Hour 2: The Pirates Paid a Player??? plus Angels & Braves Brawl, and Chris Webber Talks Michigan Natty

21:54Rich Eisen:Yes. Now we're talking, saying it with chests. That's how we speak these days. Just awesome. But let's start with the Saturday night of it all first. What was it like being back with your Fab Five friends, colleagues, brethren to do your altcast during the the what do we call it? BTA of Arizona.

22:22Chris Webber:Yeah, it was great. You know, we talked about it right here first. And kind of my first reaction is. Kind of what it is, it's prophetic. We were like some young guys again, being able to, you know, in the dorms and having fun with each guy, sharing different personalities with each other. And it's just great. I think you saw everything from Ray being the youngest, almost a year younger than anyone else or a year and a half than anyone else to, you know, Juwan breaking out X's and O's and, you know, everyone else kind of doing their thing. So it was exciting with Jaylin there and Jimmy there. So the night after was even that much more exciting, hanging out with them until planes had to be taken and all that stuff.

23:10Chris Webber:And so it was great to be able to cheer on a great team, a great coach, along with some great fans. So it was a great weekend.

23:20Rich Eisen:I bet. But just, you know, I also heard there might have been some late night dining on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Chris?

23:30Chris Webber:yeah that happened you know i i didn't realize how soft i was man i used to i used to i used to

23:37Rich Eisen:not be as soft as i am now what do you mean what do you mean by soft what do you talk about what

23:40Chris Webber:do i mean by soft you know staying up till 6 30 in the morning you know would have been nothing

23:45Rich Eisen:a long time ago and uh i'm still paying for it right now brother not financially right like who picked up the check actually did the agents pick up the check no they didn't you know what we

23:58Chris Webber:should have used the company card too. Put it on the underhills. Who picked up the check?

24:02Rich Eisen:Who grabbed the check?

24:03Chris Webber:I believe Jalen picked it up. A wonderful restaurant owner did there. It was an awesome time being able to hang out. That was to the wee hours of the morning and then we went back and enjoyed the wee wee wee hours of the morning. It's always great being around great people and whether it's your agent and your friends and both for so long. So it was, man, it was a great time.

24:33Rich Eisen:Did you become closer? Not to get too deep here, but did you guys, did this bond you even closer, getting back together with the current Michigan team doing what they're doing? Chris?

24:44Chris Webber:I don't, no, I don't think so. Okay. Because we're very close, you know? And so I think every moment, let me put it this way, every moment you have together brings you closer. So I don't want to say no, but this is who we are. You know what I mean? We spend time with each other on the phone or hanging out in whether it's separate or different capacities or a different number of group out the group. but you know it's I think that if anything Rich we're at a mature place where we could appreciate it more than ever does that make sense? so if you can appreciate it more than ever it means you're enjoying the moment more than you have in the past and being aware of the moment and so I would say at an age of maturity that's That's kind of the most special moment, the big boy thing.

25:43Chris Webber:You know what I mean? Because it accentuates every other moment. Like, you know, this doesn't change us to bring us closer together. Can you believe we even made it this far after, you know, J.L. and I getting, you know, tattoos in the garage with an ink pen at 18 years old, you know. You should be here. So it makes those moments that much more special, you know, when you didn't get tetanus from a tattoo.

26:11Rich Eisen:Well, and the crazy thing is, is you're the OGs now, Chris. You are the OGs. Now, I understand Glenn Rice and Ramil and Terry Mills and what have you, and they were the ones who were able to raise a banner in their time together. But you guys, the Fab Five, are definitely viewed by a younger generation as more attuned to this day and age, to be honest. And nothing could be more, I guess, indicative of that than the fact that, you know, Brandon McCoy announced he's going to Michigan from Sierra Canyon right in the middle of your All-Cast, two you guys, during the middle of the Arizona-Michigan game.

26:56Rich Eisen:And so you're the OGs, the current guys trying to make history are out there on the court, and here's a kid saying, hey, Fab Five, I'm coming to join and follow in your footsteps. It was just an awesome moment for me as a fan and an alum to watch. What was it like for you?

