Larry Smith recaps a packed Final Four weekend from Indianapolis and sets the stage for the national championship showdown between Michigan and UConn. With insights from bracket expert Jerry Palm, the conversation dives into Michigan’s dominant run, UConn’s dynasty-level consistency, and the key factors—like injuries and depth—that could decide the title.

Plus, a historic moment in women’s college basketball as UCLA captures its first NCAA-era championship, powered by a rare six-senior roster that stayed together through the NIL era. Larry and Producer Tony also break down the evolving landscape of college hoops—from transfer portal chaos to coaching carousel drama at North Carolina—and what it all means moving forward.

It’s also Masters Week, MLB headlines are heating up, and the show wraps with a “Moment of Awe” revisiting Duke’s dominant 1992 title over Michigan’s Fab Five.

Live from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Larry Smith previews a wide-open Final Four featuring Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, and UConn, with insights on parity in college basketball and what makes this year’s field unique. USA Today NFL Trending Reporter Aryton Ostly joins the show to break down the latest draft storylines, including quarterback movement, under-the-radar prospects, and how roster-building strategies are shifting across the league. Producer Tony sits down with longtime NBA executive Pete Babcock to discuss his book Courts of Justice: A Life in Basketball and Activism, sharing powerful stories about leadership, community impact, and using sports to bridge social divides. The show also tackles the NBA’s controversial 65-game rule and how it could impact awards races involving stars like Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham. Plus, a full breakdown of both the men’s and women’s Final Four matchups, and a Moment of Awe honoring Tennessee’s 2005 national championship led by Candace Parker and legendary coach Pat Summitt.

It’s Friday Eve on Sports IQ, and we’re locked in on Final Four weekend. Larry Smith breaks down the latest headlines across college basketball, including Bill Self returning to Kansas, key injuries to watch heading into Indianapolis, and why this year’s tournament path feels different in today’s college sports landscape. We’re joined by Eric Hansen of BlueandGold.com for a deep dive into Notre Dame football and women’s basketball — from transfer portal strategy and playoff snubs to the rise of Hannah Hidalgo and what’s next for the Irish. Plus, Brian Barnhart, voice of Illinois basketball, shares the emotion behind the Illini’s run to the Final Four and why this team might be built to finish the job. We also hit NBA storylines, NFL moves, and the evolving reality of college athletics — from NIL to the transfer portal reshaping how teams are built. And in today’s Moment of Awe, we rewind to 1990 when UNLV delivered one of the most dominant title game performances ever, crushing Duke 103-73 behind Anderson Hunt’s 29 points — a historic win that still stands as the last by a non-power conference champion.

Final Four week is here, and Sports IQ breaks down everything you need to know heading into Indianapolis. Larry Smith reflects on the spectacle of the Final Four—from his personal experiences covering the event to what makes this weekend unlike anything else in sports. With powerhouse programs like UConn, Michigan, Arizona, and Illinois in the mix, this year’s championship chase is wide open.

The show also covers major headlines across the sports world, including Tiger Woods stepping away from golf following his latest setback, LeBron James making history with a record-breaking win total, and looming tension in Major League Baseball with a potential labor battle on the horizon.

Plus, we dive deep into spring football with two expert guests. Mike Gross breaks down the early days of a new era at Penn State under Matt Campbell, while Shannon Griffith gives insight into Indiana’s continued rise and how Curt Cignetti is building a powerhouse through the transfer portal. It’s a packed episode with insight, perspective, and everything you need to stay ahead of the game.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• Final Four preview: UConn vs Illinois, Michigan vs Arizona
• Why the Final Four experience is unmatched in sports
• Tiger Woods steps away following latest incident
• LeBron James breaks all-time NBA wins record
• MLB labor concerns and potential lockout looming
• Penn State spring football: Matt Campbell era begins
• Indiana football: sustaining success under Curt Cignetti
• Transfer portal challenges and year-round football grind

Guests

• Mike Gross (Penn State / Substack)
• Shannon Griffith (TheHoosier.com)

Connect with Sports IQ

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The Final Four is set, and Sports IQ dives into what makes this year’s field so compelling. Larry opens with the latest headlines, including the Women’s Final Four being finalized, NFL news on the 2029 Super Bowl in Las Vegas, and the league’s new push into professional flag football. From there, the focus shifts to March basketball, where seeding, momentum, and timing are once again shaping the road to a title.

Antwane Willis Jr. joins the show to break down the Atlanta Hawks’ late-season resurgence. He explains how the roster reset, the growth of Jalen Johnson, and the arrival of veteran voices have helped transform Atlanta into one of the hottest teams in the East. The conversation also looks at the impact of CJ McCollum, the development of the Hawks’ younger core, and why this recent stretch may be more than just a temporary run.

