This is straight fire with Jason McIntyre.

This is straight fire with Jason McIntyre.

What is up, fire, fam, It's me Jason McIntyre. Straight fire for Wednesday, March nineteenth. Folks were getting close. Oh boy, I can't wait the madness. I mean it's officially underway with the play in or whatever they call it, the sixty round of sixty eight. They got underway last night and listen, North Carolina steamrolled San Diego State as predicted here hopefully you had minus four four and a half whatever, easy winner. I mean that was over like ten minutes into the game. Carolina smoked him. Carolina. Ole Miss is gonna be interesting because I think when you watch the way North Carolina played, you know their brand. I believe the public is going to come in on them hand over fist against ole Miss. Ken Pom has Ole Miss winning by two. That being said, I don't know, I don't know if this is a great matchup for Old Miss. We're talking about a team obviously, you know SEC, everybody loves them, but the UNC offense look like a machine against a damn good San Diego State defense. And you know Ole Miss did get the very nice win over was it Arkansas? I think at the buzzer in No, it wasn't Arkansas. Yeah, it was over Arkansas at the buzzer of the first round of the tournament of the SEC Tournament. Or they're out. And this is a team that has gotten blasted by a couple. I mean they lost to Florida by twenty, Auburn by twenty. I mean they lost four of six heading into the SEC Tournament and then needed a prayer at the buzzer to beat Arkansas. They did show fight against Auburn, but Auburn did not look very locked in. I don't know. I will say I kind of like this kid, Cadeo, the Canadian point guard from wait did I call them? I think he's Canadian, but I see on Ken Pom he's from West Orange, New Jersey. He's a guy who was very touted in high school. Very talented player. Seth Trimble is also a good player.

What is up, fire, fam, It's me Jason McIntyre. Straight fire for Wednesday, March nineteenth. Folks were getting close. Oh boy, I can't wait the madness. I mean it's officially underway with the play in or whatever they call it, the sixty round of sixty eight. They got underway last night and listen, North Carolina steamrolled San Diego State as predicted here hopefully you had minus four four and a half whatever, easy winner. I mean that was over like ten minutes into the game. Carolina smoked him. Carolina. Ole Miss is gonna be interesting because I think when you watch the way North Carolina played, you know their brand. I believe the public is going to come in on them hand over fist against ole Miss. Ken Pom has Ole Miss winning by two. That being said, I don't know, I don't know if this is a great matchup for Old Miss. We're talking about a team obviously, you know SEC, everybody loves them, but the UNC offense look like a machine against a damn good San Diego State defense. And you know Ole Miss did get the very nice win over was it Arkansas? I think at the buzzer in No, it wasn't Arkansas. Yeah, it was over Arkansas at the buzzer of the first round of the tournament of the SEC Tournament. Or they're out. And this is a team that has gotten blasted by a couple. I mean they lost to Florida by twenty, Auburn by twenty. I mean they lost four of six heading into the SEC Tournament and then needed a prayer at the buzzer to beat Arkansas. They did show fight against Auburn, but Auburn did not look very locked in. I don't know. I will say I kind of like this kid, Cadeo, the Canadian point guard from wait did I call them? I think he's Canadian, but I see on Ken Pom he's from West Orange, New Jersey. He's a guy who was very touted in high school. Very talented player. Seth Trimble is also a good player.

R J.

R J.

Davis can get volcanic. I'm sorry I liked.

Davis can get volcanic. I'm sorry I liked.

Him in this spot.

Him in this spot.

I'll take I'll take unc here to take down Old Miss. Let me see what the line is. Oh, I don't see a line yet. Interesting huh, But Ken Pom has it at two for Old Miss, so I'm sure the line will be somewhere in that neighborhood. But but it might actually be closer to pick them, because again I think the public saw the UNC beat down and it's going to back them tonight. Oh I forgot about the other one. Saint Francis just a heartbreaker. Remember my buddy's sister's son plays on Sat Francis. He didn't play a ton but it just a brutal loss on the hail Mary pass that was fumbled. I mean, Alabama Saint just killed him on the glass. It is a shitty result, and you know, what are you gonna do about it? Alabama stated has no chance against Auburn. Good luck. But tonight's games are moderately interesting. I'm on Xavier minus three against Texas. And since I know nothing about American University, actually it's in DC, and ah, well, I don't know why I even brought it up. So there's a bit of a derogatory name for American University back when we were in when I was in high school college and a couple people were like, Oh, yeah, I'm gonna go to American and they were like, oh, you're gonna go to bleep you. It had like a negative connotation. I never visited there and never partied there, but I do know they occasionally churned out some pretty damn good basketball teams. Anyways, I took parlay with American on the money line Xavier on the money line. I like the Texas freshman. I just don't know that I like the Texas squad. And I'm telling you Xavier for me as a sleeper, the kind of team that not only wins this game, but I will very likely be backing them against I'm sorry, against Illinois in the next round. And I think they're gonna be live against Kentucky, assuming Kentucky gets by Troy. But we'll get a little more into that tomorrow when tournament day. I'll put out all the bets I have, although some are gonna be posting on Fox sports dot com because I wrote up some for them. But those are the only two action items I have tonight. Today's guest is awesome. His name is John Fanta. He is a rising star in the college basketball announcing ranks. He is passionate about the sport, knows it as well as anyone. If you like Jeff Goodman's interview, if you like Franfriscilla you're gonna like John Fanta and enjoy.

