The New Big 12 just produced only one first-round draft pick. Also: Which first round series are over, Jackson Holliday’s demotion, and the Bears’ real accomplishment.
Joe’s Notes: One-and-Dones Aren’t Just Freshmen
So far, first-year transfers come with a firm ceiling. Also: Mason Miller and the trade deadline, fuel savings and crash avoidance, and where the Bulls go with LaVine and DeRozan.
Joe’s Notes: The WNBA CBA Is Holding Back Caitlin Clark
The league and its union did not account for a generational superstar. Also: What Jimmy Butler’s injury does to the Heat, Reed Sheppard goes pro, and Jameson Taillon prepares for his season debut.
Two Dog Special: The Masters Begins, Jackson Holliday Debuts, and the Packers Are Going to Brazil
All the sports you need on a Thursday morning in April.
Stu’s Notes: Tom Crean, NIT Friend
Tom Crean is a good man. Also: NIT snubs, attendance vs. ratings, and a message about the curses.
Stu’s Notes: Why Don’t More Fans Strategically Stop Play?
Reflections on the fire alarm. Then: Kevin McCullar vs. Bill Self, what’s up with Greg McDermott, and we try to diminish the accomplishments of youths.
Joe’s Notes: NCAA Tournament Selection Is Too Far in the Weeds
We can have nuance without fixating on Q1 wins. Also: Bunting for a hit, Texas/Texas Tech regression, and the Western Conference Play-In Tournament might be loaded.
Stu’s Notes: John Calipari Isn’t Bringing Championships to Kentucky
Once a national champion at Memphis, Calipari’s performance in Lexington has never matched the promise of 2013. Also: Patrick Mahomes’s kids names, the world vs. Caitlin Clark, and Morgan Rielly didn’t want to fight.
Stu’s Notes: What Does ‘Comeback Player of the Year’ Mean?
Is it about the comeback? Or do you have to be a player? Also: Chekhovian doinks, Joe Barry chaos, and MLB vs. Flopping.
Stu’s Notes: The Other Reasons Trevor Bauer Hasn’t Signed
It’s more than the assault allegations. Also: The Bears try to get softer, Nick Saban inches towards professional wrestling, and a study on Target Field’s target.
Joe’s Notes: Dartmouth Basketball, a Union, and Employment in College Sports
What to make of yesterday’s ruling. Also: Is Tony Bennett a good coach? Are the Packers winning the offseason? And why the Cubs’ projections are, unfortunately, not wrong.
Joe’s Notes: Yes, College Coaching Is a Hard Job
Jeff Hafley’s departure is a symptom of a real problem. But all is far from lost. Also: Wisconsin basketball and Michigan football, Lewis Hamilton’s move, and money does not necessarily beget money.
Stu’s Notes: The Jets Might Be Dumb
A shocking twist. Also: Can Netflix make people like sports? Does F1 hate America? And what is going on with figure skating’s math?
Joe’s Notes: It’s a Good Time to Be an Orioles Fan, But…
There’s an inconvenient timing to The Prevailing Angelos Narrative. Also: The latest NCAA lawsuit is not going to calm things down, the PGA investment news seems small, and we compare coaching salaries between the NFL and college.
Joe’s Notes: Why Is the NCAA Trying to Enforce NIL Rules?
Tennessee’s under investigation. Also: Ben Johnson chooses happiness, Kelvin Sampson might be the offense problem, and the Big 12 football schedule has arrived.
Joe’s Notes: Understanding Brock Purdy
The quarterback is the same as he was as a freshman in college. He’s also, paradoxically, still getting better. Also: The fourth down calls, LMU cuts six sports, and Washington State should focus on basketball.
Stu’s Notes: Is Ed Cooley Even a Good Coach?
Being good with people is only part of the job. Also: Joe Kelly’s Nobel Prize candidacy, Yasiel Puig’s innocence, and when do the Jared Goff chants get old?
Joe’s Notes: What Luka’s 73-Point Night Says About Our Children
The three-point shot is generational. Also: The NFL’s next great QB debate, Iowa State hosts Kansas, and the Big Ten’s new tournament format.