Here’s what went down Monday on G&A

As Gambo would say, “It’s Ohvuh!”  G&A celebrated their victory over Doug & Wolf in the Bracket Beatdown.  The guys are looking forward to seeing Wolf wear the ketchup bottle costume on top of the Diamondbacks’ dugout next week.

Finally We Have Four - The Final Four is set.  Top seeds UCONN and North Carolina, as well as Villanova and Michigan State are getting ready for a weekend of hoops in Detroit.  Gambo thinks UCONN has the best shot to win it all.  Ash has been most impressed with Tom Izzo’s Michigan State team who quietly punched their ticket with lock-down defense and near-perfect offensive execution.  G&A agree Ty Lawson has been the glue for the Heels.  Ash wants to see UCONN-UNC in the final game.  Gambo wonders where Tyler Hansbrough will go down in college basketball history if he can win his first title before his eligibility expires.

Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart joined us to discuss his offseason, backing up Kurt Warner again next season, and his upcoming Celebrity Golf Classic this April 9th which benefits Augie’s Quest-a fight against ALS.  For more, go to the events page at sports.ktar.com.  Matt said the only Final Four team left in his bracket is North Carolina.

Matt Staying Put - Matt Leinart wants to be an Arizona Cardinal - even if that means sitting behind Kurt Warner for two more seasons.  G&A applaud him for being patient and willing to learn and mature under Warner before his number is called.  In short, Matt said he would rather be a back-up with an Super Bowl-caliber team than a starter with a crappy team like the Lions.

Arizona State head coach Charli Turner-Thorne checked in LIVE from Trenton, New Jersey as the Lady Devils are preparing for their Elite 8 showdown with top-seeded and undefeated UCONN tomorrow.  ASU improved to 26-8 with a convincing 84-69 win over Texas A&M last night.

Stepping Up His Game - Liberty freshman Seth Curry, and younger brother of Davidson star Steph, is leaving the small school in Virginia to play for Coach K and Duke because he wanted to play better competition.  The guys debated if this is a good move for Curry.  Ash wonders if he will just be “another player” in Cameron when he could follow in the same footsteps as Steph who elevated the entire Davidson basketball program.  Ash feels pro scouts will find you-regardless of where you play (case in point-Ben Woodside at North Dakota State).  Gambo applauds Curry for wanting to play better competition and for a better coach.

Cutting Back - UCONN punched their ticket to the Final Four Saturday beating pesky Mizzou, but opted to leave the University of Phoenix Stadium nets intact following the victory.  The guys discussed why this was a bad decision by Jim Calhoun.  Let the kids live in the moment and take away something they may never experience again - even at a basketball - rich school like Connecticut.

Our March Madness analyst Bill Frieder joined us IN-STUDIO to share his thoughts on next weekend’s Final Four in Detroit and who might end up cutting down the nets April 6th at Ford Field.  He thinks John Calipari will land the Kentucky job any day now.

Driving to Detroit - The Final Four features four schools from power conferences and four high-profile coaches in Jay Wright, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun, and Tom Izzo.  The latter three have national championships under their belt, already.  The guys disputed who needs this title the most.  Another title would put Calhoun in an elite class.  Izzo has quietly turned the Spartans into a basketball power.  Williams is one of the faces of college basketball.  The wildcard in all of this is Jay Wright.

 

 Charli Turner Thorne [10:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (52)

 

 Matt Leinart [12:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (61)

Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A…

Keeping Pace - The Suns won their 6th-straight last night beating the pesky Jazz on the same night the Mavs blew out the hapless Warriors in Big D.  G&A tip their hat to Lou Amundson whose hustle and rebounding keyed another must-win.  Gambo reported the club will likely try to sign Sweet Lou to an extension, possibly three years, at the end of the season.  The guys are wondering if, in the long run, the Suns are better off without Amare Stoudemire?  This team is jelling without the All-Star forwards.  We opened up the phones-some said a STAT-less team is the best team moving forward.

