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The State News sports reporters discuss all MSU sports.
Welcome back to sports roundtable. State news is sports podcast. For our second to last episode. I'll save the tears for next week because we're getting down to it. But I am your host, Jacob Smith, joined by my co host, Maddie.
Jacob:And we got the Luke twins, Lucas and Luke today. We got the Avengers, as some may say. Four person show. Definitely here for it. But
Madi:It's the Fantastic four.
Jacob:I like Mad Men
Madi:and Catchers. You're welcome.
Jacob:We'll give Maddie
Luke:the credit
Jacob:that's why we pay her the big bucks. So getting into today, fun segment to start off. Maddie can keep her composure.
Madi:Usually, I can't.
Jacob:The weather's getting a little nicer. The spirit around campus is good. Student athletes are done their seasons. So, Maddie, I know you wanted to put this segment in here, so I'll let you talk a little bit. But athletes are getting involved around campus for this fun in the last few weeks of the semester.
Madi:Yeah. I mean, it's a ton of fun. I mean, it's just so cool to see like, these are not only are they athletes, but they're student athletes. Like, these guys are our age. They have a right to go out and, like, do whatever they want.
Madi:They wanna live the college experience the same way that we do, but the only difference is that they play a sport that they're really good at. But it's for I added it in here because I thought that it was just super interesting to see, like, how these student athletes are trying to get involved with people on campus. Like, the basketball team is going to I'm East to play pickup basketball later. Frankie Fiddler said at 7PM sharp. In hockey, the hockey team is shooting a movie.
Madi:They're gonna be extras in a movie that they're shooting at Munn, And they're getting, like, students and other people to be extras in the movie, like, to be in the crowd and cheer. And so, yeah, I mean, that's a little bit different than the basketball team going to play pickup basketball at IMES. But still, like, it's just super fun to see, like, the students coming out of these athletes. Like, not only are they athletes, like I said, they're being students. They're going out and having fun.
Madi:Like, they're almost feels like they're making friends. Like, they're making friends outside of the group that they have by being on a team. So, yeah, I just thought that was super interesting.
Jacob:Yeah. I definitely agree because, like like you said, they're kids, man. I mean, I know playing a sport is, like, 90% of the reason why they're here, but, I mean, you gotta let your guys have fun, especially think it's nice that coach Tom Izzo or whatever doesn't really care that Frankie Fiddler and Jeremy Fears are playing at I'm later and hopefully don't get hurt because, I mean, that's what that's what you're supposed to do, though. That's part of college. I mean, the hockey team playing backups in a movie is, like, sweet.
Madi:So Yeah. I mean, Tirn and Chaudi posted a picture in a video. I think it was both. That or Isaac posted a video. And Isaac's just out He's got his helmet on that has no visor, like, straight out of the eighties and nineties wearing a Marc Messier jersey.
Madi:It's like, what is happening?
Luke:Yeah.
Jacob:Right.
Madi:And then they started, like, posting stuff, and people are finding out now that they're shooting a movie and people are being extras.
Jacob:That's why Isaac Howard didn't go straight to
Luke:the election.
Madi:That's why Isaac Howard didn't go to the NHL is because he's starting an acting career.
Jacob:You imagine seeing Michigan
Lucas:State University known
Jacob:Acting powerhouse.
Madi:Acting powerhouse. But yeah, I just thought that was super cool to see going on on campus.
Lucas:Yeah, I personally can't wait to see Fiers and Fiddler go and dunk on some washed up basketball players who think they can take them. Hopefully, Cohen shows up. Would be some great entertainment. Check the state news later for some great photos. Right.
Lucas:Definitely.
Madi:Yeah. I forgot that we're covering that.
Lucas:You are covering that at
Madi:Hockey That'll be that's a fun one. That's fun.
Lucas:I wish I was doing it almost.
Jacob:Right? I know. I know.
Madi:I wanna go play basketball with Cohen Carr. Watch me air ball.
Jacob:Make it a column.
Madi:Yeah. Send Caspero. I played I'm basketball with the Michigan State basketball team.
Jacob:Yeah. Would be a great column.
Madi:Great column.
Luke:Oh my goodness.
Jacob:But, yes, that's why I wanted to touch on it because stuff's fun like that.
Luke:It's fun.
Jacob:That's how college is. It's supposed to be fun. So little segment there from Matt to start this the episode off, but kinda staying on the topic of basketball, moving into a little bit of a different realm. Mhmm. Two commits for Michigan State happened this week and not towards Michigan State.
Jacob:They transferred out. Xavier Booker and Trey Holloman found new homes. Xavier Booker committed to UCLA, and Trey Holloman committed to North Carolina State. Two interesting moves to say the least. Trey Holloman's was always a surprise as once he entered the portal, but this move kinda confirmed some things which we will touch on in a second.
Jacob:But what are you guys' reactions? Because I know this is definitely a little unusual for Michigan State's teams.
Luke:I mean, the for me, the Booker one seemed a little bit more expected. You know, he started in the beginning of the year, and then by the time March Madness rolled around, it seemed like he was completely out of the rotation, which I think said a lot considering that we played 10 guys, and he couldn't find any minutes other than, you know, garbage time, like, where we're up 20 or something like that. The Trey Hallman one definitely, I think, surprised a lot of people just because he he was a fan favorite. You know, he stood up for the MSU tradition, you know, by shoving the two Michigan players who were standing on top of the logo. I evenI mean, he even kissed the logo.
Luke:I guess I'll let him do that. Mhmm. Sobut that one definitely hurt. But at the end of the day, you know, I think he just had to find a better situation, you know, for him. And I think that's pretty much all we can ask for.
