Inside Pac-12 Men's Basketball

On the eighth episode of Inside Pac-12 Men’s Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions. They discuss if Washington’s Matisse Thybulle might win Pac-12 Player of the Year (4:30), explain why the Huskies are not satisfied with just a regular season Pac-12 title (7:40), and wonder if UCLA can potentially get a top four seed in the Pac-12 Tournament (15:19).

Mike and Don interview Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak (16:25), and ask him why the Utes are consistently underrated in the preseason media poll. Krystkowiak explains the similar traits of former Utah stars, and current NBA players, Delon Wright, Jakob Poertl and Kyle Kuzma (27:09), and describes the improvements in Sedrick Barefield’s game that have allowed him to develop into one of the most dynamic players in the Pac-12 (29:45).

Don evaluates the NBA potential for Arizona State’s Zylan Cheatham and Lugentz Dort (41:20), and breaks down which current NBA players they remind him of. Finally, on “Story Time with Don MacLean” he describes Charles Barkley’s amazing ability to trick an opponent with flattery, and recalls a funny outburst from Moses Malone near the end of his playing days (49:20).

On the seventh episode of Inside Pac-12 Men’s Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions. They discuss how Oregon State’s ability to break the press helped them defeat Oregon for a second time this season (5:30) and evaluate whether Colorado or Stanford could make a run in the Pac-12 tournament (12:25).

Mike and Don interview Pac-12 Networks’ Ted Robinson (19:00), and talk about the unpredictability of the Pac-12 this season. Robinson also reminisces about the amount of talent in the conference during the 2007-08 season (22:36), explains how special it was to be a part of eleven Olympic broadcasts (35:55), and discusses his friendship with tennis legend John McEnroe (38:00).

Don evaluates the NBA potential for Oregon State’s Tres Tinkle (46:42), and then on “Story Time with Don MacLean” he describes his pregame ritual while at UCLA and explains why the words “intensity” and “concentration” were so important to him (52:20).

On the sixth episode of Inside Pac-12 Men’s Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions. They discuss how Washington’s first conference loss might help the Huskies in the long run (6:16) and look at Arizona State’s NCAA Tournament chances after their up-and-down weekend (9:30).

They also explain why Utah was able to comeback against UCLA and what makes the Utes so effective on offense (15:00), and Don breaks down Washington State’s impressive road sweep of the Arizona schools (20:58).

Mike and Don interview former Arizona forward Sean Elliott, and they talk about the coaching style of former Wildcats head coach Lute Olson. Elliott also talks about Don breaking his Pac-12 scoring record (25:47), and discusses the current state of the Arizona program (42:07).

Don evaluates the NBA potential for Washington State’s Robert Franks (47:32), and then on “Story Time with Don MacLean” he recalls a fight between Wes Unseld and Bernard King early in his NBA career (51:54).

On the fifth episode of Inside Pac-12 Men’s Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions. They discuss Washington’s unbelievable start to Pac-12 play (5:19) and debate if Noah Dickerson’s potential absence will hurt the Huskies (7:39). Don also explains why USC’s offensive improvements will make them a dangerous team in the Pac-12 Tournament (14:51) and Mike praises Oregon State for their impressive road sweep over Utah and Colorado (16:50).

Mike and Don interview Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley (24:22), and talk about Zylan Cheatham’s all-around game and the improvement of Remy Martin. Mike also questions Hurley about his unusual game-day routine (38:16).

Don evaluates the NBA potential for Washington’s Matisse Thybulle (48:55), and then on “Story Time with Don MacLean” he recalls a Sports Illustrated photo shoot with Bill Walton and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that did not make the cover of the magazine (53:06).

On this week’s episode of Inside Pac-12 Men’s Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions. They discuss USC’s sudden improvement (1:18), highlight USC forward Bennie Boatwright’s recent performance (7:07) and wonder how USC can attack Washington’s stifling zone defense (9:53).

They also explain how Utah guard Sedrick Barefield has stepped up his game (13:38), and wonder why Washington is not getting more consideration for the AP Top 25 (19:23).

Mike and Don interview former USC quarterback Matt Leinart (21:10), and talk about his decision to choose football over basketball and baseball. Leinart also explains why he does not regret coming back to USC for his senior season (36:00).

Don evaluates the draft prospects for UCLA’s Jaylen Hands and Kris Wilkes (48:18), and on “Story Time with Don MacLean” he tells a hilarious story about the Washington State student section trying to distract him at the free throw line (53:46).

On this week’s episode of Inside Pac-12 Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions.

They talk about Arizona’s Ryan Luther’s big performance against Oregon State (7:15), discuss Arizona State and Washington’s chances to win the Pac-12 (11:50), and explain why more Pac-12 teams are playing zone defense (22:25) .

Don also explains why Washington’s Matisse Thybulle’s defensive talents will translate to the NBA (24:10), and predicts that Oregon will be a top four seed in the Pac-12 Tournament (41:50).

On this week’s "Story Time with Don MacLean", he reminisces about beating Michael Jordan in a pickup game and explains what makes MJ the greatest of all-time (51:45).

On this week’s episode of Inside Pac-12 Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions. They discuss Washington and Arizona’s impressive conference road sweeps (1:50), take a closer look at KZ Okpala’s Pac-12 Player of the Year chances (5:30), and highlight the emergence of Louis King at Oregon (13:33). Don also explains why Arizona State will bounce back from a disappointing loss (11:20), and ponders how UCLA can be more consistent with their talented roster (18:00).

The guys talk to Oregon State head Coach Wayne Tinkle (20:30), and discuss what has led to Beavers best conference start since 1993.

Don also goes into story mode and explains how he helped improve Jordan Bell’s jump shot before the NBA draft (42:50), and reminisces about facing Gary Payton and Sean Elliott during his collegiate days (49:55).

On this week’s episode of Inside Pac-12 Basketball, Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don MacLean break down the key story lines in the Conference of Champions. Don explains what he’s liked about the Washington Huskies and ponders whether they could win the Pac-12 regular season title (2:08).

The guys also talk to Washington head coach Mike Hopkins (20:00), who tells the amazing story of how he connected with Matisse Thybulle early in his tenure. Hopkins also explains why Thybulle is the best perimeter defender he’s ever coached.

Don also gives his thoughts on UCLA’s hot start in conference play and explains what qualities his alma mater should look for in their next head coach (39:19).

Mike and Don also discuss Stanford’s KZ Okpala’s NBA potential (43:48) and Don tells a memorable story about facing Arizona and Lute Olson during his playing career (49:55).

Pac-12 Networks’ Mike Yam and Don Maclean introduce the Inside Pac-12 Basketball Podcast and preview what to expect on the show this season.