Selection Sunday Special!!! LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!! UK is a 3 seed!! UL is an 8 seed?? Maryland gets a 4 seed!!! Arkansas vs Kansas 1st round matchup AND a possible Calipari vs Pitino matchup in the 2nd round!!!!

SPECIAL SELECTION SUNDAY EPISODE!!

LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!!!

Live Selection Show reactions to all the teams, seeds, matchups, locations and story lines!!!

UK is a 3 seed!!

UL is an 8 seed?? But playing in Lexington!!

Maryland gets a 4 seed!!! But are in Floridas bracket.

Arkansas vs Kansas in the !st round!!!

And a possible Calipari vs Pitino matchup in the 2nd round!!!

Whos the BEST team? Whos the hottest team? 

Who CAN make a run and who WILL make a run??

And PLENTY MORE!!

Transcript

Charlie (00:27)
All right, guys. Welcome back. I am Charlie Winkle joined as always by Anthony Roberts. And we are here for a special episode of the Blitz, the bookie podcast this week. It is selection Sunday. So we decided to do the show a little early this week. We're going to do it during the selection show, which is about to start here in about three or four minutes.

We're going to give our live reactions to who's in, who's out, the matchups, the seeds, the storylines and everything that comes with March Madness. I'm pumped. I'm jacked. Ready for this selection show and ready for next week. Anthony, how you feeling? Super excited, Best time of the year for college basketball. This is the best tournament in sports.

Hands down, I don't know if it always crowns the best team, but it's the funnest, most exciting. The best thing about this tournament, what do you gotta win? Six games, Charlie? Six games. Six games. Only one team will do it. And the playing teams, if they were ever to win, they'd have to win seven, but you gotta be able to do that against all quality opponents pretty much. And if you lose, you go home. If you have a bad shooting night, you go home.

Sometimes you have those bad games. In this tournament, you go home. It's unlike the NBA finals where you have the best of five or best of seven. This is a one game situation. Everything's on the line. And if you lose, you go home. I remember years ago watching the NBA championship, Charlie, Philadelphia versus Shaq and Kobe and the Lakers and Philly beat them that first game. Well, they got swept the rest of the deal.

I'm not saying it wouldn't have been a different situation, but in a one game situation, anybody can beat anybody. anything can happen in one game scenario. Super exciting. Blitz the bookie podcast. We're going talk about it all It's not the middle of the night this week, Charlie. So that's kind of nice. Nope. My energy is Sunday, six o'clock. We are timing this up pretty much right with the selection show.

They're at commercial right now and they're, they're about to come back and start it. So before they do Anthony, let's talk a couple of minutes here about championship week. lot of good games. We both got the sec champion wrong. You had the old Kentucky wildcats, which I love and I respect couldn't get there, couldn't get it done. And I had Auburn and they, didn't get it done either.

The sec chant, the Florida Gators. I've been talking about them the last couple of weeks. I just felt like Auburn was going to get it done this weekend, but Florida is hard to handle. Very hard to handle. They look really good. I'm kind of, it's, it's one of them things where I feel like I was on them a few weeks ago and I'm not saying nobody was on them because they're a really good team and they were three weeks ago, but.

was getting all the hype. Duke was getting all the hype. And I feel like Florida was a little bit flying under the radar there as a really, really good team with a good record. And now they're not flying under the radar anymore. no doubt, Charlie. And I do think you picked up on that a little bit earlier than everybody else. good vision there. Good see. I remember we talked about this You know, Kentucky with a lot of transfers, a lot of upperclassmen, same way with Auburn.

those teams were really good early, really, really good early, some of these teams with younger players, I definitely think they caught up a little bit know, it's still going to be a very competitive tournament, but that was just something to watch. that makes sense. It makes sense. got Auburn who is a bunch of 30 year olds they've been playing college basketball forever. We got the COVID year. they were good before, you know, a lot of teams

Look, I hate to kind of go back to what Cal sometimes, but sometimes these teams take a little bit longer to to get to where they're going to be or where they should be a team like Auburn. Those guys have been playing college basketball for a combined, 67 years. of course they're going to be good earlier. It makes a lot of sense that they are Duke was good early, but

Did they get better? Hard to tell because of the schedule, but maybe a young team like Duke, maybe they progressed and got a lot better over the year. Maybe we're not looking at it as much because we look at that schedule and that conference is being as weak. is weak, but hard to tell with a team like that. they get a lot better? I think they might have. No, they did. They did. You know, I still think they're a little bit overrated, but I do think they've got better. They proved it.

Cooper flag got hurt and they still won the ACC. of things, though the ACC sucks, it's still, you lose your best player and the best player in the country and then still win a couple of games after that rest of the conference is really bad. Yeah. And like you pointed out, they were down by what? 10.

when he got hurt in that game. So it's not like they were up a lot. They were down, came back, won that game and still ended up in the ACC. But I like that point that you make about the older teams being better early in the season and it just makes sense. Look, I've seen it years watching I'll get Patino credit, Patino and Coach. I've always said as much as I hate him, I think Patino and Coach, think you're seeing it right now with St. John's. I could tell you what I think his style of basketball is. And I think it's kind of Bush Lee.

But whatever it works, it's worked for a lot of years. But I will say this about Patino's teams. Sometimes they're really good coaches. They're not coaching for the beginning of the year. They're coaching for the end of the year. And so, maybe they're working on stuff. Maybe they're trying to develop this guy or develop that guy. it's not how you start. It's how you talking about Patino, Charlie, St. John's playing really good basketball right

I was on them a couple of weeks ago too, but I did tell you that that was a team that kind of like Houston, which I'm also on. liked Houston too, and I still do, but those teams kind of worried me just a little bit with their offense. Here they go, Anthony. They're starting off right now. Auburn did get the one overall. think that was pretty much a given, right? Yeah, they didn't so well, but I get it. they'd built such a resume. do think that one overall should have came from the sec. so

I don't mind it. think it was close but I don't mind it at all. Well, you know what they say. They say that that Sunday, this any games that happened today, they really don't count those games. So a team like Florida, they need to move. Yeah, they won, but it's almost like they don't give them credit. Look, there's Louisville. That says they're playing in Lexington Louisville's playing in Lexington. They love that. I want to play Auburn. Looks like they love. Yeah, they are going to have to play Auburn in the second round.

They got an eight seed dude Louisville is going to be pissed. Louisville fans are pissed right now. They get an eight, nine matchup. my goodness. I'm not going to lie, That's how blitz the bookie feels about Louisville, but I will say this. They should not be an eight seed, but that's the, think that's the committee recognizing the week weakness of that conference. Wow. the football committee messed up this year by not recognizing the overall strength of the SEC.

in basketball, seems like they're doing the opposite. They're recognizing it to them. They got Lexington though. That is great for Louisville. That is two tough games. they come out of They're playing Creighton in the first round and I don't think that's a gimme by any means. That's another good matchup right there that UC San Diego team is good. They're good and they're playing Michigan. Michigan got the five.

Michigan just won the big 10 title. Michigan just won the big 10 title and got to a five seed and Anthony look at their resume, not their resume, look at their schedule. So it had to matter then, right? finished strong. It had to matter, right Charlie? I mean, I agree with what you're saying about how they say it don't, but do they pick and choose? What are you still talking about Louisville? No, I'm just saying with how Michigan, know, Sunday's not supposed to matter, but I feel like by that Sunday has mattered a little bit. Well, maybe they just giving them credit for

to that point. Okay. But you might be making a point right there though. Maybe Michigan did get credit for that win today. I think a five seed's fairly high for what they should have gotten. Look, I think anybody that watches college basketball, and understands sports recognize that outside of Duke that the ACC was really down and it's not, it's no dig on Wolville. is no dig. It's no dig on Clemson.

But it was just like when I grew up, the ACC was so strong, Tobacco Road, Wake Forest, NC State. It was the strongest for a long time. was. And in the Big East for a good 20 years, maybe even longer. The ACC and the Big East were the best two conferences. I would argue to say, and I don't know this for a fact, but I would argue to say it probably has a lot to do with NIL and NIL funds. some of those schools, at the ones that...

that are decent Clemson, Louisville, them are ones that actually have some NIL money. Some of them other schools don't have the big NIL money. Did you see who the, who would the four seed was with Louisville? Michigan, Texas A A was the four. You're Ole Miss has got the six here. Iowa State ended up with a three. Marquette, Michigan State.

