In short
NCAA men’s basketball Sweet 16 and upcoming Final Four matchups; plus “What’s More Likely” NFL/NBA/baseball draft and season hypotheticals, and sports talk radio-style phone calls.
Guests/backgrounds
Chris Webber, Basketball Hall of Famer and former Michigan star (Fab Five); Kevin Millar, MLB Network analyst (scheduled for hour 3). Phone callers discuss Big Ten/Iowa, Mets fandom, and MLB umpiring/ABS.
Key claims (Webber)
Michigan is winning by sticking to offensive principles and “process,” not just defense; Arizona plays “grown man” basketball, attacks inside/outside and uses foul trouble/body blows; Houston’s slump is explained by over-focusing on defense and neglecting offensive “options to score.” For Michigan State vs UConn, Webber says board control/second shots decide games; he expects UConn’s physical leadership and paint pressure from their floor general.
Notable examples
Nebraska vs Iowa (Iowa’s advantage after Nebraska had four on the floor); Illinois vs Houston; Michigan State’s historical rebounding; Fab Five era collectibles and Muhammad Ali story referenced.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOWhat's More Likely Friday
1:46 to 2:34
Discussion about the show's format and upcoming segments.
“Our number two of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air.”
Listener Call: Tanner from Iowa
2:34 to 4:34
Tanner discusses Iowa basketball and Nebraska's performance.
“A lot of folks in Iowa love their basketball.”
Listener Call: David from Richmond
4:34 to 7:52
David shares his experience of marrying into a Mets fan family.
“That was kind of online a little bit last night.”
Humorous Debate on ABS
7:52 to 8:23
Discussion on the Automated Ball Strike system in baseball.
“Appreciate it right there, ladies and gentlemen.”
Chris Webber Joins the Show
8:23 to 10:46
Chris Webber discusses Michigan basketball and current teams.
“Or are you chill because you've been there, done that?”
Analyzing Houston's Performance
10:46 to 12:06
Chris analyzes Houston's struggles in the tournament.
“And in college, usually you only have one or two players that can get your own shot.”
Impact of Strategy on Game Outcomes
12:06 to 14:02
Discussion on how defensive strategies affect team performance.
“How does something like that happen, man?”
Nebraska's Sweet 16 Journey and Big Ten Performance
14:02 to 16:42
Discussion on Nebraska's NCAA performance and the strength of the Big Ten.
“But you see where, you know, now their defense is coming on.”
Analyzing Key Matchups: Michigan State vs. UConn
16:42 to 19:36
In-depth analysis of the upcoming Michigan State and UConn game.
“And if you notice anything, they're going to control the boards.”
Hating Duke: Is It Still a Tradition?
19:36 to 22:24
Exploration of the ongoing rivalry and tradition of hating Duke basketball.
“Do you take him out the game offensively?”
Show all 17 chapters
The Fab Five: Iconic Moments and Memories
22:24 to 26:33
Chris Webber reflects on the legacy and significance of the Fab Five.
“There are some people who are just like not hateable.”
Iconic Colors and Sports Rivalry
28:00 to 28:40
Discussion about sports team colors and the rivalry among fans.
“We knew they were iconic back then, even though, like you said, he didn't quite know.”
Listener Call with Jimmy from San Antonio
30:59 to 36:20
Conversation with a listener about basketball, brackets, and sports insights.
“Guys and Show, 844-204-RICH is the number to dial.”
What's More Likely Segment
37:37 to 42:00
Discussion on various sports scenarios and player situations in the NFL.
“They bring you, as always, this week's edition of What's More Likely.”
NFL Week One Predictions
42:00 to 44:25
Discussion on the likelihood of Deshaun Watson starting for the Browns and predictions for the Seahawks' kickoff opponent.
“But it's also like we don't pay you now.”
NBA Finals Predictions
44:25 to 45:21
Debate on which teams are most likely to make the NBA Finals, focusing on the Thunder and Celtics.
“A more likely team that would shock you.”
National Championship Favorites
45:21 to 46:38
Discussion on which team is more likely to win the national championship, Arizona or the field.
“More likely, star who flopped on opening day that you're most concerned about.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Chris Webber:Get in the game with the college-branded Venmo Debit Card. Wreck your team with every tap and earn up to 5 % cash back with Venmo Stash, a new rewards program from Venmo. No monthly fee, no minimum balance.
0:13Rich Eisen:Just school pride and spending power. Get in the game and sign up for the Venmo Debit Card at Venmo.com slash college card. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. Select schools available. Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply at Venmo.me slash stash terms. Max$100 cash back per month. Protein is now at Starbucks, and it's never tasted so good. You can add protein cold foam to your favorite drink or try one of our new protein lattes or matcha. Try it today at Starbucks.
0:45Rich Eisen:This is the Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody.
0:49Chris Webber:Can't get enough of the Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show.
1:14Rich Eisen:Nebraska only had four defenders on the floor. This is the Rich Eisen Show. Smith puts it up. No! The foul! It's gone! From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.
1:25Chris Webber:And Will Smith has gone deep. Today's guest, Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Webber, MLB Network Analyst Kevin Millar, plus your phone calls, latest news, and more.