We caught up with PTI host and Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon.  Wilbon, who is covering tonight’s games in Glendale, broke down the Sweet 16 matchups and discussed the day that changed March Madness forever-30 years ago today when Magic Johnson led Michigan State past Larry Bird’s Indiana State 75-64 to win the National Championship in Salt Lake City.  He talked about how he cut his bracket out of the newspaper and filled it out when he was a kid.

Changing March Madness - March 26, 1979…20 million television viewers watched Michigan State beat Indiana State to win their first national championship.  Many feel that was, in essence, the start of March Madness as we know it today.  Ash thinks filling out the brackets is what really pulls hoops fans and even casual observers to the tournament.  He parallels brackets to fantasy football and the NFL.  Gambo concludes Magic-Bird college-style in Salt Lake City set the table for the future of The Big Dance.

Housekeeping!.. - Kobe Bryant’s housekeeper is suing him over harassment and being denied health care insurance.  Reports say Kobe’s wife made her stick her hand in dog poop to retrieve a price tag.  Nice to see they are staying busy around the Bryant household.  Ash wonders why a maid living in a mansion really needs health insurance and why Kobe is being such a cheap-ass about the whole thing.

Our world renowned sports handicapper Brandon Lang checked in to share his thoughts on the Sweet 16 and who might be the best teams to cover the number this weekend.  B-Lang thinks Gonzaga could bump the Tar Heels from the Sweet 16 tomorrow and possibly win it all in Detroit.  He also likes Villanova to dispatch Duke for more, go to brandonlang.com.

The guys previewed the Sweet 16 games and ripped their producer for picking Washington to beat UCONN today.  Too bad Jim Calhoun’s team is playing Purdue.  G&A are still confident they will claim this year’s Bracket Beat down against Doug & Wolf as long as Pitt doesn’t win it all.

We were joined by our ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler.  “Legs” shared his thoughts on the Suns late-season playoff push as they look to close the 3-game window behind Dallas tonight in Portland.  Plus, last night’s Celtics-Magic showdown in Orlando and the streaking Houston Rockets.

Who is Mike Taylor? - Some guy named Mike Taylor scored 35 points for the Clippers last night.  Does that name ring a bell?  I didn’t think so.  The former Iowa State point guard was actually drafted directly from the NBDL last summer.  Gambo had no idea who he was when he was scanning the box scores this morning.

The Price is Not Right - Star lefty David Price had an amazing spring with the defending American League champion Rays.  The 23-year old was lights out in spring training, but he will start the season in Durham.  The guys wonder what Rays’ management is thinking-especially when you consider the division they play in.  Both feel he’s ready for the spotlight as he proved when it counted most-in October.

Suns’ head coach Alvin Gentry checked in from Portland as his team looks to extend their win streak to seven and close the gap in the Western Conference playoff race against the Blazers.  He applauded the play of his bench and Steve Nash during the recent hot streak.

 

 Michael Wilbon [12:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (49)

 

 Brandon Lang [9:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (57)

 

 Tim Legler [10:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (53)

 

 Alvin Gentry [9:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (50)

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)

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A

Devils Day - ASU got a big win Friday afternoon despite an off-game by the great James Harden.  G&A debated if this is a good sign for Herb Sendek’s team.  Sun Devil fans can thank Derek Glasser, who came up big with a career-high 22 points.  Ash applauded Jeff Pendergraph (also added 22) for helping pick up the scoring slack.  The Devils advanced to play Syracuse Sunday morning in Miami.  How will the Orange’s up-tempo style contrast ASU’s stingy match-up zone?  The guys previewed Sunday’s match-up against The ‘Cuse.

Our March Madness analyst Bill Frieder joined us LIVE from Boise to share his thoughts on the opening round play and what we might expect this weekend.  Frieds thinks ASU has a very good chance of advancing to the Sweet 16 if James Harden steps up his game Sunday against Syracuse.

