WRAL Triangle and Two

“WRAL Triangle and Two” hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss the top storylines of the 2024 NBA Draft.

They share who the Atlanta Hawks will likely select with the No. 1 overall pick between Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr and Donovan Clingan.

The guys also discuss which Triangle players are most likely to hear their names called. It includes:

• Duke’s Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski
• UNC’s Harrison Ingram

The guys also discuss what UNC’s Armando Bacot and NC State’s D.J. Burns, D.J. Horne and Mohamed Diarra need to do to improve their games.

Last, the guys discuss whether Bronny James will get drafted.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" host Mark Bergin and WRAL Sports multimedia journalist Pat Welter discuss the Carolina Panthers starting OTAs.

Welter attended the first day of the voluntary workouts on Monday.

The guys discuss expectations for second-year quarterback Bryce Young and first-year head coach Dave Canales.

They share how Young needs to develop now that he has some more talented players around him compared to his rookie season.

The additions include wide receiver Diontae Johnson, rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette, running back Jonathan Brooks and rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders.

Welter shares which defensive players he's most excited about, and expresses his concerns about Legette.

Last, the guys debate the best game on the Panthers' schedule between the Oct. 6 contest against the Chicago Bears and the Nov. 10 matchup against the New York Giants in Germany. 

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss which NFL teams could select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

Maye is expected to be among the top quarterbacks selected during Thursday night's NFL Draft. He could get picked No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders or No. 3 by the New England Patriots.

The guys share which situations are more favorable and potential teams that could trade up for a quarterback.

Next, the guys discuss how Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton is projected to be a first- or second-round pick. Bergin predicts the Pittsburgh Steelers will select Barton at No. 20 overall.

The guys also discuss several other Triangle prospects who could hear their names called during the draft, including UNC's Tez Walker, NC State's Payton Wilson, Duke's DeWayne Carter and others.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss NC State losing to Purdue in the Final Four.

Fernandez and Bergin share how NC State's run should be viewed historically. They also talk about the Wolfpack's top moments on their Final Four run.

Also, they discuss whether Duke, UNC or NC State would be a possibility for Bronny James in the transfer portal.

Last, they discuss the NC State women's team losing to eventual undefeated champion South Carolina.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss the NC State men's basketball team making its first Final Four since 1983.

The guys discuss the similarities between this year's team and the 1983 championship team.

They also talk about how the Wolfpack will try to slow down Purdue star Zach Edey, who is a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year award.

Last, the guys share how Duke has positioned itself for a strong 2024-25 season with the incoming recruiting class.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss how the North Carolina Tar Heels could make a run to the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
 
The guys discuss potential matchups the Tar Heels could face.
 
It includes a possible Elite Eight matchup against Arizona and former UNC guard Caleb Love.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss whether NC State can continue its winning ways in the NCAA Tournament.
 
The Wolfpack won five games in five days in the ACC Tournament to secure an automatic bid.
 
The guys discuss the outlook of the team under seventh-year head coach Kevin Keatts. Specifically, they discuss the play of DJ Horne, DJ Burns and Casey Morsell.
 
NC State plays Texas Tech in the first round. The winner will play either Kentucky or Oakland in the second round.
 
Last, the guys discuss what it would take for the Wolfpack to go on a Cinderella run.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss how the Duke Blue Devils could make a run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Fresh off of back-to-back losses to end the season, how Duke can turn things around by leaning on its talent, and some things that could end the Blue Devils' run in March early.

Duke's fate in the NCAA Tournament could be decided by a potential Sweet 16 matchup against No. 1 seed Houston.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss why UConn is the No. 1 overall seed and the favorite to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

The guys share which other teams could win March Madness, including North Carolina and Houston.

Also, the guys discuss several rules people follow when filling out their brackets.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss whether North Carolina can get a No. 1 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Fernandez explained why he thinks the final No. 1 seed will likely be between UNC and Tennessee for the NCAA Tournament.

The guys discuss UNC's big win Saturday against Duke, and how the Blue Devils will look to regroup.

Last, they discuss how NC State will miss the NCAA Tournament short of winning the conference tournament.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss the top takeaways from the 2024 NFL Combine. Bergin attended the event at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
 
The guys discuss whether North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye will fall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maye is expected to be among the top picks. He could get selected by the Washington Commanders (second pick) or the New England Patriots (third pick).
 
Maye did not throw or participate in on-field drills at the combine.
 
The guys talk about Tez Walker's performance. He ran his 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds. It ranked fourth-best among the receivers who ran on Saturday. Walker also posted a 40.5-inch vertical (fifth among wide receivers) and an 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump (second among wide receivers).
 
