The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>Brendan Marks of The Athletic discusses his latest article about UNC basketball, and conversations he had with those in and around the North Carolina basketball program, including Caleb Love's father, Dennis Love.</p> <p>The college basketball transfer portal is open, and players have already announced where they'll be going, including UNC basketball, Duke basketball, and NC State basketball, but there are still questions. Wes Durham of the ACC Network shares his thoughts on the transfer portal, Hubert Davis at North Carolina basketball, and if anything has surprised them about players going to the NBA. Also, is Caleb Love built to play for Kansas basketball?</p>

<p>Duke basketball guard Dariq Whitehead has declared for the NBA Draft. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio share how going to the NBA from college has evolved in recent years, and how NBA scouts view young players in college.</p> <p>Also, the Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Tamp Bay Lightning, 4-0. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio say that people should not be in panic mode. </p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown, WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy joined the show to provide the latest news from the North Carolina General Assembly as the NC House of Representatives were debating legalizing mobile sports betting in North Carolina. Also, the Carolina Hurricanes are back in action against the Tampa Bay Lightning, more roster movement for UNC basketball, NC State basketball, and Duke basketball, and NFL news, including more Mock Drafts predicting the Carolina Panthers will draft Alabama QB Bryce Young with the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. </p>

<p>With the Carolina Panthers having the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the debate rages on about whom owner David Tepper will the first pick. Joe Ovies & Candace Cooper point out that mock drafts are starting to get a bit out of control, and that Alabama football QB Bryce Young appears to be the guy in many mock drafts.</p> <p>Matt Norlander of the Eye On College Basketball Podcast of CBS Sports had a conversation with Joe Ovies about how we view and evaluate college basketball during the regular season, and how metrics and numbers drive too much of the conversations, in particular when it comes to ACC basketball.</p> <p> </p>

<p>During Hey Joe, questions about the college basketball transfer portal and who is on the move from Duke basketball, UNC basketball, and NC State basketball, and if there is a potential of players in the area moving to other local schools.</p> <p>Plus, University of Miami play-by-play voice Joe Zagacki discusses Hurricanes basketball making it to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, being known as a football school, and more about ACC basketball.</p>

<p>With UNC basketball guard Caleb Love entering the transfer portal, Joe Ovies & Candace Cooper discuss Love's time with North Carolina basketball, and wonder how head coach Hubert Davis is going to fill the holes and needs for Tar Heels basketball moving forward.</p>

<p>Pitt basketball coach Jeff Capel joined the show to assess his team's season, the chaging landscape of college basketball, navigating the transfer portal, and the narrative around the ACC and the level of play in the conference.</p> <p>Plus, The Daily Checkdown about the Carolina Hurricanes' OT loss to the Boston Bruins, former UNC basketball player Eric Montross' cancer diagnosis, Lamar Jackson, and more. </p>

<p>UNC basketball guard Caleb Love announced today that he is entering the transfer portal after three season with the Tar Heels. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio wonder what's next for head coach Hubert Davis and the evolution of the roster for North Carolina basketball.</p> <p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio debate if UCONN men's basketball is the best men's basketball program over the last 25 seasons based on the number of championships the program has won compared to other top programs, and with the Huskies potentially winning another championship this season after making the Final Four.</p>

<p>Joe Ovies' father, Ernie, called into the show to talk about Miami basketball and FAU basketball making it to the Final Four. Also, discussions continue about the conversations nationally about ACC basketball during #HeyJoe. </p>

<p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio debate and discuss how ACC basketball should be viewed after what many considered a "down year" for the league, but how many across the ACC point out that the ACC is the only power-5 conference to have a team in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament with Miami basketball.</p> <p>Also, Duke basketball guard Tyrese Proctor announced that he will be returning to the Blue Devils for his sophomore season. Does Jeremy Roach return, and is there room for Roach? </p>

<p>Bomani Jones discusses the state of the NCAA tournament currently and where it could be going in the future as we see NIL deals increase even more with college athletes. He also comments on what Norte Dame AD had to say about how the NCAA should handle NIL and their attempt to provide an assembly around the fabric of college sports.</p> <p>He also brings up the point that being smaller has never been better when playing football in regards to Bryce Young and how the Panthers should be evaluating the two QBs. </p>

<p>On social media, UNC Guard RJ Davis announced earlier today that he would be returning to North Carolina for his senior season. He'll be returning with Armando Bacot, who will be playing his final season for the Tar Heels. The most significant decision that is left to be made for UNC's roster is the status of Gurd Caleb Love, who just completed his Junior season. Should Love test the waters of the G-League or even the NBA, or should he just return for the 2023-24 season?</p>