Luke:You know? Go go find happiness wherever you find it.
Jacob:Yeah. So Yeah. Really interesting move, I think. Booker, like you said, kinda makes sense. I mean, he was only averaging eleven minutes per game.
Madi:Mhmm.
Jacob:And a time is a rotation, which doesn't exactly distribute a lot of those heavy minutes to a certain player, but, I mean, still nothing notable. Only four points per game, two, two rebounds per game, and 60 appearances. So he was getting a big sample size. That's over his, two seasons here at Michigan State. So all signs were kind of pointing pointing towards Booker leaving.
Jacob:And I think UCL is a good fit because it's kind of just like a place where he can experiment, not too high pressure stakes. I mean, UCL will be a good team next year, but I feel like he'll definitely have some room to kind of maybe probably come with a bench, provide a bit spark. But Trey Holliman, I mean, he was poised to be a starter probably next year. He was already a Cal captain, like you said, already kissed the logo, Luke. So that one always shots a little bit, but I think it's a good move for him.
Jacob:But it also kind of proves that he was kind of moving for money, I feel like, a little bit because North Carolina State, I know they just hired Will Wade, the former McNeese State coach
Madi:Mhmm.
Jacob:Who went on that little bit of a March Madness run there. I know they're kind of building something pretty good there, but it really screams money to me because Trey Almond had kind of like the perfect situation for him as a senior, leading the team that he played for for three years and kind of established his legacy and then kind of just switching last second to a team. I don't know. Kind of seems like money to me, but I I think it's good move for Trey Almond. I think he'll be
Lucas:a big sell. Yeah. Absolutely. Can't blame the kid. I mean, that's just the way college sports are right now.
Madi:Yeah.
Lucas:Mhmm. MSU has a huge hole in their starting lineup right now. We don't have the guy that is gonna be the reliable go and get a bucket type like Jaden Akins, like Jace Richardson was this year. I know Tom Izzo and his whole, I hate the transfer portal and the state of everything right now, but
Madi:Don't we all?
Lucas:Absolutely. But you gotta adapt and
Madi:Gotta do it.
Lucas:We gotta go out and get a guy. The team down the road, Michigan, they're absolutely killing it. I hate to say it, but the way they're building a lineup right now through the transfer portal is incredible. And they are going to be the team to beat next year.
Madi:Yeah.
Lucas:And Yeah. Tom Mizzo and his staff needs to find the guy that can contribute huge minutes and potentially a lot of a lot of three pointers, like we said, only shot. Was it even 30% from the field in three pointers this year?
Luke:It was around 30%. Right around there anyway.
Madi:It goes like 33 for some reason.
Jacob:Yeah. 32, I think.
Madi:32, 30 three, whatever. No. Within the 30 Within the 30.
Lucas:Whatever it was, they're gonna need to get on. Yeah. To be at the same level we were this year. If not, we're gonna fall back into mediocrity like we have been for the most of the for most of this decade. And I don't want to see that happen.
Madi:Yeah. I mean, you see what Dusty May has done with the program at Michigan. Like, everything that he's built has been around the transfer portal. Mhmm. So, like, yeah, he's a younger coach.
Madi:Like, he he knows the way around the portal a little bit better because of, like, Tom Mazzeau being an older old school kinda coach.
Lucas:But That's kinda his whole thing.
Madi:Yeah.
Lucas:Transferred from FAU as a coach in a way.
Madi:Yeah. But, yeah. I mean, he's gotta adapt to it. He's gotta adapt to it eventually. But on the side, we did pick up Caleb Glenn, but that's not gonna do everything that we need.
Luke:No. That's that's not enough. We still need a I would say we we still need that that bucket getter. Mhmm. You know, I think somebody I doubt we would we Izzo, would go after him.
Luke:But I think a guy like Ian Jackson, transferred out of North Carolina, but he has been linked to St. John's because he is from New York. I believe he grew up in the Bronx, I think. But I think if we got him, he would be, you know, that bucket getter. He would be only a sophomore.
Luke:You know, he was a six man for North Carolina, and I believe he averaged eleven, twelve points, you know, as a freshman coming off the bench. You know? And he had some really, really good moments. So if we got him, that would be awesome. But I to be honest, I have no idea.
Luke:So that that's kind of, like, my news update.
Jacob:Yeah. No. I agree because I feel like you're right, Luke. I mean, we need a score because the departure of Jace Richardson, departure of Jaden Akins, that's a big hole, and Trey Homan, not to mention. It's a big hole.
Jacob:Three guards that could easily score the ball and give you 10 a game are gone. So I know they picked up Caleb Gunn in the transfer portal, forward transfer from FAU. He's definitely a good scorer, definitely a bucket getter. It's just He's just not the not at the right position.
Luke:Yeah. He he it's gonna be a little weird because he is a good shooter. Yeah. But, you know, unfortunately, this year, we picked up Frankie Fiddler. And coming out of Omaha, he was a really good shooter.
Luke:Mhmm.
Madi:He didn't pan out the way that
Luke:we needed him And so I think that I think that, you know, Caleb can be a good shooter. I don't know where he's gonna fit in terms of the rotation, because he, you know, I believe he's six'seven. HeI don't know if he comes off the bench. I don't know he's starting. I know why you guys are laughing.
Luke:You know, it's gonna be I'm trying
Jacob:to keep my composure.
Luke:I can't keep my composure.
Madi:Jacob started it. I wouldn't have caught that if they didn't hear Jacob start giggling over it. Sorry, Luke.
Luke:Hear his answer.
Lucas:Besides
Madi:Caleb I'm so sorry, Luke.