That's a tough bracket for Louisville, man. Michigan State, I think, is a fairly tough to Iowa State was looking at a two. Now there are three. So you get both of those teams, Iowa State and Michigan State. It's a tough bracket. And then you got Auburn. That's a tough. And you said A That is a tough I'm not sure my my buddies that are Louisville fans are very happy right now. The only thing they're happy with is that they're in Lexington. There it is right there. I could have that Lexington game. That's

it look if Louisville comes out of that Kudos to them. They'll have to be curtain. Albert Then maybe would say a Texas a man. Maybe a Michigan Michigan I'm telling you you better watch out for UC San Diego. They're good I'm actually gonna go ahead and say right now. I'm taking UC San Diego to beat, Michigan Okay, there's one of my 12 over five. It happens almost every single year. It's been well documented

12s beat fives almost every year. I'm taking that one. New Mexico and Marquette. That's a good matchup right there. New Mexico, you know, that's, little Rick, little Rick's Slicky Rick. Yep. And they had a good year too. got beat in their conference tournament, but they, they got a good, this is a tough bracket. I really like Creighton. they're not much of a defensive team. They're typically, one of those offensive teams

But they're usually a really good team. Usually have good fundamentals, good discipline. I think that'd be a tough game for Louisville. really do. then if they win that as long as Auburn comes out, I think that would be a tough game. So, let's talk about what we just saw right there, Anthony. I think that obviously the biggest story it's, local for us, but I think Louisville being the eight is that's big and playing in Lexington, but who you like here. Let's, let's first thing think it says the committee saying

we are not honoring the strength of schedule in the ACC. Was that the only ACC team that got in right there? Yeah. But I think that's a message. How many they gonna get? Just three. Louisville finished the year hot. I mean, by who they were playing. They did. They finished really hot. Would they win like 20 of their last 22 or something? And for them to still be that seed, committee saying it. Should I check my text right now? Because I guarantee you, my texts are probably blowing up with...

Louisville fans are not happy with that draw. Not at all. Who you like here? We're both going Auburn. I'm sure. Let's just do the first two rounds real quick. Cause that's what it'll be this weekend. We both like Auburn. You like like Louisville or Creighton? I'm going go Creighton. in Lexington. going take Louisville to beat Creighton, Michigan, UC San Diego. already told you, I got the upset there.

Okay. You got who you got? You got Michigan? Michigan playing pretty good basketball. I'm going to take, I'm going to take Michigan, but I definitely, know you say that's out west too. That, that game is in Colorado. I'm going take Michigan. Texas A &M, Yale. know you got Texas A &M. You've been on them all year. I got them too. I got them beaten.

I almost want to take UC San Diego, but I'm going to take A and there to win that second round game and advance to the sweet 16. I you probably got A and right over Michigan and then Auburn. got Auburn over Creighton. Yep. Yeah. I got Auburn over Louisville right there. I think Louisville gets Creighton, but I don't think they got enough for, Auburn.

them Louisville fans been talking about how the SEC is overrated all year, even though they're oh, and four against the SEC. Oh, and four. They're about to find out if they can get to that second round. The other side here, Anthony Ole Miss against a play in. didn't even notice right there in North Carolina got in there. They're in the playing game, which is going to be either Tuesday or Wednesday, North Carolina against San Diego state.

winner advances to play Ole Miss. I knew they'd get I don't know if it's the same as it used to be, but years ago, the big guy, Coke CEO owner, majority owner, he was a North Carolina alum, loved UNC basketball. I feel like that's why they got a lot of their trouble when came out. When the guy's writing big checks for you, you got to treat him right, I guess. Yeah, no doubt about that.

So that'll be Ole Miss against either San Diego state or North Carolina. I do like think North Carolina was playing decent basketball at the end. Decent. Now with that week schedule, who knows? But I do like rewarding teams that are playing better at the end. I think it matters. North Carolina had one quad one win all year. It's the whole conference. I'm not sure they should have got in, but

It is what it is. I am actually going to. I'm a go Ole Miss. I was thinking about maybe taking a little upset there, but I'm going take Ole Miss to beat the winner of that game. You like Ole Miss? Ole Miss in the they're playing the wind. They'll be playing the first round there. They're the six. They'll be playing the winner of San Diego State in North Carolina. Yeah, I'm going to go miss. Yep. Iowa State against Lipscomb. got Iowa State. They're strong team. I think I was that as well.

Marquette New Mexico. That's a toss up. Give me New Mexico and a little upset. 10 over seven. I'm going to stick with Marquette. I'm I'm staying chalky. I usually pick a lot of upsets, but I'm going go with my theory that I'm going to say, I think some of these lower level teams, I'm going to say a lot of them have had some other talent pick from them. And so I don't, not going to pick as many upsets this year. Yeah. And then the final game be Michigan state against Bryant. got Michigan state coming out and then beating New Mexico. I got them Michigan state going to the sweet 16.

I have Michigan State coming out. You know what?

I'm going to have, yeah, I'm almost half same thing. I'm going to Michigan state coming out. And then we both got Iowa state and Ole Miss playing to go to the sweet 16. Yep. I'm going to go Iowa state. I'm going pick a little bit of upset. I'm going go miss Ole Miss. All right. Here's the second bracket here. Duke did get the one seed and they are in Raleigh, North Carolina. Imagine that state against Baylor eight, nine.

Duke playing in North Carolina. Goodness. Oregon, the five seed playing in Seattle. I took care of them there playing against Liberty. Liberty's not bad, dude. I watched a little bit of Liberty this weekend. I agree with that. think that's a tough match up out West though. What's that say Liberty's record is 20. They got six losses. Six losses got Arizona, Arizona out West. We'll face.

Arizona's the four. I agree. Akron. That's a weak bracket, man. They Somebody beat Duke. That is a weak bracket from what we just saw. And then now you draw that Arizona, Oregon. That's a pretty tough hole. I agree that the other one like that bracket, man. That's that's why I your six.

BYU. Have you watched that much this year? A little bit. They're not bad. VCU is good. No, 611 BYU VCU. I don't like that VCU has got to go across the country to Denver. You remember Jim. Our game. But yeah. yeah. Jim was a But man, I'm tempted to take 11 over six on that.

I kind of like VCU. Mark Pope, did he start off at BYU before he transferred to Kentucky?

No. Okay. I know we transferred from somewhere. I'll look it up. Wisconsin got the three. I said I like Wisconsin. I gave out about four teams, four or five teams about two or three weeks ago. Wisconsin was one of them. They're still good, but I don't think they're going to make a run like I, like I was thinking a week ago. That's one of my little teams, St. Mary's where they say Mary's St. Mary's is always

If they could play at home, I'd give them a shot against anybody. St. Mary's and Vandy. Oh, they're going to be by, by their self. Oh, who you like? Go ahead and give me your pick on that one. don't know. Yeah. I don't know. Yeah. I don't know. you a couple minutes, but yeah, your boys playing against the sec team. How they going to match up? I probably take band is pretty good. That's a seven, 10 matchup.

Alabama gets the two playing in Cleveland in the first Alabama dude, are they will go ahead and speak on it. They beat the breaks off Kentucky man. We had a lot of stuff going against us. Butler went out of the game to didn't help much but man Alabama is tough.

to just really athletic. And I think when we didn't have our point guard, that really, really hurt us early. not saying Butler's best player on our team. will say is the most valuable player because I feel like we have a lot of veteran players that are savvy guys, but I don't feel like we have a lot of athletes that can

good on the ball defenders, great ball handler, somebody that can break it down. Oh, way. that's it. And I think that's where it was just a bad matchup against Alabama for even when we played them during the season, I thought it was a bad matchup. we're a team of crafty players and they're just a team of athletes. even though I will give some credit and I know this has probably never been said by any Kentucky fan this year, but I will say that I have watched in the last few games, I've specifically watched.

Kobe Bray are playing defense on ball. He's playing better defense. I don't mind, He's a liability on defense for most of the year, but I will give him credit. He is guarding on ball. He's at least showing a lot of effort. I've been paying attention to it and I will give that kid credit. First thing, I love Pope. Love what he's doing.

But I don't know if it's his coaching or the players that he had to go with, we got to become a better defensive team, Charlie. I can't take the all offense, no defense. We got to stay healthy. Yeah, I agree. can't, are, we have been so beat up and now Butler's hurt again. We have to absolutely have to have him ready by next weekend. And now they're saying Perry might be hurt.

Might miss a couple games. I don't know, man. It's been rough on us, but it's next man up. And I'll tell you, this team, I don't know how they do it sometimes with all the injuries, but I will give them credit. They're fighters and they leave it all out there. there's no excuses. Okay. The injuries are part of the game. It sucks and it is an excuse, but at the same time, it's not next man up. The season goes on. You got to keep

I think we just need more ball got a lot of crafty players, good players, high basketball IQ. But at end of the day, there was times where I thought Cal had too many athletes and not enough crafty high IQ guys. A balance there. You agree? Kind of a balance you need of, of athletic guys that can really handle the ball and really can get on you defensively extend out. Man, our defense was bad again. I mean, maybe it some of Alabama, but I just felt like

We weren't able to extend out at all. We weren't able to put no pressure on the ball. watched Tennessee in the semifinals. Who did they play? Alabama? Was that Alabama? no Auburn. They were able to extend out so far. I think one of the announcers made a good point. He says, it's hard to have good offense when you can't even get into your offense. We've all played basketball. We know when people really get out on you and extend out on you, it's tough when somebody's

And Tennessee plays really good defense. And you can't make them pay for it. Now, if you can make them pay for it, they'll back off. But if you're not athletic enough or good enough with the ball to make them pay for extending out, you're in for a long day. I agree. Well, let's run through this real quick. Whether on commercial Duke, we got them run. You got them winning the eight, nine Mississippi State and Baylor. That's in North Carolina, Mississippi State. Yeah, I'm gonna go Mississippi State to.

