The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 3 - Mick Cronin stops by The Herd, Tomorrow's Headlines Today
Mar 27, 2026
Mick Cronin, UCLA head coach known for defense and NCAA pedigree, chats about matchups, tournament prep, and the transfer/NIL era. He breaks down how to handle Arizona’s physical frontcourt. He also weighs in on Big Ten talent, coaching intensity, and roster building in today’s landscape.
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Defense Decides Physical Tournament Games
- Defense decides winner in close matchups between physical teams like UConn and Michigan.
- Mick Cronin emphasizes both teams' toughness and different defensive styles, noting UConn pressures the ball while Michigan State uses cohesive team defense.
Illinois Built As An Offensive Juggernaut
- Illinois was among the nation's top offensive teams and required UCLA to hit shots to win.
- Cronin notes Illinois' scoring pedigree and how NIL and Euro recruiting boosted their roster construction this season.
Make Expectations Clear To Earn Player Buy In
- Coaches must ensure players believe the coach improves them and demands winning, listening, and full effort.
- Mick Cronin says clarity about expectations and demonstrating knowledge earns buy-in in the transfer era.