I'll take I'll take unc here to take down Old Miss. Let me see what the line is. Oh, I don't see a line yet. Interesting huh, But Ken Pom has it at two for Old Miss, so I'm sure the line will be somewhere in that neighborhood. But but it might actually be closer to pick them, because again I think the public saw the UNC beat down and it's going to back them tonight. Oh I forgot about the other one. Saint Francis just a heartbreaker. Remember my buddy's sister's son plays on Sat Francis. He didn't play a ton but it just a brutal loss on the hail Mary pass that was fumbled. I mean, Alabama Saint just killed him on the glass. It is a shitty result, and you know, what are you gonna do about it? Alabama stated has no chance against Auburn. Good luck. But tonight's games are moderately interesting. I'm on Xavier minus three against Texas. And since I know nothing about American University, actually it's in DC, and ah, well, I don't know why I even brought it up. So there's a bit of a derogatory name for American University back when we were in when I was in high school college and a couple people were like, Oh, yeah, I'm gonna go to American and they were like, oh, you're gonna go to bleep you. It had like a negative connotation. I never visited there and never partied there, but I do know they occasionally churned out some pretty damn good basketball teams. Anyways, I took parlay with American on the money line Xavier on the money line. I like the Texas freshman. I just don't know that I like the Texas squad. And I'm telling you Xavier for me as a sleeper, the kind of team that not only wins this game, but I will very likely be backing them against I'm sorry, against Illinois in the next round. And I think they're gonna be live against Kentucky, assuming Kentucky gets by Troy. But we'll get a little more into that tomorrow when tournament day. I'll put out all the bets I have, although some are gonna be posting on Fox sports dot com because I wrote up some for them. But those are the only two action items I have tonight. Today's guest is awesome. His name is John Fanta. He is a rising star in the college basketball announcing ranks. He is passionate about the sport, knows it as well as anyone. If you like Jeff Goodman's interview, if you like Franfriscilla you're gonna like John Fanta and enjoy.

Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows at foxsports Radio dot com and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live. Jason likes to think he knows everything when it comes to sports.

Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows at foxsports Radio dot com and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live. Jason likes to think he knows everything when it comes to sports.

I know what sports fans want, but for everything he doesn't.

I know what sports fans want, but for everything he doesn't.

He knows a guy who does.

He knows a guy who does.

Let's just say, I know a guy who knows a guy who knows another guy.

Let's just say, I know a guy who knows a guy who knows another guy.

All right, let's welcome back to straight Fire. One of the rising stars in college basketball media. You see him on Fox FS one. He's all over the place, covers the sport with a passion and a vigor that you know you just have to love it. Mister Fanta, how are you.

All right, let's welcome back to straight Fire. One of the rising stars in college basketball media. You see him on Fox FS one. He's all over the place, covers the sport with a passion and a vigor that you know you just have to love it. Mister Fanta, how are you.

Doing, Jason? It is great to be with you. As you said before we came on, It's such a fun time of year because if you're a hoops junkie, you get into the madness here and it is absolute madness. Anybody can beat anybody for the most part, and then you come off the tournament. You got the NBA playoffs right pretty much right away. So this is our time and year, my friend, because I know how much you love it. And between all of this and then we get into mock draft season, you and I are both both picking bat like it. This is it right here, ramp it up and let's go.

Doing, Jason? It is great to be with you. As you said before we came on, It's such a fun time of year because if you're a hoops junkie, you get into the madness here and it is absolute madness. Anybody can beat anybody for the most part, and then you come off the tournament. You got the NBA playoffs right pretty much right away. So this is our time and year, my friend, because I know how much you love it. And between all of this and then we get into mock draft season, you and I are both both picking bat like it. This is it right here, ramp it up and let's go.

All right, So let me I'm very curious what assignment you got for March Madness. Obviously you know everybody, You're plugged in everywhere. There are a couple interesting scenarios that I can envision you getting sent to. Where did you Where are you going to be for the first weekend of the tournament.

All right, So let me I'm very curious what assignment you got for March Madness. Obviously you know everybody, You're plugged in everywhere. There are a couple interesting scenarios that I can envision you getting sent to. Where did you Where are you going to be for the first weekend of the tournament.

So I'm based in New Jersey, yes, So when the bracket comes out that Improvidence, which is just a couple hour drive or grain ride or thirty minute flight. There's a bunch of quick routes from Newark to Boston or Providence. When it comes out that in the Wild Wild West region, that Arkansas is going to play Kansas, and that Saint John's is in the same pot playing Omaha, who, by the way, has the cool trash can story with coach Crutchfield. It's kind of gone viral and it's been fun. And the other two matchups are Will Wade facing is Alma Monter. Clemson comes in went to the Leade eight last year. I think could go deep again, but you never know if you get knocked off. And Braydon Smith, who is as good as any point guard in the country, and Purdue made the National Championship game last year. Matt Painters like in what in what location? For a first and second round site? Is what? Is Painter the fourth best coach? You know, not a top three in the in today's current day and age, although you could argue this, and they're playing high Point, who's upset minded and is a dangerous mid major. I am off to Providence for what will be a spectacle, my friend Rick Patino, John Calipari, Bill salth Matt Painter, Will Wade.

So I'm based in New Jersey, yes, So when the bracket comes out that Improvidence, which is just a couple hour drive or grain ride or thirty minute flight. There's a bunch of quick routes from Newark to Boston or Providence. When it comes out that in the Wild Wild West region, that Arkansas is going to play Kansas, and that Saint John's is in the same pot playing Omaha, who, by the way, has the cool trash can story with coach Crutchfield. It's kind of gone viral and it's been fun. And the other two matchups are Will Wade facing is Alma Monter. Clemson comes in went to the Leade eight last year. I think could go deep again, but you never know if you get knocked off. And Braydon Smith, who is as good as any point guard in the country, and Purdue made the National Championship game last year. Matt Painters like in what in what location? For a first and second round site? Is what? Is Painter the fourth best coach? You know, not a top three in the in today's current day and age, although you could argue this, and they're playing high Point, who's upset minded and is a dangerous mid major. I am off to Providence for what will be a spectacle, my friend Rick Patino, John Calipari, Bill salth Matt Painter, Will Wade.