Oregon and Liberty. Liberty is 28 and six. Where's Liberty? Do you know where it's at? Liberty? would say Philadelphia. I think that's, you might be right, but I don't think it's out West. I I like Oregon out West Oregon's a decent team. Liberty. got Liberty? Yep. There's his 12. Liberty over Oregon, Arizona and Akron Akron's 28 and six. got Arizona.

Even though I don't, I don't think Arizona is that great. I'm wanting to go with Akron. And I think he got both. like it. I hope it does because an Oregon Arizona matchup in the second round, I think would be super boring. I'd rather see Liberty and Akron to be honest. So I hope your matchup holds true. I'm going to go Oregon advances over Arizona. Who you got in your Liberty Akron going to the sweet 16. Um, I'm going to have Akron.

Akron to the sweet 16, a 13 seed. like it. Something crazy is going to happen. Mississippi state and Duke. Duke. Yeah, I got Duke. I don't think Mississippi state will be able to do that. BYU and VCU. I look, I I'm taking VCU. BYU is good. They'll probably win the game, but give me VCU. Tough go VCU as well. Wisconsin. The.

Three seed against Montana. I'm going Wisconsin. Wisconsin. Yeah. I still like Wisconsin. I don't think we're going see how their road is though. The road means a lot. Don't you think the road you get means a lot. So who knows? So I think there's some dumb luck. I know you always hear me say it with Cal, but sometimes you run into some bustles. St. Mary's and Vandy it's time. St. Mary's St. Mary's. I'm taking Vandy in the upset there.

Alabama over Robert Morris. got Alabama. Alabama. And then I got Alabama, Roland Vandy. Yup. have Alabama. St. Barry's ain't beating Alabama, Wisconsin. Did you take Wisconsin or Montana? Wisconsin. Wisconsin and VCU. Wisconsin. Yeah. I got Wisconsin too. I don't like that bracket. That bracket sucks. This is the Midwest bracket. Anthony Houston. might be Kentucky's bracket.

Houston, the one seed playing SIU.

There they are. Southern Illinois said Edward. Sound like a penitentiary. Houston's good, dude. Georgia dogs. Go. Georgia. That'd be a good matchup. That is a good Kansas. That's in Wichita, Kansas. Both the battle of the bulldogs. I'm gonna go ahead and say I'm taking Gonzaga in that one. That's the battle of the bulldogs. Gonzaga bulldogs, Georgia bulldogs, both G's. right. Winner gets to play Houston and get destroyed.

Clemson Tigers. Clemson gets a five. Clemson gets a five. Louisville gets a eight. And Louisville beat Clemson twice. Wow. Louisville's closer to home, Louisville is closer to home. Clemson against McNeese. Clemson might get beat. I'm thinking that too. Purdue is the four seed

There they are. Man, I seen some projections with Maryland playing high point in the first round. I I thought that would've been kind of cool, but I'm glad. I'm glad. Cause I want to cheer for high point and I can easily cheer for high point against Purdue. I've always felt like Purdue has been somebody that's disappointed in some of the tournaments. got two upsets right there. 13 and 12 moving on.

Texas got in Texas was they were saying Texas was going to be the first four out. And I think they would have had a big gripe if they were left out Xavier. It's a playing game. Yeah, it is. They got the, they're in the first four. in, but you're in, you're in and Texas, I think played their way in, in that sec tournament. you feel like you're in, if you lose that game or do you got to win that game to feel like you're in? know they're in, but do you feel like you got to win it?

to feel like you're not going to get a break. You got to win it to say you're actually in it, but I guess not. Anthony, We're the three in the Midwest and we are in Milwaukee and who are we getting? The Kentucky Wildcats will play the 14 seed Troy. I love it. And then we got Illinois or Texas and Xavier. Anthony, Kentucky's going to the sweet 16.

Illinois is playing decent ball right now. And we played tight against Texas, but Kentucky is going to the sweet 16. I love the draw. Kentucky's the three lovels at actually like UCLA, UCLA, seven Utah state 10. That's in Lexington. Can we be Tennessee playing in Lexington too? If we got Tennessee, could we beat them three times? Yeah, I like that man.

I like that. I have to go back and look at the other two seeds, but I don't mind that we match up well against Tennessee. Tennessee is playing Wofford Wofford 19 and 15.

I don't mind it. I don't mind it. don't mind mind it. what I just saw. I don't mind Houston is our number one. I know you're really high on them and I'm not saying I don't think that they're not a very good team. I don't give a shit. Yeah, I'm with you. All the number ones are good. So I'll be honest with you. I don't see no reason why we Florida, Florida or Auburn. Wouldn't you? I don't.

I don't see no reason why we can't get out of the first round. I don't see no reason. I think we're going to the sweet 16. I would like to see Illinois. Who was Illinois playing? Texas Xavier. I mean, it's not going to be give me gains. We're not in that position to be a give me team, but we should be able to win those games. think I like it in Milwaukee, five and a half hour drive from Louisville, probably about six and a half.

from Lexington, Milwaukee's gonna be full of blue. I can promise you that. I like that we beat Tennessee twice. Maybe we're just a matchup problem for them. I do like Tennessee. I do think they're really good. I know you probably don't agree with this, but I would probably rather play Houston than Tennessee. But we beat them twice, so I'll say that. Maybe I shouldn't say

it's always tough to beat the same team three times, but let's see who the two, who was the other twos? I'll say this. I think it's easier to beat a team three times than it is to beat a team twice. I feel like if you've already beat them twice, you kind of got their number because it's hard to beat somebody, hard to beat somebody twice. The two in the last bracket was Alabama. And the two in the bracket before that was Michigan state. I will say I would rather have Michigan state than Tennessee, but

I'm not mad at Tennessee. I think, think, I think so far we've got the easiest one. See who's going to be the other one seat Florida. Yeah. Give me Houston. That's the easiest one seat in my opinion. Auburn? Auburn is arguable. Cause I do like Houston a lot. gotcha. You know, once you get to playing a one seat at that point, we'd be playing, I mean that'd be the end of the lead eight. We don't even play that. We don't, we wouldn't even play the one seat until the lead eight. If Anthony, if we get to lead eight, I'm good. If you get that far, want to

Keep going. I'm not saying I want to lose, but my point is if we get to the lead eight and we're playing a one seed, you're going to have to be the good team. No matter who it is, you're going to be playing a one seed. They're going to be really good. Yeah. But I would take Houston over the rest of them. Florida. wouldn't want no part of Duke. I wouldn't want no part of, and I wouldn't want no part of Auburn. I would rather play Houston. I'm not, Houston's no pushover or number one seed, but if you gave me one, would, that's who I would take. Houston could be cutting down the nets. That's how good they are.

I got Houston winning in the first round. You ain't got them getting beat in the first round. Do you? like you. Gonzaga or Georgia. already said I got Gonzaga in that Gonzaga is eight, Georgia, nine. That's in Wichita, Kansas. I'm going to take Georgia. I'm also out the dude. It's, think they're the best conference. I'm going more on that. I remember beginning of the year sec dominating. My eye test tells me they're better. I think they're going to prove it.

I think Gonzaga had a lot of they're going, I think SEC is going to do well, but you think we're going to go 14 and 0 in the first I'm going to, I'm going to take most of them. do got the upsets coming here in the bottom of this bracket. got McNeese over Clemson that might, you know, look, Clemson might Clemson's pretty, I thought they were good until that Louisville game. They did not look good in that Louisville game. So I'm going to take McNeese and the upset. am too. Clemson ain't home. I'm not taking them. I do think they have a really strong home court. Providence, Rhode Island.

Yeah, it's I'm taking McNeese. I think Clemson's best strength is their home court advantage. They have a rowdy atmosphere, seem to play well there. I'll take McNeese. I I'm kind of selling Clemson's what I'm doing. And I got another upset coming. got high point and Tubby Smith taking out Purdue. I will take Purdue, but if high point beats them.

