The Best of the Sports Shop

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss last night's McDonald's All-American Basketball Games.

Last night’s 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game showcased the next generation of elite high school basketball talent in Glendale, Arizona, with both the boys and girls games highlighting future college stars. On the girls side, the East pulled away for a 91-71 win behind a dominant MVP performance from Saniyah Hall, who led all scorers and showed why she’s considered the top recruit in the class, while players like Kate Harpring also stood out despite battling through injury. On the boys side, the game featured a deep, balanced group of prospects rather than a single headline star, with top recruits like Tyran Stokes and Caleb Holt flashing their all-around ability in a showcase of the sport’s future at the college level. Did you watch? Were Reese and Pam impressed?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the UNC men’s basketball coaching search, the hiring of Justin Gainey at NC State and whether he’s the right fit to lead the Wolfpack and the debate over Jon Scheyer’s “choker” label versus Jay Williams’ defense of his record and March Tournament performance.

Following the departure of Hubert Davis, UNC launched a high-profile search for its next men’s basketball head coach, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The search has focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the Tar Heels’ winning culture. If you're Billy Donovan, do you leave the NBA for the UNC job? Who will be the next UNC men's basketball coach?

NC State moved quickly to stabilize its men’s basketball program after Will Wade’s sudden departure by hiring Justin Gainey as the 22nd head coach. Gainey, a 49‑year‑old NC State alumnus and former Wolfpack guard (1996-2000), spent the past five seasons as an assistant and associate head coach under Rick Barnes at Tennessee, where he helped the Volunteers reach multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs. Gainey’s deep ties to the school—as a player, early‑career coach, and respected recruiter—made him an attractive choice to lead the team into a new era and bring continuity and enthusiasm after a turbulent coaching change.  Is Gainey the right choice? Was there a better option?

Many college basketball fans have labeled Jon Scheyer, head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, a “choker” after a couple of high‑profile NCAA Tournament collapses — most recently blowing a large lead late in an Elite Eight loss to UConn. Critics argue that repeated near‑misses in March feed a narrative that his teams falter under pressure despite strong regular seasons and talent. In response to that chatter, former Duke star and ESPN analyst Jay Williams pushed back strongly on social media and video, calling the “choker” label laughable, noting Scheyer’s excellent overall record, multiple Elite Eight/Four runs, ACC titles, and the difficulty of winning a national championship — and said equating success solely with cutting down the nets ignores context and history in coaching careers. Jay Williams says Jon Scheyer is not a choker. Is he right?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss last night’s women’s Elite Eight performances, the impact of Dawn Staley’s transfers on South Carolina’s success, whether USC can challenge UConn in the Final Four and the high-stakes decisions facing UNC as it searches for a new men’s basketball head coach, including whether a high-profile name like Billy Donovan would leave the NBA for the storied college program.

The Texas Longhorns dominated in Fort Worth, rolling past Michigan 77-41 to secure their spot in the Final Four for the second straight season. In Sacramento, the South Carolina Gamecocks advanced with a 78-52 win over TCU. South Carolina’s experience and depth showed as they pulled away comfortably in the second half, punching their ticket to the Final Four and setting up a potential marquee matchup with UConn. These wins completed an all‑No. 1‑seed Final Four featuring UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina—only the second time in NCAA women’s history that all four top seeds have made the national semifinals, and for the second consecutive year with the same quartet advancing. How important were Dawn Staley's transfers? Can USC take down UConn?

Following the departure of Hubert Davis, UNC launched a high-profile search for its next men’s basketball head coach, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The search has focused on candidates with proven NCAA Tournament experience, strong recruiting ties and the ability to maintain the Tar Heels’ winning culture. If you're Billy Donovan, do you leave the NBA for the UNC job?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if Justin Gainey is the right coach for NC State and the history of UNC head men's basketball coaches. 