1:40Rich Eisen:And now, it's Rich Eisen. Our number two of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. It's a What's More Likely Friday. We'll play that all together. in the next couple of hours, we also have Kevin Millar. Although, Chris, I want to say, because Susie gets upset whenever I do a Boston accent. Yeah, Kevin Millar. Millar. Yeah, Millar. Millar? Yeah, Millar. So I got it right, Millar. Millar. He's going to join us in hour number three. So there's that. We'll talk some baseball. We already talked about the last two opening days. There was an opening day last night here in Los Angeles at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.
2:25Rich Eisen:I think I got it right finally, right? Sure. Chris Weber, we're searching wherever C-Web is. He's going to join us shortly. Let's go to Tanner in Iowa. Tanner. A lot of folks in Iowa love their basketball. What's going on, Tanner?
2:41Chris Webber:Hey, how are you guys doing?
2:42Rich Eisen:What's going on? Are you driving around the great state of Iowa right now, Tanner?
2:46Chris Webber:Oh, yeah. Okay. I'm driving around in Waterloo right next to Cedar Falls. But I wanted to start off by saying I have a lot of respect for the Nebraska team. For a second in the beginning of the game, I thought Iowa was just going to get absolutely just demolished. But then I was glad that Iowa won and I got to taste the tears of Nebraska fans for the rest of the night. But I also wanted to – I don't know if you ever saw this. The last coach to get the team to the Sweet 16
3:25Rich Eisen:and win a tournament game his first year was Tom Davis.
3:30Chris Webber:And there's a really cool picture of Ben McCollum as a young, young kid taking a picture with Tom Davis. So the comp of Tom Davis and him is getting more real every day. And I just wanted to shout out the Big Ten teams, and I'm really hoping that Michigan can get to the Final Four and maybe potentially play Iowa one more time.
3:59Rich Eisen:Oh, I'd love to play Iowa in the final game. Tanner, I think that would be great. Yep. I would look forward to it. And by the way, isn't it Dr. Tom Davis? That's what I always heard. Dr. Tom Davis. Yeah, that's what it was. It was never Coach Davis. It was Dr. Tom Davis. But I remember that, Tanner. Thank you for the call.
4:17Chris Webber:And I also wanted to say the moment I knew that Matt Rule was at the game, I saw him on TV. I knew Iowa was going to come out and win in a football type of way. Wow.
4:30Rich Eisen:I've seen other people say that. Well done, Tanner. Well done, Tanner. That was kind of online a little bit last night. Thank you very much. Or out of line. Yeah. Poor Matt Rule. What's going on? Wow. I thought Matt's been credited for turning Nebraska around. Sure. You know, a Pat McAfee regular with his beautiful backdrop and everything.
4:56Rich Eisen:That's unfortunate. That Matt Rule takes it on his chin like that. Obviously no love lost between us. Phone lines are lighting. We love seeing that. David in Richmond, Virginia. What's up, David? That's line three for those scoring over there. What's going on, David?
5:13Chris Webber:Hey, Rich, I got one thing I want to tell you from the other day when you were talking, and I'm going to tell you why I think the ABS should be instituted. Okay. Approximately 42 years ago, my in-laws who were from Queens said that I could not marry their daughter unless I became a Mets fan. It took several weeks or maybe months for me to mull it over to see if it was worth it or not. but I don't know if it's for the mess or whatever, but we haven't married for 42 years. So it has worked out. So just want to let you know a couple of things,
5:45Rich Eisen:David, David, have you ever seen the movie diner? No, I have not. The movie diner is about Baltimore, I believe in the fifties. And, um, there's a scene where, um, a, a family, um, where, where, uh, somebody is not allowed to marry their son. The guy won't marry, uh, his future intended wife, unless she passes a quiz on the Baltimore Colts. Did you have to take a quiz on the Mets? You know?
6:14Chris Webber:I didn't have to go take a quiz, but here's the interesting thing. I have been to the old Citi Field or Shea Stadium when we lived up there several times. My daughter, who actually is a husband in the Navy, but has her best friend that lives up in New York, has been to Citi Field with my three-year-old granddaughter three times. I have yet to see Citi Field. Uh, I did not. She could tell you more about the Mets now than I can, but I do know that I love Frances Lindor, and I've been watching this. And yesterday, she called me in the middle when I was working and saying, by the way, we knocked out Paul Skeens in the first quarters of an inning.
6:52Chris Webber:So that was big news in our house.
6:54Rich Eisen:I love it. This is 42 years ago. I'm sorry, go ahead, sir. So 42 years ago, does that mean you got married in a Howard Johnson?
7:04Chris Webber:No, I did not get married. but I did get married in Queens at a Catholic church.
7:08Rich Eisen:All right, David, you want to talk about ABS then?
7:11Chris Webber:And one other thing about the ABS, okay, here's the thing. I'm pro ABS because one thing that you should not have to do, you have enough stuff to get ready for a game, you should not have to scalp the ump. I understand it's a nice little thing for the game, but you should not have to decide, oh, this ump's got this strike zone, this, you know, you can throw a ball here. He's not going to give you your curve. He's going to give you your fastball. Vice versa. I think it needs to be a general – I understand it's all part of the game. And I have 70 guys, so I haven't watched this for a long time. I don't like the fact that there are actually teams that have to actually look at the – not just the opposing players.
