Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A

Playing to Your Strengths - The Suns have won 5-straight and are inching closer to the Mavs for the 8th playoff seed in the Western Conference.  Much of the success stems from the improved Suns’ bench - specifically Jared Dudley, Lou Amundson, and Goran Dragic.  Gambo has always been high on Dudley and sees him as an invaluable piece for the club because he can do it all  -defend, score, rebound.  He went as far as say the Suns may have won a title by now if Dudley was on a previous roster.  Ash thinks there’s renewed interest in the Suns and they may be peaking at just the right time with Utah and Portland ahead on the schedule.

Suns forward Jared Dudley joined us.  The former Boston College star who came over in the mid-season deal from Charlotte scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as the Suns ran their win streak to five beating Denver 118-115 last night.  He talked about playing for Terry Porter and reflected back on his four March Madness years at B.C.

On Second Thought - Broncos coach Josh McDaniels publicly said embattled quarterback Jay Cutler is now his guy even though he tried to trade for his former quarterback in New England, Matt Cassel.  The guys agree McDaniels needs to make up his mind and wonder why he didn’t just publicly say Cutler was his guy in the first place?

Turmoil for T.O - The Bills are going thru their voluntary workouts, but their newest wide receiver Terrell Owens in nowhere to be seen.  Talk about first impressions.  Gambo and Ash aren’t necessarily surprised by Owens’ antics, but had hoped he’d be on his best behavior - at least initially in Buffalo.  John hates the guy and thinks he will bring down an up-and-coming Bills team.  Ash thinks the end is near on the playing field, but will make money after football because controversy and usually problems, follow this guy…perfect fit for reality TV.

World’s Pastime? - Japan defeated Korea last night at Dodger Stadium to claim their second consecutive World Baseball Classic.  Ash thinks fundamentals and “small ball” are more important in the WBC because teams are forced to manufacture runs and that might hurt the U.S. because chicks and, people in general, still “dig the long ball.”  Gambo agrees the game has evolved and the style of play may be more geared towards foreign players.  Does this mean anything?  Has American baseball fallen off the map on a global level?  Diamondbacks skipper Bob Melvin joined the show.

Cat Tracks - The Arizona Wildcats are in the Sweet 16, but interim coach Russ Pennell won’t be back and he knows it.  The rumors are swirling and names include Rick Pitino, John Calipari, and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo.  Of the three names, G&A agree Izzo makes the most sense.  Ash is hearing the deal is done-whoever it is and UA won’t shy away from spending big dollars for this hire.  Gambo thinks Izzo would be a great catch for the Basket Cats because UA is a big-time college hoops job and Izzo is a big-time coach.

We caught up with Josh Pastner.  The former UA player and assistant, now a member of John Calipari’s staff at Memphis previewed the Tigers Sweet 16 showdown with Missouri Thursday night in Glendale.  He also shared his thoughts on the Cats’ run to the Regional Finals and who might succeed Russ Pennell next season.  UA will play Louisville Friday in Indianapolis.

UA freshman guard Kyle Fogg joined us from Tucson.  The Cats are preparing for their Sweet 16 showdown with top-seeded Louisville.   Fogg says the Cats will be ready for the Cardinals and their, aggressive, trapping defense.  He says the season has been a learning experience, but he has learned quite a bit playing with likely future pros Jordan Hill, Nic Wise, and Chase Buddinger.

Mr. Nice Guy - Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is not only great on the court, but off it, as well.  D-Wade gave his jersey to a disabled boy in Memphis last night following their game against the Grizzlies.  He didn’t ask for media attention, but word got out and stations and sites around the country picked up on it.  Ash feels the NBA culture is changing with good guys Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Ray Allen, and others.  Gambo thinks having NBA stars giving time makes much more of an impact than simply cutting a check.  Is this truly important to fans or are they only concerned about what happens between the lines?

Wednesday we’ll be joined by Suns GM Steve Kerr and ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian

 

 Jared Dudley [8:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (58)

 

 Bob Melvin [11:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (50)

 

 Josh Pastner [10:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (53)

 

 Kyle Fogg [6:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (39)