The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>Chris Lea & Dennis Cox run through the latest sports headlines win Hit It & Quit It, including a live update from The Big Rock Fishing Tournament in Morehead City, NC, Wake Forest baseball making it to Omaha in the College World Series, NC State landing another player in the transfer portal, former UNC basketball commit Simeon Wilcher going to St. John's, and more.</p> <p>Plus, former WNBA player, and UNC women's basketball star, Paris Kea joined Chris and Dennis in studio to discuss her decision to quit her growing professional basketball career. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers' biggest questions this offseason aren't with QB Bryce Young and the offense, but with the defense and their depth. </p> <p>NC State men's basketball lands Kam Woods in transfer portal. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss how head coach Kevin Keatts has built his deepest roster in his time with Wolfpack basketball.</p>

<p>Wake Forest baseball advanced to the College World Series after defeating Alabama baseball in the Super Regional round of the NCAA Baseball Tournament. John Johnson of WXII shared with Chris Lea & Dennis Cox if he believed there were any flaws with the Demon Deacons.</p> <p>Also, NBA Finals Game 5 is underway, and there is a chance Tyler Herro will play for the Miami Heat as the Denver Nuggets look to win the series. </p>

<p>During the Daily CheckDown. Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy discuss Duke baseball's 5-4 win in Game 1 of the NCAA Super Regional, Zion Williamson expecting his first child, the Florida Panthers' overtime win in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and the Miami Heat needing to get a win tonight against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.</p> <p>Also, SEC Commissioner, Greg Sankey discussed complex issues regarding conference realignment in college football right now. Said we should do away with it completely. </p>

<p>Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics of sports including conference realignments, Bryce Young continuing to get first-team reps, Lionel Messi going to Inter Miami, the Florida Panthers Game 3 win in the Stanley Cup Finals, Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the NBA Draft, and Marcus Paige joining UNC's coaching staff.</p> <p>Also, Duke baseball play-by-play commentator discusses the Blue Devils 5-4 over Virginia in Game 1 of the NCAA Super Regional. Duke is one game away from returning to the College World Series. Chris shares what the team will have to do to continue their success. </p>

<p>SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey offered an odd take on conference realignment saying that we should do away with it. Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy find it funny that he feels this way after the SEC picked up Texas and Oklahoma. They also discuss the likelihood of an ACC team wanting to join the SEC.</p> <p>Also, the NBA Draft is less than two weeks away. Looking back at the top picks of the last twelve years and they've fared in the draft, it's not looking good for this year's draft class. </p>

<p>North Carolina State Senator Jim Perry discusses what was different last year compared to this year regarding the sports gambling bill passing. He shares what he envisions for sports books at PNC Arena and the economic impact that would come from casinos being built in the eastern part of the state. He also provides an answer on if NC State or UNC would ever dismiss from the ACC in regards to conference realignment.</p> <p>Also, Duke baseball takes Game 1 of the Super Regional against Virginia with a 5-4 come-from-behind victory. Wake Forest will face Alabama tomorrow in Game 1. Could we see two ACC schools reach the College World Series? </p>

<p>During the Daily CheckDown, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss how this framework for NIL compensation should work, Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and Chris Paul being placed on waivers for the Phoenix Suns. Paul can either be signed back to the Suns or with another team. Chris Lea believes the best option is to remain with the Suns, and Dennis Cox thinks the Memphis Grizzlies might be a good spot.</p> <p>Also, Bryce Young is already taking first-team reps for the Carolina Panthers at OTA's. Should we be expecting him to be ready to rise to the occasion at the beginning of the season, or will fans have to remember that he's still a rookie quarterback?</p>

<p>For Four of a Kind, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss professional athletes who are always hurt in honor of Carolina Panthers' cornerback Jaycee Horn being injured once again. During "Hit It & Quit It" they discuss Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Bryce Young taking first teams reps, Dalvin Cook's release, Chris Paul being placed on waivers, and Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. </p> <p>Also, new NCAA President Charlie Baker wants a federal law in place to regulate compensation from NIL deals for athletes and universities.</p>