NC State moved quickly to stabilize its men’s basketball program after Will Wade’s sudden departure by hiring Justin Gainey as the 22nd head coach. Gainey, a 49‑year‑old NC State alumnus and former Wolfpack guard (1996-2000), spent the past five seasons as an assistant and associate head coach under Rick Barnes at Tennessee, where he helped the Volunteers reach multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs. Gainey’s deep ties to the school—as a player, early‑career coach, and respected recruiter—made him an attractive choice to lead the team into a new era and bring continuity and enthusiasm after a turbulent coaching change.  Is Gainey the right choice? Was there a better option?

The history of UNC men’s basketball head coaches showcases a legacy. Frank McGuire (1952–1961) won the 1957 national title, followed by Dean Smith (1961–1997), who earned two championships and 36 NCAA Tournament appearances. Bill Guthridge (1997–2000) kept the program strong, Matt Doherty (2000–2003) struggled, and Roy Williams (2003–2021) restored national dominance with three titles. And then enter Hubert Davis (2021–2026). How do we look at the legacy of UNC basketball coaches? 

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex speak with Michelle Keaton Barrow. 

Michelle Keaton-Barrow is a North Carolina–based real estate professional and business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. She is the CEO of Keaton Barrow Realty, where she specializes in helping clients buy, sell, and invest in residential and income properties across the Raleigh and Charlotte markets. Known for her expertise and long-standing presence in the field, she has earned recognition such as the Five Star Real Estate Agent award. In addition to her work in real estate, she is an active community leader who has contributed to local organizations and business initiatives.

Flora Noir: The Red Shoe Affair is an upcoming event taking place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Hibiscus Event Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hosted by the Western Wake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this stylish and engaging affair combines fashion, entertainment and community celebration. The event aims to raise funds for scholarships while providing attendees with a night of networking, socializing and cultural enrichment.  Tickets and details are available on the official Zeffy page: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/flora-noir-the-red-shoe-affair

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Louisiana sports.

Will Wade abruptly left his one‑year head coaching job at NC State to return to LSU—where he coached from 2017-22. Wade rejoined LSU after LSU fired Matt McMahon and negotiated a buyout with NC State to bring him back. Wade called the move a “chance to go home,” but his departure drew swift criticism from Wolfpack fans and media for abandoning a six‑year contract after just one season and how he informed the school. NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan publicly criticized Wade’s exit as a poor look and said he felt misled, while social media reactions ranged from outrage and disappointment to ridicule; some analysts also highlighted lingering concerns about Wade’s controversial past and the optics of the return. Will Wade addressed NC State during his introductory press conference with LSU. What did Will Wade say?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Will Wade’s controversial departure from NC State, his remarks at the LSU press conference and debate over whether Jon Scheyer deserves the “choker” label and Jay Williams’ defense of him.

Will Wade abruptly left his one‑year head coaching job at NC State to return to LSU—where he coached from 2017-22. Wade rejoined LSU after LSU fired Matt McMahon and negotiated a buyout with NC State to bring him back. Wade called the move a “chance to go home,” but his departure drew swift criticism from Wolfpack fans and media for abandoning a six‑year contract after just one season and how he informed the school. NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan publicly criticized Wade’s exit as a poor look and said he felt misled, while social media reactions ranged from outrage and disappointment to ridicule; some analysts also highlighted lingering concerns about Wade’s controversial past and the optics of the return. Will Wade addressed NC State during his introductory press conference with LSU. What did Will Wade say?

Many college basketball fans have labeled Jon Scheyer, head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, a “choker” after a couple of high‑profile NCAA Tournament collapses — most recently blowing a large lead late in an Elite Eight loss to UConn. Critics argue that repeated near‑misses in March feed a narrative that his teams falter under pressure despite strong regular seasons and talent. In response to that chatter, former Duke star and ESPN analyst Jay Williams pushed back strongly on social media and video, calling the “choker” label laughable, noting Scheyer’s excellent overall record, multiple Elite Eight/Four runs, ACC titles, and the difficulty of winning a national championship — and said equating success solely with cutting down the nets ignores context and history in coaching careers. Jay Williams says Jon Scheyer is not a choker. Is he right?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the shocking finish between Duke and UConn, breaking down who is at fault for Duke’s collapse, why late-game turnovers keep haunting the Blue Devils, and what this has to do with Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels.