27:13Chris Webber:It was great. And, you know, that's what makes great organizations or programs. You know, being friends with Kobe, you know, he never said to his team where he was better than Magic's team because when you're great in a program, you know, the school is who it is because of you. And so we wouldn't have been us without Glenn Rice and those guys. And our job is to share those stories because the basketball purists, which basketball players are, want to know the history of the game. And so when schools erase a piece of legacy or history and does not allow the story to be told, it breaks up with the culture of basketball, which is what happened at the University of Michigan.

27:57Chris Webber:And so how it feels, it feels great. but I tell you there's a young guy like a Darius Acuff that I've been working with and his father and have known forever and I see how that goes so Rich you gotta understand we've never left basketball so I'm glad that the fans are finally seeing it but from Rich Acuff to other picks that are high picks we've been working with for a long time and so my thing is I'm really glad that we were able to represent the University of Michigan so that we can continue to kind of, you know, be there for the wonderful coach like Dusty Mays who set his own tone and his own program, and he did a wonderful job.

28:40Chris Webber:However, if I was a Miami football player, you better talk about Michael Irvin or you're not a purist. And so it is what it is. You can't erase those out there memories of the fans, which was why that alt cast was special. But more importantly, those that are doing it and grinding it every day, like that young man coming to the University of Michigan was so special, watching him declare on TV. I know what that moment is like. I imagined his parents and family behind him with food and drinks and being quiet and telling a young kid to shut up and taking a baby in the other room. I can only imagine it.

29:16Chris Webber:And those kids know that it's authentic. And so when you move that authenticity away from a program, kids know it too. And you can't even sometimes make up for that with the NIL. You have to have great coaching, great culture. And that's what this team did. And so it's really exciting to be a part of it and to be able to make sure that we highlight the wonderful aspects of a great school like that. But also to be able to say, hey, you guys have your own identity. And when you're in a great program, everybody can walk into a room and have their own identity and not take over, you know, and have to have a debate or other discussions.

29:53Chris Webber:And everybody can get credit because when you're the man, you can be the man. You know, you don't have to worry about comparisons.

30:00Rich Eisen:Chris Weber, Basketball Hall of Famer here on the Rich Eisen Show. What do you think of Yaxel's game?

30:06Chris Webber:I think Yaxel is a big time player. I think he did a wonderful job in college. It was fun watching him be so consistent and really taking over the tournament. And so it was really great watching a player like him. I think he has a lot of heart and I think it'll translate on the next level. And so what's great is that after games like this in the championship, whether it's your worst or your best game, you know, you always got a lot of room to get better there. And when you're that good, it's great that he has a lot to work with. So I'm looking forward to him excelling at the next level.

30:41Rich Eisen:Yeah, I think, listen, I'm biased. I think he's a top 10. He's a lottery pick, hands down. Like his size, his abilities. And then in the national championship game, clearly not himself. Plays all 20 minutes in the first half. Made some big plays in the second half, following up shots. He was awesome. And then the rest of it.

31:07Chris Webber:Yeah, you can't just look at that one game. I think his selflessness may have told more because he could have had 20 and forced it and said, hey, I want to prove to the critics that I can score a lot. And if they would have lost, then what would we be talking about? You know, and so I think that with a lot of players, you take a lot of things into into consideration when you're evaluating the player and consulting a lot of these teams. You know, some of the things I know they're going to take into consideration with him is being a gamer and showing up and making big shots, not running from it.

31:38Chris Webber:And then him not using the moment to take big shots or to push the envelope when the team is doing great. So he's a great teammate. And so, you know, you want to see those things along with talent, because really it depends on what position he plays, how he plays and all those other things that are skill based. But it all starts with what type of player are you? So he's skilled. He can get a bucket at any time. And then those intangibles that are going to make him a fun guy to be around. I mean, you heard the players after the game talk about, you know, that that's that is just as important as the stats.

32:13Chris Webber:And in the game when he didn't need it and you look at the story of a young man, you know, maybe they let shoot in the finals a long time ago and he turns into the MVP. So, you know, you have to make room for other players to be great. And so Yaxl is great. The future is bright. And every teammate that he plays with is going to be a little bit better. And that's something you can't say for each player that you evaluate getting ready for the draft.