7:51Rich Eisen:Thank you, David and Richmond. Appreciate it right there, ladies and gentlemen. David and Richmond, I agree with him. And also, you never met somebody you had to like Wally Backman in order to get married. Wow. Now you have. What's next? Every ballpark has to be exactly the same? Nope. Nope. Just get it right. That's all. Get out of here. There's no ballpark that could be like the one here that has a Uniqlo field. That's it. They're all unique in their own way. Joining us right now here is our friend Chris Weber. Good to see you, C-Web. Oh, look at that. What up, G? Look at the gear. You're ready.
8:29Rich Eisen:You're ready. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. How are you watching Michigan games? Are you on edge? Do you need to be left alone? Or are you chill because you've been there, done that? What do you got?
8:39Chris Webber:Yeah, I have great distractions. My twins, you know, they'll run around the TV, they'll cheer, the team in blue, you know, whatever color they're wearing. So, you know, it's good chaos going on. So that helped me keep my mind on just, you know, being entertained and not getting caught up in the X's and O's too much.
8:56Rich Eisen:I got to be honest, Chris, and let's start here. Clearly, you got to survive in advance. there's Alabama here and should Michigan survive and advance it's most likely Iowa State which is significant squad but I'm sitting here and I'm watching Arizona play right now and they look like we did in December they're just dismantling double digit dismantling absolutely everybody in front of them right now Chris concerning on that front but exhilarating for Wildcat fans right now.
9:32Chris Webber:Yeah. And as a fan, you know, I love seeing it because, you know, when we meet each other, if we meet each other, then that's going to speak for itself. But until that point, you want all teams playing at their best. And what I love about how Michigan is playing is that we are playing our best, but we're finding a way to win and you have to stick with your principles. And that's working hard, that's working together, still being unselfish. Some of those missed shots look really bad. You know why? Because they're wide open. You know why? Because the team is sticking with their offensive principles.
10:06Chris Webber:And so as long as you do that and you don't see bad body languages, guys taking it on themselves and other things, you know, as long as you got that guy on the board who I think is probably the most underrated player in this game, I think you're still doing well. So no, you aren't playing your best, but having been in that position, you want to just fall in love with the process and stick to the process because that's when that's the easiest way to come out of a slump or feeling bad.
10:36Rich Eisen:Okay. Um, but what do you see out of Arizona right now, Chris? What do you see?
10:42Chris Webber:Oh, I see, I see grown man play out of Arizona. I see, I see a grown man play. I see guys that can get their own shot. And in college, usually you only have one or two players that can get your own shot. I see bigs and they go inside. And what I like about Arizona, they aren't three-point heavy. They go inside and out as well. And I think that's really what you have to have in this game is a traditional game. They'll get you in foul trouble. They'll well you down with body blows and ones and those type of things. I don't think people really realize, and I don't know if statistics necessarily really show the true impact of what it does to keep wearing on a big fella inside, how it makes him not come over for help on defense on the next play, how it has him thinking on his heels all game.
11:29Chris Webber:And that's really what they do to you with that Arizona team. So I see great coaching. I see great skill and some tough guys.
11:36Rich Eisen:And then, you know, there was a blowout last night. And then the other blowout last night, Chris, involved a team that you saw blow everyone out in Oklahoma City when you were calling the games in the first couple rounds on TV. how do you account for Houston basically trailing for five minutes over the first two games and then hardly making a shot and trailing for much of the Sweet 16 loss to Illinois? How does something like that happen, man?
12:07Chris Webber:You know, you know, you know, I love football. So hopefully this isn't a terrible kind of comparison. But I always tell my friends that have football teams, like if you have a defensive coach, it means that you kind of play scared because you don't have an offensive mentality. And, you know, maybe if you're a defensive coach, it seems like you're like, we're not going to give this up. You know, let's take care of the ball. Where if you're an offensive coach, it don't matter. You're letting it fly each time, you know, within the offense. And whenever I've gotten scared for Houston, it's because offensively, you know, we talk about their defense, but offensively is where, you know, issues have come.
12:56Chris Webber:And so sometimes with sports, we get so caught up in the good things of character, defense, diving on the floor because we make offense kind of a prima donna thing. But in my opinion, whether you're a great team like Golden State, that was at times the best defensive team in the league. They still value possessions as an offensive coach through current others. And so I would say the way that it can happen is that a team focuses so much on defense and thinking defense is going to get them out of a slump. As opposed to having a mentality that, wait a minute, our offense is its own monster. and therefore we have so many different options to score.
13:41Chris Webber:And that's why you saw what the Illini did. I mean, of course, you got my nephew, Staryakovich, and other players. That's right. Page's kid, man. Page's kid. He's cold. He was in the league. I mean, you know, give all credit to Page and more importantly his mom for his athletic ability. Nice. That's my nephew, man. He's cold. But you see where, you know, now their defense is coming on. But offensively, they'll get you.
14:09Rich Eisen:That's right. And then the other game last night that was in the South region. Last we spoke, you said you saw Nebraska fans delirious, you know, getting lubricated for games before and after, having a lot of fun. And now they're being driven to, you know, get something to take a little bit of the edge off when, And, I mean, listen, I guess it happens. Four guys on the floor, right, at the worst possible time in Iowa having the opportunity to take advantage of it. And they've been taking advantage of every opportunity they have. I'll give you the floor on that result.
