The Ryen Russillo Show

Ryen is joined by Bruce Feldman for his “intel” NFL mock draft, including his love of Arvell Reese, sleepers, divisive players, and the Nigerian freak athlete Uar Bernard. Next, Tom Haberstroh stops by to talk about his research on just how few national TV games star players appear in, whether we’re being a little too bullish on the Hornets, his Eastern Conference tiers, Scoot’s improvement, and the Embiid news. Finally, the guys close it out with a recap of their King of the Court picks and some listener-submitted Life Advice, including Ryen seeing John Mulaney. BRUCE FELDMAN (1:48) Mendoza vs. past QB prospects (5:43) Teams reaching in this draft? (10:55) Arvell Reese vs. David Bailey (13:51) Jeremiyah Love top five? (17:13) Wide receivers (21:34) First-round sleeper? (24:13) Teams that do the best job in the draft (27:32) Divide on Rueben Bain (35:40) Nigerian freak athlete Uar Bernard TOM HABERSTROH (46:00) Stats on stars not playing national TV games (1:06:43) Are the Hornets for real? (1:17:20) The Cavs’ Mobley problem (1:25:07) Buy the Hawks? (1:29:40) Revisiting Risacher at No. 1 (1:33:36) Breaking: Embiid diagnosed with appendicitis (1:35:06) Is Scoot going to be good? (1:38:24) Deni Avdija foul-baiting LIFE ADVICE (1:47:26) _ _ _ _ _ Experian: Download the app and get started for free. _ _ _ _ _ Get 20% off your first purchase at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/RYEN when using the code RYEN at checkout _ _ _ _ _

Russillo shares day-by-day recaps from his recent trip to Portugal.

