THE HERD - Hour 1 - Injuries plague Lakers, Miles Simon joins the show

We say it all the time. Great programs are built on culture, structure, and year‑round habits, not just five-star talent, and UConn is the proof.

Hurley’s group is older, meaner, and sharper in the big moments, so even if Illinois or Duke flash more raw skill, UConn’s toughness and experience tilt the floor.

Big-man showcase in the NBA. Wembanyama and Jokic traded haymakers, combined for a huge night, and Jokic still controlled it late.

Jokic might be the most gifted offensive center I’ve ever seen, and in a whistle-heavy game like that, his brain and touch win out.

The West feels top‑heavy. Denver’s live, OKC’s legit, and young teams like San Antonio may be a year or two away.

San Antonio’s future is bright, but experience matters in May, and the Lakers don’t have the depth to hang with the three true contenders.

Over to the NFL. Lamar Jackson showed for OTAs under the new staff after skipping in past years and leaving money on the table.

With fresh voices and tweaks coming in, your quarterback needs to be in the room, and this is the year for Lamar to stack time with the staff.

Denver pushed chips in on a dynamic receiver and kept the roster flexible with the rookie‑QB window, which screams all‑in.

If you have an elite offensive coach, it’s fine to pay a premium for a true number one; maximize the window before the young QB gets expensive.

The Lakers got handled, and expecting a 41‑year‑old to drop late‑round 38s isn’t fair; meanwhile, Cooper Flagg looks beyond special right now.

I’ve watched him since AAU. He loves the work, keeps leveling up, and this rookie class is strong.

He’s stacking historic rookie marks, scoring at will, and playing real defense, so stop hedging; the kid projects as an all‑timer if health cooperates.

Miles Simon is here. I picked Michigan because older, stronger teams survive this time of year; were you worried Arizona’s youth would feel that?

A bit, because Michigan brought bully‑ball to the paint, and once Arizona’s size advantage got neutralized by injuries and physicality, the game flipped.

UConn isn’t loaded with blue‑chip stars, but Hurley’s edge and clarity on who fits there feels like the advantage; what stands out to you?

Hurley recruits for fit, toughness, and coachability, then pushes hard and lifts guys up, and you can see the buy‑in; I’d want my own kid playing for that.

NIL and staying power brought quality back to college hoops; the games feel older, cleaner, better.

Totally. More talent returns, depth rises across leagues, and every night feels big because second‑round types now stick around.

Dusty May practiced in the football stadium for dome sightlines; gimmick or smart prep?

Smart. Domes distort depth and even air flow, so getting reps in that environment helps calm shooters, and you saw the payoff.

The Lakers’ roster is thin; JJ Reddick leaned into zone and stars, but injuries hit; where does that leave them?

The late switch to more zone stabilized the defense and their stars can carry a series, but health and limited depth cap them, and LeBron taking a smaller usage still leaves tough offseason questions.

Great stuff, Miles. We’ll do it again soon—Colin Right, Colin Wrong coming up, plus Gonzaga next.