14:48Chris Webber:Yeah, you know, and watching the game and talking to some coaches around, you know, in college just texting and talking to a couple others. They were surprised that it got to that point because they said usually the referee counts, how many people on the floor, but, you know, they're also saying, wait a minute, that's not, you know, his, you know, their responsibility is just a courtesy from the guys. And, you know, so they were, you know, saying it's, you know, miscommunication with the coaches. And I saw Fred's comments. So obviously he agrees with it. I know he's going to be kicking himself, you know, in the butt next year.
Read the full transcript
15:26Chris Webber:Great job by the other team of recognize because usually you would see it and be like wait I can't do it it's a split decision uh to make that pass and so I give them kudos for for making the pass but Nebraska getting to you know from their first win in the NCAA to uh making the sweet 16 they got a lot to be you know proud about but I'm sure it'll take a couple days for them to recognize that yeah Iowa against Illinois
15:51Rich Eisen:they were gonna there's there's three big 10 teams already in and then there's our alma mater and Michigan State tonight to maybe get them through. Michigan State-UConn is going to be awesome. What a game that's going to be, Chris.
16:02Chris Webber:It's going to be incredible. And just to give kudos to the Big Ten, I mean, you know, I've heard a lot about all the other conferences, you know, and it's great. And you want that, you know, parody and conferences, but you also want those bragging rights. And for the Big Ten to really show up, you know, like they did, especially to the Sweet 16, having so many teams, I think it speaks to the competition and hopefully it gives respect in years coming up because it just seemed like it was top heavy other years. And now, you know, it seems to go real deep. But, you know, Michigan State, that's going to be a dogfight against UConn.
16:39Chris Webber:I would say the genius of Izzo is how his teams play. And if you notice anything, they're going to control the boards. Whoever controls the boards in this game wins, period. That's the one stat that I would look at. It's the one stat that's been telling all of these years with Michigan State, even when they had great teams like a 2000 team with Mateen Cleaves and those guys, they still were dogs on the board. And that's what I mean about a mentality of a team from a Houston maybe, you know, their mentality was defense. Well, you know, Michigan State is valuable possession, scoring the ball, getting on the fast break.
17:20Chris Webber:but they are not going to give you a second shot, and they are going to get second shots. And, you know, he called it point guard you, you know. Of course, I can say that since I have what I have on. I can honor that a little bit more. I try to go around that. But when you have, you know, a point guard like that, when you had, you know, the Johnsons, the Cleaves, you know, you can try to claim that. And he's trying to use that energy to get to the next level so I can't fault that. But that's going to be a great game. But UConn, they're no joke. They're going to be coached well. They're going to play well.
17:56Chris Webber:And I love their style of, you know, we're going to shoot it until the lights go out. And you have to battle that mentality as well. So it's going to be a good one.
18:05Rich Eisen:That's interesting. You mentioned Johnson. Obviously, Magic, Chris. I'll go here. This is going to be fun because we're both Michigan guys, right? It seems like Jeremy Fears has a penchant for hitting people in the Johnsons, Chris, you know? Am I, did I get that right? And if you're, and if you're UConn, you're going to want to, you're going to try and get in that kid's grill tonight.
18:27Chris Webber:Yeah, why are you going to pull me in that? Because I was going to say Draymond does. Oh yeah. But now you just pull me in.
18:34Rich Eisen:I tried, I talked about it with Izzo in a very nice way, the best possible way, because I respect him. I got him to at least admit I'm 1A in terms of his favorite Michigan man ever. But I mean, it's in all seriousness, like with UConn tonight, You want to get in that kid's grill and make them do something silly if that's possible. You know what?
18:54Chris Webber:I would say you're 100 % right. But I would say just like Draymond, they may have a reputation because maybe it's happened before. But it's not something I would bet on and use as a strategy because they're smarter than that. You know, usually the game's out of hand or usually the game's out of hand one way or the other. I expect him to come in and be the great leader that he's been. We saw Coach Izzo address that early in the season. And what I love is the growth. You know what I mean? So for me, you're exactly right. That's what the other team should do. But I'd be a little leery of that, having seen the growth of him and the impact he has on his team.
19:35Chris Webber:I mean, he can score 25 or we've seen him not score and just dominate, assist, getting other guys open. So what do you do? Do you take him out the game offensively? And then he's going to get other guys a wide open shots, or do you just let him score? And it's going to be a problem that way, too. So to me, that young man, you know, really is the floor general, the head of the snake, so to speak. And so you really have to keep your eyes on him. Trying to frustrate him is great, but, you know, I see more of him frustrating the other team by getting in the paint, getting M1s, hitting tough shots, and getting the crowd involved.
20:12Rich Eisen:Chris Weber here on the Rich Eisen Show. And I'm going to have some fun with you here on this one with Duke and St. John's this evening. I had Carlos Buzer on yesterday, and I just love that guy and obviously his kids and the story of his children and him and his relationship and his family. It's all good. But when it comes down to it, it's about that block M that you have there on your chest there. And, you know, Brockman, you dragged it out of me. I told him, like, it was difficult to watch Michigan and go eight on five against Duke earlier back in February. This was a headline in the Athletic New York Times.
20:47Rich Eisen:Is hating Duke basketball falling out of style? I found that interesting. Chris, do you want to chime in on that? Because I have some thoughts on it.
20:59Chris Webber:Is hating on Duke falling out of style? It's funny. I'm interviewing Grant Hill for my podcast coming up. And so I'm definitely going to ask him. He's a young man that I've known since 12 years old. And so it was easy to hate Duke that much more with him, even though I really liked him. Yes. I think, you know, oh, man, you know, certain things, you know, popcorn at the movies.
