The Herd with Colin Cowherd Best of The Herd
Apr 3, 2026
Rachel Nichols, veteran sports journalist offering sharp NBA analysis. Mick Cronin, UCLA head coach with deep tournament know-how. They discuss Luka Dončić’s injury and its impact on title hopes. They break down the Final Four matchups, UConn’s dominance, and coaching stability. They preview NBA playoff pairings and debate Victor Wembanyama’s potential to transform the Spurs.
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Michigan's NBA-Caliber Size And Passing Make Them Formidable
- Michigan's combination of size, passing, and NBA-level talent makes them extremely difficult to contain if their shots fall.
- Mick calls Yoxel the best player in the Final Four and notes NBA-caliber starters and bench pieces like Trey McKinney.
Keaton Wagler Turned From Redshirt To Illinois Star
- Mick Cronin praises Keaton Wagler as a low-NIL recruit turned breakout player who redshirted and became Illinois's unexpected star.
- Cronin recounts teammates urging coaches to watch him and his humble background, with parents dropping him off to redshirt his freshman year.
Coaching Stability Hinges On NIL Alignment With Administration
- Coaching stability matters more now because NIL and the transfer portal made institutional alignment and admin support the key retention factors.
- Mick explains power coaches rarely hop if they have NIL backing and synergy with administration, citing Tommy Lloyd staying at Arizona.