I would not be mad. I'm a big Tubby fan. actually, if it was close late in the game, as long as I didn't have a decent bet on them, I would take Purdue. And I'm taking it. I'm taking high point to beat McNeese in the advanced to the sweet 16. man. Okay. You got what's McNeese's record there, Charlie? Do you have it by chance? 27 and six. Okay. And what seeds Purdue There are two cities for

I'm gonna take Purdue. I'm gonna stay chalky there. And then you got Georgia and Houston. I Gonzaga and Houston. got Houston too. this other side, Illinois is going to be playing the winter of Texas and Xavier. got Illinois. They're hot right now. Yep. I'll take Illinois as well. You got, we both got Kentucky, right? Yep. Well, you got Illinois, Kentucky, second round cats going to the sweet 16. My sec bracket. Don't you.

that's my style UCLA and Utah State both playing in a Lexington UCLA. like you. Yeah, I got UCLA to Tennessee and Wofford in Lexington, Tennessee and I'm actually gonna I'm gonna pick against

no, I'm going Tennessee. in the first round? Yeah, against UCLA. Oh, in the second round? Yeah, I got Tennessee beaten. UCLA, look, Tennessee and Lexington, that'll be a home court advantage for them. I kind of like UCLA. Oh, I mean, it wouldn't surprise me. I like Tennessee. Yeah, I do too. All right, here's his final bracket. Final number one seed. Florida, hottest team in the country. Hottest team in the country. The defending

Back to back champs, Yukon are in eight. Let me ask you a question, Charlie. Why didn't Florida get the number one? I mean, they only got four losses plan in the SEC. I know two. There's Maryland four seed. That's a good, that's a good man. That's, that's good for Maryland, dude. They have not been in the tournament handful. I don't know how many years in a row it's been, but it's been a while. I'm so happy for Maryland.

Do you think Florida could have had the number one overall seat? Do you think there's an argument to be made there? Absolutely. I just think that that record then they look good. Auburn had, they only lost what one or two SEC games all year. They like three of their last. I they did. And that good teams like did. could think Florida had an argument. There's no doubt.

Bill has touched on with today when I was watching it, but you know, everybody's talking about Tennessee's defense and Tennessee has a great defense. The Florida has a very underrated defense and they can rebound them guys really get on the boards, get second chance opportunities. liked that Florida team a they got death. they got them three yards that are their scores, but those big guys down low, they just do the dirty work. Missouri just got a tough.

Really tough draw dude. They got Drake Drake. They're 30 and three. It's all right. It's SEC. What's Drake's winning that? No way. That's an upset for UNC Wilmington. I feel like they've been in it a few times over the years. Yeah. You know why you remember that name? Cause they beat us a couple of years ago. Okay. They will play their 14 play in Texas tech.

Texas Tech strong. They are. They're good team to Kansas gets in and not only do they get in, they get a seven. I say they get in. They probably weren't even ever on the bubble, but they were. shit. Anthony Arkansas, Kansas and Arkansas first round matchup. Wow. that's a good matchup right there.

is Anthony. told you something was going to happen. I told you Cal matched up with a second round matchup with Patino. If they can both get the wins dude, come on. I'll tell you. Don't tell me they don't do the storylines. I've told you that I like st. John's and y'all know I'm a cow. I like Cal. but I like Patino too. I just don't like him as a person, st. John's.

Kind of wears you down that patina ball. think Arkansas is a bad matchup for them in that sense that I think Arkansas has athletes to go with them to to run up and down with them. that's where Saint Johns gets a lot of their points. A lot of what they do is turning the ball game into just a nasty ugly game and I just I feel like Arkansas has the guards have this has the athletes to do that. I thought Arkansas play they weren't like no high level team, but I definitely think they.

were playing strong at end of the year. Not strong, they were, want to upswing. got, they got better. They got better. I like Maryland's draw. I missed that. Who Maryland's playing? Who's Maryland playing?

Maryland's a four seed blank playing a 13 seeded Grand Canyon. Now we'll say Grand Canyon. This game is being played in Seattle. So I don't like that for Maryland. But

If they can win that game, they'll play a second round game against either Memphis or Colorado State. Memphis is a decent team this year, but they're definitely beatable and I'll the first round game scares me, I think if they can get past that, they'll, they'll get to the sweet 16. Cause I can see him beating Colorado state or Memphis. Maryland or Maryland trying to back to the glory days. Yep. Anthony.

the bracket is set. Let's do this last one real quick here, real quick before they Indiana guys, Indiana didn't get in. Ohio state didn't get in West Virginia and Boise state first four out Texas got in Carolina got in and is Xavier and San Diego state last four in Indiana. What a fall from grace they've had over the last 20 something years. I've always

They got some of the best high school basketball in the country.

I don't know. I don't even know what to say. And I almost, it's sad to see them because they almost have accepted it now. a once a very passionate, very proud fan base. I think it is almost accepted being me mediocre. They're a football school now, man. they're going to take a shot at somebody big for their next coach. I know I said Rick Patino, it probably not going to be Rick, but

They're going to try to get the biggest name that they can get. And they need to, they really do. need to just, get some of those NIL dollars and spend them. That's what they need to do. they did it in football. They brought signet in, brought some players. that's what wins. Byron players wins.

All right, let's do this last bracket real quick. Anthony Florida. We, know we both got them winning the first round, right? Good, matchup right here. Eight, nine, eight nines are always good matchups. You con and Oklahoma. do not like this matchup cause I'm not very high on either team. how much did you con drop off? Everybody thought that guy was the God of coaching It just shows, man, if you don't have the talent, you'd be the best coach in the world. I'm, think a coach does matter, but

They was acting like he was the new. I think he was one of the first ones that kind of dad. But in that game, I'm going to go with Oklahoma just because it's sec. But I really don't like either team. I'm going to take you con. OK, up in it's in Raleigh, you contract fans, I do believe will travel and and I I don't like either team either, to be honest, but I'm gonna go you can Memphis against Colorado State.

Memphis the five seed Colorado State is the 12. I'm going to take Memphis, but look, I think Memphis is definitely beatable. I've watched them a handful of games. I'm not saying they're bad. They're pretty good team. They've only got five losses, but I think Memphis is definitely beatable. I'm going to take them in this first round game, but I think it's a scary matchup for him. will take Colorado State, Maryland and Grand Canyon. I'm scared of this first round matchup, but I hope Maryland comes out strong.

I hope they get past this first game, get the jitters out and beat Memphis in the second round to get to the Sweet 16. That's what I'm picking. Maryland beats Grand Canyon, then they beat Memphis. Who you got? I'm going to take Maryland. Maryland, who you got in that second round game? Colorado State, Maryland. Maryland. Maryland to the Sweet 16. I am with you. I'm scared of Grand Canyon as well. I am. Florida, you got them beating Oklahoma? Yep. Yeah, I got them smoking Yukon by probably like 25.

I'm not even joking. I'm not, Florida is going to beat the breaks off of Yukon. Missouri and Drake. got Drake. I'm telling you Drake's good. I'm not saying they're going to win, but I I'm picking them, but they're 30 and three, they're 11 seed, 30 and three playing the sixth seed at Missouri. And it is in Kansas. I think Missouri is good. think SCC, I think they're a solid team. I like Missouri.

three seated Texas tech and UNC Wilmington. I'm going chalk on that. Give me Texas tech. as well. Kansas and Arkansas, dude, this is going to be a fun game. I can't wait to watch this game. Both of them kind of struggling veteran, really good coaches. mean, hall of fame coaches. This is a, you want to talk about storyline, Anthony, this little part of the bracket and they waited to the very end to don't tell me that they don't do storyline.

Sure. They can do that. And they made it the last one that they revealed Arkansas hanging on their edge of their seat. I'm pretty sure they thought they were in, still make it still it makes you guarantee you're nervous. And then they get a matchup with Kansas and a possible Rick Patino, John Calipari, second round matchup up there in Providence. That's in

Ricky P's world right there. that's his storyline. His storyline gets props to the NCAA for doing that. I love it. I'm taking Arkansas cause it has to happen. gotta see Patino and Cal playing in the second round. I'm taking Arkansas to beat Kansas. I hate that matchup for Arkansas. And I hate that matchup.

Kansas ain't that game. No, no, no, no. I'm talking about if it was to happen the second round game. I know I'm jumping ahead. So I'll take Arkansas in that game against Kansas. We both got to I know I got St. John's St. John's is hot. I do think they got a chance to make a run looking at this bracket right here. I'm going to just go ahead. We'll probably make maybe some final four picks here at the end of the show or something. But I'm going tell you right now, I'm looking at this bracket, Anthony St. John's is coming out of that. go into the lead eight.

now I'm just looking at the bottom half. haven't, I'm not looking at, I'm not linking it together with the top half of that bracket. I'm just looking at to come out to the lead eight. I think, I think St. John's. So I'm telling you right now, St. John's I think is going to beat Arkansas in that second round game. Who you got in that one?

I think St. John's is the better team.

But I don't like the matchup form. has, and this is nothing about the Cal thing. And I do support Cal. Y'all know that, I've said that. And I will be biased towards him. There's no doubt I will be. I was so hot on St. John's. I hate picking this game, because I was so, I just kind of like some things I see about them. They got a player I think might be the best player in the country, if not one of them. But I do think that the way they get a lot of their half court offense,

Outside of him, it's just, it's not very good. and I feel like Arkansas has the type of players to play with them. Listen, I like St. John's and actually I was, I really liked watching them, but I do think I'm going to take Arkansas to be crazy. think Cal ain't won a tournament game in like six years. It ain't been that long, but it's been a while. And now you tell me he's about to beat Bill self and. Patino.

thought I think they're, I think they're a decent team. I'm giving him, I'm giving them the win against Kansas just cause I want to see the matchup. I don't even know if they get past. think that's going to be an awesome game right there. I'm with you on that. I need to be a tough game. but at the same time, a team like St. John's might have to be careful with an Omaha, St. John's is one of those teams that can beat a lot of teams, but they could be beat too. that's Rick Batino style,

They're going to get after you. They're going to cause turnovers. If they don't get those turnovers and have to play a half court game. If I play St. John's, I would slow the game down. it's easier said than done, but that's how I would play them. I think the location of these games in the first couple of rounds mean a lot. Okay. I know y'all could probably pick up on it because I've been kind of hinting towards it on a lot of this stuff, but I really do. think the location.

with the travel being easy for certain fan bases, I think means a lot. And four teams right there, all playing in Providence, I give the edge to St. John's for second round, I have Drake in Texas Tech and I am...