21:34Chris Webber:hot dog barbecue on the 4th of july you know uh presents under the tree at christmas that's another one yeah and hating duke yes you know i mean those are traditions right that's correct that's what you need to do research like who wrote that and i just mean They can have their own opinion, but how old are they? You know, what region of the country did they grow up in? Yep.
22:02Rich Eisen:I don't know who this Chris Vanini is, but he didn't reach out to me for this conversation. Nor you, apparently. We were unavailable for comment. Of course we're available for comment on this subject matter. I'm available. I'll tell you what.
22:15Chris Webber:That's 100 % not true. So I don't know.
22:19Rich Eisen:It is 1 ,000 % still in style. I agree with you. Although Grant Hill was kind of like the, even for Yankee haters, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, you know, like, in all honesty, I don't hate Tatum for the Celtics. There are some people who are just like not hateable. Right. You know, like they're kind of above that. Grant Hill was kind of above that fray. Sure. But then they would just drag him down to his level, you know?
22:47Chris Webber:Yeah. Grant outlasted it. You're right. Yeah. And so that was one opinion. But Shane Battier played with my brothers, David and Jason, in high school. They all won three state championships together, right? Okay. And I loved him until he went to Duke, and I hate him today because he went to Duke.
23:08Chris Webber:So it can't change your opinion. You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
23:11Rich Eisen:That's really funny. It will always be in style, just like presents on Christmas Day on the tree. I get you. Barbecue on the 4th. I see you. I see you. You're the best, man. Your pod, how can people get it, Chris? Just wherever you get your pods, pretty much?
23:28Chris Webber:Oh, man, wherever you get your pods. But, you know, hopefully next week we can talk about it. I have a little more information for you. But when you talked about Grant, I'm getting, you know, some stuff together and, you know, some good stuff. And so I'm definitely going to bring this survey up because I don't think he believes that. I don't think he believes that the hate is leaving from how, you know, I've been with him and people are yelling out, you know, doing stuff. On what planet? Is this Earth?
23:51Rich Eisen:You're kidding me. No, listen, Shires, good dude. What he's doing right now is unbelievable. Obviously, the Boozers, I get it, but it's still Duke. Enough, enough. Go Blue, sir. Hey, Rich. Oh, you got one more?
24:05Chris Webber:Yeah, just a quick question, Chris. What up, man? I'm thinking every time you come on, I'm going to have just some random thing to ask you. But I thought about this morning. When athletes are in the middle of doing something, maybe they don't know they're doing something iconic, right? you guys the fab five i think you knew at that moment what you guys were doing for the culture and everything was iconic as it was happening and i'm thinking about today's kind of world where collectibles are so big and i don't know why i thought about this this morning but like were you able did you keep any of that fab five gear maybe uh the harachis or you know the the uniforms or any of that stuff did you have enough like foresight to see that man maybe we
24:44Rich Eisen:should like keep some of this stuff at that.
24:47Chris Webber:You know what? I, I, my father, thank God, you know, he's somebody that's kept everything. So as soon as I get a trophy, some, I would give it to him, you know? And so, uh, yeah, I found some, some shoes. I found like some shirts and things like say we were at a charity event, you know, uh, I do. And I cherish them. You know, I love collectibles. Behind me is the 50 greatest players there, and I was lucky enough to be in Cleveland, you know, there with it. But I do want to correct you on something. I don't think that those that have iconic moments know that it's happening, unless it's like a countdown and it's three more home runs, or, you know, eight more hockey goals.
25:34Chris Webber:Because at the whole time we were trying to accomplish something, And so our whole motto or our whole way of life or where we're from, how we grew up, what we had seen around us was more like we have an opportunity to prove something. Let's change it. You know, this is us. Let's be unique. Let's stay who we are. And so the older I get, the more I respect it because we didn't know it. You know, like our freshman year, we didn't have a TV in the dorm. So, you know, when people said things to us, it resonated a little bit more. Because I think sometimes what takes away from some iconic moments is like maybe the inauthenticity of it because, you know, it's coming.
26:17Chris Webber:So I feel that. You know what I mean? So that's that's one thing I really honor. But it's like we can be cool. We can be all this. But we did not know, which kind of gave us the power because if we would have known, we have, you know, been any other way.
26:31Rich Eisen:Interesting answer. How about that for an answer? Although, TJ, be honest, you were hoping he's like, oh, I have a pair of shorts right here. I mean, yeah. You were hoping he'd do that. I was kind of hoping, yeah. Oh, wait a minute. And he'd hold up a pair of shorts. Oh, he's looking. No? They have a pair of shorts right here. You know what?
26:47Chris Webber:Next week, I'm going to have something for you. Okay, great. Come on there, TJ. Great.
26:50Rich Eisen:Next week, you'd hold up a pair of shorts that he'd hold it up here, and then the shorts would go down on the screen. Well, I was thinking maybe he'd stand up and they'd have him on. take care of yourself I'll reach out to you tonight certainly if a Michigan win happens at the same time as the St. John's wins we'll talk about that headline everybody check out Chris Weber's podcast interview with Grant Hill lots to talk about right here on the Rich Eisen Show awesome stuff as always with Chris Weber C. Webb you always love asking him some facts I do man And look, like I said, I'll have a question for him every time he's on randomly.
