The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Mike Malone choosing UNC, if he will stay in Carolina longterm and more. 

Yesterday marked two weeks since the University of North Carolina fired former head coach Hubert Davis and the search for his replacement has now concluded with the hiring of Michael Malone, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets. UNC conducted a high-profile search aimed at sustaining its tradition of excellence, prioritizing candidates with NCAA Tournament success, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the program’s winning culture. Ultimately, the school made a bold and historic choice, hiring Malone, an NBA champion known for building disciplined, high-performing teams, marking the first time in decades that UNC has gone outside its traditional “Carolina family.” At his introductory press conference at the Dean Smith Center yesterday, Malone emphasized that UNC was the only college job he would consider and outlined a vision centered on NBA-level development while respecting the program’s storied history. Still, the hire raises important questions: is Malone the right fit for the college game, was he UNC’s best option, or did the program ultimately settle? Will Malone be in Carolina for the long haul?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss UNC’s bold move to hire Michael Malone, what his NBA experience could mean for the program’s future and whether Hubert Davis was given a fair shot to succeed during his tenure.

Yesterday marked two weeks since the University of North Carolina fired former head coach Hubert Davis and the search for his replacement has now concluded with the hiring of Michael Malone, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets. UNC conducted a high-profile search aimed at sustaining its tradition of excellence, prioritizing candidates with NCAA Tournament success, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the program’s winning culture. Ultimately, the school made a bold and historic choice, hiring Malone, an NBA champion known for building disciplined, high-performing teams, marking the first time in decades that UNC has gone outside its traditional “Carolina family.” At his introductory press conference at the Dean Smith Center yesterday, Malone emphasized that UNC was the only college job he would consider and outlined a vision centered on NBA-level development while respecting the program’s storied history. Still, the hire raises important questions: is Malone the right fit for the college game, was he UNC’s best option, or did the program ultimately settle?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the University of North Carolina’s bold hiring of Michael Malone, what his arrival means for the program’s future and the lingering questions surrounding Hubert Davis’ tenure, including whether resources, expectations or internal priorities ultimately shaped his success.

Yesterday marked two weeks since the University of North Carolina fired former head coach Hubert Davis and the search for his replacement has now concluded with the hiring of Michael Malone, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets. UNC conducted a high-profile search aimed at sustaining its tradition of excellence, prioritizing candidates with NCAA Tournament success, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the program’s winning culture. Ultimately, the school made a bold and historic choice, hiring Malone, an NBA champion known for building disciplined, high-performing teams, marking the first time in decades that UNC has gone outside its traditional “Carolina family.” At his introductory press conference at the Dean Smith Center yesterday, Malone emphasized that UNC was the only college job he would consider and outlined a vision centered on NBA-level development while respecting the program’s storied history. Still, the hire raises important questions: is Malone the right fit for the college game, was he UNC’s best option, or did the program ultimately settle? Did money hold back UNC when Hubert Davis was head coach? Did UNC not want Hubert Davis to be successful?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Reese's experience at the introductory press conference for Michael Malone.

Yesterday marked two weeks since the University of North Carolina fired former head coach Hubert Davis and the search for his replacement has now concluded with the hiring of Michael Malone, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets. UNC conducted a high-profile search aimed at sustaining its tradition of excellence, prioritizing candidates with NCAA Tournament success, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the program’s winning culture. Ultimately, the school made a bold and historic choice, hiring Malone, an NBA champion known for building disciplined, high-performing teams, marking the first time in decades that UNC has gone outside its traditional “Carolina family.” At his introductory press conference at the Dean Smith Center yesterday, Malone emphasized that UNC was the only college job he would consider and outlined a vision centered on NBA-level development while respecting the program’s storied history. Still, the hire raises important questions: is Malone the right fit for the college game, was he UNC’s best option, or did the program ultimately settle?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Phil Ford.

Phil Ford, UNC legend and former Tar Heels guard, joins the Sports Shop to discuss UNC hiring Mike Malone as their new head basketball coach. Ford shares his perspective on what Malone’s NBA experience could bring to the program, how this hire departs from UNC’s tradition of promoting from within and what challenges lie ahead in recruiting, player development and meeting the high expectations of Tar Heel fans. Is Malone the right guy for the job?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss UNC’s decision to hire Michael Malone as their new head basketball coach, examining whether he was the right choice, how his NBA experience might translate to the college game and what this bold move means for the future of the Tar Heels’ program and the ACC landscape.

Today marks two weeks since UNC fired former head coach Hubert Davis and the search for his replacement has officially concluded. As of yesterday, the Tar Heels have hired Michael Malone, the former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, after launching a high-profile search aimed at continuing the program’s tradition of excellence. The search focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting connections and the ability to uphold UNC’s winning culture.