That's good. That doesn't get much better than that. Now, let me ask you because you brought it up so Saint John's obviously listen, They're gonna beat Omaha. We got that as I look at the bracket. However, Kansas, Arkansas is a spicy game self versus cal I gotta ask. I thought Kansas would be fine there, but you know, Calipari is gonna want badly to face Patino. They do not like each other. That history is well documented, shall we say, But is there a chance that Calipari so so much thinking about Patino in the next round, maybe overlooks Kansas and loses.

That's good. That doesn't get much better than that. Now, let me ask you because you brought it up so Saint John's obviously listen, They're gonna beat Omaha. We got that as I look at the bracket. However, Kansas, Arkansas is a spicy game self versus cal I gotta ask. I thought Kansas would be fine there, but you know, Calipari is gonna want badly to face Patino. They do not like each other. That history is well documented, shall we say, But is there a chance that Calipari so so much thinking about Patino in the next round, maybe overlooks Kansas and loses.

I mean that's an interesting point. And remember Kansas has something to prove here because last year Hunter, Dickinson and company failed to make the second weekend when they got knocked off by Gonzaga and Jason. Everything's tracking for disappointment again on paper, this has been a very disappointing two years at Kansas. So they're they're fuel like Bill self's not even thinking about Saint John's. So the added dimension of the distraction that that can be, you know, looking at Patina, looking looking over your shoulder. I mean, I don't know. I don't know if anybody's ever been so distracted that they overlooked a Bill Self. Arkansas. Arkansas better play their A game. What they're gonna have to do to beat Kansas is make it a three point battle. So I think Arkansas can be solid enough defensively against Kansas. I would dare them to shoot outside of Zeke Mayo. Nobody for Kansas is that scary from the perimeter. In fact, it has held them back a ton. They just haven't gotten enough from Ryland Griffin or aj store. Those transfers have not delivered for this Kansas team. So if I'm Arkansas, I capitalize on that. Adu thero is having a tremendous year with sixteen per game. They just got Boogie Flann. He's a New York City kid, Archbishop stepinac Jason. You know what NYC recruiting means. He could book a ticket to meet Saint John's the New York School and John L. Davis. Remember here, Arkansas got a March Madness hero in Nellie Davis who led FAU to the Final four two years ago. I want to see if he comes out and if Arkansas they're a driving kick team, like they went to Kentucky and beat him. They beat him because they knocked down a double digit number threes and they got pace. If I'm Kansas, I slow that pace down. I use Dickinson and pick and roll, and I try to expose Arkansas defensively doing that. But I I my brackets said Kansas. Yeah, But I if Arkansas, Arkansas's as explosive as they are, is as implosive as they are. And the fact that we get to watch cal versus self in the first round, it's the best first round matchup. From a storyline's perspective, no doubt.

I mean that's an interesting point. And remember Kansas has something to prove here because last year Hunter, Dickinson and company failed to make the second weekend when they got knocked off by Gonzaga and Jason. Everything's tracking for disappointment again on paper, this has been a very disappointing two years at Kansas. So they're they're fuel like Bill self's not even thinking about Saint John's. So the added dimension of the distraction that that can be, you know, looking at Patina, looking looking over your shoulder. I mean, I don't know. I don't know if anybody's ever been so distracted that they overlooked a Bill Self. Arkansas. Arkansas better play their A game. What they're gonna have to do to beat Kansas is make it a three point battle. So I think Arkansas can be solid enough defensively against Kansas. I would dare them to shoot outside of Zeke Mayo. Nobody for Kansas is that scary from the perimeter. In fact, it has held them back a ton. They just haven't gotten enough from Ryland Griffin or aj store. Those transfers have not delivered for this Kansas team. So if I'm Arkansas, I capitalize on that. Adu thero is having a tremendous year with sixteen per game. They just got Boogie Flann. He's a New York City kid, Archbishop stepinac Jason. You know what NYC recruiting means. He could book a ticket to meet Saint John's the New York School and John L. Davis. Remember here, Arkansas got a March Madness hero in Nellie Davis who led FAU to the Final four two years ago. I want to see if he comes out and if Arkansas they're a driving kick team, like they went to Kentucky and beat him. They beat him because they knocked down a double digit number threes and they got pace. If I'm Kansas, I slow that pace down. I use Dickinson and pick and roll, and I try to expose Arkansas defensively doing that. But I I my brackets said Kansas. Yeah, But I if Arkansas, Arkansas's as explosive as they are, is as implosive as they are. And the fact that we get to watch cal versus self in the first round, it's the best first round matchup. From a storyline's perspective, no doubt.

Let me ask you about DJ Wagner, much vallelyhood recruit. Everybody knows his dad, Dewan Wagner, legendary high school player playing in the NBA. Wagner, I don't want to crush the kid, but he's been a bit of a disappointment. Started at Kentucky, transferred obviously with cal and I'm looking at the numbers, not a great year. There were there were times where people were like, oh, there's a future top five pick when he was in high school and as of now he's got to come back to college. Now he's on the young side. I think he's still twenty. I'm not sure it might actually be nineteen. No, I think he's nineteen because his birthday per ken Palm, is not until May. But I don't what are we to make of Wagner?