The game between the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball and the UConn Huskies men's basketball turned into one of the wildest finishes of the NCAA March Madness. Duke controlled most of the game and built a lead as large as 19 points, looking firmly in command well into the second half. However, UConn mounted a steady comeback, taking advantage of turnovers and missed opportunities to chip away at the deficit. In the final seconds, Duke still held a narrow lead but turned the ball over, giving UConn one last chance. The Huskies pushed the ball up the court, and Braylon Mullins hit a deep, buzzer-beating shot with just 0.4 seconds left to give UConn a stunning 73–72 victory. Tarris Reed Jr. led UConn with 26 points, while Cameron Boozer scored 27 for Duke. The win sends UConn to the Final Four, while Duke’s season ends in heartbreaking fashion after a game they had largely controlled. Who is at fault for Duke? How can Duke stop this pattern? Was this more about Duke collapsing or UConn taking the game? Is Kmac here?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the shocking finish between Duke and UConn, breaking down who is at fault for Duke’s collapse, why late-game turnovers keep haunting the Blue Devils, and what this has to do with Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels.

The game between the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball and the UConn Huskies men's basketball turned into one of the wildest finishes of the NCAA March Madness. Duke controlled most of the game and built a lead as large as 19 points, looking firmly in command well into the second half. However, UConn mounted a steady comeback, taking advantage of turnovers and missed opportunities to chip away at the deficit. In the final seconds, Duke still held a narrow lead but turned the ball over, giving UConn one last chance. The Huskies pushed the ball up the court, and Braylon Mullins hit a deep, buzzer-beating shot with just 0.4 seconds left to give UConn a stunning 73–72 victory. Tarris Reed Jr. led UConn with 26 points, while Cameron Boozer scored 27 for Duke. The win sends UConn to the Final Four, while Duke’s season ends in heartbreaking fashion after a game they had largely controlled. Who is at fault for Duke? How can Duke stop this pattern? Was this more about Duke collapsing or UConn taking the game? Is Kmac here?

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss the shocking finish between Duke and UConn, breaking down who is at fault for Duke’s collapse, why late-game turnovers keep haunting the Blue Devils, and what this has to do with Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels.

The game between the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball and the UConn Huskies men's basketball turned into one of the wildest finishes of the NCAA March Madness. Duke controlled most of the game and built a lead as large as 19 points, looking firmly in command well into the second half. However, UConn mounted a steady comeback, taking advantage of turnovers and missed opportunities to chip away at the deficit. In the final seconds, Duke still held a narrow lead but turned the ball over, giving UConn one last chance. The Huskies pushed the ball up the court, and Braylon Mullins hit a deep, buzzer-beating shot with just 0.4 seconds left to give UConn a stunning 73–72 victory. Tarris Reed Jr. led UConn with 26 points, while Cameron Boozer scored 27 for Duke. The win sends UConn to the Final Four, while Duke’s season ends in heartbreaking fashion after a game they had largely controlled. Who is at fault for Duke? How can Duke stop this pattern? Was this more about Duke collapsing or UConn taking the game?

The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball saw its 2025-26 season end in stunning fashion, blowing a 19-point second-half lead to VCU in the first round of the NCAA March Madness and losing in overtime, marking another early tournament exit. That collapse ultimately led to the firing of head coach Hubert Davis after five seasons, despite earlier success that included a national title game appearance in 2022 . With the program now at a crossroads, UNC is expected to conduct a national search for its next coach, with names like Nate Oats, Scott Drew, and Jay Wright among the potential candidates being discussed as the Tar Heels look to regain consistency and return to national prominence. Who will be the next UNC coach?