<p>Lumberton's NC very own, Ivan Lopez, 14 years old is getting ready to sign a professional sports contract today with the New England Revolution. Some might say he's the next sports star from North Carolina. Chris Lea & Dennis Cox ask Ivan how this process began and what his future holds.</p> <p>Also, North Carolina is delaying NIL for high school athletes and Jack Swarbrick is stepping down in 2024 as Athletic Director of Notre Dame. </p>

<p dir="ltr">The Carolina Panthers are in their final weeks of OTA's before minicamps begin. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young has been receiving first-team snaps which was the plan all along, but why should fans be excited about this? Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss why fans should be excited about the competence around the organization right now.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn is injured once again and will miss the remainder of OTA's and minicamps. Dennis believes he’s injury-prone, and Chris thinks it’s just a phase in his career. How should the Panthers organization deal with Horn moving forward ahead of this season?</p> <p> </p>

<p>During the Daily CheckDown, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss how we've heard from certain players regarding the merger of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, but how does the merger affect local tournaments and championships here in North Carolina? Trey Parker, an NC State commit has decided to reclassify and stay at overtime elite for another year. He'll now join the roster in 2024.</p> <p>Also, We're one step closer to legalized sports betting here in North Carolina as the bill has been passed by the House. Governor Roy Cooper will now have ten days to sign the bill into law. The targeted date for the bill to come into effect is Jan. 8th. </p>

<p>For Four of a Kind, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss professional wrestler's death that impacted them the most in honor of the Iron Sheik passing away at 81. During "Hit It & Quit It" they discuss sports gambling passing, Zion Williamson expecting his first child, Trey Parker reclassifying, Don Waddell on potentially adding new players to the roster this offseason and more.</p> <p>Also, WWE SmackDown is coming to Raleigh on July 14th, and WWE superstar and North Carolina native Karl Anderson previews the upcoming show.</p>

<p>Earlier today, it was announced that NC State commit Trey Parker is reclassifying to 2024 and will attend overtime elite. Chris Lea and Dennis Dox explain how State's situation is different than UNC's commit with Simeon Wilcher reclassifying and how it benefits Kevin Keatts's roster and what the strategy needs to be for Hubert Davis. </p> <p>Also, if you're the Charlotte Hornets, are you selecting Dariq Whitehead or Dereck Lively II with the second overall pick in this year's NBA Draft?</p>

<p>The North Carolina sports gambling bill continues to make progress as it's now been passed by the North Carolina House. Governor Roy Cooper will now have ten days to sign it. Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss the reclassification of NC State commit Trey Parker and how greed and money are more important than the individual to LIV Golf.</p> <p>Also, the Carolina Hurricanes were one round away from the Stanley Cup Finals. The man tasked with piecing together the roster, General Manager Don Waddell, explains how aggressive they'll be this offseason and the effects of sports gambling on the team and PNC Arena. </p>

<p>During the "Daily Checkdown" Dennis Cox & Pat Welter discuss UNC basketball losing 4-star recruit Simeon Wilcher, Brennan Armstrong being named the starting quarterback for NC State, Duke baseball continued success, and Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.</p> <p>Also, what has changed over the past year that has led to the merging of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf?</p>

<p>For the Four of a Kind, Dennis Cox & Pat Welter discuss famous mergers and unions they've enjoyed. During "Hit It & Quit It" they discuss UNC basketball set to lose a 4-star recruit, Brennan Armstrong being named the starter for NC State, the merger of the PGA Tour and LIV golf, and more.</p> <p>Also, with the merger with the PGA Tour, is LIV Golf now going to be financially in control?   </p>