Malone brings extensive NBA experience and a reputation for building disciplined, high-performing teams. His hire marks the first time in decades that UNC has looked outside the traditional “UNC family” for a head coach. It also signals a shift toward professional-level coaching strategies, with the program hoping Malone’s NBA pedigree will translate into immediate success at the collegiate level. Is Malone the right guy for the job? Was Mike Malone UNC's best option or only option? Did UNC settle for Malone?

Reese, Pam and Alex speak with Art Chansky. 

Art Chansky is a longtime UNC insider with decades of experience covering Tar Heel basketball. Chansky joins the Sports Shop to discuss UNC’s surprising hire of Michael Malone as the new head basketball coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. He weighs in on what Malone’s NBA background brings to the program, how this departure from the traditional “UNC family” approach could impact the team, and whether this bold move is the right choice for a program with such a storied history. Was this a good hire? Will it work out?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss UNC hiring Michael Malone as their new head basketball coach. Michael Malone is the former head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

Today marks two weeks since UNC fired former head coach Hubert Davis and the search for his replacement has officially concluded. As of yesterday, the Tar Heels have hired Michael Malone, the former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, after launching a high-profile search aimed at continuing the program’s tradition of excellence. The search focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting connections and the ability to uphold UNC’s winning culture.

Malone brings extensive NBA experience and a reputation for building disciplined, high-performing teams. His hire marks the first time in decades that UNC has looked outside the traditional “UNC family” for a head coach. It also signals a shift toward professional-level coaching strategies, with the program hoping Malone’s NBA pedigree will translate into immediate success at the collegiate level. Is Malone the right guy for the job?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Michigan’s championship win over the UConn Huskies and a defining moment for Elliot Cadeau, whose transfer from the North Carolina Tar Heels transformed him from a promising but inconsistent player, into the leader of a national title team.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss UNC’s ongoing search for a new men’s basketball coach, debate why the program remains without a hire two weeks after Hubert Davis was fired, weigh whether the decision to let Davis go was premature or necessary to preserve the Tar Heels’ winning culture and preview tonight's National Championship game.

Tomorrow marks two weeks since UNC fired former head coach Hubert Davis. Since then, UNC has launched a high-profile search for its next men’s basketball head coach, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The search has focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the Tar Heels’ winning culture. Despite all this, UNC is still without a coach. Why is that? Who will be the next UNC men's basketball coach? Was firing Hubert Davis a knee-jerk reaction?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Michigan’s dominant Final Four win over Arizona, preview tonight’s men’s championship matchup against UConn and UCLA’s commanding performance over South Carolina to capture their first women’s national title.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Geno Auriemma’s controversial Final Four exchange with Dawn Staley, break down the unresolved apology drama and preview tonight’s men’s national championship clash between UConn and Michigan and what a UConn victory could mean for Dan Hurley’s legacy.

On Friday night, the UConn Huskies lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four, ending their tournament run. Following the Final Four loss, Geno Auriemma had a heated, very public exchange with Dawn Staley in the closing moments, reportedly sparked by frustration over a missed pregame interaction and the intensity of the game itself. It quickly became one of the biggest storylines coming out of the night. The next day, Auriemma issued what he called an apology, saying there was no excuse for how he handled the situation and acknowledging he was out of line. But the part that’s really keeping the conversation alive is that he apologized generally to South Carolina’s players and program, without directly naming Staley. She later said she hadn’t personally heard from him, which leaves this in a bit of a gray area: technically an apology, but not exactly a clean resolution, and definitely something that still has people talking. What's up with Geno Auriemma?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Geno Auriemma's "apology" to Dawn Staley.

On Friday night, the UConn Huskies lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four, ending their tournament run. Following the Final Four loss, Geno Auriemma had a heated, very public exchange with Dawn Staley in the closing moments, reportedly sparked by frustration over a missed pregame interaction and the intensity of the game itself. It quickly became one of the biggest storylines coming out of the night. The next day, Auriemma issued what he called an apology, saying there was no excuse for how he handled the situation and acknowledging he was out of line. But the part that’s really keeping the conversation alive is that he apologized generally to South Carolina’s players and program, without directly naming Staley. She later said she hadn’t personally heard from him, which leaves this in a bit of a gray area: technically an apology, but not exactly a clean resolution, and definitely something that still has people talking.

Tomorrow marks two weeks since UNC fired former head coach Hubert Davis. Since then, UNC has launched a high-profile search for its next men’s basketball head coach, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The search has focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the Tar Heels’ winning culture. Despite all this, UNC is still without a coach. Why is that? Who will be the next UNC men's basketball coach? Was firing Hubert Davis a knee-jerk reaction?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss how UCLA dominated the women’s national championship game against South Carolina, and then turn to Virginia, analyzing the surprising firing of Amaka Agugua‑Hamilton after a Sweet 16 run and the reported internal issues that led to the decision.

The UCLA Bruins defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks in dominant fashion in the women's national  championship gamenational championship game yesterday. UCLA controlled the game from the opening tip, built an early lead and never looked back, overwhelming South Carolina on both ends of the floor. The Gamecocks, one of the most dominant teams all season, struggled to find any rhythm and couldn’t generate enough offense to keep pace. In the end, it was UCLA's first NCAA women’s basketball championship. How impressive was UCLA?

