like, play, but play.

To me, yes, I understand it affects their ramp up and spring training, but come on. You got to let your pitchers pitch tonight if you're one of these major league teams. If you're the Padres, let the guy close the game. So we'll see what they do, but I, what's he going to do closing an inning? What is it facing four batters? Yeah, that's what I mean? I don't know. What's the harm there?

That's a great question. I don't have the answer to that. Martyr people will know the news. Rachel with the news Well, that's the news And thanks for stopping by The Herd Lye News Be sure to catch live editions of the herd

Weekdays in noon Eastern, 9 a.m. Pacific On Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeart Radio app Hey, it's us to Jonas Brothers and guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, huge news? We created our own podcast called Hey Jonas, we invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it.

We just contributed to us. people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts. We're starting a trend. But this one's extra special. So how did we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember.

I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Oh, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, for people could call in and say, hey Jonas,

and then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite.

Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.

Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened.

That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports slice brings you closer to the action, with stories told by the people who live them.

Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife 12 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs. And on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on clay. Gentile win.

I mean, she went down to three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lernerabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now. And I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Jacob Kingston grew up in an isolated polygamous sect. We were God's chosen kingdom on earth. He felt destined for greatness. So when a swaggering Armenian businessman catapults Jacob into an extraordinary world, he doesn't look back. Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, meeting the president of Turkey. I'm Michelle McPhee, and this is one of the most shocking criminal conspiracies I've ever come across.

When Jacob met Levin this went to a billion-dollar fraud. But with two kings from entirely different worlds, just how long can their empire survive? The largest tax investigation in American history. You need to tell me what you know. Is somebody coming after me? Jacob told Levan, you're ruining my life. Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the IHeart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, real quick, we could wrap up with this story that popped yesterday, according to the Associated Press. This is fascinating. So, quick backstory, Yaxel Lendaborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year. He's at Michigan. He was a superstar. He was at UAB last year. He blows up, was incredible.

Everybody wanted him in the transfer portal. Okay? Lendiborg also had interest from the NBA. Now, he was projected as a late first round pick, early second. and, you know, he would have made some money going to the NBA. Then colleges got in a bidding war for Mr. Lenderbord. As you see him flushing on the fast break on Wisconsin. I mean, he could do it all.

I thought he was the best player on the court against Duke earlier this season for like three quarters of a game and then Boozer took over late. So Lenderbord decides, do I want to go NBA? puts his name in the draft lottery process. And then the offer start coming in. And Michigan offers reportedly, depending on who you read, about $5 million. And Lenderbork, speaking to the AP this week, said Kentucky came in with an offer in the $7 to $9 million range. $7 to $9 million.

Lendiburg turns down Kentucky, says he wants to play for Dusty May, the great coach who took Florida Atlantic to the final four, just a couple years ago. the system that they run is incredible uptempo Lenderborg's just look i mean you look at these highlights and you're like oh my how is this guy not our top 10 pick well he's uh i believe 23 years old and the history of older guys in the lottery is not great but there's a lot of all hand wringing and pearl clutching over a seven million dollar offer for a kid out of uab folks you know who likes this every player in college basketball and the NBA we're We now will note we have a full season on Yaksa Lenderborg rooting for him, national TV games, huge spotlight.

One of the big knocks on college basketball was, oh, the one and done, the guys are barely around these freshmen, we don't know them. There's just not enough. We get to know him for a month in March. There's just not enough information on them to get excited. Well, now you've got a 23-year-old in Lenderborg. I mean, sure, some people paid attention to him at UAB. But once the bidding war started, everybody knew this guy's name.

And I think this is just a huge win for the NBA, for the players, obviously. I mean, you can stay in school and make three, four, five million dollars as opposed to go late first round or early second into the NBA and more than likely sit on the bench. Like, I just love this for college basketball. And again, I know college football similar situation. And there's a lot of people, oh, well, the kid should not be making this much money. Just stop. The market speaks.

and the big winners are the players, and I think the NBA. Now, of course, anytime there's winners, there's some losers, we won't get into that here. I mean, you know, it's not great. But for the sport of college basketball,

I think there's the anticipation for March Madness this year is off the charts. And it's not just the superstar freshman. I mean, you've got teams that are coming out of nowhere in Wisconsin. They're a threat. Vanderbilt?

When was the last time Vanderbilt was relevant? their guards are incredible. I mean, there's so many good teams this year. I just think this NIL has been such a boon for college football. You see in the Big Ten, I mean, Indiana and Miami in the national championship game. I know SEC country is very upset. But Rachel, I love this Lenderberg story. I think this is low-key, one of the better stories of the week in sports.

I totally agree with you that it's helped the college game, but it really has helped the NBA because, the longer these guys stay in school, the more polished they are when they get to the NBA. And plus, it's really hard to judge an 18-year-old on their future. It is. That's why we have these, you know, first-round top-10 busts in every draft. Because it's not an exact science. The more you see them play, the more you can project out, will they have the skills to be good with my team?

Will they have the skills to be good in the NBA? I think the NBA, now that players are making money in college and they have that opportunity, I think they should raise the age limit to 20. That's what I would do if I were the owners. So that would be two years in school? Yeah. Interesting. Well, there's now some holdbacks in high school, so it could just be still one.

Whatever. That's an interesting take. All right. That's it for today. Big USA Venezuela matchup tonight on Fox. Hey, guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe.

I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called, Hey, Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts.

We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it, but, you know, tired and sick. Tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier.

This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Street. Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game.

This morning, the internet lost its mind. And nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. And every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear.

Listen to SportsSlic. On the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Winning on Clay is an art. The rallies are relentless. And at the French Open, only the toughest survive. I'd know. I competed there for decades.

Join me, Renee Stubbs on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast for no-nonsense breakdowns of the biggest matches, the toughest players and the moments that define Roland Garros. She's an outsider to win the French name. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lennar Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now and actually can win on any surface. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Imagine an Olympics, where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all,

embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHart podcast. Guaranteed human.