<p>Darin Gannt, of Panthers.com, is a part of the traveling road show with the Carolina Panthers currently as they're on the hunt for their next quarterback. Attending these pro days has really become a show for the members of these organizations as they're trying to avoid a five-year skid. Gannt believes what comes second in value as far as the decision-making process while attending these pro days is sitting down with these players and getting to know them better. </p>

<p>Tripp Tracy, Carolina Hurricanes analyst for Bally Sports joins the show to preview another playoff-like matchup in the regular season for the Hurricanes as they face the Rangers. He also shares some of the strategies that the Canes are pondering as the Stanley Cup playoffs approach, such as which goaltender needs to remain healthy. Finally, he wants to see them replicate their game as they get ready to play a tough stretch late in the regular season. </p>

<p>The transfer portal is an all-out brawl currently for college basketball coaches as some schools are having to deal with players leaving such as North Carolina. While others are looking to gain players from the portal such as NC State. If you're Kevin Keatts, you have to replicate what you did last year by getting a guy like Jarkel Joiner to help carry the load of the team. Maybe he should look at two players from Kinston, NC that are out in the portal currently to fill that role. </p> <p>Also, members of the Carolina Panthers organization made the travel to Tuscaloosa, AL to view the pro-day at Alabama and get a glimpse of Bryce Young. When it comes down to Stroud and Young at who you want as your quarterback, the answer could be quite simple based on size alone. </p>

<p class="MsoNormal">What’s next year going to be like? What’s Wes’ opinion on these guys going into the transfer portal? Is this a coaching issue or a player issue? What are UNC fans looking at and getting upset with? If THIS is it, then is it wrong for them to feel this way? What’s not JUST about the transfers?</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Are they working towards getting the votes locked down this time? What’s been taken out of this bill compared to last year’s? If it passes the House, then what? The Senate approved a very similar bill, so will that help this one potentially? What’s the real trick going to be?</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">What got Joe Giglio to go on another rant about UNC? Is the amount of players going into the transfer portal a reflection of… this or that? Are the fans overreacting?</p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown, news broke that the North Carolina House Comittee passed the Moblie Sports Betting Bill, which means North Carolina is one step closer to legalizing sports betting across the state. The bill still must go to the full NC State House of Representatives. </p> <p>Also, further conversations about the Carolina Panthers with the No. 1 pick in the draft and their free agent signings, the World Baseball Classic, the Carolina Hurricanes with a big divisional matchup with the New York Rangers, and more. </p>

<p>With the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers are looking to draft a franchise quarterback. Is is CJ Stroud from Ohio State football, or Bryce Young from Alabama football? Or do they take Anthony Richardson from Florida football, or possibly Kentucky football's Will Levis? Panthers head coach Frank Reich and Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer spoke to the media about moving up in the draft.</p>

<p>Former NFL MVP and former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton worked out at Auburn football's pro day in an attempt to make a comeback after not being signed during the 2022 NFL season. Can Cam Newton make a comeback, and which NFL team should sign him? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p>Also, during #HeyJoe, questions were asked about NC State basketball coach Kevin Keatts and if he's potentially looking to leave for another coaching, and more. </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes have a tough stretch ahead, including back-to-back games against the New York Rangers. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss why winning the Metro Division is vital for the Canes. </p> <p>Kelly Gramlich of the ACC Network shared her thoughts on Duke women's basketball and UNC women's basketball both losing in the 2nd-round of the NCAA Tournament, and how this year was a reset for NC State women's basketball. </p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio uncover more of the story as to why Kentucky basketball head coach John Calipari turned down the NC State basketball coaching job when he was previously the head coach at Memphis basketball. Former Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner said it was because a bad pizza experience, but it appears to be more than that.</p> <p>Also, conversations about the Carolina Panthers' free agent moves, the NCAA Tournament, college basketball coaching moves and more. </p>

<p>NC State basketball saw their season end against Creighton in the NCAA Tournament. Though March Madness wasn't good for the Wolfpack, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss the end of the season, and how it was a good year overall for head coach Kevin Keatts.</p> <p>Duke basketball's season ended under first-year head coach Jon Scheyer in the 2nd-round of the NCAA Tournament against Tennessee basketball. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio break share their thoughts on how Duke basketball will evolve with the changing landscape of college basketball. </p>