Let me ask you about DJ Wagner, much vallelyhood recruit. Everybody knows his dad, Dewan Wagner, legendary high school player playing in the NBA. Wagner, I don't want to crush the kid, but he's been a bit of a disappointment. Started at Kentucky, transferred obviously with cal and I'm looking at the numbers, not a great year. There were there were times where people were like, oh, there's a future top five pick when he was in high school and as of now he's got to come back to college. Now he's on the young side. I think he's still twenty. I'm not sure it might actually be nineteen. No, I think he's nineteen because his birthday per ken Palm, is not until May. But I don't what are we to make of Wagner?

John Well, just inconsistent and look, what does it come down to, ultimately your three point shooting. He's not when teams are going to dare him to shoot, and he has just been a thirty percent career college shooter. Jason, you're not gonna make it to the NBA if you can't keep a defense honest because teams are gonna pack it in on you and they're gonna dare you to to pull up. I think he's a good mid range shooter off the dribble. I also do think he's become a better playmaker this year than he was last year. Last year he could not create off the dribble. He could not make plays for his teammates, and he pretty much got He got dominated in the preseason by Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard to a point that he wasn't playable at times. He's been better this season, but to what you know, on that meter, it was hard for him to really be worse. And I'm with you. I don't want to bury the kid, but let's face it, five star kids thought to be potentially the best in his class. If everything panned out, he can get hot, and he did against Mississippi State in that ninety three to ninety two win. He had twenty four points in that game on seven of nine. He had fourteen against Vandy on five and nine. So he has these performances that make you say, you know, yeah, there's something there. I think he's had a solid season, but I think in comparison to expectation. And this is where we have to be careful always is you know, Cooper Flag was a foregone conclusion. He was, but like, you don't know, you know what, we the way we were talking about Dylan Harper, and I still think Harper will be one of the best draft picks. But like in October, we're like, it's gonna be so fun to watch them in the tournament, Jason, they didn't even come. So you gotta be careful with expectations because like I just think DJ he's not as quick off the bounds as we thought.

John Well, just inconsistent and look, what does it come down to, ultimately your three point shooting. He's not when teams are going to dare him to shoot, and he has just been a thirty percent career college shooter. Jason, you're not gonna make it to the NBA if you can't keep a defense honest because teams are gonna pack it in on you and they're gonna dare you to to pull up. I think he's a good mid range shooter off the dribble. I also do think he's become a better playmaker this year than he was last year. Last year he could not create off the dribble. He could not make plays for his teammates, and he pretty much got He got dominated in the preseason by Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard to a point that he wasn't playable at times. He's been better this season, but to what you know, on that meter, it was hard for him to really be worse. And I'm with you. I don't want to bury the kid, but let's face it, five star kids thought to be potentially the best in his class. If everything panned out, he can get hot, and he did against Mississippi State in that ninety three to ninety two win. He had twenty four points in that game on seven of nine. He had fourteen against Vandy on five and nine. So he has these performances that make you say, you know, yeah, there's something there. I think he's had a solid season, but I think in comparison to expectation. And this is where we have to be careful always is you know, Cooper Flag was a foregone conclusion. He was, but like, you don't know, you know what, we the way we were talking about Dylan Harper, and I still think Harper will be one of the best draft picks. But like in October, we're like, it's gonna be so fun to watch them in the tournament, Jason, they didn't even come. So you gotta be careful with expectations because like I just think DJ he's not as quick off the bounds as we thought.

No, definitely, now you're close to Saint John's. Obviously you've covered them extensively all season. I have them as the biggest boom bust team in the field. I don't think they will lose opening round, but I could. I'm gonna I'm a twenty bracket guy. I'll have them going down to Kansas and probably half the brackets that I have. I don't know, man, I'm just worried about in a tight you know, the NBA playoffs, it really becomes a half court game. You don't have like one forty to one thirty five. It becomes tighter referee whistles a little time. I just don't know if Saint John's are the ref's gonna call them for a lot of the hand checking, which they do a lot of. They're a great defensive team. And then three hundred and thirty eighth of the country shooting the three two hundred and ninety fifth from the line, Like, those are numbers that terrify me. I don't know, do you see this as a final fourteen?

No, definitely, now you're close to Saint John's. Obviously you've covered them extensively all season. I have them as the biggest boom bust team in the field. I don't think they will lose opening round, but I could. I'm gonna I'm a twenty bracket guy. I'll have them going down to Kansas and probably half the brackets that I have. I don't know, man, I'm just worried about in a tight you know, the NBA playoffs, it really becomes a half court game. You don't have like one forty to one thirty five. It becomes tighter referee whistles a little time. I just don't know if Saint John's are the ref's gonna call them for a lot of the hand checking, which they do a lot of. They're a great defensive team. And then three hundred and thirty eighth of the country shooting the three two hundred and ninety fifth from the line, Like, those are numbers that terrify me. I don't know, do you see this as a final fourteen?

Well, I have Florida in the final four so based on region, no, you know, could they have been? I do think that they can be, you know, I do, because but I really thought getting sent to the West that's the toughest region. Yeah, by far, you got it. Jay Wright has said this, and you've talked about this through the years on your shows. You gotta get some fortune on your side too, you know, Like in this tournament, look at the South Iowa State. They've got the Keishan Gilbert injury news and their shorthand that's a killer for them. It opens the door for Michigan State and Tom Izzo's thirtieth year to go on a running here. So Saint John's, I like, I think their top three in the boom er bust I do because their defense does not waiver. And if remember three officials, they can't call one every single time down the time.