27:32Rich Eisen:You never know the answer. Last time he was on, he told a story about how he and the rest of Fab Five met with Muhammad Ali before a game in Atlanta. You know what I mean? You know, it's funny.
27:42Chris Webber:He said, and I get that, you know, the early 90s, there was no internet. There was no social media. Right. So maybe they didn't know. But like from the outside looking in, like people who weren't Michigan fans necessarily. Oh, yeah. Like I said, I went to Foot Locker before I started working there. I bought two of those yellow outfits. I mean, people were rocking this.
28:01Rich Eisen:We knew they were iconic back then, even though, like you said, he didn't quite know. I love it, and I appreciate that, but I must say, it's Mays. Yeah, I'm sorry. Not yellow. Mays and blue. Don't roll your eyes at me. My bad. Don't roll your eyes. It's called tradition. Oh, and Duke people are annoying. Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Stop it. Is that Pella helmet? Is that Mays? No, that is yellow. That is canary yellow. Yeah, it's canary yellow. How do you know that? It's a type of mold. Although Pella is mold free, may I say? Sorry. What the hell is your issue? Take a break. We're back with more here on the Rich Eyes Show.
28:41Rich Eisen:Maze and blue. Maze and blue. Maze and blue. I didn't want to sound conceited.
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29:35Rich Eisen:It's our home away from home, providing the comfort and safety that allows us to wind down and relax. Families like mine are looking for homes that fit their needs to make new memories in, and your home may be exactly what they're looking for. If you're looking to save up for a new addition to your house or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see your favorite band in another country, for instance, hosting your house on Airbnb could help you reach those goals. It's easy to list your home for short trips or extended periods of time, allowing your house to earn you some extra money. Make your home work for you while you're away and enjoy the benefits of hosting on Airbnb.
30:13Rich Eisen:Your home may be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.com slash host. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Granger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority,
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30:58Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show podcast. Guys and Show, 844-204-RICH is the number to dial. All right. Let's take Jimmy in San Antonio's phone call. What's up, Jimmy?
31:09Chris Webber:Hey, Jimmy. Vamos, hermanos.
31:12Rich Eisen:What's going on, sir? Hola, muchacho.
31:15Chris Webber:Well, okay, so I'm guessing Susie's not there. Jimmy. You know she's not here. I'm here. I'm here. Excuse me. You've been listening and watching. Jimmy, first of all. She might be in the background.
31:26Rich Eisen:First of all, Jimmy, you know she's not here. But you know she's always present on this program. Okay? And certainly when you call in.
31:35Chris Webber:That might be the reason you haven't been nominated this year is because there's not enough Susie. Maybe that's true.
31:42Rich Eisen:Maybe that's true. I have to change it. I do believe next year's Emmy reel will include the segment where she could not understand why a bald man would be the sexiest sex-in-the-city boyfriend on a list. not a great moment for me but a great moment for the show I should also let you know all three children have seen that segment what did you say your children are miracles they are miracles and I think they appreciated being called as such alright Jimmy now that the restraining order has been put in place what do you have for me
32:23Chris Webber:I have an objection your honor first of all C Webb as a Duke fan. He was my favorite of the fab five by far. And he's the coolest. I always appreciate it when you have him on. Yep.
32:37Rich Eisen:Me too. I, I'm, I consider myself really fortunate. Um, cause I, I, you know, obviously he and the rest of the fab five on the heels of winning it all in 1989, um, put Michigan on a different map, on a much more swag-filled map that I think still resonates today.
33:01Chris Webber:Yeah, but it didn't resonate so much in 92.
33:04Rich Eisen:All right, Jimmy. This is why we talk about Duke being hated, Jimmy. You know? Why are you a Duke fan? Why are you a Duke fan, may I ask?
33:13Chris Webber:Oh, Johnny Dawkins. That's why TJ and I can be Duke brothers.
33:19Rich Eisen:I hated them back then. I didn't like Duke until Grand Hill got there. What else is on your mind, bud?
33:27Chris Webber:Well, I have a question about the bracket challenge, the Rich Eisen show one.
33:32Rich Eisen:Yeah, where are we on that, I guess, Chris? Would you mind calling it up for men and women?
33:36Chris Webber:I am ranked 162nd with 95.2 PCT, which is probably higher than your Uber ranking.
33:45Rich Eisen:It certainly is. I did not get any, I believe, of my so-called upsets right. So my bracket. But I'm still alive with three of my final four. Still alive. All right. So currently Big Cheeto is in first place. Big Cheeto. They don't have a high max, only 1560, but they have Arizona winning it all. So I imagine that would help them. Good shape. The ones right behind them, just 10 points back. Perfect bracket. ESPN fan 0580177240. They have Michigan. Let's see. By the way, that's not a bot that you get. If you don't fix your team name by calling it something, it's assigned by you by the site. Whoever's tied for second has Iowa.
34:39Rich Eisen:Someone does have Iowa. Well, that would be. They would take the cake if that happens. No doubt. No doubt. A couple others in the top ten have Arizona. A lot of Michigans up there. Okay. We'll see. A lot of Mays, M's are up there. Thank you, Beverly.
34:56Chris Webber:I took Arizona as my final winner, like a lot of people. So I think I'm not going to get above 50th if I'm lucky.