<p>Former Georgia Tech basketball head coach Josh Pastner previously told a story about how Kentucky basketball head coach John Calipari turned down the NC State basketball job in 2006 because he wasn't a fan of the pizza of the place he went to in Raleigh, NC. Calipari was asked about it over the weekend and offered a retort to the story. </p>

<p>With Duke basketball losing in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament, and NC State getting bounced in the first round of March Madness, Joe Ovies & Joe GIglio reflect on the season for both programs, and where things are headed for each program.</p>

<p>Michael Jordan is looking to sell the majority stake of the Charlotte Hornets. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio point out how the discussion around Michael Jordan is one-sided in terms of how only the great things are mentioned about Jordan, but few point out his short-comings as an NBA executive and owner, and that The Last Dance Documentary on ESPN not once mentioned how he came out of retirement a second time to play for the Washington Wizards.</p>

<p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio continue their discussion about UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett and if the criticism is fair towards Virginia basketball head coach after their first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament to Furman basketball. </p> <p>Also, Duke basketball impressed in their win against Oral Roberts basketball, and NC State basketball gets March Madness started with a first-round matchup with Creighton basketball.</p>

<p>During #HeyJoe, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio answered questions about the NCAA Tournament and Duke basketball's win over Oral Roberts. Also, further questions about Virginia basketball after their loss in the first round of March Madness to Furman basketball, and if the criticisms of UVA basketball head coach Tony Bennett. </p>

<p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio debate back-and-forth about the credibility of UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett as a head coach after Virginia basketball suffered another first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament, this time to Furman basketball. </p> <p>Also, Duke basketball started March Madness with a first-round win over Oral Roberts basketball, and NC State basketball gets underway today against Creighton basketball. </p>

<p>Chris Lea of WRAL Sports & Culture State joined Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio live from Orlanda, FL from the NCAA Tournament ahead of Duke basketball taking on Oral Roberts basketball. Lea discusses the mentality of the Blue Devils heading into the NCAA Tournament, and wonders if Duke can make a run deep in the tournament under head coach Jon Scheyer as March Madness begins. </p> <p>arv3bqmd</p>

<p>Seth Walder of ESPN shared with Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio how advanced metrics go into predicting NCAA Tournament games, and how several analytics are used to determine a teams' 'Strengh of Record.' Walder also breaks down the odds for both NC State basketball and Duke basketball to advance far in the NCAA Tournament as March Madnesss gets underway. </p>

<p>During #HeyJoe, questions were raised about UNC basketball and opting out of the NIT after missing out on the NCAA Tournament. Joe Ovies & Joe GIglio wonder why the conversation has continued about North Carolina basketball. Ovies & Giglio point out how UNC beating Duke in the Final Four in 2022 didn't carry over as far as they expected it to when it happened.</p>

<p>With the FIrst Four games of the NCAA Tournament complete, Joe Ovies & Joe GIglio get ready for March Madness as the NCAA Tournament fully gets underway. Ovies & Giglio wonder why the Mountain West Conferences gets praise, but the ACC doesn't after Nevada basketball lost their First Four matchup with Arizona State basketball. They say critics contradict themselves with how they evaluate the ACC vs. other conferences. </p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss the official start of NFL Free Agency, including moves made in the NFC South by the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and other teams. Also, the QB carousel turns with former NC State football QB Jacoby Brissett signing with the Washington Commanders, and Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers telling the Pat McAfee Show that he wants to be traded to the New York Jets. </p> <p>Also, conversations about the Carolina Hurricanes getting a win, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant being suspended, and more. </p>

<p>Chad Brown, former NFL player and Seattle Seahawks assistant coach, tells Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio how former NC State football QB Russell Wilson didn't have the respect of the locker room with the Seahawks, and how this last season with the Denver Broncos humbled Wilson. Brown also shares his thoughts on Sean Payton being the new head coach for Denver and if Payton can rebuild Wilson.</p> <p>Wes Durham of the ACC Network shared his thoughts on UNC basketball and North Carolina basketball head coach Hubert Davis, and points out how the Tar Heels have struggled mostly since winning the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Durham, the play-by-play voice of the Atlanta Falcons, shares his thoughts on the opening of NFL Free Agency. </p>

<p>During #HeyJoe, questions were posed about the rivalry between Duke basketball and UNC basketball, and if North Carolina beating Coach K in his final game is now something that's not very relavant. Also, the Carolina Hurricanes got a win to snap a two-game losing streak, but didn't look great in the win over the Winnipeg Jets. </p>