<p>In an exclusive interview that NC State football head coach Dave Doeren held with thewolfpackeronline.com, he announced that Virginia transfer Brennan Armstrong was named the starter for the upcoming season. What does this mean for MJ Morris as far as his future with the program? </p> <p>Also, this past weekend Duke baseball advanced to the Super Regionals in the NCAA tournament. Chris Edwards, the play-by-play commentator for the Blue Devils' discusses the team's success and previews their upcoming game against Virginia. </p>

<p>The PGA Tour has agreed to merge with its rival LIV Golf. The deal's announcement has caught not only fans of the sport by surprise but the players as well. Dennis Cox & Pat Welter, WRAL Sports, share their reaction to the merging and where pro athletes draw the line personally accepting "dirty" money.</p> <p>Also, Brett Knese, WRAL News, is live at Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh to ask local golfers what their thoughts are on the merger. </p> <p> </p>

<p>For the Four of a Kind, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss proper summer swimming pool etiquette. Also, for the Daily Checkdown, Chris & Dennis share their thoughts on Wake Forest baseball dominating in the NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional, if Duke baseball can advance, NBA Finals Game 2 with the Miami Heat defeating the Denver Nuggets, and more. </p>

<p>What's the Carolina Panthers' biggest need: No. 1 wide receiver, or short-yardage running back? Dennis Cox and Chris Lea debate what's the best thing for the Carolina Panthers and QB Bryce Young on offense.</p>

<p>Dennis Cox & Chris Lea get into a larger discussion about the future of how we watch sports with Diamond Sports Group, owner of Bally Sports and subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting, having filed for bankruptcy and in many cases turning over TV rights back over to several teams across MLB, NHL, and NBA. Plus, with the emergence of streaming platforms and WWE's deal with Twitch, Dennis & Chris wonder how Carolina Hurricanes or Charlotte Hornets fans are able to watch their teams play, and if there is a potential to lose fans. </p>

<p>Daron Vaught of USA Baseball shared his thoughts on the NCAA Baseball Tournament Regionals, including how Wake Forest baseball doesn't have a weakness, and how surprised he was that neither NC State baseball, Campbell baseball, nor UNC baseball made it through the regionals.</p> <p>Plus, the Miami Heat defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-108 to win Game 2 of the NBA Finals to even the series, 1-1. </p>

<p>The NCAA baseball tournament began today as four local schools have already concluded games in their regionals. NC State defeated Campbell 5-1 as LuJame Groover III hit two solo home runs. UNC-Wilmington had an early lead against Duke, but the Blue Devils were able to rally and defeat the Seahawks 12-3. How will East Carolina favor Virginia and North Carolina against Iowa? </p>

<p dir="ltr">Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy “Hit It & Quit It” on various topics of sports such as the NCAA college baseball tournament, Game 1 of the NBA Finals, SEC conference schedule, Panthers OTAs, and Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, The Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary has been a success in terms of the event itself. The success of this event and others in the area will the Triangle a destination place. </p> <p> </p>

<p>What's the latest on the votes for the North Carolina sports gambling bill? When does voting start, and why would it possibly be delayed? Philip Isley, Chairman of the Centennial Authority joined Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy to discuss where a sportsbook could be located onsite at PNC Arena. He also shares what the conversation has been like with the Carolina Hurricanes in terms of long-term leasing and arena upgrades. </p>

<p>As the NCAA Tournament begins for baseball today, what's happening with our local teams in North Carolina? Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy also recap the Denver Nuggets' win over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last night. Also, Dallas United withdrew from The Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary due to a West Ham player facing a racial slur during one of yesterday's matches. </p>

<p>Game 1 of the NBA Finals takes place tonight between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets. The Heat are coming off their Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics just three days ago. The Denver Nuggets have had the last ten days off. Dennis Cox & Mark Bergin preview the game and what the Miami Heat need to do to stop Nikola Jokic. </p>