35:04Rich Eisen:All good, Jimmy. But thanks for the call, Matt. 1 ,400th place. Arizona, the most popular pick in our group, 30%. That was Jimmy in San Antonio, one of our favorites. I'm 1 ,281 right now. Okay, so here's what we're going to do. Not the worst. We come back, we're going to play What's More Likely. Then we welcome in Kevin Malah. Malah. Okay. Then we'll talk about the NBA's anti-tanking concepts. I'm curious about our conversation because those seem like good ideas. Okay. If you haven't seen them. I will hit on that. And then more phone calls. 844-204-RICH being the number to dial. Oh, John Spitek has spoken.
35:41Rich Eisen:And I believe we have some more NFL conversations to be had, right? I think we were talking about it before the show, that there's still lots up in the air, draft conversations and things like that. But John Spitek has chimed in the general manager of the Raiders, fresh sound, if you will, on the Max Mosby situation, which is the way that we always shorthand talking about things in the sports world. the what's more likely situation when we come back.
36:20Chris Webber:So good, so good, so good. Spring styles are at Nordstrom Rack stores now, and they're up to 60 % off. Stock up and save on Rag & Bone, Madewell, Vince, All Saints, and more of your favorites. How did I not know Rack has Adidas? Why do we rack? For the hottest deals. Just so many good brands. Join the Nordy Club to unlock exclusive discounts, shop new arrivals first, and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. Kraft Mac and Cheese is better than 90s hip-hop. We'll remind you of your childhood without making you feel incredibly old.
36:58Chris Webber:Kraft Mac and Cheese. Best thing ever.
37:11the rich eisen show the podcast these teams take a time out to regroup and call the right play folks
37:17Rich Eisen:and when it comes to your home pelo windows and doors always has the winning game plan they're not just window and door experts they're experts at taking care of you and your home at pela they find the products that meet your needs and their experts install them they do it every day and that's why your neighbors trust them discover why pela is a trusted choice for homeowners everywhere by visiting Pella.com slash eisen today. That's Pella.com slash eisen. And we're on the subject of Pella. They bring you, as always, this week's edition of What's More Likely. Hit it.
37:48Chris Webber:What? What's More Likely. Never say never, but never.
37:53Rich Eisen:All right, Christopher, What's More Likely presented by Pella Windows and Doors. You have the floor. What do you got over there? Hey, happy Friday, everybody. Fella, we got four football, and then we'll take it home with a hodgepodge. Okay, what do you got? All right, first up, more likely that Ty Simpson goes in the first round or Jeremiah Love slips out of the top ten. Oh, come on, man. It's more likely that Ty Simpson's a first-rounder. Jeremiah Love slipping out of the top ten will have to require something about his personal life that nobody would expect or I don't believe exists. That's the fact.
38:31Rich Eisen:Or he gets hurt. you know how they some how you hear like oh as i keep telling it the reason why everybody in the nfl calls the draft prospect to say we're drafting you isn't for a viral moment or anything like that i was told long time ago it's to make sure that the prospect is healthy and hasn't like tripped and fallen i'm serious that's wild ty simpson being drafted in the first round i know I said yesterday that I don't see it because right now there's no trade for it. Right now it's everyone's like well the Jets took him out to dinner after his pro day and then had a private there's a private workout today.
39:15Rich Eisen:Today. Right. That's 16th overall. And I'm not saying the Jets won't take him because he's not a first round draft choice. I'm saying they got a first round draft choice in next year's draft from Dallas when they could have gotten it in this year's draft and they specifically chose next year's draft because there's more quarterbacks in it so they're just going to pivot the rams have stafford now 13th overall i know they had one it deep down but that now belongs to the chiefs because they traded him for trent mcduffie 13th overall for him don't see it will the steelers take him possibly bottom line is I could see somebody trading into the back of the first round for him.
40:01Rich Eisen:I don't see Jeremiah Love dropping out of the top 10. What else you got over there? Yesterday, Tom said something kind of interesting about the Raiders, about Fernando Mendoza, maybe not actually being the week one starter. That was kind of, you know, a little eyebrow raising. More likely quarterback to not be a week one starter. Fernando Mendoza or Aaron Rodgers? I'll go Fernando Mendoza. I think Rodgers is playing again. And I think that the Steelers are being coy because there's a reason to. They're keeping the door open for him. I don't know if June is the time. Who knows what's going on? I know.
40:39Rich Eisen:I feel like it's every year. It's so crazy how he mirrors pretty much everything about Favre's career. You know? Everything about Favre's career. since being the guy who had to wait for Favre to leave for him to get his shot. It's unreal that we're now in the waiting game, is he not, like we did with Favre after he went to the Jets, just like Favre. It's crazy. Fernando Mendoza sitting week one because the Raiders want to give him time to marinate? Far more likely than I think Rodgers saying I'm retired. And because Tom Brady's starting. Got it. What else she got over there? Guys, more likely to start week one for the Cleveland Browns.
41:25Rich Eisen:Miles Garrett or Deshaun Watson? Deshaun Watson. I think both will. I think both will. But it all depends on if the Browns get their rule passed that they can ask for five first-rounders for Garrett instead of just three. Right. So you're thinking Miles Garrett might get traded, Chris? I'm saying let's keep an eye out. Listen, there's a reason why the Browns said, we'll give you more money up front in your remaining years. Yeah, it makes the contract. But you need us to push a roster bonus or a bonus in your contract to September, closer to September. Why would they do that? I mean, it's bookkeeping.