Well, I have Florida in the final four so based on region, no, you know, could they have been? I do think that they can be, you know, I do, because but I really thought getting sent to the West that's the toughest region. Yeah, by far, you got it. Jay Wright has said this, and you've talked about this through the years on your shows. You gotta get some fortune on your side too, you know, Like in this tournament, look at the South Iowa State. They've got the Keishan Gilbert injury news and their shorthand that's a killer for them. It opens the door for Michigan State and Tom Izzo's thirtieth year to go on a running here. So Saint John's, I like, I think their top three in the boom er bust I do because their defense does not waiver. And if remember three officials, they can't call one every single time down the time.

I think might though, That's the thing.

I think might though, That's the thing.

That scares me. Man.

That scares me. Man.

I get that, I get that, But at some point you wonder, you wonder what happens with this team in the big game. Because a couple of times in the Big Game this year, Yukon at home at the Garden, a couple weeks back Big East Championship game against Craton Creighton's a top thirty defensive team in the country. Efficiency they do guard in the half court, Saint John's made seven of fourteen from three. When they do knock down some shots, it changes everything. I know it's revolutionary analysis, but it's been such an un known it's been yeah, remeter shot for this team has been absent. At times. They have won games where they literally have hit one or two threes. It's something I'm nineteen eighty seven. But the Big East the NCAA Tournament are not the same things. They're gonna get OFFICI in totally differently. The key for them is r J. Lewis and Kadari Richmond are two throwback guards who get downhill can break you down off the dribble and finish. They've got to be persistent at doing that. And you got to move the ball like it can't just come off of one v one all the time. They have good one v one players Zoobi edge of four on the offensive Glasses hughes too. If you eliminate edge of four and he gets in foul trouble Jason, then I would be concerned. I just kansas Is weakness is Saint John's weakness. So I don't know if Kansas can find a big exposure of Saint John's in that matchup itself. I actually think there's a chance that an Arkansas team that catches fire would have a better opportunity because the mentality of the game of Patino versus cal and because of Arkansas up there is a matchup problem and Arkansas can really generate pace and may threes. Kansas has not been good from the perimeter. It is led to a highly disappointing season. Remember they were preseason number one.

I get that, I get that, But at some point you wonder, you wonder what happens with this team in the big game. Because a couple of times in the Big Game this year, Yukon at home at the Garden, a couple weeks back Big East Championship game against Craton Creighton's a top thirty defensive team in the country. Efficiency they do guard in the half court, Saint John's made seven of fourteen from three. When they do knock down some shots, it changes everything. I know it's revolutionary analysis, but it's been such an un known it's been yeah, remeter shot for this team has been absent. At times. They have won games where they literally have hit one or two threes. It's something I'm nineteen eighty seven. But the Big East the NCAA Tournament are not the same things. They're gonna get OFFICI in totally differently. The key for them is r J. Lewis and Kadari Richmond are two throwback guards who get downhill can break you down off the dribble and finish. They've got to be persistent at doing that. And you got to move the ball like it can't just come off of one v one all the time. They have good one v one players Zoobi edge of four on the offensive Glasses hughes too. If you eliminate edge of four and he gets in foul trouble Jason, then I would be concerned. I just kansas Is weakness is Saint John's weakness. So I don't know if Kansas can find a big exposure of Saint John's in that matchup itself. I actually think there's a chance that an Arkansas team that catches fire would have a better opportunity because the mentality of the game of Patino versus cal and because of Arkansas up there is a matchup problem and Arkansas can really generate pace and may threes. Kansas has not been good from the perimeter. It is led to a highly disappointing season. Remember they were preseason number one.

Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows at foxsports radio dot com and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live.

Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows at foxsports radio dot com and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live.

Let me go to another big eas team real quick. Marquette loved them last year, just an epic letdown. I liked them this year. I love me some cam Jones. I think he's spectacular. Frank Frucilla was on the pod this week. He thinks New Mexico is very dangerous. I'm looking at the Ken Pomp projection seventy six seventy three. Is Marqutte in trouble here?

Let me go to another big eas team real quick. Marquette loved them last year, just an epic letdown. I liked them this year. I love me some cam Jones. I think he's spectacular. Frank Frucilla was on the pod this week. He thinks New Mexico is very dangerous. I'm looking at the Ken Pomp projection seventy six seventy three. Is Marqutte in trouble here?

Great game? I think it'll be a tremendous game they are. It's gonna go down the wire. Like if by trouble you mean that they that they can lose. They absolutely can lose this game. They're not gonna win this game by double digits. I'll be shocked if they win it. I think it'll be close. This game comes down to what do they have as an answer for Nelly Junior, Joseph, the New Mexico big man. Because Marquette you like them, I like them too, But what's their biggest flaw? They don't have a true five No, they lost Olsoigdarod to the NBA. They didn't really replace him with a with a strong five men option. Well guess what New Mexico gives teams fits with Junior Joseph because he compliments Donovan Dent, who initiates everything. If you're a basketball purist, which the two of us are, and you like watching, you like watching elite guard play. Cam Jones versus Donovan Dent is where it's at. And oh, by the way, Stevie Mitchell trying to turn the water off when he's on defense guarding Dent is. Stevie Mitchell is one of the best five defenders in college basketball for Marquette. I mean, he really is. What do all these games come down to? In my humble opinion, a game like this from New Mexico, Kim Mustafa Amzil knocked down some shots when Dent is shut down. Can your perimeter complimentary shot makers step up for Marquette? The game breakers. David Joplin stretch for has had several twenty plus point performances. Chase Ross is another guy. It can all be Camp Jones, Jason answer your question. New Mexico can win this ballgame. The problem is neither one of them's being Michigan State.