32:38Rich Eisen:I'll be honest, Mithy, and you're a great guy to talk about this with since you know Michigan. You're from the state of Michigan. You've been a Wolverine fan, having a front row seat. You know what I'm about to say is quite a lot. I mean, Dusty, he's 64 and 13 in two years with a championship in his back pocket. and he has a chance to be the Bo Schembechler of basketball. He could stay put and win and keep winning. I mean, Bo didn't win a national championship, but different times, obviously. But he really has this, he's got a shot here. Just two years, he's 51 games over 500 already, and he does it in a way that kind of speaks to, you know, our language of comportment about, you know, what a Midwestern leader is, you know?

33:26Rich Eisen:Uh, he's got that opportunity, Chris, for real.

33:29Chris Webber:He does. I mean, he's a throwback to the Bobby Knight era.

33:32Rich Eisen:And you really, you know, he was, he was a student manager of Bobby's, you know, I love,

33:38Chris Webber:I love history. You know, I'm sure that all day that, you know, if I got around you, I would ask you questions about our coach, Sarah and other people. I know you studied it, right? Yes. And so, um, he studied it. He's been there. He's been able to change with the times. He's not going to, you know, throw a chair at you, you know? So he's seen, you know, he's been there and he's worked his way up. And so I really love the culture that he set. But he did it at FIU. You know, he did it before. And so I'm really excited that he's excited about Michigan. And I also don't – this is part of his character to me, but it also seems like in the midst of frustration after we win it and go back to bat next year.

34:22Chris Webber:Let's say that it was four years and then he's going to win four more Final Fours. I mean, you mentioned Bo, you mentioned others, and there's been seasons where there hasn't always been the best season and he can withstand that as well. You know, you have to take perseverance into account when, again, when you're kind of judging the heart and character of everyone and the way that he handled it all year, his temperament, even killed, allowed the guys to be silly, allowed them to kind of lean on him. And you're going to know that you're going to have that during the lean years, because, again, he's going to need a program that invests in the NIL.

35:01Chris Webber:And, you know, this is really the first time Michigan has done it significantly, and it allowed a wonderful coach to do some wonderful things. But he's going to have to need all hands on deck, whether it is groups that really haven't been able to be part of Michigan before, like the Fab Five, as you still have to talk about it. I mean, TNT did it. Michigan didn't do it. And he's been great even speaking out about us when I'm sure that, you know, things weren't guaranteed and he had to come through with a win. So you already see that he knows the big picture, that he's very confident on his own.

35:35Chris Webber:He doesn't need anyone's help. But, however, he's a team player, and I'm excited that he's the future. And he's a Big Ten guy. Where else is he going to go with a big 10, you know, the brightest and the best? He's already shown that he is Michigan. You know, this young team, they are Michigan. They're what makes the culture, along with the 89 team that made it the best, along with them. But they took the standard and they moved it forward. And that's what great, you know, programs do. A team wins, they do their job or whatever they or they do what they weren't supposed to do. And then these guys took it to another level.

36:11Chris Webber:And I really love the way that they did it with the teamwork, the family. And so they also re-instilled those values of this is how the locker room should be as well. So it's cool watching them. I could talk about them all day.

36:25Rich Eisen:Me too. But you know how things are talked about in this business, Chris. Got to choose who's the best of the leaders and best of all time. Is this team the best Michigan team of all time?

36:38Chris Webber:They are Michigan. I think you can only have that conversation with two teams, the 89 team and them. And they wouldn't be here if it weren't for 89. 89 is the first team ever to do it, didn't have coaches, all that stuff. And 89 is not better than this team because this team had a bunch of guys that just got together, did it, and played so well. So I'm a guy, you know, when I, you know, I don't talk, you know, I would never say the Lakers team, this is better if they won a championship or when I was talking to Ray Allen, he would never say this team is better than the one he has because the program is the best.

37:15Chris Webber:So we look like newbies when we talk about which team is the best because that means we only got a couple choices. We only got two. So from the Alabamas and others that have many that can't have that or won't have that conversation, I just, you know, can't buy it. But we're not Michigan without them. They set the tone. They're taking us into the future. and, you know, this is one of the best teams I've ever watched play before, let alone one of the best at Michigan. So hopefully that was, you know, politically correct enough, but it's really what I believe because when you're a hooper and you're the man, you don't really compare yourself against others because you feel like we did what we were supposed to do is to program and we move forward.