Ryen opens with Michigan’s national title win over UConn and his five biggest takeaways, including whether that transfer strategy is the future of the sport. Then, he gets into the Giannis vs. the Bucks drama, the trade rumor timeline, whether Milwaukee should give him the extension (just to trade him), and which teams are desperate enough to go all in on him. Next, he discusses Michael Malone surprisingly taking the UNC job before Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice. MICHIGAN ARE CHAMPS (1:36) GIANNIS vs. THE BUCKS (12:54) Trade rumor timelines (20:06) Should the Bucks want to give Giannis the extension? (25:23) Teams desperate enough to trade for Giannis MICHAEL MALONE TO UNC (30:42) LIFE ADVICE (40:15) _ _ _ _ _ Everything happens for a Reese’s even busted brackets. Shop now at https://www.hersheyland.com/reeses _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with a Final Four recap, including Michigan demolishing a good Arizona team and UConn once again reaching the title game. Then, TNT’s Adam Lefkoe joins for more on the Final Four, stories from the TNT desk, whether the Thunder are good for the NBA, and more. Finally, Kyle joins for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including picking a godfather and a courtside seat conundrum. FINAL FOUR RECAP (1:37) Michigan dominates Arizona (10:59) Can UConn do it again? ADAM LEFKOE (15:52) Hanging with the Fab Five (21:43) Michigan vs. UConn (24:08) NBA talk (33:22) Working with Barkley and other former players (47:56) Are OKC good for the NBA? LIFE ADVICE (59:41) _ _ _ _ _ Everything happens for a Reese’s even busted brackets. Shop now at https://www.hersheyland.com/reeses _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with arguments for and against the question: “Is Jalen Hurts a good QB?” Next, he talks with Celtics guard Derrick White about Jayson Tatum’s return, postseason basketball approaching, and more. Then, Ryen is joined by The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie to discuss Final Four matchups, draft prospects, and the wide-open Eastern Conference. Finally, Ryen, Kyle, and Ceruti close the show by answering listener-submitted Life Advice questions, a newborn ruining the vibe of a rec league team. OPEN (1:29) “Is Jalen Hurts a good QB?” DERRICK WHITE (14:20) Jayson Tatum’s return (24:53) Head coach Joe Mazzulla (28:48) Getting ready for the playoffs (32:06) Derrick’s college hoops journey (36:44) Predicting playoff seeding in the East SAM VECENIE (39:18) UConn’s unique offense (43:49) Illinois vs. UConn (53:47) Michigan vs. Arizona (57:22) Prospects who could use one more NCAA season (1:05:58) NBA big boards (1:15:30) Guessing the No. 1 pick with different lottery teams (1:23:47) The wide-open Eastern Conference LIFE ADVICE (1:34:28) _ _ _ _ _ Everything happens for a Reese’s even busted brackets. Shop now at https://www.hersheyland.com/reeses _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with his four NBA MVP candidates: SGA, Luka, Jokic, and Wembanyama. Then Ian Eagle joins to discuss calling UConn’s historic comeback win over Duke, the revival of college basketball, Final Four storylines, and the start of his career at WFAN. Next, Ryen talks with PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp about tying the course record at Memorial Park Golf Course last weekend, his hot start to the season, and getting ready for the Masters. Finally, Ryen and Kyle answer listener-submitted Life Advice questions, including a pair of emails about unique wedding gifts. OPEN (1:27) NBA MVP arguments IAN EAGLE (18:44) Ryen and Ian’s long professional relationship (26:21) Calling the Duke–UConn ending (33:21) College basketball’s upswing (39:10) Final Four storylines (45:17) Noah Eagle’s meteoric rise (50:02) Breaking through at WFAN JAKE KNAPP (1:07:20) Jake’s hot start to the season (1:09:54) Becoming comfortable at tour events (1:16:024 Keys to improving golf game (1:25:22) Gearing up for Augusta ALLIANCE PARLAY (1:33:58) LIFE ADVICE (1:36:26) _ _ _ _ _ Experian: Download the app and get started for free. _ _ _ _ _ Everything happens for a Reese’s even busted brackets. Shop now at https://www.hersheyland.com/reeses _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with Duke’s brutal loss to UConn, with a little background on why we collectively root against them. Then, Jay Bilas joins with his thoughts on the Duke collapse, Scheyer and Hurley’s coaching, Arizona vs. Michigan, some draft thoughts, and whether people are wrongly blaming NIL for the changes in college sports. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including how to talk to older people and what to do at the Masters. WHY WE ROOT AGAINST DUKE (1:46) Duke losses bring us together (10:05) UConn’s improbable rise continues JAY BILAS (15:22) How did the Duke collapse happen? (21:05) UConn’s culture (24:03) UConn vs. Illinois (36:34) Michigan vs. Arizona (40:05) Who he’d take with the No. 1 pick (44:19) Are people wrong to blame NIL? LIFE ADVICE (56:09) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _ Experian: Download the app and get started for free. _ _ _ _ _ Everything happens for a Reese’s even busted brackets. Shop now at https://www.hersheyland.com/reeses _ _ _ _ _

