Pac-12 Network’s Mike Yam and Don MacLean interview Colorado guard McKinley Wright IV. They talk about the abrupt ending to the season, and McKinley describes how he reacted to learning the NCAA Tournament was cancelled (1:45). He lays out the areas Colorado needs to improve for next season (6:00), and talks about the parts of his game that he will concentrate on this offseason. Mike and Don ask McKinley how he tries to instill confidence into his teammates (10:45), and he reveals the unique approaches he takes with many different personalities on the team. McKinley describes the determining factors for whether or not he returns for his senior season in Boulder (14:40), and talks about a meaningful conversation with his Dad shortly after the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament (18:05).

Inside Pac-12 Men's Basketball

McKinley Wright IV Interview

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean react to the cancellation of the Pac-12 and NCAA Tournaments and tell the story of how they found out about the news (2:45). They discuss the tremendous season of Payton Pritchard (11:35), and lament that he and other Pac-12 seniors will not end their careers in the NCAA Tournament. Mike and Don look back at some of the big storylines from the season (16:45), and relive the exciting finish of Oregon State's win over Utah in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament (18:22). They also look ahead to next season, and discuss some of the early favorites to win the conference (23:20). On “Storytime with Don MacLean” Don also wonders if the absence of an NCAA Tournament might convince more players to stay in school instead of declaring for the NBA Draft (25:50).Pac-12 Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer Jamie Zaninovich joins the podcast (28:30), and explains how the decision was made to cancel the Pac-12 tournament. Jamie discusses the coaches' reaction to the cancellation of the tournament (36:00), and also gives an update on the likelihood of winter and spring athletes receiving an extra year of eligibility (37:30).

Pac-12 and NCAA Tournaments Cancelled + Best Stories of the Season

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean interview former UCLA star and current Pac-12 Networks analyst Earl Watson. Earl tells stories about his time as a player and coach in the NBA (3:07), and remembers a special moment he shared with Gregg Popovich early in his coaching career. He recounts watching multiple future NBA All-Stars work out at the UCLA gym (9:15), and states he would not have had a long NBA career if he did not attend UCLA. Don and Earl emphasize the importance of young players knowing their role when making the jump to the NBA (22:47), and share stories that underscore how well they knew their own strengths and weaknesses. Earl shares the close relationship he has with his former teammate Baron Davis (26:30), and tells an incredible story of Kobe Bryant facing off against Davis while he was at UCLA. Finally, Earl gives his prediction for the upcoming Pac-12 Tournament (31:00).

Earl Watson Interview

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean preview the Pac-12 Tournament, and analyze each team heading to Las Vegas. They preview Oregon State and Utah facing off in the first round (4:15), and show why the Beavers’ three point shooting is the key to their success in the tournament. They explain why Arizona versus Washington is one of the hardest 5-seed vs 12-seed matchups to predict in recent history (7:53), and both praise the recent play of Jaden McDaniels for the Huskies. Mike & Don take a closer look at Stanford facing Cal (13:48), and debate if the Cardinal need one or two wins in Las Vegas to feel good about their NCAA Tournament chances. They also examine Colorado looking to get back on track against Washington State (17:05), and break down the game plan the Buffaloes must employ against CJ Elleby and Isaac Bonton. Mike and Don congratulate Oregon for winning the Pac-12 regular season championship, and explain why the Ducks are the favorites to win the Pac-12 Tournament as well (22:20). They chat about USC’s great balance on offense and defense (24:10) and explain why UCLA should not worry heading into the tournament with a loss (25:10). Mike and Don break down Arizona State’s chances to make a tournament run (28:16), and highlight the importance of Rob Edwards for the Sun Devils.On “Storytime with Don MacLean, Don reminisces about facing Magic Johnson at the UCLA gym (31:16), and explains why Magic never lost a game there. Finally Don analyzes the pro potential of Oregon State’s Kylor Kelley (35:59), and breaks down how his defense might translate to the next level.

Pac-12 Tournament Preview

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean interview USC guard Jonah Mathews. The Trojans’ senior captain reveals who on the team is paying the most attention to NCAA Tournament Bracketology (5:08), and explains why he is desperate to make the most of his final collegiate season. Mathews praises the energy that freshmen Ethan Anderson and Onyeka Okongwu have brought to the team (10:00), and describes the relationship Okongwu has developed with Nick Rakocevic (14:52). Mike and Don ask Mathews about the resiliency of USC this season (15:50), and the offensive freedom he enjoys while playing under Andy Enfield’s (17:09). Mathews previews the Trojan’s upcoming game against UCLA, and praises the job Mick Cronin has done in Westwood this season (21:00). Finally, Mathews gives a review of the music played at the Galen Center on game day (24:35).