37:54Chris Webber:So that's just how I feel about who's the best.

37:57Rich Eisen:As they say on Family Feud, good answer. Good answer. Good answer. Because, you know, we need more championships. Otherwise, your newbies are just like, oh, it's one or the other. But, you know, and again, I know the Fab Five weren't able to raise a banner. But what you guys did still resonates today. We're in 2026 as a new standard, as you pointed out, for this program is being set and moving it forward. You guys were the ones they reached out to to say, sit down. It's been, you know, that long. It's been 30-something years, but you guys are as relevant as ever. And just I'm looking at you right here, Chris, and seeing you and seeing the babyface versions of you in the background.

38:42Rich Eisen:But I'm seeing, you know, your attire. You got the jump man, and then there's you. And that's the swag with the M that's on the other side. You, plus that jump man, is what I think gives the OG swag status to the current Dusty May program to tell kids like McCoy, you understand who we are. Come on. Let's go. I'm honest. For real.

39:08Chris Webber:And you're so right. And I'm going to take that, especially since if it was NIL for us, we were we were we would have been paid to play and paid to sell product because that's that's what we did then. And so, yeah, maybe it wouldn't be a Jordan that says, yeah, we're going to invest in because they sold Hirachis and socks. But for Dusty May to really honor that, you know, how can we move forward without the best coaches coming forward? So it's cool being proud of that because we just have to stay in our lane. Would we have beat them? Yeah. Would they have beat us? Yeah. They're supposed to say that when we get in different rooms.

39:44Chris Webber:Yeah. But that conversation is only between two teams, the 89 team and this team, because we're going to play our role. And when we walk in a room with anyone, we've held our own and we did enough. But because that's just what we do, it's really, you know, it's cool because that's just what Dusty does. He already went to the final four, came here, and finished what he was going to do anyway. that's the great part about it that we had the best talent and the best people that would have done it anywhere else. And it's a choice to go there. And we chose to come there. And when you choose to come there, you're already part of, you're already part of a small group of winners.

40:22Chris Webber:And it's just, you know, how far can you go on your road and your journey? And so for me, yeah, we would have beat them. They would have beat us. I would have filed them. It would have been a great game, but I know the day we can't play. But I know the day I can go on the golf course and brag to some friends, did you see those young boys? That's what we do. And I'd rather brag about that than go someplace and be the only team and be like, yeah, that one team, you know. And so to me, it's really cool to watch them, to watch their parents, their families and know how hard they were to really appreciate the journey.

40:56Chris Webber:This makes me go back into my journey and say, wow, you know, it makes us appreciate again what we've come through because they reminded us, whether it's the joy on their face, whether it's the actual hurt in his ankle the other day, going to the locker room and grimacing in pain and then, you know, coming back out to the game and playing. So for me, it just helps us appreciate the journey because at the end of the day, the process and what they've gone through is really what makes it all worth it.

41:22Rich Eisen:You're the man, Chris Weber. I don't take this for granted. And next time we talk, it'll be NBA playoffs time. And here we go. Off we go. And then we'll just see if the Lakers can win a game in the playoffs without, you know, Luca and Reeves. And then we'll see what's going on in the East. And then we'll see again, hey, last time Michigan won the national championship in 89, we know who won the NBA championship as well. That would be the Detroit Pistons.

41:51Chris Webber:Oh, wow. I saw a great fight today on YouTube with Isaiah and Bill Cartwright. And it just reminded me how much we hated the Bulls and how much you could fight in the NBA back in 89, I think. What was Isaiah thinking?

42:09Rich Eisen:By the way, Bill Cartwright had reach, man. He had reach.

42:13Chris Webber:I think he was, you know, Isaiah's from Chicago. He probably had family in the audience, thought that he was going to jump down there. But remember, though, Isaiah broke his hand, I think, on Parrish and, you know, and on Lambert. I think it was on Lambert. So he was, you know, he was the baby-faced assassin. He'll smile, but he'll knock you and hit you in the mouth.