42:03Rich Eisen:I don't know. But it's also like we don't pay you now. Let the next team pay you. Yep. We're going to keep our options open for you. Certainly, if we're going to ask for five first-rounders for you or four. It just feels like the wind horse given. Yeah, but Deshaun Watson, guys, Deshaun Watson's starting week one for the Browns. I kind of think so. Please. They're paying him. They've paid him all this time to wait for him. I know. He's going to be back. And he needs to play for various reasons, personally, professionally, but also the Browns could use having him out there to pay him to play as opposed to rehab.
42:45Rich Eisen:What else over there? We were talking about this yesterday and kind of throughout the week about who might open on Wednesday this coming fall for Seattle. I saw Patrick Mahomes throw in this week. We did. More likely Seahawks kickoff opponent Bears or Chiefs. Bears. Bears. We discussed it the other day. You know what my answer is going to be on this. You don't think if Mahomes is healthy, let's just put Chiefs out there. He has to be healthy by May. Because that's when, or not even May. Like later on next month, because that's when rubber really meets the road and stuff gets real for the commissioner to have to consider.
43:27Rich Eisen:Placed in front of the commissioner's face for consideration to approve the schedule. Schedule makers need to know by at least late April, early May in order to have that as the opening game. I don't see Chiefs at Seahawks. I don't, although that would be like the last one, man. You know, that would be last ride. No, I know that, but it would also be some of the, what would you say? Two of the last three champions, right? Of the decade. So, but it's the Bears, man. Walker return game. Kenneth Walker return game. It's going to be the Bears. More likely. By the way, in case you're wondering, I have this fact right here.
44:11Rich Eisen:They played in only one other kickoff game. 2019, they kicked it off against the Packers. I don't know why that took place, but it did. Oh, it's the anniversary. It's like the... Oh, that's right. It was the anniversary. That's right. Yeah, rivalry. That's correct. What else? Let's talk about NBA now. A more likely team that would shock you. These two teams played this week, TJ. Possible finals preview. More team that would shock you if they don't make the finals. Thunder or Celtics? Thunder. With all due respect to you and your Boston-centric way of looking at life. Thunder. Come on. Take offense to that.
44:44Rich Eisen:You should. That's the way it was intended. I meant to take you. Literally the last two NBA. Come on, man. The Thunder. Get out of here. Last two champions. What else you got over there? More likely to win the national championship, Arizona or the field. I'll go Arizona. I mean, Duke's part of the field. I'll go Arizona the way that they're killing everyone right now. Duke's part of the field. Yeah, so I'm going to take the field. Well, the field, just in case anybody's wondering, The field currently is Iowa State, Tennessee, Alabama, Purdue, Duke, St. John's, Michigan State, UConn, Illinois, and Iowa.
45:20Rich Eisen:That's the field. Wow. You're missing a team. Which team am I missing? More likely, star who flopped on opening day that you're most concerned about. Oh, God. Paul Skeens or Aaron Judge?
45:36Rich Eisen:This is actually a good question. Flopped. I mean, on opening day. Well, going 0-4 and then getting pulled before the first inning. I'm concerned about neither, and I don't care that this is not the way the game is played. It's all right. You can say the man on the right. What are you talking about? Wow. I'm not concerned about either one of them. You are? Seriously. Concerned about both. Who's concerned about him? You? Both. Lieutenant Weinberg? Yeah. I'm not concerned about Skeens. I mean, he went up against the Mets. We're formidable. It's not. I'm concerned about schemes. I really am. Is it more likely the Dodgers set the wins record or one of our teams win 100 games?
46:15Rich Eisen:I'll go one of our teams win 100 games. Because right now my team's on pace to win 162 games. 125, right? No, no, no. One team went 125 and 50. The team went 125 and 50, including the playoffs in the World Series. We're not including that. That'll be the Yankees. That'll be the 98 Yankees, which is the the threshold, which won't be beaten this year. That's what's more likely. Brought to you by Pella Windows and Doors. When it is coming down to you and your home, Pella Windows and Doors always have the winning game plan. That's why your neighbors trust them. Visit Pella.com slash Eisen. Alright, Chris Brockman, trying to box me in multiple times right there, and I got right out of it.
46:55Rich Eisen:Kevin Malah, hour number three to talk baseball. The Ridge Eisen Show Podcast. Monster Energy. Everybody knows White Monster, Sierra Ultra, That's the OG. It kicked off this whole zero sugar energy drink thing. But Ultra is a whole lineup now. You've got Strawberry Dreams, Blue Hawaiian, Sunrise, and Vice Guava. And they all bring the monster energy punch. So if you've been living in the white can, branch out. Ultra's got a flavor for every vibe. And every single one is zero sugar. Tap the banner to learn more.
From the publisher
TNT Basketball Analyst Chris Webber joins Rich
and gives his thoughts on the dominance of the Arizona Wildcats , on the
failure of the Houston Cougars to advance in the tournament, the matchup
between the UConn Huskies and the Michigan State Spartans, is hating Duke basketball falling out of style, on keeping any of his Fab 5 gear.
In ‘What’s More Likely’ Rich weighs in on Ty Simpson going in the first
round or Jeremiyah Love slipping out of the Top 10, if Myles Garrett or DeShaun
Watson will start week 1 for the Browns, Seahawks season kickoff opponent, if the Arizona Wildcats will win the National Championship, and more.
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