WRAL Triangle and Two

WRAL Triangle and Two

WRAL Triangle and Two is a sports podcast from WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina. The show takes the Triangle sports stories you care about and gives you the “how” and “why” behind them. WRAL’s Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss three topics each week looking at the Triangle connections. The teams and players you care about at all leagues and levels. New episodes drop Mondays at 5pm.

rss_feed RSS Feed

Most Recent Episode

WRAL Triangle and Two
RJ Davis returns to UNC for fifth season, what's left for him to accomplish?

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discussed how UNC guard RJ Davis has to accomplish entering his fifth collegiate season.

Davis won the ACC Player of the Year in 2024 and helped lead the Tar Heels to the national title game in 2022.

Davis will go down as one of the most beloved North Carolina players ever. 

Fernandez talked about how the Tar Heels will rely on Jalen Washinton and Jae'Lyn Withers in the front court.

The Tar Heels have a strong backcourt with Davis, Elliot Cadeau, Drake Powell, Seth Trimble and Ian Jackson.

00:08:02
Oct 11, 2024 4:0 AM
Clean

More Episodes

WRAL Triangle and Two
Can Kevin Keatts, NC State build upon Final Four appearance?

With the 2024 ACC Tipoff underway, "WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discussed whether NC State can build upon its 2024 Final Four appearance.

After losing DJ Burns and DJ Horne, the guys shared who the key contributors will be on the Wolfpack's roster.

The big question: Can the Wolfpack make their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance?

00:09:00
Oct 10, 2024 4:0 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Why didn't Duke bring Cooper Flagg to the 2024 ACC Tipoff?

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss why Duke head coach Jon Scheyer didn't bring Cooper Flagg to the 2024 ACC Tipoff event in Charlotte.

Fernandez pointed out that Duke didn't bring Zion Williamon in his lone season with the Blue Devils.

Duke opted to bring Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster instead.

Bergin explained that he thinks Duke should have brought Flagg because of his marketability. Flagg more than held his own against the star-studded Team USA roster in pre-Olympic training camp.

Last, the guys talked about the potential of another freshman in Khaman Maluach.

00:09:56
Oct 9, 2024 9:42 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Duke football’s top storylines for the 2024 season

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss the top storylines for the Duke Blue Devils football team before the start of the 2024 season.

They include:

  1. What does year one of the Manny Diaz era look like? Can he build upon the success of Mike Elko?
  2. Jordan Moore and Co. lead Duke's skill position players.
  3. Can Maalik Murphy showcase why he was a top recruit for Texas in his new role as QB1 of the Blue Devils?
  4. Duke's schedule starts out favorably but gets more difficult as the season progresses.
  5. Replacing key linemen in Graham Barton, Jacob Monk and DeWayne Carter
  6. What will Diaz's defense look like?
00:19:39
Aug 24, 2024 4:0 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
NC State football’s top storylines for the 2024 season

"WRAL Triangle and Two" hosts Louis Fernandez and Mark Bergin discuss the top storylines for the NC State Wolfpack football team before the start of the 2024 season.

They include:

  1. Can NC State go from good to great? The Wolfpack will try to win double-digit games for the second time in program history. It comes as the College Football Playoff expands to a 12-team format.
  2. How can the Wolfpack best utilize sophomore KC Concepcion?
  3. How will Grayson McCall's experience as three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year translate to the ACC?
  4. How will the Wolfpack fare in their first four games?
  5. How will NC State replace star linebacker Payton Wilson?
  6. Can defensive coordinator Tony Gibson propel NC State's defense to another level?
00:15:39
Aug 23, 2024 4:0 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
UNC football’s top storylines for the 2024 season

“WRAL Triangle and Two” hosts Mark Bergin and Louis Fernandez discuss the top storylines for the North Carolina Tar Heels football team before the start of the 2024 season.

They include:

  1. Which quarterback wins the starting job between Max Johnson, Conner Harrell and Jacolby Criswell?
  2. Can the Tar Heels be better now that Drake Maye is in the NFL?
  3. UNC has a new defensive coordinator in Geoff Collins.
  4. How does UNC finish the 2024 season after disappointing ends to the 2022 and 2023 seasons?
  5. Omarion Hampton enters the season as a preseason All-American. Can he build off an impressive 2023 season?
  6. The Tar Heels have several new offensive linemen this season.
00:14:28
Aug 22, 2024 3:41 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
2024 NBA Draft: The Duke, UNC and NC State players likely to get picked

“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.

00:21:21
Jun 25, 2024 1:17 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Panthers OTAs underway: Expectations for Bryce Young, Dave Canales in 2024

"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. 

00:26:06
May 23, 2024 10:16 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
2024 NFL Draft: Which team will pick Drake Maye?

"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.

00:29:44
Apr 23, 2024 1:14 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
NC State's top moments from Final Four run

"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.

00:22:11
Apr 8, 2024 5:12 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
NC State's Final Four run: How the Wolfpack match up with Purdue

"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.

00:18:48
Apr 1, 2024 4:15 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
How UNC can make a Final Four run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament

"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.

00:17:11
Mar 19, 2024 5:10 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Can NC State continue to survive and advance in the NCAA Tournament?

"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.

00:15:40
Mar 19, 2024 5:5 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Is there a Final Four path for Duke in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?

"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.

00:10:20
Mar 19, 2024 5:0 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Why UConn is the No. 1 overall seed + how to win your 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket

"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.

00:18:57
Mar 18, 2024 6:56 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Will UNC get a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament? Duke looks to regroup

"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.

00:22:51
Mar 11, 2024 4:24 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
NFL Combine: Will Drake Maye fall? Tez Walker, Payton Wilson showcase athleticism

"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.

00:23:07
Mar 4, 2024 5:16 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Gary Hahn talks career, retirement after 34 years as voice of the NC State Wolfpack

Gary Hahn is retiring after 34 years as the radio voice of NC State football and men's basketball.

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. 

00:31:41
Feb 29, 2024 6:0 AM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Is Duke Jared McCain’s team? UNC slides to No. 10 in AP poll

“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.

00:19:36
Feb 19, 2024 5:26 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Duke regroups, UNC sputters & top Super Bowl storylines

"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?
00:24:32
Feb 8, 2024 12:49 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
UNC hosts Duke in Battle of the Blues, Why Patrick Mahomes is 'inevitable'

"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.

00:26:17
Jan 29, 2024 3:29 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Duke falls to No. 12 after loss to Pitt, UNC hosts Wake Forest on Monday night

“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.

00:28:43
Jan 22, 2024 4:55 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
UNC and Duke on winning streaks, NC State's heated 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.

00:25:01
Jan 17, 2024 3:29 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Drake Maye headed to Washington? Commanders get 2nd pick

"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.

00:25:23
Jan 8, 2024 12:19 PM
Clean
WRAL Triangle and Two
Men's College Basketball check-in and NC State triumphs in the transfer portal

This week on WRAL Triangle and Two, Louis Fernandez and Graham Hill look at where NC State, Duke and UNC men's basketball stand 10 games into the season.

NC State gets a commitment from former Duke running back Jordan Waters out of the transfer portal, and he's not even the most important piece they've added! We talk the Wolfpack's success in building next season's team.

And the Carolina Panthers pick up win No. 2 of the season against the Atlanta Falcons. What can we take away from the win and what should be the focus for Panthers fans with just three games left in the season.

00:30:53
Dec 18, 2023 7:57 PM
Clean