Great game? I think it'll be a tremendous game they are. It's gonna go down the wire. Like if by trouble you mean that they that they can lose. They absolutely can lose this game. They're not gonna win this game by double digits. I'll be shocked if they win it. I think it'll be close. This game comes down to what do they have as an answer for Nelly Junior, Joseph, the New Mexico big man. Because Marquette you like them, I like them too, But what's their biggest flaw? They don't have a true five No, they lost Olsoigdarod to the NBA. They didn't really replace him with a with a strong five men option. Well guess what New Mexico gives teams fits with Junior Joseph because he compliments Donovan Dent, who initiates everything. If you're a basketball purist, which the two of us are, and you like watching, you like watching elite guard play. Cam Jones versus Donovan Dent is where it's at. And oh, by the way, Stevie Mitchell trying to turn the water off when he's on defense guarding Dent is. Stevie Mitchell is one of the best five defenders in college basketball for Marquette. I mean, he really is. What do all these games come down to? In my humble opinion, a game like this from New Mexico, Kim Mustafa Amzil knocked down some shots when Dent is shut down. Can your perimeter complimentary shot makers step up for Marquette? The game breakers. David Joplin stretch for has had several twenty plus point performances. Chase Ross is another guy. It can all be Camp Jones, Jason answer your question. New Mexico can win this ballgame. The problem is neither one of them's being Michigan State.

Yeah, I would agree with that.

Yeah, I would agree with that.

Michigan.

Michigan.

Let's go to Michigan State. I keep seeing the stat that no team has won the national championship if they weren't ranked in the AP poll to start the season. I don't totally know what that means. I don't know that there's value to it, but I think it applies to Michigan State and Saint John's if memory serves. If that's accurate, what do you make of it? If anything, I don't make.

Let's go to Michigan State. I keep seeing the stat that no team has won the national championship if they weren't ranked in the AP poll to start the season. I don't totally know what that means. I don't know that there's value to it, but I think it applies to Michigan State and Saint John's if memory serves. If that's accurate, what do you make of it? If anything, I don't make.

I don't make a whole law of it. What I think about with Michigan State is, first off, I've got them in my final four.

I don't make a whole law of it. What I think about with Michigan State is, first off, I've got them in my final four.

Michigan State. Yeah, yeah, Okay, I like that.

Michigan State. Yeah, yeah, Okay, I like that.

I've got them in my final four. But you know, with being in the same region as Auburn, like I mean, three of four is three of four here to come into.

I've got them in my final four. But you know, with being in the same region as Auburn, like I mean, three of four is three of four here to come into.

This, and.

This, and.

You know, I don't want to overreact. I don't want to overreact, but Jason, it's about who's playing their best at the right time, and they have not been good defensively in recent weeks. And sorry, you can't be battled out by Chad Baker Mazarin's hot Pettiford every time.

You know, I don't want to overreact. I don't want to overreact, but Jason, it's about who's playing their best at the right time, and they have not been good defensively in recent weeks. And sorry, you can't be battled out by Chad Baker Mazarin's hot Pettiford every time.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So for me, Michigan State, you're talking about a guy who's in his thirtieth year as the head coach. He's been to fifteen sweet sixteens. This year he was counted out and doubted told you know, it's gonna be six or seven and the Big Ten. People are talking about retirement.

So for me, Michigan State, you're talking about a guy who's in his thirtieth year as the head coach. He's been to fifteen sweet sixteens. This year he was counted out and doubted told you know, it's gonna be six or seven and the Big Ten. People are talking about retirement.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I think it's one of his best coaching jobs because if you looked at this team at the start in the Yerea would Jason. I went to the Champions Classic. They looked horrible offensively.

I think it's one of his best coaching jobs because if you looked at this team at the start in the Yerea would Jason. I went to the Champions Classic. They looked horrible offensively.

Was that the Kansas game?

Was that the Kansas game?

Who's ugly?

Who's ugly?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Not a good game for college hoops. It was not a good like if you if you want to give the take that you don't like college basketball after a game like that, I'm not going to sit here and fight you on it.

Not a good game for college hoops. It was not a good like if you if you want to give the take that you don't like college basketball after a game like that, I'm not going to sit here and fight you on it.

They met three for twenty four from deep oof. That's gross, it's brutal. But Richards Riddle me this, Why doesn't Richard to take on more of a Okay, he's our guy, let's ride him because I don't know, Maybe it's just because he's a young kid. But I feel like he's easily their best offensive threat, and they don't totally he should be taking twenty shots a game.

They met three for twenty four from deep oof. That's gross, it's brutal. But Richards Riddle me this, Why doesn't Richard to take on more of a Okay, he's our guy, let's ride him because I don't know, Maybe it's just because he's a young kid. But I feel like he's easily their best offensive threat, and they don't totally he should be taking twenty shots a game.

No, it's a flaw in a lot of teams that don't really like, just ride your horse, yeah, as you lead horse. So I'm with you. Now he has done more of that over the last month and over the last ten games he's averaged about seventeen or eighteen points per game, a couple of huge performances in that. But they've got to feed him early and often. He can't be hesitanting because here's the thing, Jason, it's not like he's looking over his shoulder at somebody else is going to do that. Yeah, he is fine, you know, Colin Carr, They've got a they're the deepest team in the tournament in regard that they can legitimately play nine deep.