Later, Matt Stevens joins Larry to take a deeper look at Illinois and why this team is so dangerous right now. Rather than relying solely on offense, the Illini have become far more connected defensively, more disciplined on the glass, and better equipped to win in tournament settings. Matt also discusses the emergence of freshmen Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovich, the leadership of Kylan Boswell, and why Illinois may be built the right way for a Final Four played in a football stadium, where defense and composure tend to matter even more.

The episode closes with women’s Final Four discussion, including whether the sport can continue to grow beyond a small handful of dominant programs, and a “Moment of Awe” that revisits Arizona’s 1997 national championship run—still one of the most impressive title paths in NCAA tournament history.

March Madness delivers again — and this time, it’s absolute chaos.

In this episode of Sports IQ with Larry Smith, we break down a wild NCAA Tournament weekend as the Final Four is officially set. From Duke Blue Devils blowing a 19-point lead to UConn Huskies draining a miracle buzzer-beater, to Michigan Wolverines dominating their way back to the Final Four — this tournament has had everything.

We’re joined by Steve Rivera to break down Arizona’s run and what to expect in a heavyweight showdown with Michigan. Plus, Walter Cherepinsky joins the show to dive into the upcoming NFL Draft — including why this class lacks star power but may be deeper than ever.

Around the league, we cover major headlines:

And today’s Moment of Awe honors 109-year-old WWII and Korean War veteran Arthur Green, who threw out the first pitch for the Baltimore Orioles — a powerful reminder of passion, longevity, and love of the game.

• Final Four set: UConn, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona
• Duke collapse and tournament comebacks
• Arizona vs Michigan preview with Steve Rivera
• NFL Draft outlook with Walter Cherepinsky
• Why this draft class is deep but not top-heavy
• NFL referee negotiations and potential replacements
• Golden Knights coaching change
• Gary Woodland’s comeback victory
• Tiger Woods update ahead of the Masters
• MLB opening weekend takeaways
• NASCAR: Chase Elliott wins at Martinsville
• Moment of Awe: 109-year-old Orioles fan throws first pitch

Sports IQ with Larry Smith sets the stage for a huge sports weekend. Larry, and Tony break down the men’s NCAA Tournament as the Elite Eight begins to take shape, including Iowa’s historic run, Illinois’ dominant form, Purdue surviving a scare, and Arizona setting up a showdown with the Boilermakers. The crew also looks ahead to Friday’s Sweet 16 matchups, with Rick Pitino and St. John’s chasing history and several Big Ten teams continuing their surge.

Yahoo Sports’ Lo Yarnall joins the show to talk women’s basketball as the Sweet 16 gets underway. She discusses the rise of teams like Virginia, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt, the impact of home-court sites in the women’s tournament, UCLA’s path forward, and which non-No. 1 seed could crash the Final Four. She also shares thoughts on the WNBA’s new landscape, expansion, player protection decisions, and how the NCAA Tournament can reshape draft stock.

Tom Kakert of HawkeyeReport.com stops by after Iowa’s win over Nebraska to discuss the Hawkeyes’ surprising march into the Elite Eight, their first trip this far since 1987. He previews Iowa’s matchup with Illinois, reflects on Ben McCollum’s first-year impact, and explains why this border-state showdown means so much to fans in the region.

Later, Tony sits down with veteran broadcaster Paul Crane to kick off baseball season. They revisit a thrilling World Series, discuss the excitement and future of the World Baseball Classic, debate MLB’s automated ball-strike challenge system, and preview the biggest storylines in both leagues as Opening Weekend arrives. The episode closes with a Moment of Awe honoring the first-ever NCAA men’s basketball championship game in 1939, when Oregon defeated Ohio State for the inaugural title.

The Sweet 16 is here—and the matchups are loaded. 🏀

On today’s episode of Sports IQ, Larry Smith is joined by Hall of Fame college basketball insider Mike DeCourcy to break down the biggest storylines heading into the next round of March Madness. From elite matchups to coaching drama at University of North Carolina, this is a must-listen for hoops fans.

We also dive into Purdue Boilermakers’ late-season surge with insider Dylan Sinn, plus what makes them a real threat in the West Region.

⚾ Plus:

• MLB Opening Day reactions
• NBA expansion talks heating up
• Key headlines from around the sports world

🏀 Topics Covered:

• Sweet 16 preview and best matchups
• Purdue’s resurgence and tournament ceiling
• UNC coaching search and top candidates
• Illinois vs Houston breakdown
• Transfer portal vs recruiting strategy
• MLB Opening Day thoughts
• NBA expansion in Seattle & Las Vegas
• Magic vs Bird: the game that changed basketball

🔥 And in today’s Moment of Awe:We revisit the iconic 1979 NCAA Championship—Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird—the rivalry that helped save the NBA.