<p>Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on the Pat McAfee Show stated his intentions to play for the New York Jets. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss how Rodgers has been a diva and comes across as someone who feels he's the smarter than everyone else. </p> <p>Also, Ovies & Giglio joined NC Governor Roy Cooper to put together his NCAA Tournament bracket as March Madness gets underway. </p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio try Bojangles' Hard Iced Tea for the first time, wonder if Aaron Rodgers is holding the New York Jets hostage already, break down the NFL wide receiver market in free agency, react to Hubert Davis' evaluation of the UNC basketball season, and share their thoughts on the Carolina Hurricanes losing Andrei Svechnikov for the season due to a torn ACL. </p>

<p>Will Duke basketball fly under the radar to repeat their 2010 NCAA Tournament championship run? Joe Ovies & Joe Ovies say how a lot of people are comparing this season to 1983 for NC State basketball, but Ovies feels like this year reminds him of 2010 for Duke basketball and UNC basketball.</p> <p>With UNC basketball missing the NCAA Tournament and declining an invitation to the NIT, there are questions about the future of North Carolina basketball. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio wonder if the Tar Heels are willing to adapt and evolve with NIL, the transfer portal, and other aspects off the court.</p>

<p>Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio react to the Carolina Hurricanes announcing that forward Andrei Svechnikov is out for the season with a torn ACL. They also wonder how the Canes and head coach Rod Brind'Amour can adapt down the stretch of the season to be effective in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.</p> <p>Also, Doug Kezirian of ESPN shared the betting trends and favorites for the NCAA Tournament as March Madness begins with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio. </p>

<p>March Madness gets underway tonight with the First Four of the NCAA Tournament starting in Dayton, Ohio. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio also compare this season for Duke to 2010, and more fallout from UNC basketball not making the NCAA Tournament and declining an invite to the NIT. </p> <p>Plus, Carolina Hurricnaes forward Andrei Svechnikov is out with a knee injury. How will this impac the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs? </p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown, Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss the top stories of the day, including UNC basketball turning down a trip to the NIT after not being selected for the NCAA Tournament. Also, college basketball coaching changes, Duke basketball and NC State basketball in the NCAA Tournament, sports betting possibly becoming legal in North Carolina, and the legal tampering period of NFL free agency is underway.</p> <p>Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes have scored just one goal in their last three games. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after a trade with the Chicago Bears. Who do they draft? Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio discuss the trade further and wonder who will be drafted. Is it CJ Stroud from Ohio State football, or Bryce Young from Alabama football?</p> <p> </p> <p>Also, UNC fans weigh in on UNC basketball turning down an invitation to the NIT, and if it's a bad look for North Carolina basketball. </p>

<p>A bill is in the North Carolina State Senate that would legalize sports betting throughout the entire state, and would happen as early as January 1, 2024. Brian Murphy breaks down the latest with the legislation and what's next for the bill.</p> <p>Also, #HeyJoe questions from fans. </p>

<p>North Carolina basketball turned down an invitation to the NIT after not being selected for the NCAA Tournament. Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio say the NIT isn't worth it for UNC, and Giglio points out that UNC fans aren't mad they passed on the NIT, but that their team failed this season.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">How difficult was it for him, and how did his group handle, being so close to winning and not? What’s different about when he was playing for UNC and now? How does he feel about the UNC fans opinions of Hubert Davis and how he’s coaching? Plus, the Joes see if they can get Joel to say something nice about Duke?</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">When was the last time Bo was in the Greensboro Coliseum for a tournament? Does Bo believe Armando Bacot kind of “gave the game away”? Bacot seems to be blaming the media for their losses. Should Bacot have handled this differently? What’s Bomani’s takes on Jon Scheyer’s first season? What irritates Bomani the most about the Lamar Jackson situation that’s currently going on? What about guaranteed contracts is important to remember? Where does he think settling these contracts goes sideways?</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">How does Tripp feel about the Canes latest additions to the team? And how does he feel they’re been doing thus far? What have we been seeing this season and how does he feel about their potential in the playoffs? How confident is he in the Canes?</p>

<p>Let’s discuss if North Carolina’s win over Boston College last night in the second round of the ACC Tournament really did anything for their NCAA Tournament resume, the short answer is no. The fact of the matter is if they can beat Virginia for a second time tonight, and continue to win in the tournament, they'll control their own destiny. Patrick Stevens of the Washington Post, bracketology, shares what the Tar Heels need to continue to do to better themselves and where they stand currently ahead of selection Sunday based on the metrics of their season.</p>