No, it's a flaw in a lot of teams that don't really like, just ride your horse, yeah, as you lead horse. So I'm with you. Now he has done more of that over the last month and over the last ten games he's averaged about seventeen or eighteen points per game, a couple of huge performances in that. But they've got to feed him early and often. He can't be hesitanting because here's the thing, Jason, it's not like he's looking over his shoulder at somebody else is going to do that. Yeah, he is fine, you know, Colin Carr, They've got a they're the deepest team in the tournament in regard that they can legitimately play nine deep.

They can.

They can.

They have done it all year where they could play that deep. Now, not all, not every guy is the same. And I still I think depth is overrated with a lot of teams this time of year, because I always hear people say like, oh, you know, they've got great depth, all right, how much does depth help when there's three minutes to go in a game in the TV timeouts for three three plus minutes, these TV timeouts take forever. During the tournament, the games take forever in a good way. These are eighteen to twenty two year old kids, if they don't have the stamina, now, when are they going to have it?

They have done it all year where they could play that deep. Now, not all, not every guy is the same. And I still I think depth is overrated with a lot of teams this time of year, because I always hear people say like, oh, you know, they've got great depth, all right, how much does depth help when there's three minutes to go in a game in the TV timeouts for three three plus minutes, these TV timeouts take forever. During the tournament, the games take forever in a good way. These are eighteen to twenty two year old kids, if they don't have the stamina, now, when are they going to have it?

He's really he's their only shooter. They're three hundred and twenty seven to three point shooting, but he's excellent at forty one percent a clip. He just doesn't shoot enough of them because of Aikins and and Holloman.

He's really he's their only shooter. They're three hundred and twenty seven to three point shooting, but he's excellent at forty one percent a clip. He just doesn't shoot enough of them because of Aikins and and Holloman.

They're a little like Saint John's in that regard statistically statistically, but they're different because they actually defend without following to your points on on like the Saint John's dichotomy, and it will be a caller not I think Michigan State really does play straight up to offensively. But the other thing is Jackson Cohler. You know, I don't think Michigan State necessarily saw this coming from him to be able to average eight and eight per game. It might seem small, but for that team, they needed a lead horse on the interior. The next leading rebound leading rebounder is Carson Cooper, who only averaged seventeen minutes a game. So this is a front court that coming into the year was a big mystery. But when Ankins and Richardson are cooking and they're able to set up their defense in the half court, They're very difficult to be They're a really good fast break team. I've got them coming out of the South.

They're a little like Saint John's in that regard statistically statistically, but they're different because they actually defend without following to your points on on like the Saint John's dichotomy, and it will be a caller not I think Michigan State really does play straight up to offensively. But the other thing is Jackson Cohler. You know, I don't think Michigan State necessarily saw this coming from him to be able to average eight and eight per game. It might seem small, but for that team, they needed a lead horse on the interior. The next leading rebound leading rebounder is Carson Cooper, who only averaged seventeen minutes a game. So this is a front court that coming into the year was a big mystery. But when Ankins and Richardson are cooking and they're able to set up their defense in the half court, They're very difficult to be They're a really good fast break team. I've got them coming out of the South.

Okay, Now, Auburn is a team everybody loves number one seed. You mentioned Pettiford. I will say this, his last game against Tennessee zero for eight from the field, could not throw in the ocean, and the game before that against Ole Miss, which is kind of nip and tuck, he had five points. So freshman, I don't know if he's hitting a wall or you know, maybe the moment's getting a little too big. I love this kid, love I've done following his stuff on Instagram forever. The kid awesome. I just have some concerns about Auburn as a number one seed.

Okay, Now, Auburn is a team everybody loves number one seed. You mentioned Pettiford. I will say this, his last game against Tennessee zero for eight from the field, could not throw in the ocean, and the game before that against Ole Miss, which is kind of nip and tuck, he had five points. So freshman, I don't know if he's hitting a wall or you know, maybe the moment's getting a little too big. I love this kid, love I've done following his stuff on Instagram forever. The kid awesome. I just have some concerns about Auburn as a number one seed.

Your thoughts, Yeah, the concerns are real because again they've lost three of their last four games, and hot Pettiford is an electric factory and chat Baker Mazzar is one of the best tough shot makers in the sport. But this is a team that part of the reason why they have been so special is they have been so physical defensively getting up in you and I've sent some complacency on that end of the floor over the last couple of weeks now being in the SEC, like got to understand the scale we're judging them on is totally different than a lot of teams, a lot of teams that would lose to these SEC teams. But you know they they they fell short to Tennessee and as you said, in that game, they shot six for twenty one from three and Denver Jones was one for six a non really a non factor, and Pattiford was terrible. He can't be he can't be that. He offers them a jolt. Oh yeah, he offers them a renal. Joe. I think teams are figuring out like, hey, we take away transition opportunities, we make them run their stuff. We could test the three Jason j and I. Broom's gonna get his. Yeah, he's gonna get his. What opens up the game for a team like that, it's when Baker Massar, Kelly Jones, Pettiford. The good news, the luxury they have is they've got four guys who can all take off in any game. That's a really good trait to have. But you know, you wonder here, like some people are like, eh, they're fine. Well, in the tournament, you're playing six one game tournaments, not one six game tournament. You have to show up six times and win a one game playoff, you know, old MLB wildcard one game playoff style. So I I look at this team and I am a little concerned. Remember they got upset last year in the tournament by Yale. Oh man, they got a tough draw like they would have to play if Louisville beats Craton, they have to play Louisville and Lexington. What was the committee thinking there?