I want to take Drake, but I'm going to, I'm going to go chalk on that. I'm going to take Texas tech. Missouri to win. got Missouri beating Texas tech. Yep. Alrighty.

that's it, Anthony. We, we, they, have got the bracket set. So I think the biggest, and of course, again, we're in Kentucky. So, but I don't think there's a bigger storyline on there than cow Patino possible matchup. Carolina getting in. That's, guess that's and Louisville slip into the eight to me is kind of crazy.

Yeah, things that jump off to me. a second round, matchup between Missouri, Texas Tech, UCLA, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas. I mean, St. John's, Arkansas or St. John's, Kansas. Just looking at some, possible big matchups in the second round. Alabama St. Mary's might be fun to watch. so there's a lot of matchups, could come out. Oregon, Arizona, some people might like a Duke.

Mississippi State or Duke Baylor. Both of them are quality ball clubs and more kept Michigan State second round game possible State, Ole Miss A Michigan A San Diego State and then you know, of course Auburn Louisville or Auburn Creighton So, like always the first round games always aren't the best I always think the best games are in the second or the third round games Which which round do you thinks gives you the best?

group of games. always say it's them sweet 16 matchups are usually probably the strongest matchups. Yeah. The second and third sweet 16 elite eight. Yeah. But the lead eight, there's not enough of them like balance out between enough. I'm not like the best weekend of basketball, but that's when it usually gets down to the better team. Yeah. That's when some of your Cinderella teams that are still hanging on end up dropping out. Not enough games for me. I need 16. It's not enough, but the quality of games.

next Thursday through Sunday, it's lot less games, but those games are a a lot better. definitely think that's the best weekend of basketball then because that's on the same weekend. Sweet 16 and nothing's better than this weekend coming up. The opening weekend, man, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. The games start at 12 o'clock and run.

until midnight. for 12 straight hours, there's not a break. And the way that they set these games up, I think the NCAA does a awesome job staggering them by about five to 10 minutes a piece. Have you noticed that they stagger them for, you know, the start times by five or 10 minutes.

That way the games normally are ending at different times. I think it's great. do. Long time. Yeah. And I love how now remember back in the day, they were only on two channels. Yeah. So you could only watch two games while there was however eight games on now you've got TNT TBS.

True TV, CBS. find them online if you want to watch them. Yeah, but I'm just saying that on regular TV, you could watch every game. When I, I remember high school and stuff and when we were growing up, there might be eight games on, but there was only two on your, that you could watch. And everything was regional. you'd pick up your regional team. But now it's, you could sit there and watch every single one. Trey's already said, man, if you ain't doing nothing Thursday or Friday, come on over and you know, his setup. He said we could put every game on at the same time.

I said, I know you can. My man's got TVs on top of TVs. fun time to be a college basketball fan. the regular season for college basketball. do not think it's as good as footballs, but I will say that I think the college basketball tournament's a better tournament than what college football has. And I think the college football is working on things, but and I think more of the best teams, the lesser teams you have, the more the best teams want to win it.

But what makes it fun is the, I kind of hate it for the better teams because I think they can get screwed in this. But at the same time, that's what makes it fun for the fans. And remember this because I make the same argument in football. The reason all this money's here is because the games are so popular. So you cannot forget the fans because that's why the money's there. That's why the in and out money's there. That's why the TV deal money's there. It's because the popularity of the game. If the game becomes unpopular, the money will dry up. So yes.

just like in horse racing, I've heard the thing about going to night racing. It's hard on the horsemen, it's hard on the trainers to have to run that night and get up the next morning. The reason the track is there is because of the betters, because of the fans. So, at the end of the day, you've to make the best products you can for them or something else to take the fans money. I everybody has their disposable income. What do we spend it on right now? Sports is pretty crazy right now with how much we spend our disposable income on. So it's I love it. I think it's a great tournament.

Really excited to see some of the teams. That you know we were able to watch in the conference throughout the year and in the conference tournaments. this weekend Charlie there were some games for me that that I really enjoyed watching. I enjoyed watching Saint John's. I know I picked Arkansas over him, but I kind of liked Arkansas going into the tournament. they're playing good ball. they got some athletes and it's a good matchup for him against Saint John's, but I like Saint John's. actually plan on picking Saint John's.

They have a player I told you about him that sweet Lou. Uh, I think he's best player in the country. Maybe I just caught him on the right day. The guy, the guy's really athletic. He's good. I wouldn't say he's the best player. It's overstated a little bit, no doubt, but think I looked at the draft boards and he was like top 35. He should be higher than that, but you know how the NBA is. They draft off different things. So did you have a chance to watch Duke this weekend?

I did. watched them a little bit and they look good, man. got three or four players. were five star recruits that are really producing right now. The big African kid from South Sudan, canipple and Cooper flag. mean, these are young guys that came in young and I tell you, they just look like a very balanced team. The big guy from South Sudan, he tries to block everything. He's like seven to he's a monster. He's a little raw, but he is an athlete and he wears it. He wore pink shoes the other night.

he's hard to miss. So that's a big question going into the tournament. Let's talk about it. How deep of a run can Duke make without Cooper flag or if Cooper flag is let's say 75 % can they still make a deep run? Are they good enough? Does Cooper flag play? Does he play at all? I don't know the news right now. I think they're kind of keeping it hush hush.

I'm not sure if he's going to play or not, man. That first round, they might try to gamble. They might, or least the first game. if I was there, I'd gamble the first game. Well, you're look, you're having there. I'd have him there if I needed him. But I think I'd gamble and try to roll without him. The first game you have to, You're playing a 16. You have to be able to win that game without him. Now that is if his ankle is still pretty bad.

If it's good to go, let's let's roll. But yeah, you're probably right. One against 16. It doesn't get much safer than that. If you're going to, if he needs a couple more days or if he needs a whole nother week though, and he misses that second round game, can they, can they win that? mean, know they had a Baylor. Yeah. mean, they look, they proved that I don't know if I'll win some games without him in the ACC, in the ACC. Can they beat Baylor? Can they beat Mississippi state without them? I think they can, but it would be risky.

It would be risky. I do think they definitely could beat those teams though. But to me, you let him set the first game. You have him there if you need him. going to play him until I have to play him. I still say I'm sitting here looking at their little, just to get to the Elite Eight, their little 18 bracket here at the top on the, what is that? The East region, Duke.

Baylor, Oregon, Arizona. That sets up for Duke, if you ask me. I don't think Oregon's very strong and I don't think Arizona's very strong. So I believe that if Duke does get past those first two, I think they're coming out to lead eight. that bracket sets up for Duke big time. No, does. And I think Duke's really good. The bottom of that bracket.

BYU, VCU, Wisconsin, St. Mary's, Alabama. I got Alabama coming out of that probably fairly easily too. Yeah. I think there was a couple of tough teams in there, Wisconsin, St. Mary's, but yeah, I'm with you. I have Alabama coming out of Early prediction for me would be a Duke, Alabama, Elite Eight matchup to go to the Final Four. going to be chalky this year. I really do. I might be wrong, but I think it's going to be chalky.

And then, here on this other one, think it really sets up for Auburn really nice. Yeah. So let's look at that one. You got Auburn, one seed should win. Then they'd have a matchup against Lover or Creighton. They should win both. either one of those. I mean, I'm not saying they're, yeah. They should then they got Michigan, of course I picked UC San Diego, but you know, they got Michigan in Texas a and

A &M's beat Auburn too, right? A &M beat Auburn. it's I do think it's a little different. I think it's definitely I think you know Auburn in the season the best, but I do think it's easy to get bored with things a little bit when you've been on top. Maybe that's the wake up call for them that they need. They definitely would go into that game. One edge ready to play and look, I like A &M, but they gotta beat Yale.

And then they would have to beat Michigan or UC San Diego State. I don't think Auburn's going to get beat in that first round game. So there's, I do think you got to factor that in. It was almost like the point you were making a second ago with the St. John's Arkansas thing. Even if I like, like Arkansas against St. John's the odds, mean, Arkansas has probably got a 50 50 or maybe slightly lower in that to win that first round. So it, look, if I was really picking for a lot of money, I might.

consider that, the likelihood of St. John's being there is probably higher. So taking that combo on it with the other St. John's probably the better pick there. If I think that game's kind of a close game. Yep. Yeah. So I think that, that little bracket there setting up for Auburn, Texas, A and trip to the lead eight. I got Auburn coming out of there. I don't think Auburn's getting beat in that one. I don't either.