Jonah Mathews Interview

Pac-12 Networks' Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the impressive performances by the conference's bubble teams this past weekend (4:34), and take a closer look at the 7 Pac-12 squads currently projected to make the NCAA Tournament. Mike and Don discuss UCLA's impressive sweep of the Arizona schools (6:00), and preview their enormous game against USC at the Galen Center. They talk about N’Dante Faly’s return to the court (9:32), and determine what type of impact he will have on Oregon the rest of the season. They also discuss the recent struggles of Colorado, Arizona & Arizona State, and pick which team they are most concerned about moving forward (11:52).Mike and Don discuss Stanford’s ability to bounce back this season, and praise Jerod Haase’s lack of panic while coaching his team (20:45). They also list some of the top candidates for Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, including Tyler Bey and Bryce Wills (26:26). Finally, Don breaks down the NBA potential of Oscar Da Silva (29:50), and explains how his versatility on offense and defense will translate well to the next level.

UCLA, USC & Stanford Make Strong Cases for NCAA Tournament

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean UCLA head coach Mick Cronin. Cronin talks about what has led to UCLA’s recent turnaround (2:17) and how the team has had to adjust to a new coaching staff without senior leadership (7:10). He also talks about simplifying things to eliminate excuses (10:30) and how proud he was of his team limiting turnovers in their win over Colorado (17:00). Cronin also discusses how the strength of the Pac-12 as a conference can help the Bruins get into the NCAA tournament (24:30). Lastly Cronin sends out a recruiting pitch by showcasing the Westwood weather in February (27:38).

Mick Cronin Interview

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean discuss the Pac-12 teams on the NCAA Tournament Bubble and which teams might be dancing in March (3:53). They look at remaining schedules and wonder if Oregon’s last three games at home could lead to them winning the regular season conference championship (8:54). Mike and Don break down UCLA’s turnaround (16:13) and show how the lack of consistency among the top teams has led to the current standings (20:50).Mike and Don also talk about what Sean Miller’s message to his team should be after Arizona’s heartbreaking loss to Oregon (28:55) and predict which teams will get byes in the Pac-12 Tournament (32:25). On “Storytime with Don MacLean” Don talks about what translates from one level of basketball to the next (35:38) and how stats are only part of the equation. Finally Mike and Don break down the NBA prospects of UCLA forward Chris Smith (41:42), and how he has all the tools to have a career at the next level.

UCLA's Turnaround & Pac-12 Bubble Watch

Pac-12 Networks' Mike Yam and Don MacLean interview one of the signature voices of Pac-12 basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Ted Robinson. Ted recalls the scary Oscar da Silva injury in Colorado, and highlights the actions of both Tad Boyle and Jerod Haase to bring the two teams together (6:24). Mike, Don and Ted break down the top six in the Pac-12 Standings (11:40), and talk about teams wanting to avoid the early morning game in the tournament. Ted talks about the recent success of UCLA (21:15) and explains why he cannot figure out USC this season. Ted also compares the similarities and differences of Oregon’s Payton Pritchard and Arizona State’s Remy Martin (25:03). Finally, Mike asks Ted and Don for their conference award predictions (30:58), and they talk about some of the most underrated players in the conference (39:00).

Ted Robinson Interview

Pac-12 Networks' Mike Yam and Don MacLean evaluate the top teams in the Pac-12, as the league enters the home stretch of the regular season. They review the six teams vying for a Pac-12 Tournament bye (1:48), and determine whether or not 13 wins will be the magic number to win the conference's regular season (4:35). Mike and Don discuss Arizona State and Remy Martin’s recent success, and debate if Martin is a potential challenger to Payton Pritchard in the Pac-12 Player of the Year race (11:50). They also highlight Colorado’s impressive win at Oregon State (15:50), and Don explains why Arizona is a legit contender to win the conference (19:53).Mike and Don also talk about UCLA’s continued impressive play (25:15), and praise the recent performance of forward Cody Riley. On “Storytime with Don MacLean” Don talks about the importance of team chemistry off the court (29:10), and shares how personal agendas can keep a team from reaching their goals. Finally, Mike and Don break down the NBA prospects of Arizona guard Nico Mannion (35:30), and explain why his explosiveness has so many professorial teams intrigued.