42:30Rich Eisen:That's right. The bad boys and Chuck Daly dressed like, you know, he was out of the Sopranos. That's who won the championship last time Michigan cut down a net in college. Chris, thanks for the time. Love you, man. We'll chat next week.

42:42Chris Webber:Who won the championship? I forgot. I forgot. Go Blue, man. Blue know it.

42:50Rich Eisen:Yeah, man. Chris Webber right here on the Rich Eisen Show. Oh, yeah. What an absolute delight. He's back with more right here on the Rich Eisen Show. Albert Breer, top of hour three, talking football. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.

43:10Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here. I've traveled all over for some of the biggest NFL moments you can imagine. conference championships, Super Bowls, draft weekends, and everywhere I go, the city just feels different. It's buzzing, packed, electric. Now take that energy and multiply it by the entire world. That's what's coming this summer with the FIFA World Cup. Fans from every corner of the globe are going to be traveling to experience it live. And when that many people come to town, they're all looking for a place to stay. That got me thinking. If you live in or near a host city, This is one of those rare moments.

43:44Rich Eisen:You already have a space. This summer, you could list your space on Airbnb while fans are in town for the FIFA World Cup. Not as a full-time thing. Not as some huge lifestyle change. Just during an event when demand is naturally high. When I travel for big games, I just want a comfortable place in a real neighborhood. And that's exactly what so many visiting fans will be looking for. If you've ever thought about listing your space, This summer is a great time as we welcome FIFA World Cup fans. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com slash host. Quick time out.

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45:01Rich Eisen:They're the ones with the bear on the box.

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45:49Rich Eisen:Nothing to see here. Just because they moved bonuses around to hit in September. it's just salary cap stuff. It has nothing to do with maybe giving them space to trade him. At all. Nothing to see here. That's all we're hearing. Then Todd Monken, new head coach he opens up his first organized team activities. You know who's not so organized to be there? OTAs? He could be organized. He's organizing other things. Alright, I'm having my fun here. Who the hell knows why Mollick Garrett's not there? But the fact that he's not there, it is not great. Todd Monken, you've got the floor. As I've said before, this is voluntary for our players to be here.

46:36I think if you asked every coach in the NFL,

46:39Rich Eisen:would they like every player to be there? That, of course. I think there's certain parts of what we do from a connection standpoint that I think is important to be here. From a schematic standpoint, from a work standpoint, not so much. And it is our job to make it to where the guys want to be here. I mean, not just by the job, but by their development, by the camaraderie, being part of a team. I mean, hell, I've been part of a team since I've been five years old. There's nothing like it. I wouldn't miss it. Because that's me. That's how I'm wired. But it is voluntary. Miles will be ready. I'm not worried about Miles.

47:13Rich Eisen:I wouldn't be worried about that either on that front. First of all, can we get Coach a lozenge already? It's early April. Hopefully he's okay. I'll just say this. two ways of looking at it one is like miles is gonna be fine he's gonna show up and he's there's no question about about that okay he could put his fingers in the dirt and chase whoever the hell you want week one right now or you know when it's time to play i get it understand it i'll just say this to you guys as the ceo and president of rich eyes and productions not just the host here that you are if i am ever so fortunate to pay any of you 40 million dollars a year to do this job God, if you're listening.

47:54Rich Eisen:If I'm so fortunate to be so awash in revenue. I hope. Yeah. And I can cut you that check. I will show up to everything. Damn straight you are. I'll be before Brockman. Exactly damn straight you are. I won't take off. I know it's. Ain't nothing voluntary. It's arguably a false equivalency running the Cleveland Browns and the Rich Eisen show and it's various productions. I understand that. I'd argue we've had more success. If we ever reach that revenue. Thank you, sir. That's very good. I will just say this. I get 42, guys. I expect you to be at the voluntary as well as the mandatory. All right.

48:28Rich Eisen:We're all on the same page here. Thank you. The Ridge Eisen Show podcast from 30 for 30 podcasts.

48:42Rich Eisen:Brian Pata, senior defensive lineman for Miami. Gun down. The key to this case, it's Brian. A hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing what's about. This might be a hit. You want the truth. They just want a conviction being placed under arrest.

48:59Chris Webber:We had a killer amongst us. Murder at the U.

49:02Rich Eisen:Listen now.