Best of The Herd

Friday from Chicago, welcome in to The Herd; the Big Ten’s rolling, and the NIL era is proving it’s not just what you spend, it’s how you spend it—Purdue’s continuity and Iowa’s thrift are working while big budgets can whiff, and I still think Arizona may be the team to beat even if an all–Big Ten Final Four is on the table.

Baseball opened with the Dodgers winning, and it’s a good reminder that the sport’s randomness is its parity engine—stars can vanish for a series, injuries reshape contenders, and both big and small payrolls can get bounced or catch fire.

We keep the standard high and chase the trophy like a greyhound chases the lure, staying locked on our lane instead of the noise around us.

Do you buy Arizona as the team to beat right now? I still lean Michigan on matchup fit, but Arizona’s depth and size are scary, even if they don’t live at the three.

I’d love that Arizona–Michigan showdown; Arizona’s backcourt is nasty, and that Iowa–Nebraska chaos showed how wild this tournament can get, down to a possession where only four guys were on the floor.

Texas fans can gripe, but you’ve got to hit free throws; tonight I’m leaning Iowa State and Michigan, with St. John’s as a live dog.

On Duke, the ‘hate’ fades when the threat level dips; ratings prove people watch them, and smart programs like Duke stay good after legends because they hire well and keep standards high.

Luka’s on a tear, but playoff basketball will hunt him—his usage is sky-high, and West contenders with elite guards will force him to defend, which can drain his offense, especially without a strong rim protector behind him.

Teams will target him, though the Lakers’ late-season zone wrinkles are interesting; I’d still rather see the Thunder than the Spurs because I want no part of Wemby.

Media pearl-clutching about loud coaching misses the point—this is a tournament sprint, not a seven-game series, and urgency sometimes needs volume.

We’ve gotten soft in spots; you remember the teachers and coaches who pushed you past comfort because that’s how you hit your ceiling.

Arizona wrecked Arkansas with overwhelming depth—six players in double-figure impact is outrageous—and while they don’t rely on threes, they punish you with size; for me, Michigan and Arizona have the best front lines left.

Mick, you saw both UConn and Michigan State; what decides that game?

Defense and toughness; UConn’s ball pressure wears you down, while Michigan State’s team defense is elite, so expect a fistfight for every catch.

Any surprise at the Big Ten surge?

Not at all; the league’s as talented as it’s been, and Purdue felt like a group just trying to get to March healthy—now the heavy lifting starts, and Arizona is a brutal matchup.

How do you handle hard coaching in a transfer-portal world?

Nothing changes—players sign up for winning, listening, and effort, and as long as they know you’re making them better, the noise is just results-driven chatter you’ve got to live with.

Could St. John’s actually clip Duke?

It would be a major upset because Duke’s defense is a bear and St. John’s needs to score to press, but I’ll be pulling for Coach Pitino.

Give me your read on Michigan’s roster.

They’ve got three first-rounders, a massive front line, and seniors; sometimes they settle early, but when they play through their size, they look like the best team.

What’s the blueprint to beat Arizona?

You have to survive their paint pressure and foul waves; their senior point guard steadies them, and that three-man front line overwhelms you over forty minutes.

What did you think happened with Nebraska ending up with four players on the floor?

Probably a defensive sub mix-up where two thought they were out; awful timing, but Hoiberg had a terrific year and keeps great perspective.

Your NIL comment made the rounds—any blowback?

Our support is improving, but resources vary and money buys margin for error; you still need smart evaluations because there are always undervalued pieces to find.

Are you already back recruiting?

The phone hasn’t stopped—you re-recruit your own roster, embrace the portal, and adapt fast or you’re left behind.

Great stuff, Mick—UCLA’s stacked wins and that Arizona rivalry speak for themselves; enjoy the weekend slate.