And then in the bottom of that, Ole Miss, Iowa State, Marquette, Michigan State, that's wide open. That, I don't even know who the hell I want to take to come out of there to play Auburn to go to the final four. But just looking at that, Auburn's going to the final four. Cause I don't see any of those teams down there. Ole Miss, Iowa State, do things good, but they ain't beating Auburn. Marquette, New Mexico, Michigan State. I think Auburn's got a pretty good ride there to the final four.

And I don't know who the hell I want to come out there. Who you got there? I guess I'd take, I guess I'd go chalk and probably take, I say chalk, but I'd take the three seed. think I'd take Iowa State. I'm with you. That's wide open. So with it being wide open, I'm going to go with the SEC. I'm going to go as a kind of a big upset. I'm going have Ole Miss coming out there. Ole Miss.

They got tough. think they're gonna have a tough game. Whoever San Diego State or North Carolina that wins that game, I think that's gonna be a tough game. it's not that I love Ole Miss. I just think it's why that little brackets wide open. And I just remember the beginning of the year, the SEC being just overwhelmingly dominant over everybody else. Is that still whole truth? That'd be the question. But I'm gonna play that they are. The selection committee thinks they're the strongest. I don't think it's that they're strong. I think

If you had a team like a Missouri, Mississippi State of Kentucky and other conferences, I think some of these teams had really good records because there wasn't a lot of other really good teams in those conferences. Now they were the best teams in those conferences, don't get me wrong, but I feel that way, I just do. And that's why Duke is such a hard, you know, they rolled everybody by a lot of points, but they didn't play much, but they did roll them by a lot of points. So I even questioned the Big Ten. I questioned some of the strength in the Big Ten.

And I usually don't, I'm usually a big team guy when it comes to basketball. I always have been, but It's kind of down this year too. Overall. mean, Michigan state's still good. Wisconsin's good. Maryland's good. They've got some good teams, but all the players are in the sec. Yeah. I mean, look at Texas, Oklahoma. they've kind of struggled in the sec this year. Not struggled during the.

Tournament, but if they were in the big 12, they probably be one of the better teams I'd probably be up there at the top. life's hard in the SEC. Yes Life's hard in the SEC. So in this other Houston bracket here Houston Gonzaga Georgia Clemson Purdue Houston I got Houston coming out of that fairly easily to the lead eight. Yeah, you got anybody beating them? Nope

Georgia Clemson, I like Houston. Yeah, I got like Houston too. I like you. And then on the bottom of that one is us. It'd be Illinois, Kentucky, UCLA, Utah, Tennessee. It's a, that's a Kentucky, Tennessee matchup to go to the lead eight. see it. I can vision it. It's going to happen. We're playing Tennessee in the sweet 16 What do you think about that matchup? beat them twice. I do think that's who it'll be.

But I do worry about UCLA. think UCLA's, like their team. If you ask me, I hope you see, I'll be cheering for UCLA big time to beat Tennessee. But I'll still take Tennessee. I respect Tennessee's defense and how they play the game. They ran into a bust all of day. Florida's playing, really good basketball right now. had their one boy and fell in trouble too. But in saying all that,

have Kentucky found for just the way it rolls. I'm not changing my ways. I'm not changing my ways. We have beat Tennessee twice and I think we match up really well against Tennessee. So I would not even mind that match up, but you better believe if Tennessee, whoever they're playing, Utah state or UCLA in that second round, I will be cheering for Tennessee to get beat. Sure. But I like it, man. I like Kentucky coming out.

We've got a good draw. That's beat Tennessee for a third time. And it's set up for Kentucky against a really, really tough Houston team, I think is, is capable of winning it all. So let's do it, man. Give me, please, please give me a Kentucky against Houston trip to the final four. I love it.

No doubt. And then that last one did we do have Florida, Yukon, Oklahoma, Memphis, Maryland. Who would you have coming out of that game? The Houston. If it was Houston, Kentucky, who was you? I was trying to skip that. didn't. Houston. Yeah. We can beat anybody. But was back. We're going to we're going to do need Butler. That is a that's a big question for us. We need Butler.

But I love our first couple of matchups and I'm not scared of third round matchup with Tennessee. And if we get that far and we're playing Houston, let's lace them up and let's get at it. We can beat them and I'll be picking them, but just.

Quick pick here. I would probably have to take Houston there in that game. Kentucky. That last bracket, Florida, Yukon, Oklahoma, Memphis, Maryland, man. I want to say Maryland so bad, but Florida, Florida. Yeah, I got, I got Florida coming out of there. And then on the bottom half of that Missouri, Drake, Texas tech, Kansas, Arkansas, St. John's. got St. John's. I'm going have a sweet seat.

sweet 16 matchup of Missouri and Arkansas, but I'm gonna have Missouri beat Arkansas. So that would give you a Missouri Florida, Florida. Yeah, Florida. got Florida coming out of there. I'd love to see a Florida and St. John's little elite eight matchup. That'd be fun. See what St. John's has really got. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? Well, I mean, they'll probably have to get past some, even if they play Arkansas or Kansas, that's not, I know those teams are down.

But those, they could beat St. John's. So if they could get past their first two matchups, they're probably going to face a good Missouri or a Texas tech or even a Drake. All three teams are good. So if they can get to that point where they're playing a Florida and the lead eight, I do think Florida would win that game. But I love to see that matchup, man. Florida and St. John's. look, I think St. John's will only be like play a five point favorite over Kansas or Arkansas.

I'm not even picking spread. I'm so bad at trying to guess this, these basketball spreads. It's ridiculous. But I wouldn't think that it would be much higher than that. That sounds right to me. Four or five, six points. So yeah, I love to see St. John's and Florida.

But I think I really like st. John's and I'd love to see him how they stack up against a really good team like that. I'll be honest with you. I don't see no way that Florida don't come out of this bracket. Maryland, baby. Maryland. I don't see it. I don't either. Maybe if Arkansas got stupid red hot because they got some young players that are talented, but I don't see that happening. but just from a talent standpoint, Arkansas is loaded with some young guys that talented. Maybe people say they're trending up, but

The other teams I've seen, I don't think they can match up with Florida. I don't think Arkansas can match up with them. I'm just to find an angle, maybe Texas tech. haven't watched Texas tech much. have you watched them? Charlie? Texas? just a couple of times and not even like the full game. Just a little bit here and there. They're a good team though. they've got decent little route there. mean, second round game against Missouri or Drake's going to be tough,

could beat either one of those two teams. Yeah. I like St. John's. I like them a decent amount, but if I was them, I'd be happy with my two seed. I'd rather have St. John's in my two seed than a Tennessee, than a, you know, Alabama or me. And I'm not saying St. John's might be better in those teams. Very well could be, but if you gave me a choice, I'd rather play St. John's. So I haven't got into this yet, Anthony, but I just looked at my phone.

And I cannot wait to, I've got a little group text here that I'm in that 121 messages. 121 and I guarantee it is. Your bell ain't been in the party. are pissed. They ain't been invited to the party last, you know, handful of years and they're back at the party and they're pissed.

You know, I'm not a Louisville fan by any means. They should not have gotten an I agree, but they like, feel like Louisville likes to run it about the SEC a little bit or. Oh, they do. or saying the SEC is not as good as what people think it is. Been hearing it all year. So you'll have your opportunity, look, it's a decent time to catch Auburn. They're not quite, peaking as now, that don't mean they can't turn it on. I do think they will, They will smoke Louisville. If Louisville gets past Creighton.

I mean, will. Louisville will have the home home court advantage if they're playing in Lexington against Auburn. It'll be red in there. Don't you think? Yeah, because travel. I will get down there. It's not an hour away. It's not a far drive for Auburn. But it'll be. But I think I'll be in there. I think Auburn might save their their money. You know, Auburn traveled to the little bit to Nashville there for the SEC tournament. most of your Auburn fans.

Kind like with college football, they might try to save their money for that second round, know, and test and take and they can get through that first round.

man, I can't wait. That's good. I can't wait. So what do we got on? What are these first four matchups again? We got some decent games Carolina plays right so Tuesday or Wednesday will have There'll be two games on Tuesday two games on Wednesday One of the games each day will be 16 seeds. So but the other two what is it, North Carolina against?

Who's they playing? The other one was Texas and somebody. Carolina was Xavier was playing somebody. Texas and Xavier. And then

Carolina and San Diego State. those will be some fun games. The other two will be 16 matchups. So they're not going to be great teams, they'll be a tune in because those 16 seeds, they're battling. They'll be fighting for it all. American and Mount St. Mary's. That's their, that's their championship. It is. I never thought we'd see a 16-beater one, but we did. So twice.