NC State linebacker Payton Wilson's 4.43-second 40-yard dash was best among all linebackers at the combine. Wilson's speed was displayed in the 2023 season for the Wolfpack.
 
Bergin also shared what it was like seeing Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy run the fastest 40-yard dash ever at the NFL Combine, running it in 4.21 seconds.
 
Last, Bergin shares what a delight it was to eat at the legendary St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis. The restaurant opened in 1902.

Hahn caught up with WRAL's Ryan Bisesi about his career, his favorite memories calling games for the Wolfpack and mourning the loss of his late mother. 

“WRAL Triangle and Two” hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss freshman Jared McCain’s stellar play in the last several games.

Bergin poses the question of whether Duke is McCain’s team. The guys discuss McCain’s record-setting outside shooting and impressive rebounding.

Bergin also thinks freshman Sean Stewart should get more playing time in a reserve role when either Kyle Filipowski or Mark Mitchell come off the floor.

Fernandez explains why he isn’t concerned North Carolina slid to No. 10 in the AP Top 25 poll. Armando Bacot has posted five consecutive double-doubles, and the Tar Heels have gotten more consistent shooting from Cormac Ryan in the last three games.

Last, the guys discuss how NC State is in a must-win situation for the remainder of the season. The Wolfpack are coming off a win against Clemson, in which D.J. Horne hit a game-winning layup with 9.8 seconds left. Horne had 27 points in the win.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss Duke's win against Notre Dame.

The guys share what the Blue Devils need to do between now and March to ensure they're playing their best basketball. It includes big man Kyle Filipowski staying out of foul trouble.

Also, the guys discuss whether North Carolina losing two of its last three games is a cause for concern.

They also guys talk about how NC State has struggled this season.

Last, the guys talk about the top storylines heading into Super Bowl 58:

• Can Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid win their third Super Bowl?
• Taylor Swift mania
• Brock Purdy has come a long way from being Mr. Irrelevant
• Can Kyle Shanahan finally win the big game?

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss the storylines ahead of Saturday night's game between No. 3 North Carolina and No. 7 Duke.

Tar Heels guard RJ Davis is playing at a very high level, and some people consider him to be the favorite to win ACC Player of the Year. The Tar Heels will try to slow down Duke center Kyle Filipowski.

On Saturday, ESPN's "College GameDay" will be in Chapel Hill.

Also, the guys discuss the Super Bowl LVIII matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

Fernandez argues why Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are "inevitable."

The guys discuss how the Chiefs beat the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in the AFC Championship. They also discuss the 49ers rallying from 17 points down to beat the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship.

Other topics include Lions head coach Dan Campbell's decision-making to go for it multiple times on fourth down instead of opting to kick the field goals. The guys also discuss the attention Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift will garner before the Super Bowl.

“WRAL Triangle and Two” hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss Blake Hinson jumping up on the scorer’s table after Pittsburgh upset Duke on Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Fernandez was covering the game for WRAL Sports and described what the moment was like to witness. They guys also explain what the loss means for Duke, who fell to No. 12 in the AP Top 25. Duke didn’t have either Jeremy Roach or Mark Mitchell in Saturday’s game due to knee injuries.

The guys also discuss No. 3 North Carolina’s Monday night home matchup against Wake Forest. North Carolina has won eight games in a row. Wake Forest will test the Tar Heels’ ability to defend the three-point line.

Last, the guys discuss which teams they think will win the Super Bowl. The Baltimore Ravens will host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. The San Francisco 49ers will host the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss the North Carolina Tar Heels' six-game winning streak.

North Carolina is ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25 led by the play of point guard R.J. Davis. Bergin explains how he'd like to see freshman guard Elliot Cadeau shoot more to increase his confidence, space the floor and improve his free-throw percentage.

The guys also analyze the Duke Blue Devils' eight-game winning streak. They also address the impact of knee injuries to Jeremy Roach and Mark Mitchell on the team's performance. Duke is ranked No. 7.

Last, the guys discuss a "spicy" game between NC State and Wake Forest.  The Wolfpack rallied down 11 points led by guard D.J. Horne, who appeared to flip off the referees while shooting free throws late in the game. Horne scored a team-high 21 points in the 83-76 win. Head coach Kevin Keatts was ejected in the first half.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss how the Washington Commanders are the favorite to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Commanders have the second overall pick.

On Monday, the Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera and are expected to hire Bob Myers, who served as a key front-office member of the Golden State Warriors.

The Commanders also have Maye's college teammate, Sam Howell. They also have the most salary cap space of any NFL team heading into the offseason.

