The Brad Cesmat Show

Colleges are beginning to cut non-revenue generating sports because of COVD-19. The problem goes much deeper when discussing the upcoming college football season (or maybe not). With football helping economically float most of the other sports, how serious is the need to play games this fall – even in empty stadiums? Former Cardinal, Pro-Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl champion Seth Joyner Skyped in (8:38 on podcast) about the upcoming draft, what to do with Tua and all the other big storylines as we ramp up to next week. Prized ASU basketball commit Josh Christopher’s coach at Mayfair High School, Tony Davis (20:32 on podcast) joined Brad to talk about the type of player and person the Sun Devils are getting in Christopher. Plus, who he would compare his game to at an NBA level. Plus, Eric Skypes with Verrado offensive lineman and NAU commit Blake Gamez (30:38 on podcast) for Wednesday’s 2020 Vision segment.

ASU basketball lands a blue chip recruit in Josh Christopher – the highest-rated player ever to commit to the program. Suddenly, ASU hoops the potential to be something quite special depending on whether Remy Martin and/or Romello White return to school. Brad and Eric discuss if Bobby Hurley is turning ASU into a one-and-done type program. Our ESPN MLB Insider Pedro Gomez (13:21 on podcast) talked about MLB playing all of their games in AZ and what could happen if/when the season starts. Sports360AZ.com’s Devon Henry jumped on (22:42 on podcast) to ttalk about winning his NASCAR virtual race on Monday and the money helped raise for Ability360 here in the Valley. Plus, our latest “2020 Vision” installment with Brophy standout linebacker and outfielder Michael Diaz (30:40 on podcast) who is going to Santa Clara next year to continue his academic and baseball career.

Brad and Eric kick around which professional sport will be the best prepared to comeback post-COVID-19. The NBA is looking into a two-week “re-training camp” with a target date potentially late next month. Jeff Passan from ESPN believes MLB is all-in for Arizona and there is no feasible Plan B. Ralph & Chilly from ArizonaVarsity.com (19:40 on podcast) Skyped in to talk how COVID-19 is impacting recruiting, both positively and negatively, as well as if we’re going to see high school football this fall. Arcadia High School running back Paxton Earl (32:26 on podcast) was Monday’s “2020 Vision” guest. He discussed staying in shape during the quarantine, missing his final semester of high school and his decision to walk on to the University of San Diego next year.

Arizona State put out new recruiting guidelines as we work our way through COVID-19. Brad and Eric discuss how connecting with recruits through gaming could be the key to landing some of the top prospects. Believe it or not, Nick Saban didn’t have an email address until the COVID-19 pandemic. NFL Network analyst Charles Davis (11:59 on podcast) discussed the Cardinals options at number eight and all the big storylines with the draft now just two weeks away. Plus, Thursday’s 2020 Vision as Sande Charles catches up with Hamilton star baseball player and ASU signee Michael Brueser (30:13 on podcast). 

It appears the pieces are in place for Arizona to host all 32 Major League teams whenever the season starts up. Initially, Brad and Eric were both on board but now wonder if it’s the best plan moving forward considering the precautions needed to protect the players and staff members. Arizona Cardinals radio analyst and 98.7 morning show host Ron Wolfley (20:33 on podcast) talked about how he and his family are dealing with the pandemic, how Steve Keim has overhauled the Cards’ roster this spring and who makes sense in the upcoming draft in just two weeks. Plus, Salpointe Catholic offensive lineman and UCLA signee Bruno Fina (33:52 on podcast) as Wednesday’s “2020 Spotlight” guest. Fina Skyped in from Tucson.

Could we see all 32 MLB teams playing games in the Valley, possibly as early as next month? There are still hurdles to overcome but signs are pointing towards this actually happening if logistics are worked out. Brad and Eric discuss the advantages, as well as the disadvantages players and teams would face in this scenario. MLB.com’s Barry Bloom (9:19 on podcast) joined Brad to talk about what would need to happen for this to be pushed through, as well as when he feels we’ll see live baseball again. The NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, NFL Network Analyst Marc Ross (22:23 on podcast) talked what direction the Cardinals should go with the 8th overall pick, as well as their off-season to this point and what Nuk Hopkins brings to Kliff Kingbury’s offense. Plus, Jordan caught up with Brophy soccer standout Case Montanile (32:53 on podcast) in our latest installment of “2020 Vision” honoring high school seniors who had their final year, in some capacity, cut short.

Brad, Jordan and Eric discuss when we could see live sports again and why the NFL and college football seasons could be in trouble if you listen to people in the know. Ken Rosenthal reported Major League Baseball could play their entire 2020 season (however long it is) in the Valley if they can figure out the logistics with only nine Cactus League stadiums. The Athletic AZ Diamondbacks insider Zach Buchanan (26:25 on podcast) jumped on to talk about three minority owners suing Ken Kendrick over a forced buyout. Plus, 2020 Vision with Millennium star basketball player and University of North Carolina signee Alexandra Zelaya (33:28 on podcast).

The NFL draft is just three weeks away and Brad is looking forward to a “sports distraction” and what the Cardinals may do with the 8th overall pick now with Nuk Hopkins in the mix at wide receiver. What is the best way to mix up your “daily routine” as we continue to self-quarantine. FOX College Football Analyst and good friend of the show Brock Huard (10:36 on podcast) Skyped in from Seattle to talk about the quarterbacks in this draft class, as well as some NFL news and notes. Romelo White becomes the second Arizona State Sun Devil to turn pro – following Remy Martin from earlier this week. Plus, Sande Charles jumped on the show Thursday (23:27 on podcast) with Brad, as well to preview her “Sande Sez” weekly column and staying physically and mentally healthy during COVID-19..

Brad, Jordan and Eric discuss why people aren’t being more careful and considerate during this COVID-19 pandemic. The NFL is looking to appeal to a much younger target audience. ASU AD Ray Anderson (14:16 on podcast) joined Brad to discuss how the Sun Devil athletic program is doing, Remy Martin entering the NBA draft, the future of the Devils heading to Camp Tontozona and the whispers of potentially no college football at all this fall. Plus, Devon Henry talked about how iRacing is becoming a popular option during COVID-19 and what NASCAR has scheduled for this weekend.

The NCAA is granting spring senior student-athletes an additional year of eligibility which is worthy but comes with a whole separate bag of issues and concerns moving forward. Phoenix Suns television analyst Eddie Johnson (11:15 on podcast) talked about how Adam Silver has handled COVID-19, issues facing the NBA when/if the season resumes, LeBron James in the news again and much more. The Arizona professional sports teams released a collaborative video Tuesday morning in hopes of uniting our state. The hashtag they used is #AllAZ. We played it on the show today (24:16 on podcast). Plus, our first “2020 Vision” interview with Casteel High star track athlete Isaac Davis (29:44 on podcast) who will be competing for UofA starting next year.