The Lack of Upsets and the State of College Hoops With P.J. Carlesimo, Plus, New Red Sox 3B Alex Bregman.
Mar 25, 2025
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P.J. Carlesimo, a former head coach and current NCAA tournament analyst, shares his insights on Sweet 16 teams and the impact of the transfer portal on college basketball. He discusses the distinct styles of play across conferences and reminisces about coaching strategies. Later, Alex Bregman, the new third baseman for the Red Sox, opens up about his transition to a new team and his offseason experiences. The duo also touches on the challenges of personal growth in sports and humorous social media dilemmas.
P.J. Carlesimo highlights the changing landscape of college basketball, emphasizing how conference strengths significantly influence tournament success.
Alex Bregman discusses the challenges of transitioning to the Red Sox, focusing on building relationships with teammates and coaches.
Carlissimo raises concerns about the transfer portal's impact on team dynamics and continuity in college basketball.
The podcast reflects on the quality of officiating in college basketball and its significant effect on the game's flow during crucial moments.
Deep dives
Introduction of Alex Bregman and Offseason Reflections
The episode features Alex Bregman, the new third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, who discusses his transition from the Astros to Boston. He reflects on the challenges of adjusting to a new team and highlights the importance of building relationships with his new teammates and coaches. Bregman shares his eagerness to contribute to the team's success and the positive mindset within the club, emphasizing that everyone is focused on winning this season. He also expresses his excitement about the upcoming exhibition games, indicating a strong sense of camaraderie with the team as they prepare for the competition.
Insights from PJ Carlissimo on College Basketball
Former Seton Hall coach PJ Carlissimo joins the discussion, sharing his extensive experience with college basketball and insights on the NCAA tournament. He reflects on the changing landscape of college basketball, noting the physicality of different conferences and how this impacts tournament play. Carlissimo emphasizes the importance of key matchups and the unpredictability of the tournament, where traditional powerhouses can sometimes falter. He also discusses the significance of team dynamics and coaching strategies, highlighting how they can make the difference during crucial tournament games.
Evaluating Conference Strengths
The conversation turns to the strengths of various college basketball conferences, with Carlissimo expressing insights based on his recent tournament experiences. He highlights the SEC's physicality and athleticism, contrasting it with the traditional toughness of the Big East and Big Ten. Carlissimo discusses how teams like Houston, led by Kelvin Sampson, have established themselves as powerhouses, showcasing their ability to adapt and compete at a high level. He emphasizes that conference strengths can heavily influence postseason success, as teams with strong performances in their leagues often carry that momentum into the tournament.
The Role of Experience in Tournament Success
Carlissimo delves into the role of experience in tournament play, noting that seasoned teams often navigate the challenges of single-elimination formats more effectively. He reminisces about his own experiences coaching at Seton Hall, discussing how preparation and familiarity with high-pressure situations contribute to success. He believes that teams that face adversity during the regular season are better equipped to handle the ups and downs of tournament play. Carlissimo underscores the value of having experienced players who can lead and perform under pressure when it matters most.
Challenges of Officiating in College Basketball
The discussion briefly shifts to the challenges of officiating in college basketball, with Carlissimo sharing his observations about the inconsistencies in calls across different conferences. He argues that college refereeing can significantly impact the flow of the game, particularly in high-stakes situations. Carlissimo emphasizes the need for officials to adapt to game conditions and maintain consistency to ensure fair play. The conversation reflects on how the quality of officiating can shape the tournament experience for both players and fans alike.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
The podcast also explores the implications of the transfer portal in college basketball, with Carlissimo articulating concerns about how it affects team continuity and stability. He notes that the influx of transfers can disrupt team dynamics, making it challenging for coaches to establish a cohesive unit. This influx can lead to the dominance of power conference teams in the tournament, as they attract top talent from smaller programs. The shift in player movement highlights the evolving landscape of college basketball and prompts a discussion about the long-term effects on the game.
Memorable Stories and Reflection on Coaching
Carlissimo reminisces about memorable moments in his coaching career, sharing anecdotes that highlight the camaraderie and sportsmanship among players and coaches. He reflects on how respectful interactions between opponents post-game can strengthen the integrity of the sport. Carlissimo underscores the importance of good sportsmanship and mutual respect, illustrating that coaching is not just about winning but also about building character and relationships. This personal touch adds depth to the conversation, emphasizing the human aspect of sports beyond just the statistics and rivalries.
Russillo is joined by P.J. Carlesimo to share his favorite Sweet 16 teams, break down the distinct play styles of different conferences, and examine how much the transfer portal has affected the tournament (0:29). Then, Alex Bregman comes on to reveal his thoughts on changing teams, what the offseason process was like, and what he expects out of his first season with the Red Sox (37:03). Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle (59:44)! How do I handle my wife constantly lying on Reddit?
Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast.
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Host: Ryen Russillo
Guests: P.J. Carlesimo and Alex Bregman
Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, Mike Wargon, and Jonathan Frias