The guys caught up with ASU guard Derek Glasser.  The junior scored 22 points and dished out 4 assists as the Devils held off a late run this afternoon against Temple.  Glasser knows he will have his hands full with Jonny Quinn and Syracuse’s talented backcourt.

Upset over no Upsets? - Everyone enjoys March Madness and one thing people like most are the frequent upsets.  One problem…there haven’t been many, if any, thus far.  G&A miss the buzzer-beaters.  We’ve had teams miss last-second shots (VCU, Utah State, Tennessee), but no last-second game winners.  As for the lower seeds, C-SUN gave Memphis a scare, KU withstood a scoring spree from NDSU’s Ben Woodside (37 points), and Pitt was on the ropes earlier today against ETSU.  Are you willing to sacrifice your bracket to see a major upset?  Callers were split.

Complete March Madness coverage Monday.  We’ll be joined by Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim.

 

 Bill Frieder [11:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (29)

 

 Derek Glasser [8:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (50)

Here’s what went down Wednesday on G&A

Happy March Madness Eve!

Stars & Stripes - Team USA got a walk-off 2-run single from David Wright to beat Puerto Rico and advance to the semi-finals.  Wright called it one of his greatest moments in baseball.  Red Sox 3rd baseman Kevin Youkalis wondered why only 1,000 American baseball fans showed up to support their team last night in Miami.  The guys debated why the U.S. was really the “road team” in their own country.  Does baseball need a Jerry Colangelo to convince key players to play for their country?  How do we get pride in the fans and players for our national pastime?

Valley icon, Naismith basketball Hall of Famer, and Team USA Basketball National Director Jerry Colangelo shared his thoughts on the Suns’ season and why players and fans aren’t taking a greater interest in the World Baseball Classic.  He explained that Team USA baseball needs to do it the right way - or don’t do it at all.  Colangelo feels elite athletes complain too much and run a greater risk of injury NOT competing in international play.

Coyotes captain Shane Doan talked Coyotes hockey and previewed March Madness that starts at venues around the country Thursday.  Doaner is a long-time participant in G&A’s famous Andrew Jackson Pool.

Arizona State athletic director Lisa Love joined us to preview the Devils’ and Lady Devils’ NCAA tournament games later this week.  The 6th-seeded men will play Temple in Miami Friday, while Charli Turner-Thorne’s squad takes on Georgia Saturday morning in Deluth.  The 14-3 Sun Devil baseball team hosts UofA for a 3-game series starting Friday night in Tempe.

Hip Issues - Kurt Warner had surgery on his hip Wednesday.  The doctor was the same one who did A-Rod’s work recently.  Ash thinks it’s interesting that this would come out now - after just re-signing with the club.  The guys also weighed in on the growing tension between Jay Cutler and the Broncos.  Several teams want the Pro-Bowler.  G&A debated what is “fair market value” for the former Vandy star and which teams make the most sense.  Both agree the Lions, with a vacancy at quarterback and plenty of picks, could be a destination for the sensitive, yet talented, signal-caller.

Our world renowned sports handicapper Brandon Lang shared his thoughts on March Madness and which #1 seed has the best chance to cut down the nets in Detroit early next month.  He likes sleepers Gonzaga and Villanova to reach the Final Four, with Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals cutting down the nets.

Bracketeers - G&A went over their final brackets as we prepare for our annual showdown with Doug & Wolf.  They have UNC and Louisville in the final.  Ash likes the Heels, while Gambo predicted the Cardinals.  Both agree it’s pretty cool President Obama filled out a bracket on espn.com…even though Gambo didn’t vote for him back in November.

Complete March Madness coverage Thursday LIVE from Majerle’s in Chandler.

 

 Jerry Colangelo [12:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (57)

 

 Shane Doan [13:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (26)

 

 Lisa Love [10:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (35)

 

 Brandon Lang [13:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (38)