Luke:Jacob started it. I yeah. I it's just a matter of where he fits rotationally. Is he gonna be a three? Is he gonna be a four?
Luke:Right. You know, I would love to have Coe and Carr kind of be at that four spot. Jacob, you need to fix yourself, man.
Jacob:Okay. I'm done.
Lucas:Great time at the roundtable tonight, guys. I'm done. Done. But This is where semester
Madi:will do to you.
Lucas:Yeah. But mister basketball from Maryland, Cameron Ward, he's gonna be coming to MSU next year. Only thing is we don't wanna have to rely on an incoming freshman to have to lead us. I mean, that's yeah.
Madi:Was gonna say that's what we did with Chase Richardson.
Luke:Right. But but Cam Ward isn't you know, he's not gonna be a He's not a scorer. His game is kind of like Cohen Carr's. Like, he's not the best shooter, but, you know, he's a really good atlike Cohen Carr's athleticism is another But Cam Ward's, you know, he's got really good athleticism. Know, Jordan Scott, who's also an incoming freshman, he's kind of thathe was that go to guy at least in high school.
Luke:Right. I don't think we're going to rely on him like we did with Jace Richardson, just because he's kind of more of a raw talent. Mhmm. So I think just picking up that go to guy who's already played at least a year in college, I think that would benefit Izzo greatly. I think that would also benefit Jeremy Fierce greatly because, like, I think a lot of people want to want him to kind of develop to be that Cassius Winston type of guy.
Luke:Mhmm. But I I don't think we not that we wouldn't like that, but I think that, you know, in this day and age of college basketball, I think you need wings who can be like that go to scorer, unless your point guard like Walter Clayton Jr. Is just an outstanding shooter. Think you need, like, kind of bigger wings that can just, like, shoot from shoot from three at a good level, you know, can get to the hole. You know, I I don't think it's gonna be like how it was with Cashew Swinson
Madi:Mhmm.
Luke:Where you have kind of a smaller point guard.
Lucas:Yeah. We I know we didn't get a ton of minutes this year, but Kurt Tang coming off coming off the bench this year was he can knock down those shots.
Luke:I mean,
Lucas:I'm hopeful that this coming year, he'll be able to really come into his own and be a reliable shooter. And he may not get a starting spot. We will see.
Luke:But I don't think he would get a starting spot.
Lucas:But Right. He would think he's not.
Madi:He'll get into the rotation.
Jacob:Yeah. Yeah.
Luke:I would I would hope so.
Lucas:I'm really hopeful to see how he progresses here at MSU. Mhmm.
Jacob:Yeah. I I think it'll definitely be an interesting year next year just because of all the uncertainty. But, I mean, like we were saying, you you need to fill holes. And I made a point when March Mandos was kind of rolling around that guards win in March. So to your point, Luke, I I feel like Michigan State's definitely gotta attack the portal a little bit more just to see if they can get that guard or, like, at least this guard that can score because Jeremy Fierce does pretty much everything besides score the ball.
Jacob:And in the lead level, he can score, but not anything exceptional. So I feel like they have a good mesh of players. It's just they they kinda need everything to come two guy. And they need a go to score. Yeah.
Jacob:I definitely agree. Especially to my point, like, the official departures list has just now expanded since we've last talked about this. I mean, you got no Jayden Akins, no Simone Zapala, no Frankie Fiddler, no Trey Hamman, no Xavier Booker, and no Jace Richardson next year, as that all includes Gerrick Norman being in the transfer portal still actively as well. So you're you're losing, like, five, six guys Mhmm. That could give you 10 points a game if they had the proper role to do so.
Jacob:So, I mean, it's just gonna be about kind of reloading, not as much just replenishing. It's just like you really gotta find that go to guy. So find some scoring in the portal that can fulfill the holes that you're gonna be losing because they're losing a lot of holes right now on their roster from how it was just a few weeks ago. It's crazy.
Madi:Well, yeah. You said on here, seven of the 10 that were in that 10 man rotation
Luke:They're gone.
Madi:They're gone.
Luke:Yeah. Yeah. It's we
Madi:gotta figure
Luke:it out.
Jacob:Right. Gotta get time off his butt on
Luke:the phone. Yeah. Matter how much he dislikes the portal, he's He has to
Madi:use it.
Luke:He's gotta use
Madi:it. He's gonna have to
Luke:do I think Sorry, Tom.
Jacob:It's Time's pissing up.
Luke:The way of the of the game.
Lucas:Yeah. It's it sucks, but even Izzo was regretful about the situation. He's saying that he failed Xavier Booker and the rest. And I know Lou, you had some, you had some quotes about it, but Yeah. It was just a really tough situation to see Tom Mazzeau lose his guys like that.
Luke:Yeah. He had his first press conference since the Elite Eight loss. It was by Chris Solari from the Detroit Free Press. It says, Izzo on Xavier Booker, I failed. I love Book.
Luke:The day he came in with his family was a difficult day for all of us. We made him stronger as a student athlete. He's done an unbelievable job. I just I I just couldn't get enough out of him, and he puts the blame on himself. And then, also, deep down, there is one hell of a basketball player in there.
Luke:My job is to get that out of him, and I didn't get that done.
Jacob:And Hefty words right there.
Luke:Mhmm. I mean, but it's, you know, he's he's right. Mhmm. You know? I not that, like, I'm putting all the blame on Izzo, but I think as a coach, I think you have to take the blame for this.
Luke:Like, if you take a guy who, let's be honest, Booker was kind of a project, I would say, coming out of high school, you know, we all love him here. We wish he was still here because I think he can be a really, really good player.
Jacob:Yeah.