I think a lot of that was style of play too. You know, you cannot, it took a team that was a slow down team, methodical team to have a chance to kind of beat them there. So American and Mount St. Mary's will be fighting to play Duke and then Alabama State and St. Francis battling to play Auburn. That's their championship, right? That's right. mean, yeah, they just won their conference title,

And so now, don't get me wrong, can, how awesome is that? To me as a team-o, you want to get past that first weekend, because then you get to enjoy it, right? Because then you get to like go home and at least celebrate a day or two, feel good about yourself, dream a few dreams, and then go get beat. But at least you, you want to go home for the weekend. even when Kentucky's won in the Sweet 16, I want to get to the least of Final Four, because I want to be able to like look forward to.

you know, enjoy that run because for more than just a day, I've seen us get big wins and then two days later, kick in. You want to enjoy it for at least a week, you know. So what about the fact that out of the four?

playing games, they do two 16 seeds. Do you like that? Or do you think that those teams like Alabama State and St. Francis who won their title to get in, do you think they should have to play in the play in game? I don't mind. They're not the best teams, but I get it. you put them in the 16s and then you make all four of those play in games, games like

Carolina and San Diego State. Yeah, I mean get what you're saying and I think it's a decent point But look, I think some M conference are lucky just to even get a invite. So it's they're there. They're there. They got a win feel like those playing games shouldn't be conference winners Just give just put those four teams that are playing in put those as your 16s And then you slide two other teams down to 15 instead of a 16. Let me ask you this I think of a deal if you're one of those teams that are the

16 seed, you know, weaker conferences teams. I actually don't mind it. I mean, I guess I would, but I also can make the argument. It gives me a winnable game. because your next game is going to be against a one seat. The odds of you win that are really, really low. It gives me a chance. So you're saying that first four games does count. You're in, guess it does. You're right. Yeah. Cause that's how they're looking at it. We got a tournament win, right? Well, I'm just saying like,

Look, realistically saying St. Mary, St. Francis beats Alabama state. They got a tournament win. Right? Your Alabama state. Don't get me wrong. You know, I don't play like that. I don't think like that. But if you're going into a dude, a lot of times you're happy to be there. You just hope that maybe you can pull one upset as a 16 seat, 16 C's are usually very low ranked, you know, from lower ranked conferences, the lowest we never thought they were going to win. So sometimes those teams even think if I can just play them for a half tough, I mean, I know that's sad to say that, but

Realistically, man, you're outgunned. You're outgunned and it gives them a game or gives them a chance to win a game. They won their conference championship, which was their their championship. That was their lottery. But now it gives them a game where they're not playing a 16 seed so they can if they think they're better than what people think it gives them a chance to showcase it. Realistically, they're probably not going to be doing a number once. These are typically very good teams. For those teams, I can make the argument both ways. And those teams.

teams like that, Alabama state, St. Francis, they're counting that first four as a tournament win. Oh yeah. Technically it is a tournament win, but you know what I mean? Carolina gets that win and gets in. Do they count that as a tournament win? They shouldn't. I know technically it is, but it's different both for both sides. It is. Yeah. Yeah. For St. Francis or Alabama state. Heck yeah. But for North Carolina, they should already been in. They shouldn't been in the last four. So to me, a school like that,

shouldn't look at that as a tournament win. You should already been At least it gives us four more games. I like it because instead of no basketball Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and having to wait until Thursday, at least we get a little bit of action and not just Tuesday night, Wednesday night. I can say it's 14 like Carolina. I either just happy to be in, but then be, it gives them a chance to get some momentum going. they need something to get some momentum going,

You know who I think it really sucks for it's kind of that number one seat. who does the playing game go into play? Auburn and Duke. if I'm Auburn or Duke, I think that's BS that I'm wanting to play at Carolina first game of the, I don't like the idea of a team like that being, now that I'm thinking about it,

idea of a team like North Carolina being in the playing game because I do think they're better than your typical playing like your low ranked teams. Yeah, but they're playing in to be like a 10 seed or something. Okay. Okay. They're not complaining. So they're not playing in. No, Carolina is not going to be a 16 seed. No Carolina. Okay. I had that wrong. Yeah. There's no way there's two of them. You see what I was saying? That wasn't been fair to the hell. no, the bigger teams are

They're already good. I think it's the I'm trying to find it here. They're playing in. Yeah, you're right. I remember that now. You're right. to be. I think it's a 10 slot. There's no way they let them go play the one because that wouldn't be fair to know. No, no. Two two of them are playing in to be 16s, but the other two are playing in 11 Carolina and San Diego State are playing in to be the 11 seed, which would play Ole Miss.

And then the other one, what was the other one? It was Texas. And I'm sure that's an 11 seed too. They're both going to be 11 seed. So it's two 11 seed play-ins and it's two seed play-ins. Texas and Xavier are playing in to be the 11 to play Illinois. Now I got it. Which is in our bracket. So could face Illinois, Texas or Xavier in that second round.

I like it. know, I love Kentucky's draw Anthony. I'm looking at it again. I love it. I hope I'm not kicking myself in the ass next weekend, but I love it. I really do a first round game against Troy. They're 23 and 10 in Milwaukee. I think Kentucky fans will travel to Milwaukee. It's not that far. Kentucky fans are not scared to travel anywhere in the country. And when you're only about a five, five and a half hour drive,

That's easy for Kentucky fans. So what's Atlanta about the same five hours? Kentucky fans drive to Atlanta all the time. So I like, I like the location for Kentucky and I like the matchups. Yep. I do too. You know, I think it's going to be chalky a little bit. I think there'll be some upsets, but I do think it'd be a little chalky just cause you don't, theory on that is a lot of those, a lot of those players that were good for the mother schools. I think a lot of them have been,

cherry picked or stolen off those teams by the bigger teams to NIL on the transfer portal. So, to me, there's a couple of teams that just jump off that I think that are just kind of better than everybody. one of them is Duke. one of them is Florida. you got the Auburns of the world. The even you get those Tennessee. And those three teams you just mentioned, Florida, Duke and Auburn got pretty favorable roads. And they should. They aren't saying they're just easy because

anything can happen. We've we've said it and Maryland's in Florida's bracket. So I hope they beat them. But to me, Florida's got a halfway decent little route to the final four or at least the elite eight Duke. We've talked about. I think that is the the weakest bracket by far of all of them And Auburn's got a decent route, too. I really think if Auburn.

can get past Texas A I think they're looking at a final four. The bottom of their bracket, doesn't look tough. You got an Iowa State, Marquette, Michigan State, and maybe an Ole Miss. So I think those teams that you just said, not only are they really, really good and maybe a step ahead of everybody else, but they got favorable routes by all three of them. But that doesn't mean anything because we've seen it happen. Stuff happens, and I hope there is some...

I'll be cheering for all the upsets. same bowl season, Anthony, we don't cheer for sec teams. We want them all to lose. No, we do. No, we pull for them. But as long as they're not playing us or they're not going to line up to play us. Yeah. Yeah. As long as they're not yet in the other brackets, we'll cheer for all the, we'll cheer for them in the other brackets, but whoever's in our bracket, we chair for them to lose. You know, we need that for the future years. What sec teams do we get? Texas.

We got a possible Texas in a second. We got Tennessee.

I'm not saying they're not getting games, but I like our draw. I like our draw. Georgia. That's the only one's in our bracket. Look, if Cooper flag plays, I really think two best teams in the country are Duke and Florida. Maybe Auburn's in there with been real impressed with Florida. I've been really impressed with Duke. was really impressed with Auburn early. like Bruce Burrow said, they've lost to some to some really good teams and some close games. So it's not like they've just been

dog walk. So that's kind of who I'm, jumps off the page to me. Of course I like my cats. I like their road there. So we get Butler back, dude. I don't know why we can't make a run. I mean, we, we were a really good team. We ran us to some injuries. Look at Butler. Don't come back. I'll be honest with you. I think we're in trouble. I don't think we're athletic enough and not that he makes us this just a pre-mathletic team because he don't, but I think we gotta have a point guard that can do some on the ball defense drops.

stop some of that dribble penetration and somebody that can run the offense that's athletic enough to break somebody down off the dribble without him, we just don't have that. The last two or three minutes of the Oklahoma game in the SEC tournament proved it. look, if you're a Kentucky fan, you know how valuable Butler is to our team. That last couple of minutes of the Oklahoma game, we completely collapsed.

turning the ball over, could not beat the press, could not get the ball past half court. It showed how valuable he was. We definitely need him back. We've got to have him. Luckily for O way in that game, wait, took over at the end and hit, hit a buzzer beater, hit a second game winner against Oklahoma. How special is that? Anthony, the kid played for Oklahoma last year. His two biggest games this year were against Oklahoma.

It was his two best games of the year and he had two game winners in both of them. hate that for Oklahoma. What about for him? it's awesome. It's awesome. He don't feel good about that. that's his teammates. He feels good. you're right. You're right. But I'm just saying like to me, I wouldn't feel like I left my teammates because of money and And then I go beat their ass dude, I wouldn't feel good. didn't beat their ass. I mean, he, but he now on the coffin.