<p>Today is the first day of the Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. This is another example of the Triangle Area being a destination place for big events. Chris Lea, WRAL Sports joins Dennis Cox & Mark Bergin to discuss what the games have been like so far and which star he's most excited to see play. </p> <p>Also, Dennis & Mark "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics of sports such as sports gambling in NC, Joe Mazzula will be back as the Celtics head coach and the Carolina Panthers' next round of OTAs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The House has agreed with Senate to changes to the North Carolina sports betting bill. What's more likely to occur, having online sports gambling on Jan. 8th or mid-June? Brian Murphy, WRAL sports investigative reporter provides an update on the bill and what the key differences are between what was considered last year and this year’s bill. He also shares that sports books could be placed in entertainment facilities. </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">The Senate has now passed the North Carolina sports gambling bill and will now move on to the House of Representatives. House Speaker says the House will concur with the Senate’s changes, paving the way for legalization here in the state of North Carolina. Betting could begin as soon as Jan 8th, but also later.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, what will rivalries in college sports look like in five years or more? Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy discuss how it’s changing whether we like it or not. </p> <p> </p>

<p>It’s the offseason for the Carolina Hurricanes as General Manager Don Wadell and Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour met with media members today. There are questions surrounding the team including trouble scoring against the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. Where does the scoring come from next season? Does it come from an offseason trade, or could it come from internally? </p>

<p dir="ltr">This Friday begins regional play for college baseball in the NCAA Tournament. Eight programs from the state of North Carolina will be represented in this year’s tournament and local teams will be playing each other. NC State will face Campbell, and Duke will face UNCW. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez “Hit It & Quit It” on various topics of sports including Don Wadell & Rod Brind’Amour speaking to the media, the released kickoff times for ACC football, and Nick Saban on college players unionizing. </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Our three local triangle college football teams will begin their seasons with primetime coverage. NC State will face Notre Dame on ABC for a noon kickoff. North Carolina will face South Carolina in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium at 7:30 on ABC. Duke will welcome Clemson on Monday night (Labor Day) for an 8 PM kickoff on ESPN.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez discuss Nick Saban’s comments from the SEC yearly meetings about potentially unionizing college football.</p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Don Waddell and head coach Rod Birnd’Amour held their exit interview with media members today at PNC Arena. Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez discuss what they two had to say and what we should expect during this off-season regarding free agencies.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Randy Hood, UNC-Wilmington's Head Baseball Coach previews his Seahawks' upcoming game against Duke this Friday in the NCAA Conway Regional. Coach Hood shares how his team has faced a lot of talented teams already in the state and how it helped prepare them for postseason play. He also discusses how important it is for other non-power Five programs to make it into the tournament. </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr"> Eight North Carolina teams will be in playing in the NCAA Tournament for baseball beginning this Friday. Which team should be receiving the most attention in their respectful regionals? Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss which team has the most potential to move on. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Caleb Martin had a standout performance for the Miami Heat last night in their win against the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Too bad the Charlotte Hornets waived him when he was on the roster. Former UNC transfer Caleb Love has a new home as he’s heading to Arizona and his replacement, Elliot Cadeau is joining the UNC roster a little earlier than expected.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Campbell was one of the hottest baseball teams in the country this season. Were they robbed of hosting a regional? Dennis Cox & Chris Lea ask the Fighting Camels' head coach Justin Haire. </p> <p> </p>

<p>It's been announced that UNC basketball transfer Caleb Love is transferring to Arizona after de-committing from Michigan. Duke is scheduled to play Arizona at Cameron Indoor Stadium this upcoming season. Is Caleb Love getting his revenge from last season with North Carolina against Duke this year? Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss if this will be a good move for Love.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Caleb Martin had a standout performance last in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Credit is due to Grammy winner rapper and North Carolina native J. Cole who assisted in getting Martin an NBA workout with the Miami Heat. </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Last night in the Miami Heat’s 103-84 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Caleb Martin arrived. He averaged 19.3 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 60.2 percent from the field and 48.9 percent from the 3-point line. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, eight ACC teams are in the NCAA Tournament for baseball, but only one team is hosting. The SEC has a total of eight regional hosting sites. Daron Vaught of USA Baseball joins Dennis Cox & Chris Lea to preview the different regionals and who has a chance to win theirs.</p> <p> </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes held their exit meeting with media members today at PNC Arena. Out of the players that spoke, which member of the roster had the most important thing to say as far as what their plans are for next season? Captain Jordan Staal has made it known that he intends to finish his career with Carolina. </p>