Ryen is joined by Brian Windhorst to talk about whether the Celtics can actually win the title, if tanking can realistically be fixed, a great Wemby–Chet story, and more questions about the league’s contenders. Then, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including whether to have the bachelor party and wedding back-to-back and a family member selling gifts on Facebook Marketplace. BRIAN WINDHORST (1:18) How scary are the Celtics? (10:53) Do execs think the Spurs can win it all this year? (28:28) The Wemby vs. Chet rivalry (37:30) Cade and the Pistons (46:39) Tougher matchup: Knicks or Cavs? (49:26) Giannis landing spots (54:14) Can tanking really be fixed? LIFE ADVICE (1:03:22) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _ Turn your busted bracket into your shot at Reese’s and more! Post your busted bracket, follow and tag @reeses on Instagram, X, or TikTok, and use hashtag #ForAReesesSweeps for a chance to score free Reese’s and a shot to enjoy those Reese’s at the men’s OR women’s Final Four AND Championship Games. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 48 US and DC, 18 years or older. Void in AK, HI & where prohibited by law. Starts 3/19/26 and ends 3/27/26. Includes daily entry periods. See Official Rules at https://everybracketbustsforareeses.com/pages/official rules for how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions. Sponsor: The Hershey Company. _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with the idea that Michael Jordan would average 50 points per game in today’s NBA and explains exactly how improbable that would be. Then, friend of the show Jeff Passan joins for the annual baseball preview, going through every division, World Series picks, and the debate about which sport is better right now: the NBA or MLB. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for a Sweet Sixteen Alliance Parlay and some listener-submitted Life Advice. COULD MJ AVERAGE 50? (1:27) JEFF PASSAN (12:40) The WBC was a primer for the MLB season (17:15) MLB vs. NBA debate (27:51) What would a third straight Dodgers title mean? (32:36) Divisional/playoff picks (55:42) World Series picks SWEET SIXTEEN ALLIANCE PARLAY (58:43) LIFE ADVICE (1:08:58) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with some NCAA tournament thoughts, including he and Kyle’s Johnnies in the Sweet Sixteen, Florida going down, Michigan and Arizona looking great, and whether it’s crazy that Acuff could be the best player in the draft. Then, CBB analyst Jim Jackson joins to go more in-depth on the tournament, including a Sweet Sixteen preview. Next, World Series champion Hunter Pence stops by to talk baseball, his career, and who can dethrone the Dodgers. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including being made fun of for using a spoon and getting invited to a beach trip without your girlfriend. TOURNAMENT TALK (1:17) St. John’s! (5:09) Florida goes down (8:00) UConn tops UCLA (12:46) Could Acuff be the best player in the draft? (16:11) Love for Iowa State (17:04) Purdue & Nebraska advance JIM JACKSON (22:03) Ohio State guy watching Michigan/Michigan State (29:12) Michigan State vs. UConn (32:05) Michigan over Duke & Arizona? (35:51) Acuff’s ceiling (42:18) Purdue vs. Texas (46:38) Duke vs. St. John’s (51:10) Iowa vs. Nebraska (52:46) Illinois vs. Houston (55:21) His freshman year vs. UNLV (56:54) What to make of this Clippers season HUNTER PENCE (1:00:20) Start of the MLB season (1:02:58) When did he know he could play in the bigs? (1:07:40) In awe of playing with Bumgarner (1:10:15) How can the Dodgers be beat? (1:13:28) Who can dethrone the Dodgers? (1:17:40) How good pitchers have gotten LIFE ADVICE (1:29:20) _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Opt-in req. 1 Token per customer, valid only for min. $5 pregame NBA player prop bets w/ min. odds of -200 or longer. Tokens are single-use and expire at the start of the final of NBA game each day when offered. Must select token BEFORE placing bet. Customers who place bet w/ Token and pick day’s PRA stat leader will receive equal share of $2,000,000, issued as a non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _

Ryen is joined by Austin Rivers at halftime of Duke’s near loss to Siena. They talk about this Duke team and his memories of being upset by CJ McCollum and Lehigh before getting into whether the Rockets are asking too much of Durant, the Luka vs. SGA debate, and Giannis being at odds with the Bucks about playing the rest of the season. Then, Kyle and Ceruti join for a little tournament talk before some listener-submitted Life Advice. AUSTIN RIVERS (1:31) Duke down at the half to Siena and his tournament memory (6:55) Are the Rockets asking too much of KD? (15:03) SGA vs. Luka (20:23) Austin’s top five players right now (26:48) Still hope for Denver? (31:50) Tatum looks like himself (33:52) Giannis at odds with the Bucks on playing this year (43:50) Why people hate Duke LIFE ADVICE (47:53) _ _ _ _ _ Experian: Download the app and get started for free. _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _ Turn your busted bracket into your shot at Reese’s and more! Post your busted bracket, tag @reeses on Instagram, X, or TikTok, and use hashtag #ForAReesesSweeps for a chance to score free Reese’s and a shot to enjoy those Reese’s at the men’s OR women’s Final Four AND Championship Games. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 48 US and DC, 18 years or older. Void in AK, HI & where prohibited by law. Starts 3/19/26 and ends 3/27/26. Includes daily entry periods. See Official Rules at https://everybracketbustsforareeses.com/pages/official rules for how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions. Sponsor: The Hershey Company. _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with the news about NBA expansion, with potential cities including Seattle and Las Vegas, and whether it’s worth it. Then, he chats with Timberwolves reporter Jon Krawczynski about Anthony Edwards’ injury timetable, his All-NBA chase, and why Minnesota wants to move to the Eastern Conference. Next, he talks to NBA reporter Mike Vorkunov for more insight on what expansion would mean for the league and its players. Then, Carlos Boozer stops by to talk about his two sons at Duke, his son Cam being in the running for the No. 1 pick, and what it was like getting them to this point. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for a college basketball edition of the Alliance Parlay and some listener-submitted Life Advice. NBA EXPANSION (1:37) Seattle and Las Vegas coming soon? (4:48) Would it be worth it financially? (11:02) How would an expansion draft work? JON KRAWCZYNSKI (16:50) Ant Edwards’ injury (29:02) Will Ant miss out on NBA awards? (31:02) Rematch with the Lakers in Round 1? (32:13) Why Minnesota wants to move to the Eastern Conference MIKE VORKUNOV (36:18) Why NBA expansion now? (42:50) What he’s heard about realignment and expansion drafts (49:22) Adam Silver’s role in all this CARLOS BOOZER (55:38) Raising his sons to get to this point (59:34) When did they beat him in one-on-one? (1:04:47) Were they always going to Duke? (1:06:31) Thoughts on Cam on draft night? CBB ALLIANCE PARLAY (1:10:10) LIFE ADVICE (1:23:10) _ _ _ _ _ _ Turn your busted bracket into your shot at Reese’s and more! Post your busted bracket, tag @reeses on Instagram, X, or TikTok, and use hashtag #ForAReesesSweeps for a chance to score free Reese’s and a shot to enjoy those Reese’s at the men’s OR women’s Final Four AND Championship Games. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 48 US and DC, 18 years or older. Void in AK, HI & where prohibited by law. Starts 3/19/26 and ends 3/27/26. Includes daily entry periods. See Official Rules at https://everybracketbustsforareeses.com/pages/official rules for how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions. Sponsor: The Hershey Company. _ _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _ _

Ryen is joined by college basketball writer and analyst Eamonn Brennan for a breakdown of the bracket, including some upsets he likes and whether the Final Four will be chalk. Then, Ryen gets into the Lakers’ hot run and the disappointing Nuggets. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including splitting utilities with the in-laws and a hostile daycare encounter. EAMONN BRENNAN (1:23) Weren’t many bubble arguments (3:43) NIL widening the gap (10:51) Weak Big East (14:36) Arizona is the deepest team (23:37) Michigan/Florida (29:07) Can Duke get upset in the East? (35:13) Upset picks (36:45) Non-chalk Final Four teams NBA SOLO (42:47) Lakers are hot (44:20) Disappointing Nuggets (50:27) Best five-man lineups LIFE ADVICE (56:38) _ _ _ _ _ GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. Opt-in req. 1 Token per customer, valid only for min. $5 pregame NBA player prop bets w/ min. odds of -200 or longer. Tokens are single-use and expire at the start of the final of NBA game each day when offered. Must select token BEFORE placing bet. Customers who place bet w/ Token and pick day’s PRA stat leader will receive equal share of $2,000,000, issued as a non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DK. _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _ Turn your busted bracket into your shot at Reese’s and more! Post your busted bracket, tag @reeses on Instagram, X, or TikTok, and use hashtag #ForAReesesSweeps for a chance to score free Reese’s and a shot to enjoy those Reese’s at the men’s OR women’s Final Four AND Championship Games. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 48 US and DC, 18 years or older. Void in AK, HI & where prohibited by law. Starts 3/19/26 and ends 3/27/26. Includes daily entry periods. See Official Rules at https://everybracketbustsforareeses.com/pages/official rules for how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions. Sponsor: The Hershey Company. _ _ _ _ _