Separation in the Standings & Nico Mannion Breakdown

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean interview Oregon State forward Tres Tinkle. Tinkle talks about breaking into the Top 10 of the Pac-12 all-time scoring list (2:10), and explains what it has been like to play for his dad the last four seasons (6:24). He explains how it has affected their relationship (8:53) and how emotional senior day will be (10:59). Tinkle also breaks down the inconsistent play of the Beavers to start conference play (13:26) and their shooting struggles this season (16:51). Mike and Don ask Tinkle who is the most likely candidate to become a consistent third scorer for the Beavers (19:44) and about the importance of Zach Reichle’s dunk in the Civil War (22:24). Lastly, Tinkle shares what playing in an NCAA Tournament game would mean (25:03).

Tres Tinkle Interview

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean discuss the unpredictability of the Pac-12 this season and preview who is climbing towards a post season berth. Mike gives the latest update on the health of Stanford forward Oscar Da Silva (3:50), and he and Don discuss where Stanford stands after his injury (6:44). They talk about Colorado's experience being a key factor to the Buffs being atop the Pac-12 standings (8:30), and preview their critical match-up against Oregon on Thursday (10:30). Mike and Don review UCLA's enormous road upset over Arizona (12:46), and Don explains the reasons for the Bruins' recent success. They determine whether or not Stanford and USC's should be worried about receiving an NCAA Tournament bid, and look at which Pac-12 teams are making a late season push for the tournament (15:05). Mike gives a shoutout to Cal's Matt Bradley and Washington State's CJ Elleby for their play this season (20:56), and Don explains his thoughts on the lack of consistency from today’s athletes (23:33). Finally, Don evaluates the NBA potential of Oregon State forward Tres Tinkle (30:07).

Colorado Leads the Pac & The Importance of Consistency

Pac-12 Networks' Mike Yam and Don MacLean interview former Arizona star and current Pac-12 Networks analyst Richard Jefferson. The former Wildcat shares some of his favorite moments while in Tucson (3:30), and explains the differences in college basketball when he was in school (5:27). Jefferson reminisces about battling against Luke Walton in practice (8:00), and describes his favorite things about playing for Lute Olson10:08). Mike and Don ask Jefferson about some of the all-time greats he played with during his NBA career, including LeBron James, Tim Duncan and Jason Kidd (12:22). Jefferson describes what is what like to play alongside a point guard like Kidd (18:28), and tells a story about an interaction he had with Kidd as a rookie. Finally, Jefferson reveals his favorite Pac-12 player from the past few years (26:25), and makes a prediction for next month's Pac-12 Tournament (32:25).

Richard Jefferson Interview

Pac-12 Networks' Mike Yam and Don MacLean review another wild weekend of Pac-12 basketball, and determine whether or not there is any separation in the conference championship race. They discuss Stanford bouncing back from three consecutive losses to defeat Oregon on Saturday (4:48), and explain why the Ducks should not be worried after a tough road loss (8:10). Don tells us why Arizona’s road sweep over the Washington schools might determine the conference championship (12:50), and describes the ways the Wildcats can still improve (16:00). Mike and Don mention Cal’s Mark Fox as a candidate for Coach of the Year (19:10), and praise the Golden Bears for exceeding expectations this season. Finally, Don explains why Stanford freshman Tyrell Terry’s poise and confidence will translate to the next level (24:32), and Mike and Don debate which freshman point guard is the most important to their team.

Arizona’s Impressive Road Sweep & Stanford Bounces Back

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam & Don MacLean interview Colorado head coach Tad Boyle. They discuss how the Buffs have found success with 3-point shooting (1:32), and how the team’s experience has set high expectations for the season. Coach Boyle talks about beating a top-15 Dayton as a turning point for the offense (5:18), and how the team’s strong leadership starts with McKinley Wright and Evan Battey. Mike and Don ask about Tyler Bey’s athleticism (8:29) and how he can translate it to NBA success. Finally, Coach Boyle explains what feels different about coaching in Boulder this year (11:36) and the importance of a regular-season conference title. Mike and Don wrap up by evaluating what Wright and Bey mean to the Buffs, and how they can find success at the next level (17:06).

Tad Boyle Interview

Join the Pac-12 Networks' Mike Yam and Don MacLean every week as they deep dive into all your favorite teams and favorite student-athletes from the Conference of Champions.

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Inside Pac-12 Men's Basketball

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