It was good stuff. I get it. I get it. I'm not saying I had to feel good for him. It felt good. But I mean, to me for him, he still got love for those guys, right? I'm not saying he doesn't, but you still want to put a dagger in them. And when you're on the court, I wouldn't want to friends and buddies with him is one thing. But when you're out there playing basketball, you're trying to win the game. there's no doubt. I'm not, I'm not saying that, but they're not the team that I want to put the dagger in. I'll put the dagger in them. I'll put the dagger in them, but I don't want to put the dagger in them.

Shit, you're crazy. Why would you get your friends? That's like all right. We've had a couple kids on our baseball team that went and Play for other teams now, right? But they were choice. They didn't go by money. I know but if yeah, but it's The point is that kid that is playing for another team if we play them and he comes up with the bases loaded down three at the end of the game

and he hits a grand slam or just whatever base hit to win the game. You know how special that's going to feel to that kid? What depends? It's just, think a lot of it depends. I think a lot of it depends how you leave. just do. I, you know, I've made already, I think a lot of it's like why you left, why you had to leave. I think a lot of that has to do with it. But like in his situation, I don't know his situation exactly, but I was sure it's money. Okay. And for me,

Say if I was one of his teammates at Oklahoma, I understand that. understand it. I'm sure there's still buddies. Yeah, but I'm just saying, I understood that. Like Charlie, if somebody hired you on and just wanted you for the biggest podcast in the country and was going to offer you $700,000 a year.

Charlie, couldn't be grudging you of that. Like I'm not gonna be like, I get it. But then would you want to come back and like smash on our, smash, know, it's a little different, You better believe that the players that were playing for Oklahoma, they wanted to smash him in that 40 minutes too. sure they did a little bit. I think it's different when it's money though, because when it becomes about money,

Like you understand it's just like the cow thing to me. want them to lose every game, but it's not personal. It's just because he's, you know, whatever. It's not personal. I, and I don't think every situation killing them like that is personal at by any means. think that's a special moment for the kid to happen twice in the same season. Literally his two best games of the year. I thought that was pretty cool. Now, like you take a situation like away and say away was kind of passed over, or

kind of look down upon or, they over recruited him or he tried to get some NIL money for him and they just said, you wasn't worth it or whatever it was. And now at that point, yeah, game changes. if, I know that might've happened. I know it very well could have, no, could have, no, it could.

when it comes on a personal level, I'm sure he did hate, hate leaving, you know, whatever his friends and stuff like that. But that shit ain't personal, man. I don't think it is even though think every situation is different. I think every situation is different and how

and what the situation was. Those two Oklahoma games, looked, they sure looked personal on the, on the court. I'm not saying between like just him, the whole, the whole, well, Garrison came from Oklahoma state. Okay. So he already had to hate. Yeah. Garrison was already like, didn't like Oklahoma to begin with. So there was a lot going on. The games were really chippy both times we played them late in the season. So

Well, I'm sure, I'm sure the Oklahoma players were probably a little bit and if maybe, maybe a wasn't the best of friends with some of the players and maybe some of them did take it personal. Maybe that could happen. You just, don't know. Maybe some of them did take it personal and maybe, maybe him leaving. Maybe it was personal. I don't know. And maybe it was just for the money. Maybe it was something like you said, maybe he wanted to stay, but they weren't going to do this or that. have no clue. The backstory.

I just think the basketball part of it for the kids to show out twice against his former team. I just thought that was cool. Hit a buzzer beater, got us our first SEC win in a few years, which was awesome for us Kentucky fans, especially the Kentucky fans that traveled down to Nashville. I wish I could have been down there, but I know a lot of people that were, and I'm happy for them that they didn't have that first round exit, which was close.

kind of collapsed there at the end of that Oklahoma game. It actually would have been a pretty epic collapse, Anthony, but away comes through, hits the buzzer beater, got us to the second day, but Alabama, too much. you know what? Butler got hurt in the Alabama game. We've got, Chandler got stitches.

wait, got stitches. we got all of our guards either got broken bones or stitches in their face right now. Yeah. And now they're saying Perry might be hurt and might miss some games.

for that fact alone, it was almost like, all right, let's get two more days of rest. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? I, you know, I wanted to play today in the championship, but man, we're beat up and to give us two days, get home, start resting up. Hopefully, hopefully let's say our prayers that we get Butler back. We have to have Butler back.

But two more days of rest for the guys didn't really hurt us. The loss, I know we got our ass kicked, didn't really, you could see it didn't affect us. We still ended up with a three seed. Look, I'll say it, and I know it was talked about. know everybody made a big deal about Cal saying it. But I'll say it, for the football with Ohio State and the Penn State Oregon thing, you're probably better off with the rest. I mean, I get it you're trying to win the tournament. I mean, I would take that over the rest just because that's its own little tournament.

just for the purpose of winning the NCAA tournament, making a run, you're probably better off with the rest. Maybe that'll help Auburn. Maybe they only had to play what? Two games? So it's the play and play all the way to Sunday and then turn around, have to play again. Now don't get me wrong, I would take the SEC championship over the rest. But that's a grind. You gotta play Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, four days in a row, that's a grind, man.

Yeah. So I see the angle. So will that affect a Tennessee? Will that affect a Florida that had to play today? Will that, will that affect a, a Michigan who had to go on a pretty big run there to, and play deep into Sunday? Will that affect teams like that? That's a good question. I think it could. I think, I think it was beneficial to Ohio state. If it affects anybody, hopefully it's Tennessee. Yeah. Let's get a first round Tennessee loss. No doubt.

All right, Anthony, I don't know, man. That's pretty much it for the first couple of rounds. think we made all our picks for the first couple of rounds. Guys, those were gut reaction picks. I'm sure some, when I fill my bracket out here in the next couple of days, some of those might be different, but that's our gut reactions. That's what we like. And we'll see what happens. Hopefully there's some upsets. Hopefully there's some buzzer beaters in these first couple of rounds.

But guys, make sure y'all sit in front of a TV and watch as much basketball as you can. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I know a lot of people are going to have to work on Thursday and Friday, but pull it up on your phone. You ain't going to be the only one. Guys, this is the last. I would argue to say this is the last two big weeks. Of sports. I mean, they got baseball and I'll be wrong. I'll watch a little bit of baseball, but this is the last.

And when they get to the final four, there's only a couple games. So this is the last two big weeks of the two big American sports, football and basketball. You still got the NBA playoffs coming up, but yeah, it's nothing like this. then, know, summertime hits and we get to do our summertime stuff, but for our wintertime sports, the ones that America really has took to over the years, this is it. So let's enjoy it. The good thing about

the end of basketball. The only good thing is Derby's right around the corner. No doubt. The Herbie's right around the corner. So guys have some fun this week, pick some winners and cheer the cats on. know y'all are aren't Kentucky fans, but put your blue on this week and cheer on the cats. got some good matchups coming up. I'm praying for a Calipari and Rick Patino matchup in the second round.

That would be must watch TV. Maybe we'll even get a Louisville Auburn. They've been asking for it all year, Anthony. Yep. They've been asking for it. They've been asking for it. I've heard them. They've been telling me the SEC is overrated Anthony in literally the best year of any conference ever. They're telling me that SEC is overrated and now guess what?

Second round matchup against Auburn. You asked for it. You're going to get it. No, that's great. No, no. So Louisville, here's a funny angle. Louisville has to Louisville Cardinals. That's their mascot. Have to play a Creighton, the Blue Jays or something like that. Yeah. Two birds. I think the Blue Jays known to be a very mean bird and Blue J. Pike whoop a lot of birds. I asked to take a Blue J over over a cardinal. Yeah, but you can't take it over an eagle.

War Eagle Bay. Yeah, I can't take it over an eagle. A lot of war. A lot of bird matchups. Who's Auburn plane? Are they birds to Alabama State? I don't know. Yeah, it sounds like a bird. I don't know. Alabama State. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know. Probably the Falcons or some shit. Yeah, that would be funny.

I remember going to a second round game back in the day when Kentucky was an eight seed, eight or nine seed. played a second round game against Yukon when Yukon had Rudy gay and all them. They were the one seed. And I think I've, I think I've talked about this before, but there was four games. was two games that day in that session and it was Kentucky against Yukon. And then it was Arizona against, and now I'm going to draw a blank, but

It was another Wildcats. I can't remember who Arizona. remember that. I can't remember who Arizona or who Arizona was a villain. No. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yes. Yes. I want. Yes. It was Villanova and Arizona Wildcats. And then it was a Kentucky Wildcats playing Yukon. I thought that was pretty, pretty cool. So three Wildcats. we got, we got a couple of things. We got the three bird, the

that actually Alabama State was the Hornets, so it has wings. But there's four of them there. And then of course you got the two Bulldog matchups in the first round. You got Gonzaga and Georgia. So got a couple of fun little things going there. As far as that's for the women, but we'll give you women some bones there. So the kids, so good stuff guys. All right guys, we'll catch y'all back next week. By next week, we will be looking at the Sweet 16. And hopefully the cats will still be playing.

Let's do it. I'm pumped. We'll see y'all next week. I would say same time, but it's probably not going to be Sunday night, but we'll see you same place next week. Bliss the bookie. See ya.