The guys discuss other possibilities with Maye, USC quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, who have the No. 1 pick.

The Carolina Panthers fired general manager Scott Fitterer on Monday. The guys discussed how the team will move on in trying to hire a new GM, likely a new head coach and how the team will try to build around Bryce Young.

Whoever becomes the Panthers' next GM will need to decide whether to sign edge rusher Brian Burns to a long-term contract.

Last, the guys preview Wednesday's basketball game between North Carolina and NC State.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" host Mark Bergin welcomes "Panthers Playbook" host Chris Lea as a guest.

The guys discuss whether they think the Carolina Panthers will win another game in the 2023 season after their sixth straight loss. The Panthers got blown out by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Bergin and Lea also share a few names of coaches the Panthers should target to hire to develop quarterback Bryce Young.

Also, the guys share their thoughts on Duke hiring Manny Diaz as its next head football coach. Diaz takes over for Mike Elko.

“WRAL Triangle and Two” hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin explain why they think Florida State deserved to make the College Football Playoff.

NC State will go for its 10th win of the season in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Kansas State.

North Carolina will play West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The guys explain why they don’t think Drake Maye will play in the game given how high he’s expected to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Last, the guys discuss where Duke is ahead of the Birmingham Bowl against Troy. Storylines to watch are who Duke hires to replace Mike Elko and which school signs quarterback Riley Leonard.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss Mike Elko leaving Duke to become the head coach of Texas A&M.

Both Bergin and Fernandez share where Duke football goes from here and what the future holds for quarterback Riley Leonard.

The guys also discuss NC State's blowout win against North Carolina. Dave Doeren's team has won six of its last seven games while Mack Brown's Tar Heels have lost four of their last six.

Bergin mentions how the Tar Heels got dominated in time of possession in three of their four losses. He also asks whether North Carolina should retain defensive coordinator Gene Chizik.

Also, it's unclear whether quarterback Drake Maye and receiver Tez Walker will play in the team's bowl game.

The guys also discuss which is more likely: Mack Brown retiring from North Carolina or Dave Doeren leaving NC State for another program.

Last, the guys discuss the Carolina Panthers firing head coach Frank Reich. It's unclear what general manager Scott Fitterer's future holds.

Whoever the Panthers hire, the new coach will need to get Bryce Young back on track. Bergin mentions the possibility of trying to target Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss the start of the 2023-24 college basketball season.

Duke beat Dartmouth, 92-54, on Monday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Preseason AP All-American Kyle Filipowski scored 25 points and freshman Caleb Foster added 15 points for the Blue Devils.

North Carolina beat Radford 86-70 on Monday night at the Dean Smith Center. Armando Bacot had 25 points and 13 rebounds. Bergin wonders which North Carolina play will serve as Robin to Bacot's Batman.

Also, big man D.J. Burns Jr. scored 16 points to lead NC State to a 72-59 win against The Citadel on Monday night.

Last, the guys discuss the significance of the Carolina Panthers' Thursday night game against the Chicago Bears. Other than the Arizona Cardinals, both teams have the worst record in the NFL.

“WRAL Triangle and Two” hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin share their thoughts on the Carolina Panthers’ first win of the season against the Houston Texans.

The guys share how they think the Panthers can build off of Sunday’s performance.

Also, the guys discuss the back-and-forth between NC State head coach Dave Doeren and former Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith Sr. It seems the two men have settled their beef after Smith’s commentary on ESPN’s “College GameDay” and Doeren’s postgame commentary following the win over Clemson.

Duke basketball landed the top prospect of the 2024 class in Cooper Flagg.

Last, the guys share how Duke and North Carolina football will try to regroup. Both schools have had two consecutive losses.

"WRAL Triangle and Two" host Mark Bergin and 99.9 The Fan's Graham Hill discuss how North Carolina will look to regroup after losing at home against Virginia.

The guys discuss how Virginia dominated time of possession, holding the ball for more than 37 minutes. Bergin argues the Tar Heels shouldn't have abandoned the running game with sophomore running back Omarion Hampton, who only got five carries in the second half.

The Tar Heels led in the third quarter by 10 points.

Drake Maye completed 24 of 48 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw an interception.

Also, Duke lost to Florida State despite having a 10-point lead. Duke quarterback Riley Leonard left the game with an ankle injury during the third quarter.

Bergin wonders about the extent of Leonard's injury. Also, he questions why head coach Mike Elko didn't put him despite Leonard pleading with his head coach to put him back in.

NC State is coming off its bye week and will host Clemson on Saturday afternoon.