The major news over the weekend involved the abrupt firing of head women’s basketball coach Amaka Agugua‑Hamilton, despite her leading the Cavaliers to the Sweet 16, the program’s first since 2000, following an internal investigation into allegations of a toxic and “nightmarish” team culture. What happened?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss UCLA winning the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss Easter speeches and their significance, share personal experiences with giving them and give their predictions for the upcoming men’s and women’s Final Four matchups.

Apparently, an Easter speech is a spoken message, often delivered by children or leaders in a church setting that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the themes of hope, renewal and victory over death. These speeches range from short, memorized Bible verses or poems by children to formal sermons or public addresses regarding the spiritual significance of the holiday. Did you ever give Easter speeches?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if UNC firing Hubert Davis was a knee-jerk response to Duke's success.

Following the departure of Hubert Davis, UNC launched a high-profile search for its next men’s basketball head coach, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The search has focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the Tar Heels’ winning culture. Who will be the next UNC men's basketball coach? Is this a good thing or bad thing UNC hasn't hired a coach yet? Was firing Hubert Davis a knee-jerk reaction in response to Duke’s success?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if it is a good thing or bad thing that UNC has not hired a coach yet and they preview tonight’s women’s Final Four matchups, including UConn vs. South Carolina and the impact a win by Dawn Staley’s team would have on her legacy.

Following the departure of Hubert Davis, UNC launched a high-profile search for its next men’s basketball head coach, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The search has focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the Tar Heels’ winning culture. If you're Billy Donovan, do you leave the NBA for the UNC job? Who will be the next UNC men's basketball coach? Is this a good thing or bad thing UNC hasn't hired a coach yet?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Wade Harris, Bob MacKinnon and Ian Parks.

Wade Harris is the CEO, Director of Player Development and the Managing Partner of the Raleigh Firebirds. Bob MacKinnon is the former Firebirds coach and is now serving the Firebirds as an advisor. Bob MacKinnon began his coaching career in 1982 and served as a Coach in the NCAA ranks for 25 years as an Assistant, Associate Head Coach, and Head Coach at several prestigious institutions including George Washington University, Marshall University, Niagara University, Notre Dame University and the University of North Carolina. The duo join the Sports Shop and talk about Raleigh Firebirds basketball and the state of UNC Basketball. To buy tickets visit: raleighfirebirds.net.

Ian Parks from Always Bet On Black w/ Ian Parks joins the Sports Shop to share his picks for this weekend in the Final Four of the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments. Who will win this weekend: South Carolina Gamecocks or UConn Huskies? UCLA Bruins or Texas Longhorns? Illinois Fighting Illini or UConn Huskies? Michigan Wolverines or Arizona Wildcats? Michigan and Arizona play tomorrow night in a highly anticipated Final Four matchup. Will Arizona Wildcats' guard Jaden Bradley record more than 21.5 combined points, rebounds and assists against Michigan?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the upcoming Final Four matchups, Kirk Cousins signing with the Raiders and analyze how Cousins has amassed over $330M in his NFL career through strategic contracts and guaranteed earnings.

Kirk Cousins recently signed a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders that’s officially listed as five years for $172M, but it’s really a short-term, low-risk contract with about $20M guaranteed this season and team-friendly options afterward. He’s still being paid by the Atlanta Falcons, giving him income from two teams at once. At 37, Cousins serves as a gap quarterback, providing veteran stability and experience while the Raiders prepare for a younger long-term option, and with this deal, his career earnings rise to around $330M, placing him among the top five all-time and projected to become the second-highest paid player in NFL history. How has Cousins amassed this much money in his NFL career?

Following the departure of Hubert Davis, UNC launched a high-profile search for its next men’s basketball head coach, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The search has focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the Tar Heels’ winning culture. There are several candidates UNC is looking at. Some of those candidates are NBA coaches while two are coaching Final Four teams. If you're Billy Donovan, do you leave the NBA for the UNC job? Who will be the next UNC men's basketball coach?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Brant Fowler II.

Brant joins the Sports Shop to talk about Southern University sports.

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if Justin Gainey is the right hire for NC State.

The NC State Wolfpack  moved quickly to stabilize its men’s basketball program after Will Wade’s sudden departure by hiring Justin Gainey as the 22nd head coach. Gainey, a 49‑year‑old NC State alumnus and former Wolfpack guard (1996-2000), spent the past five seasons as an assistant and associate head coach under Rick Barnes at Tennessee, where he helped the Volunteers reach multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs. Gainey’s deep ties to the school, as a player, early‑career coach and respected recruiter, made him an attractive choice to lead the team into a new era and bring continuity and enthusiasm after a turbulent coaching change.  Is Gainey the right choice? Was there a better option?