Luke:But it's just, you know, as a coach, you gotta you gotta help teach him to to be better. Mhmm. You know, and I think that is Izzo's, you know, is not his fault, but it's just he he's got to take blame for that.
Jacob:I mean, Izzo would never not take blame for anything. That's kind of just how he is. He's always gonna be someone that puts a lot on himself. And I feel like that's the sign of an elite coach because like as an just not an elite coach, but an elite human. Like that's Mhmm.
Jacob:What It
Luke:just shows
Jacob:that supposed to do. It shows his leadership. Yeah. Yeah.
Luke:It shows that he's a leader a leader, you know? Think he's the ultimate leader as a as a coach.
Jacob:Yeah. So Should definitely be interesting to see how this the rest of this offseason kind of writes its own story and especially going into next year when it's time to crack the rotation and see who gets minutes. But just a quick little update on where some of the premier guys in the portal for Michigan State are ending up, and we will keep tabs on that as the off season comes to a close. But moving on, fun little topic in professional sports, little switcheroo here. The NBA and NHL are starting their playoffs very soon this weekend, so it's time to get excited.
Jacob:We'll start with the NBA a little bit. For the sake of Michigan and the fact that a good majority of us are Pistons fans, We'll touch on the Pistons a little bit. This is their first time in the playoffs since 2018 to 2019 and their first winning season since 2015, '20 '16. Oh my goodness. My goodness.
Jacob:Reading that out loud just like puts a crack down my spine. Like that is just not supposed to be right, but I mean they went forty four thirty eight this year. Yeah. Definitely, I mean they tripled their win tripled their win total. First ever team to do that.
Jacob:So things are looking up kind of this year in the playoffs.
Lucas:Yeah. Last year there was a time where I was watching games hoping they'd lose so they could break the record of most consecutive losses in a row.
Madi:And then we were like, yeah. They're gonna get the number one pick this year. Wrong.
Jacob:Adam Silverstreichs again, number five. Habit.
Madi:Yep. Like every Detroit Sports Team gets.
Lucas:Every time, it seems, almost.
Luke:But, hey. Listen. You guys got you guys got a special player in Cade Cunningham. Yes. I love him.
Luke:I think he's gonna be one of those players that, you know, we put in with the Shay Gilgis Alexanders, the Anthony Edwards of, you know, those superstars who are, you know, gonna lead the NBA, you know, when LeBron and Kadie and retire. I think Kadie has the ability to be that type of player.
Jacob:Yeah. And I definitely agree just because he spent so much time being the number one option on, like, a really bad team by now. So he's used to being that guy who's gonna get you a bucket, who's gonna score Right. Who could play in the the clutch of games and big games. Because this season, the Pistons have got their funny big sample sizes of big games to play in, games on national television, games where they required closeouts and clutch buckets, and Cade Cunningham always delivered.
Jacob:He's been delivering since he's entered the league, he's really evolved into that guy, his first All Star appearance this year. And he's definitely in the superstar conversation now for, not only top guards the league, but top players in the NBA.
Luke:I mean, he's the only reason why he's not put in that is because of the injury history that he's unfortunately had. I believe that if he didn't have the injury history, we would be talking about him a lot more in terms of being that, you know, that superstar level guy. But, you know, this year, he's been playing, you know, first team, all NBA caliber. I don't know if he'll get that. But even being on the second team, that'd be awesome going forward if you're, you know, the Detroit Pistons and having to play the Knicks.
Luke:I think a lot of people are going to be watching that outside of Michigan and outside of New York, just because, you know, the Knicks are such a popular brand in sports. And seeing an up and coming Detroit team who haven't been good since 2018, '20 '19 or yeah. I think that's gonna be arguably the best first round series other than I would say the Lakers and the Timberwolves.
Lucas:Yeah. Oh my god. Yeah. And last fall and last fall, who was picking the Tigers to beat the Astros in the wild card?
Luke:Yeah. Right?
Jacob:Tigers mention.
Lucas:Tigers mention.
Madi:But Tigers poll.
Lucas:Everyone on ESPN is picking the Knicks to win this series and I might be biased but I'm not buying it. The way that the Pistons play is just on another level.
Luke:The Pistons lead the regular season series three to one against the Knicks. The Knicks have really struggled against, you know, those top teams. But I'm picking the Knicks. I'm sorry. They have home court advantage.
Luke:Madison Square Garden is the best arena in America at this point for for basketball.
Jacob:That'd a good question.
Madi:Do they not, like, go back and forth from different places? Then why do they have the home court advantage then?
Luke:Because they're the three seed and the They
Jacob:get the first two games.
Madi:So they get three out of Yeah.
Luke:Okay. So it's
Jacob:think it's the first two home games, then it flips, and
Madi:then confused.
Jacob:They get if it goes to seven, they get four out of the three yeah
Luke:yeah
Lucas:they get game five they get
Jacob:five as well not like baseball where it's three four five for the UA team yeah it's one two five seven if necessary
Luke:I don't get that
Madi:okay well
Luke:that's what
Madi:I was that's what I was asking because that's how hockey does it is like the higher seed gets four games, the lower seed gets three.
Luke:Yeah.
Madi:So that
Luke:was my question. I do think that the Pistons are gonna take it to seven games. But at, you know, game seven, Madison Square Garden, I don't as much as I love, you know, the Pistons and Cade Cunningham, who I think is arguably the best player in this series, over Jalen Brunson, I just think, you know, being in that environment with Spike Lee sitting on the side lines, you know, screaming his head off, I don't think there's I I don't think that it's gonna happen, unfortunately.