Your thoughts, Yeah, the concerns are real because again they've lost three of their last four games, and hot Pettiford is an electric factory and chat Baker Mazzar is one of the best tough shot makers in the sport. But this is a team that part of the reason why they have been so special is they have been so physical defensively getting up in you and I've sent some complacency on that end of the floor over the last couple of weeks now being in the SEC, like got to understand the scale we're judging them on is totally different than a lot of teams, a lot of teams that would lose to these SEC teams. But you know they they they fell short to Tennessee and as you said, in that game, they shot six for twenty one from three and Denver Jones was one for six a non really a non factor, and Pattiford was terrible. He can't be he can't be that. He offers them a jolt. Oh yeah, he offers them a renal. Joe. I think teams are figuring out like, hey, we take away transition opportunities, we make them run their stuff. We could test the three Jason j and I. Broom's gonna get his. Yeah, he's gonna get his. What opens up the game for a team like that, it's when Baker Massar, Kelly Jones, Pettiford. The good news, the luxury they have is they've got four guys who can all take off in any game. That's a really good trait to have. But you know, you wonder here, like some people are like, eh, they're fine. Well, in the tournament, you're playing six one game tournaments, not one six game tournament. You have to show up six times and win a one game playoff, you know, old MLB wildcard one game playoff style. So I I look at this team and I am a little concerned. Remember they got upset last year in the tournament by Yale. Oh man, they got a tough draw like they would have to play if Louisville beats Craton, they have to play Louisville and Lexington. What was the committee thinking there?

Disrespectful?

Disrespectful?

Actually it's wrong, it's Disrespectful's right.

Actually it's wrong, it's Disrespectful's right.

Probably don't like Bruce pearl Stills, right, right.

Probably don't like Bruce pearl Stills, right, right.

So I mean it's gonna be interesting. There's there's some trendy you know, A and M's not afraid of them. They're in the same I think AM is gonna get picked off by Yale. But if whether it's Yale, you see San Diego. You know, Michigan just won the Big Ten tournament. I think Auburn's better than Michigan. Yeah, but I don't have Auburn making the final four because you could say, ah, there's nothing psychological there when you've lost three of four heading into the tournament. I'm never gonna sit here and love that all right.

So I mean it's gonna be interesting. There's there's some trendy you know, A and M's not afraid of them. They're in the same I think AM is gonna get picked off by Yale. But if whether it's Yale, you see San Diego. You know, Michigan just won the Big Ten tournament. I think Auburn's better than Michigan. Yeah, but I don't have Auburn making the final four because you could say, ah, there's nothing psychological there when you've lost three of four heading into the tournament. I'm never gonna sit here and love that all right.

We could wrap up real quick. John Duke Cooper Flag. Everybody expects him to play. I saw stat that Duke has the highest net rating of any team in like the last two decades.

We could wrap up real quick. John Duke Cooper Flag. Everybody expects him to play. I saw stat that Duke has the highest net rating of any team in like the last two decades.

Now.

Now.

I know people will say the ACC's down, but they did play Kentucky Auburn. Auburn was at home. I think they had a couple other tough games in there. They smashed Illinois by like eighty points. Do you have Duke as the overall favorite and the team to cut down the nets?

I know people will say the ACC's down, but they did play Kentucky Auburn. Auburn was at home. I think they had a couple other tough games in there. They smashed Illinois by like eighty points. Do you have Duke as the overall favorite and the team to cut down the nets?

I have Florida as my will cut down the nets. I think that they will be the national champions, but I think Duke. I think Duke has a cruise control in the final four. I love their draw. I think they're gonna come out of the East. There's no way Mississippi State or Baylor's beating that Dukee team. They're just too complete with or without Cooper Flag. The first time they get tested is the Sweet sixteen. Maybe, like Oregon's been way up and down, they haven't had a lead guard be consistent for them between Keyshawn Barthelomy and Jackson. Schel said they would need one of those guys to go nuclear in a game like that. Arizona could Carolina Caleb Love put a run together. Maybe don't sleep on Akron Nad and Tamari Johnson, the zips, don't, don't, don't just put them all.

I have Florida as my will cut down the nets. I think that they will be the national champions, but I think Duke. I think Duke has a cruise control in the final four. I love their draw. I think they're gonna come out of the East. There's no way Mississippi State or Baylor's beating that Dukee team. They're just too complete with or without Cooper Flag. The first time they get tested is the Sweet sixteen. Maybe, like Oregon's been way up and down, they haven't had a lead guard be consistent for them between Keyshawn Barthelomy and Jackson. Schel said they would need one of those guys to go nuclear in a game like that. Arizona could Carolina Caleb Love put a run together. Maybe don't sleep on Akron Nad and Tamari Johnson, the zips, don't, don't, don't just put them all.

I love how he just rattled. I haven't seen Akron once. Don't know their starts. You're just rattling off guys like like you're in your back pocket.

I love how he just rattled. I haven't seen Akron once. Don't know their starts. You're just rattling off guys like like you're in your back pocket.

I love it, the back stuff in the backpack. I think Duke Go Coast the final four. I just think Florida is the best team in the sport right now.

I love it, the back stuff in the backpack. I think Duke Go Coast the final four. I just think Florida is the best team in the sport right now.

Yeah, tough to disagree. John Fanta Fox Sports a lot of things on his horizon. He's blowing up. He's everywhere, John, thanks for taking the time and a busy week. Enjoy Providence.

Yeah, tough to disagree. John Fanta Fox Sports a lot of things on his horizon. He's blowing up. He's everywhere, John, thanks for taking the time and a busy week. Enjoy Providence.

But man, thank you j Max love your stuff. I appreciate you having me

But man, thank you j Max love your stuff. I appreciate you having me