<p>As we get ready to wrap up the ACC Baseball Championship here locally in the triangle, we look ahead to Monday when the NCAA will announce the field for the tournament. Aaron Fitt, D1 Baseball.com gives his projections for local teams and what NC State's chances are of making the tournament after missing last year. </p> <p>Also, Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics of sports including the Celtics forcing a Game 6 against the Heat, DeAndre Hopkins getting cut from the Cardinals, and the D1 women's lacrosse championship taking place in Cary currently. Freddie Andersen and Antti Raanta are both free agents for the Hurricanes this off-season, which goaltender has the better chance of returning? </p>

<p dir="ltr">Seth Jarvis reflects on his second season with the team and some of his favorite memories. He credits Brent Burns for mentoring him and letting him stay with his family. He also shares what he wants to continue improving in his career. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Media members met with the Carolina Hurricanes today at PNC Arena, where the Carolina Hurricanes are holding their exit interviews today. Captain Jordan Staal has already told the media that he aspires to finish his career in Carolina. Brent Burns also shared how much the city of Raleigh has meant to him this past season. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Last night concluded the Carolina Hurricanes season as they fell to the Florida Panthers 3-2 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. What can we learn from this loss based on potential roster changes this off-season?</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, during the “Daily Checkdown” Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy discuss the latest from the ACC baseball championship, the ACC revenue distribution, Game 5 of the ECF between the Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, and the current timeline of NC online sports betting bill. </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy “Hit It & Quit It” on various topics including an updated timeline of the NC online sports gambling bill, the ACC baseball championship, can the Celtics pull off the first-ever 3-0 comeback in NBA history, and the Panthers preseason schedule release. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Dennis & Brian discuss the disappointment of the Carolina Hurricanes' loss in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final and discuss the roster moving forward. Which players can the Hurricanes not afford to lose and who can they afford to let go? </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">After the Carolina Hurricanes fell to the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, what was the reaction of the team in the locker room? Which players shared comments about the loss and the overall season? Walt Ruff, Hurricanes.com joins Dennis Cox & Brain Murphy to share what the mood was like inside the locker and what does the team need to do moving forward?</p> <p> </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes season came to an end last night following a 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. The Hurricanes were able to even the score late in the third period, but thanks to Matthew Tkachuk, who scored his fourth goal of the series with 4.9 seconds left in the game, the Panthers escaped another overtime. Dennis Cox & Bryan Murphy explain what hurts the most about this loss other than it ended the season.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If the Carolina Hurricanes are going to come back from being down 3-0 to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, it’s going to have to start with scoring goals. The Hurricanes have had some good chances in previous games, but it just hasn’t gone their way. Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez explain how the narrative around this series could be completely different if the Hurricanes have gotten a little bit of “puck luck” earlier. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final takes place tonight as the Carolina Hurricanes are trying to avoid elimination down 3-0 in the series to the Florida Panthers. The hope for the Hurricanes is that they can find a way to win tonight and force a Game 5 back in Raleigh on Friday, but is history on their side? Pat Welter, WRAL Sports, is live in Sunrise, FL to preview the game and describe how the team is feeling.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez “Hit It & Quit It” on various topics of sports including the Boston Celtics avoiding a sweep to the Miami Heat, and Kevin Keatts addressing how the ACC needs to promote itself better as a league.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Jame Hersch of the NHL Network previews Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers. She discusses how different this series would be based on a couple of moments in the previous games. She also provides an update on the Western Conference Final and Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn getting ejected last night.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, NC State basketball head coach Kevin Keatts had his off-season media availability today as he discussed the transfer portal, replacing key players, and the ACC promoting itself better as a league.    </p> <p> </p>