Respect The Hustle Podcast hosted by GetMoreSports
In the first podcast of the season, analyst William Whelan breaks down some of the top players in college basketball, while pulling no punches regarding two head coaches at programs who we expected much more from. Before he wraps up, he also lays out his top five teams in the country, leading with the Spartans of Michigan State, who’ve made national waves behind the play of star wing Denzel Valentine.
First up, in Five Guys Whose Hustle I Respect, Whelan praises the likes of Kris Dunn of Providence, Justin Robinson of Monmouth, Chris Boucher of Oregon, and two other rising college basketball stars–for one reason or another. Here’s a hint: son of a legend who shoots free throws underhanded and the most improved player in the Mountain West. Ah, yes, it’s College of Charleston’s Canyon Barry, son of NBA legend Rick Barry. While Whelan gives him praise, he gets quite the surprise when he decides to look up Barry’s actual statistics. Last but not least, UNLV’s Patrick McCaw has turned into one of the most lethal players out west, giving Runnin’ Rebels fans reason to believe that this season can be different for Dave Rice’s talented group.
But with any praise must come criticism, especially those People Who Knock The Hustle. The way this season begs the question, how can either LSU or UCLA be this bad? With all the McDonald’s All-Americans between the two teams, Whelan says the responsibility falls on the head coaches who continue to under achieve with stacked rosters. With Johnny Jones, his inability to win with last season’s stacked roster is concerning, but starting this season off with a 3-3 record against a weak schedule is further proof that something is missing in Baton Rouge. Another slow start in Westwood has Bruins fans nervous, and Whelan says that it’s time for Steve Alford to get things together.
Finally, Whelan lays out his top five teams in the country. Who gets the top spot? None other than Michigan State, who sits just above the Kentucky Wildcats and Maryland Terrapins, who round out the top three. Spots four and five were hotly contested, but check inside to see why he believes a newly eligible freshman could have major implications for one of college basketball’s blue-blood programs. But don’t get comfy, because they’ve got a conference rival nipping at their heels at the fifth spot.