Madi:I don't know. I mean, going to hockey a little bit, this is my argument, is nobody expected the Florida panthers to beat the Boston Bruins after they had a record setting season of Right. How many points they had, won the president's trophy. Like, that was the best team in NHL history. They're supposed to go all the way, and then they get upset in game seven at TD Garden, which is one of the most well known arenas Yeah.
Madi:In the NHL. So, I mean, anything can happen.
Luke:Any I mean, anything can happen, but am I gonna bet am I gonna bet on the Pistons to win? Probably not. Yeah. But just because of the inexperience, like, think you have That's what I
Madi:was gonna say.
Luke:I think because I think in sports, you need to have those, you know, those trials and those tribulations.
Jacob:Bring the tags.
Luke:Yes. That's true. I mean, but it'sI think thatI'm not even gonna talk about the Tigers. I don't care about baseball all that much. But I think itI think you need to have those heartbreaking moments in sports to really, you know, push yourself even further.
Luke:I think that's why
Madi:I know.
Luke:I yeah.
Madi:I'm a Detroit Lions fan. I know.
Luke:But I think you know?
Lucas:MSU hockey.
Madi:Yeah. I'm national champions the Michigan State hockey beat reporter. I know.
Luke:And I think MSU hockey is gonna be in the championship next year. It's gonna happen.
Lucas:You're set to be just as good, right?
Madi:They're probably gonna be better. Right.
Luke:That's why a lot of people are picking OKC to win the whole thing this year because they went through they had that hardship last year they were the one seed and they lost to the Dallas Mavericks who were a five seed.
Madi:The Mavs were a five seed
Luke:last year?
Lucas:Poor Dallas Mavericks.
Jacob:Poor Dallas Mavericks.
Luke:Jeez. But it's like, you know, they had those, you know, they had those hardships, you know, they got better, they got Chet Holmgren back, who and then they picked up Isaiah Hartenstein, who's been a godsend pretty much. You know, he doesn't score 20 points a game or even I don't even think he scores 10 points a game, but he's just that that big body down low who's just an absolute bruiser on the glass. So, yeah, I I think that it's too early. I mean, can the Pistons win?
Luke:Yes. But would I pick them? Am I pinging them? No.
Madi:No. And that's fair. Like, you do talk about like, some of these teams, you do have to have some experience in the playoffs. Like, yes, it's a different story for the tigers, and they were a miracle last year because they weren't even supposed to make the playoffs in August.
Lucas:Happens more often in baseball.
Madi:Right. I yeah. But, yes, there is there is a sort of aspect to where sometimes you do need that playoff experience. You do need that guy on the team who's been in several playoffs, who maybe has a couple rings, like but other times
Luke:I mean, the only person I can think of off the top of my head on the Pistons who has that is Malik Beasley. Mhmm. Yeah. Mean, Malik Beasley is really good. He's been arguably the best three point shooter in the game this year.
Luke:But Mhmm. You know, that veteran guy, you know, I wouldn't feel all that confident in terms of making it far in the playoffs.
Lucas:Tobias Harris could be that guy, though. He had that heartbreak, like you said, on the 70 sixers, so we'll just have to wait and see for Saturday.
Jacob:Yeah. I mean, I wanted to say briefly on this matchup. Like, from what I see I'm a Detroit business fan, but what I see in this is either two things. This series goes to six or seven and the Knicks win or the Knicks win in four. I don't think this is gonna be necessarily a close series even though I am a fan, and I really wanna see it happen.
Jacob:I think the inexperience definitely plays here, but I also think matchups are kind of a thing. The only, like, position that I think the Pistons are better than Knicks at is point guard, and that's barely Cate Cunningham over Jalen Brunson.
Luke:It's just the fact that Cate Cunningham looks like he's a foot taller than Jalen Yes.
Jacob:I would also argue he's a little bit gifted in terms of scoring better, stuff like that. But they have dominant big men. Karl Anthony Towns is gonna expose Jalen Durden defensively. OG Annoybe is a better defender than Tobias Harris is, even if Tobias Harris is slightly a better scorer. The Knicks have Josh Hart, better shootings, McAl Bridges.
Jacob:I just feel like this is like the Knicks just outweigh the Pistons on a lot of matchups. The Pistons also have not had a winning season in ten years. And the last two times they made the playoffs, they've gotten swept four o. So I just don't really think that the Pistons are built for this moment yet, even though this this season has been completely special and awesome for the the sport, awesome for the city, awesome for the team. Mhmm.
Jacob:I think this will take a look. Like, the Pistons are still, like, you could argue one year out of a rebuild right now, like, making the playoffs. So I think this is something where you kinda need to give it time, see how it develops, but it'll be good to get their feet in the water and play in the playoffs for the first time under Kate Joniamson. Yeah.
Madi:Get a little experience and
Lucas:That's right.
Madi:Go from there.
Lucas:When the
Madi:Pistons can do.
Lucas:The Pistons make the Eastern Conference finals, come back here.
Jacob:Okay. Okay. Both take from Lucas over here. I do like it, though. I I there's nothing I really wanna see.
Jacob:But real quickly, I wanna kinda go around the table and get you guys input who is the better what's the best matchup of the first round in the NBA playoffs so far? And what is your early championship pick? Maddie is not ready, so I'm gonna start with Luke.
Luke:I don't know. I think I do think that the Pistons and Knicks are up there. I think that, oh gosh, I think that the Lakers and Timberwolves are are a really good one. I do think Houston and Golden State is gonna that two seven matchup. Actually have Golden State winning that one because of the inexperience of Houston even though their coach is arguably one of the best in the in the league.
Madi:Let me cook.
Luke:Oh gosh.
Jacob:I actually might say 90 for last.
Luke:I mean, that four or five matchup in the West, I think can that Clippers Nuggets matchup in the West is a really good one.
Jacob:Underrated one for sure.
Luke:Yeah. And then I'm I'm waiting to see that one in eight spot in the in the East with Cavs and whoever is that eight spot because I've
Lucas:Oh, Cavs are just gonna roll up.
Luke:If Well, you're talking to a Bulls fan. And if the Bulls get that eight spot, I do think that they can win at least two games against the Cavs.
Lucas:We'll see.
Luke:Matty, you had your hand up.
Madi:Why is there a play in tournament? Is
Jacob:that? Adam's so real, like, money.
Luke:It's awesome. I don't like that. You don't know.
Jacob:It's good because the atmospheres are electric. It's basically a playoff game.
Luke:It's just more playoff. I mean,
Madi:know, done?
Lucas:Yeah. Yeah.
Jacob:Oh, no. The seven to eight matchup is seven to eight matchup wins. Whoever wins that matchup
Luke:Yeah.
Jacob:Instead of playoffs, play the two seed. Whoever loses gets another shot to play the winner of the nine ten. Yeah. The loser of the nine ten's out. Because they it's too good.
Luke:Yeah. But it I I love the playing tournament just because I like that, you know, that playoff atmosphere because even if unfortunately, if your team loses, you get a you get a a chance to get in the lottery and get the number one overall pick even though it's very unlikely. But if your team gets in the playoffs, you know, I think that any fan if any fan tells you, I don't wanna be in the playoffs, then they're not a fan. Like, I want the Bulls to be in the playoffs. I do not care about that pick right now.
Luke:I'll wait for that once we get eliminated. But for right now, I wanna be in the playoffs. I wanna play against the Cavs. So There it is. Right.
Luke:Yeah.
Jacob:Luke, what is your or Yeah.
Lucas:But, Lakers Lakers Wolves is really exciting to me. I'm a I I'm a big Anthony Edwards guy. I love him. But
Luke:He's the best show in in basketball right now.
Lucas:Oh, for sure.
Luke:He's the best show in basketball.
Lucas:Oh, yeah. But for him to potentially take down LeBron in his in his bronze finals years and Luca Luca and everybody else and
Jacob:Why are you
Luke:guys laughing over there?
Jacob:What's going Not not just final, not another
Luke:Maddie has no idea what's going on.
Jacob:Exactly. Wait till you can tell her about two minutes.
Madi:Drumroll, please.
Luke:Now we're going to her. What's your favorite what's your matchup?
Madi:Obviously, the Pistons. I have deal with something.
Luke:Do you
Jacob:have any analysis why, or is it No.
Madi:Go Pistons.
Jacob:I like that a lot. Well, I get behind that.
Madi:You know, if we're being completely honest, I don't pay attention to the NBA. We've talked about that on the podcast before. And if the Pistons weren't in this, would literally want nothing to do with watching the NBA playoffs just because I'm not a big NBA person.
Luke:So lame. Fair enough.
Jacob:I just wanted your opinion to
Madi:be But it is cool. Like Yeah. It's another Detroit sports team that's in the playoffs, so, like,
Jacob:why not watch? I really this first round or this first, like, kind of set of games is really intriguing to me, if I can speak. I think Lakers Timberwolves is definitely my pick because this I don't know how it gets better than the first round matchup than this. I mean, you got LeBron James and Luca Doncic in LA taking on Anthony Edwards, who we said is the best show in basketball right now. I mean, it really does not get any better than this.
Jacob:I feel like both of these teams are championship contenders because the Timberwolves are one game one game away from making the finals last year. Lakers obviously have two of the best players in basketball. So, like, I don't really see how whoever, like, wins this can't go far. I feel like whoever wins this has a great shot to get to the finals, like a great path, especially with the Rockets and Golden State kind of looming in the second round. So that's definitely my pick, but I think in terms of who's built overall to win the championship, I'd say the Lakers and Celtics are my two top picks.
Jacob:But
Luke:I like that pick. That would be great for for basketball as a whole.
Jacob:Yes.
Luke:You have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the Celtics versus LeBron and Luca Mhmm. On the Lakers. I think that game that series will go seven games.
Jacob:Does not get much better.
Madi:Don't those two teams have the most championship wins too?
Jacob:Yes. But they've kind of been, like, in a not not like drought, but like
Luke:The Celtics won last year.
Jacob:But Yeah. Know. But, like, they like, other than that and other than the Lakers championship in 2020, it's been, like, a while. Yeah. Because they've kinda really dominated the NBA yet.
Luke:Right. So I think we haven't seen that since 02/2010 with, like, Kobe and Paul Pierce. And I think that the NBA, you know, how it started with the viewers, the ratings being low this year, I think that having Luka Doncic, you know, being traded at the trade deadline to to the Lakers, and then they go up against the reigning defending champion Boston Celtics Mhmm. I think that's must see TV. No matter what anybody says, like, if they're saying, ugh.
Luke:I don't wanna watch that. The fan bases are annoying. Yeah. This is awful for basketball.
Jacob:Then you just don't like sports.
Luke:Then you don't like sports. Yeah. I'm sorry. You just don't.
Jacob:NBA needs Lakers Celtics again. Yes. They
Luke:need the superstars again. Yes. They need the superstars again.
Jacob:Yes. Most definitely. Should be a very exciting NBA playoffs, especially the first round, but the NBA playoffs never disappoint. For our last segment today, we're gonna talk about the NHL playoffs, which I know you are very excited about, Betty. But we can't talk about the wings because they missed the playoffs again.
Madi:And I'll crash out.
Jacob:Oh, yeah. But Just
Madi:let them cook. They'll be fine. They have young guys in Grand Rapids. They're gonna be fine.
Luke:Like I
Lucas:said I said before. I said MSU.
Luke:I said before, I don't know any hockey players other than Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin, and that's recency bias. So That's fair. That's fine.
Jacob:I just I like can't
Lucas:believe you're saying that out loud.
Luke:I said it before.
Jacob:For the Red Wings, like, the only thing is I know they have young talent, but Dylan Larkin is not getting younger. Patrick Kane's almost gonna retire soon.
Madi:Yeah. He's down to it.
Jacob:The ring kit is not getting any younger. Yeah. Tarrasenko's not getting any younger. Sorry. But that's it's just
Madi:Tarrasenko needs to go. Terra Senko's gotta go. He needs goodbye. Please leave my team. I'm done.
Madi:Ouch. He's he has been such a disappointment. It's been so bad. I mean, you have two cups coming into this. Two, three, two?
Madi:I think two. One with the blues, and he won one with Florida last year. Mhmm. And he was a decent point producer for all of those. Like, he put up forty, forty five points last season.
Madi:What he's done this season? Literally nothing. Literally nothing.
Lucas:And it could just be a case of playing tier level almost with him. Yeah. You know? You'd do so well on the Stanley Cup winning teams, and you come here and
Luke:kinda relax. Those podcasts and you hear is you two just kinda bashing him. Right?
Lucas:You know?
Madi:Oh, well.
Lucas:That would be cool.
Madi:Sorry, Vlad.
Jacob:If Vladimir Terais had to to the State Newsboys Roundtable podcast, I think we would have to stop his podcast because that was completed.
Madi:And that's gonna wrap this up. This is our last our very last episode of this.
Jacob:I think it'll be a very very, very cool feat to achieve.
Madi:That would be pretty cool. But, yeah, he's gotta go. Sorry.
Jacob:Back to it.
Madi:Sorry. Peace out.
Jacob:Yeah.
Madi:But I mean, yeah, there's they're not getting any younger, but Cats played a great season. Larkin has been okay the second half. Lucas Raymond has been fantastic. Moe has been great. AJ, Elmer, Simon, like, you have these younger guys who are coming up.
Madi:Casper has been absolutely fantastic. Marco Casper has been probably the best player the second half of the season after the USA Canada game in the four nations face off. They just need some time. Like, I know that everybody's like, eight to ten years. It takes eight to ten years.
Madi:Blah blah blah. Blah. It might. It very well could. Just let him let Stevie Wyk cook.
Madi:Yes, Luke.
Luke:Oh, you have
Lucas:a little more patience than I do, man.
Madi:I know.
Luke:In terms of, the Detroit red Red Wings coming into this season, what were the expectations coming into this playoffs? To make the playoffs?
Madi:They were they were expected to make the playoffs, especially after last season when
Luke:Okay. The only reason they didn't
Madi:meet is because of John Tortorello.
Luke:So then I guess my question my follow question is where do they go from here? You know, they got eliminated?
Madi:Need to rid of Justin Hall. They need to get rid of Vlade Terasenko.
Lucas:Oh, okay. Need to
Madi:get of I love you, State, and I love you, Michigan State hockey, but they need to get rid of Jeff Petrie as soon as possible because he's a liability on defense. They need to who else do they need to get rid of? I don't know. There's a lot of guys they need to get rid of.
Luke:Can ask you this
Jacob:question in simple terms? Sure. Get a defense and run it back.
Madi:And goalies. Good Lord.
Jacob:We need
Madi:a goaltender.
Luke:So it's not like a you know?
Jacob:It's not offensive at all.
Luke:Well, it's not like a No. It's not offensive. I mean, pretty
Lucas:deltious Trey Augustine.
Madi:He's too young. He needs time. He's kids got kids need some time.
Luke:So then it's not a, like, kinda like a blow it up and rebuild type of thing.
Jacob:No. They're right they're right there.
Madi:It's not no. We're not this is not a fire sale. Like, we'll be fine.
Luke:We're rebuilding. We're about to make the playoffs.
Jacob:Got a good game tonight.
Luke:That's for sure. We'll watch that. We're gonna be talks. Early heat. Excuse me.
Madi:Yeah. Whatever it is.
Luke:But We'll start with h.
Jacob:In this fight of the NHL playoffs as well, just for the sake of time, very, very interesting first round matchups we got as well. I'm not just saying that because the NBA had them. The NHL really does too. I mean
Madi:They do.
Jacob:Just to name a few. You got Kings versus Oilers for, like, the fourth time in a row.
Madi:In row.
Jacob:It does not get better than that. Mhmm. I think St. Louis and Winnipeg is a very sneaky matchup.
Madi:That's an upset.
Jacob:Because St. Louis did the same exact thing pretty much when they won the cup in 2019. Yep. Winnipeg is the president president's cup trophy winner, and historically, president's Cup trophy winners do not really do good in terms of, like, winning the championship, winning the Stanley Cup.
Madi:Yeah. So so I well, yeah, look at last year, but so, see, I saw this the other day. It was on Instagram. The last time a team that won the president's trophy won the Stanley Cup was Chicago in, like, 2010. And we all know those were the Chicago blackhawks, like, prime days.
Madi:You had Kane. You had Taves. You had, like, all of these fantastic Hall of Fame players. Like, they were the real deal back then. Yeah.
Madi:But, yeah, it's been fifteen years, just You
Luke:said Chicago, and I got all excited, but I didn't know any Oh.
Madi:Know who Patrick Cain is?
Luke:No, said I don't follow hockey.
Lucas:You're gonna have to kick him off the pod.
Luke:Are you
Madi:guys hearing those?
Lucas:I'm hearing it.
Jacob:I feel like it's not knowing who Jayson Tatum is, or someone that would get that
Luke:of know
Madi:who Jayson Tatum is. He plays for the Celtics. Thank you. Okay. Goodbye.
Jacob:But back to an intro in terms of less hostility for this pad, please. Sorry. I feel that I feel like I could say something like good about each first round matchup. Like, if you just kind of run down list, there's a storyline to be had for every single one. Mean, the battle of Ontario too is another really good one.
Jacob:Yeah. That's coming from Alex Ovechkin in the capitals coming out of nowhere this season and Mhmm. Not that they came out nowhere, they achieved success. Mhmm. Like, that was greater than they're expected to.
Jacob:And the Canadians being back at the playoffs, there's just so much.
Luke:Not yet. Oh, well, they
Madi:Canadians aren't in the playoffs.
Jacob:The blue jackets are right in the tail. The blue jackets are as of today.
Madi:Yeah. I mean, the blue jackets are right there. So the Canadians need to lose tonight, and Columbus needs to win tomorrow. But Montreal cannot get a single point against Carolina or else they're in the playoffs. They clinch a spot if they get at least one point versus Carolina tonight.
Madi:So if they take it to OT, they're in.
Luke:Wait. So even if they lose, as long as they score a point, they'll
Madi:be in? As long as they get one point. As long as they take Carolina
Lucas:get a point by That's weird. Getting to overtime.
Madi:As long as you take Carolina to overtime, Montreal gets in
Luke:the playoffs.
Jacob:Wait. Carolina gonna arrest people because they're already in? Or is
Madi:Probably. So Honestly, probably.
Jacob:Interesting development there.
Madi:It's gonna be I honestly, Columbus won Columbus as a dark horse, especially after everything that's happened with them in the last few months with the death of Johnny and Matt D. Goudreaux, and he had played for Columbus. So Columbus wants this for him. Like, wanna be in this talk, and they wanna be in the playoffs for Johnny. I like, that's who I will probably bandwagon, honestly.
Madi:If they make the playoffs, I'm going for Columbus. Wait. So who does Montreal play? Montreal plays Carolina tonight. If I'm
Luke:Carolina, I just let them score.
Madi:Well, I mean, yeah. But Carolina's gonna do that anyways because they already made the playoffs, so they're gonna rest their better players. Yeah. But if so if Montreal wins, they play, the Capitals, which would be a good matchup. They would probably I think they're gonna get blown out of the water, but whatever happens happens.
Madi:But, yeah, I mean, I think the blues are gonna upset Winnipeg in the first round. Winnipeg is historically known to not play well in the playoffs. The Connor Hallibaugh clad in, like, seven goals in their first game last season in the playoffs. Like, it's it's no bueno.
Jacob:Yeah. It's all so meshed together.
Madi:And you get part two of the battle of Florida with Tampa and the panthers. You get the battle of Mikko Rantanen because Colorado is playing Dallas. You get the battle of Ontario with Toronto and Ottawa, and then you get Columbus still trying to sneak in. So this is honestly, I've seen, like, people post on Twitter. This is probably the best NHL playoff that we've had in a really long time.
Madi:What sucks, though, is this is the first time in NHL history that none of the American original six teams have not made the playoffs. Rangers, Wings, Blackhawks and Bruins are out of the playoffs.
Jacob:Oh, really interesting there.
Madi:Yeah. And both Canadian Original six teams have the potential to make the playoffs.
Luke:Yeah. I would like to just add one thing. Think it's awesome that you said that this is gonna be one of the greatest, like, NHL playoffs. This is also gonna be one of the greatest NBA playoffs Mhmm. This year, like, that we've had in a while.
Luke:Mhmm. Is gonna be an awesome Sports are great. Sports postseason with hockey and basketball.
Madi:I love sports.
Jacob:I really enjoy it. Oh my goodness.
Luke:You should be on the sports roundtable podcast.
Madi:She's still like a co host or something.
Jacob:Yeah. My gosh. I
Madi:get that.
Jacob:Yeah. I mean, lots of excitement, lots of stuff to look forward to, but that's pretty much gonna wrap it up for this episode of sports roundtable. Always been a pleasure talking alongside you guys as well. But watch watch some sports this May and April, guys. Like, it is it is gonna be legit.
Jacob:NFL draft's coming up soon too. We gotta talk about that next week. I mean, I know the weather's getting warmer, but I might not be outside too much.
Luke:This is
Madi:Oh, wait.
Jacob:This is good.
Madi:Hang on. Quick shout out. Isaac Howard won the Hopi Baker award this past weekend. Let's go. Let's go.
Madi:I don't
Luke:know what that is. It's the
Madi:MVP of
Lucas:The Heisman of
Madi:college hockey. Yeah. It's the Heisman of college hockey. Yeah. That's it's good.
Jacob:Yeah. So yeah, that's kind of important.
Madi:Think one quick shout out. Go Isaac Howard.
Luke:Sorry, Isaac. I didn't know that, but congrats to you.
Jacob:Not a big deal. Just one of the most important things in
Madi:Yeah. Just one of the most, like, impressive awards when
Luke:I to college.
Jacob:Now you know. The more you know.
Madi:Alright. Sorry. No.
Jacob:No. It's okay. That a good appropriate shout out. That's that was very useful information because I did not know that anyone did either.
Madi:So Congratulations, Ike.
Jacob:But, yes, that is gonna do it for this episode. Thank you guys for joining and listening as well, and we will catch you guys next week for our last four of the semester. Bye.