Ryen is joined by Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch to talk about what it’s like coaching Anthony Edwards, their bigger goals this season, and more. Then, he chats with Adnan Virk to preview the Oscars and their favorite movies of the year, plus a little on the World Baseball Classic. Finally, Kyle and Ceruti join for some listener-submitted Life Advice, including a potential dating red flag and not taking your wife’s competitions seriously enough. CHRIS FINCH (1:28) Tough loss to the Clippers (4:45) When the T’Wolves are at their best (13:09) Coaching Anthony Edwards (22:10) Are coaches ever surprised by other teams? (23:16) Game planning with Rudy Gobert (32:42) Does the league have a foul-hunting problem? ADNAN VIRK (39:17) Running through Best Picture nominees (43:14) One Battle vs. Sinners (47:30) Hamnet (51:16) Marty Supreme (57:05) Bugonia (59:22) The Secret Agent (1:03:43) F1 (1:07:34) Train Dreams (1:13:51) Supporting Actor/Actress (1:23:43) Blue Moon (1:25:28) World Baseball Classic LIFE ADVICE (1:34:19) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _

Ryen opens with Bam Adebayo’s 83-point explosion last night, the debate over the ethics of it, and why he thought it was great. Then, he breaks down the Spurs’ win over the Celtics and what he’s willing to believe their ceiling is. Next, Mike Sando joins to break down the Ravens–Maxx Crosby mess, plus a bunch of other free agency moves. Finally, Mark Titus joins for an early preview of March Madness before Kyle and Ceruti hop in for some listener-submitted Life Advice. BAM DROPS 83 (1:41) COULD THE SPURS REALLY WIN IT ALL? (11:14) MIKE SANDO (25:27) Maxx Crosby mess (37:18) Malik Willis to the Dolphins (38:54) Mike likes what the Panthers did (41:31) Alec Pierce gets paid (42:48) Kenneth Walker to KC (46:14) Mike Evans to SF (49:07) Bengals replace Henderson (50:42) Rams collecting cornerbacks (54:58) Patriots moves MARK TITUS (58:52) Ryen is friendlier than Titus (1:01:31) #1 seeds locked in? (1:03:06) This Duke team vs. last year (1:05:28) Florida/Michigan/Arizona (1:15:00) How great is this freshman class? (1:20:12) UConn/St. John’s (1:26:10) Will the Final Four be chalk? (1:34:22) Mid-tier seeds to watch ALLIANCE (1:38:52) LIFE ADVICE (1:47:10) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _

Ryen is first joined by Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel to talk about his wild two-year journey from high school to Duke to potential Rookie of the Year in the NBA. Then they get into what makes his game so effective, playing with LaMelo, and his relationship with Duke coach Jon Scheyer. Next, former NBA All-Star John Wall joins to discuss why anything is possible this year for Wemby and the Spurs, whether the Celtics are going to win the East, and why he’s against foul-baiting. KON KNUEPPEL (1:24) Wild two-year journey from high school to the NBA (4:39) Ending up with the Hornets (13:08) Playing in a men’s league at 14 (22:20) Duke coach Jon Scheyer wanting to learn NBA tips from him (23:51) Tricks he’s had to learn about the NBA game (31:00) His Rookie of the Year race with Cooper Flagg JOHN WALL (34:09) Spurs can win the title (44:07) East in trouble with Tatum back (47:40) Cavs/Harden (52:17) Favorite guard to watch (55:13) Not being a foul-baiting guard (58:33) When did he know his career was over? LIFE ADVICE (1:01:27) _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _