Aaron Torres Sports Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Final Four is SET! Full thoughts on all four Elite Eight games! Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

A new Aaron Torres Pod is live, as the 2021 Final Four is.... SET! Aaron breaks down all four games, the big storylines and what to what to watch for as Gonzaga, Baylor, Houston and UCLA... yes, UCLA will duke it out for a national championship. Here is a quick rundown:

UCLA's shocking run + Gonzaga cruises: Aaron opens the show by discussing UCLA's shocking run to the Final Four! He explains why the run is both stunning and not stunning at all and why its finally time to put the "Mick Cronin can't win the big one" narrative to bed (5:00). Then, he transitions to Monday's other game, as Gonzaga dominated USC. At this point, would Gonzaga's season be considered a failure if they don't win it all (22:30)?

Baylor and Houston advance to the Final Four as well: Next up, Aaron discusses the two games that took place on Tuesday night. He goes in depth on Baylor, and explains why the Bears - not the Zags - actually had the most pressure to get to the FInal Four this year and how incredible it is that they got there (31:00). He also discusses Arkansas' Cinderella story coming to an end and Houston's redemption. Also, why it's time to stop criticizing Kelvin Sampson for what happened at Indiana 20 years ago and why Monday was the first time that people nationally appreciated just how fun Houston is to watch (44:00).

Today's episode is brought to you by:

PicksWise.com: Visit PicksWise where you can get expert picks, every day throughout the NCAA Tournament!

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Sweet 16 recap, Elite Eight look ahead + did Indiana REALLY hire Mike Woodson?! Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

It's Monday and we've got a LOADED episode of the Aaron Torres Podcast. Aaron recaps all the Sweet 16 games and looks ahead to all the Elite Eight games the next two days. Then he discusses the official death of Indiana basketball after making Mike Woodson its next head coach. Here is a rundown of today's show:

A full Sweet 16 recap and look ahead to the Elite Eight: Aaron opens the show by recapping everything that happened on the court this weekend (3:00). He discusses the Pac-12's meteoric rise and answers the question: Where the heck did this league come from (5:00)? He also talks the surge of the rest of the weekend that was, including the surge of the two LA programs, a disappointing end for Alabama, Arkansas' heroics against Oral Roberts and why Juwan Howard really might be the future face of college hoops. Finally, he gives quick thoughts on all of the Elite Eight games starting on Monday night (24:00).

Did Indiana really hire Mike Woodson? Plus other college hoops coaching carousel news: Aaron wraps the show by discussing the shocking college hoops news from this weekend - Indiana electing to hire Mike Woodson as its next head coach (31:30). After a quick moment of silence, he explains why the news is truly baffling, why he doesn't believe the hire will work and why it's idiotic to compare Mike Woodson to Juwan Howard at Michigan. He also discusses Shaka Smart's decision to leave Texas for Marquette and why it might be the right move for both sides (47:30). Finally, how did DePaul whiff on Kenny Payne?

Today's episode is brought to you by:

PicksWise.com: Visit PicksWise where you can get expert picks, every day throughout the NCAA Tournament!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sweet 16 preview + a deep dive into college hoops transfer portal Mar 26, 2021

Show notes

With the tournament not tipping off again until Saturday, we have a special Friday edition of the Aaron Torres Podcast. Aaron previews all the Sweet 16 games this weekend and also looks ahead to a wild off-season - by ranking the 15 best players currently in college basketball's transfer portal right now. Here's a rundown:

Previewing all the Sweet 16 games: Aaron opens the show by giving a full rundown of all this weekend's Sweet 16 games (3:30). He starts with Saturday's games in the South and Midwest, where he wonders if Sister Jean's magic runs out this weekend, if Oral Roberts really has a chance against Arkansas, if Baylor is back and why Syracuse and Houston will be the most interesting game - even if it might be the most boring too. He then transitions to Sunday's games (16:00), where Gonzaga tries to stay undefeated, where Florida State-Michigan might be the game of the weekend, Alabama looks to roll past UCLA and we get a Pac-12 late night tilt with USC vs. Oregon.

The 15 best players currently in the transfer portal: Next, Aaron transitions to discussing what is becoming an increasingly important topic - that is college basketball's transfer portal (30:00). He explains why this is destined to be the craziest year - and maybe the craziest year ever - for the portal, thanks to a number of rules changes. And from there, gets to the 15 best players in the transfer portal and where they are being projected to land. Don't worry, we'll be covering the transfer portal all off-season long on the Aaron Torres Pod!

Today's episode is brought to you by:

PicksWise.com: Visit PicksWise where you can get expert picks, every day throughout the NCAA Tournament!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mid-week tourney thoughts, Indiana coaching search update + Nick Coffey joins the show Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

It's Thursday, we're inching towards the weekend and what better way to get through your day than with a new edition of the Aaron Torres Podcast. Aaron gives some quick mid-week tournament thoughts and wonders: Are we sure Indiana knows what it's doing with its coaching search? He then welcomes on his old friend Nick Coffey to talk about all sorts of things across the world of college hoops.

Mid-week tournament thoughts: Aaron opens the show by discussing some thoughts he's had on the tournament since the last show. He explains why it has become apparent that based on tournament results the committee completely mis-seeded several teams (4:00). Why did it happen and how can it be fixed in the future? Also, Aaron goes in-depth on the Big Ten's struggles. Based on their style of play and who they recruit, are we sure it's going to get better any time soon. The data says no (12:00)?. Finally, he gives an update with the Indiana coaching job (22:00). With names like Mike Woodson and Thad Matta emerging, are we sure Indiana knows what it's doing in this search?

Nick Coffey joins the show: Next up, Aaron's old friend, radio host Nick Coffey joins him (40:00). The guys discuss the surprising early start to the tournament. Should we be surprised by all the early upsets, is it a bad thing for the tournament, and is the Big Dance on a free roll where fans are just so happy to have it back, no one cares? Also, why we underestimated the Pac-12, overvalued the Big Ten and, is Indiana basketball still a desirable job?

Also, make sure to tune back Friday for a special Sweet 16 preview edition of the Aaron Torres Podcast

Today's episode is brought to you by:

PicksWise.com: Visit PicksWise where you can get expert picks, every day throughout the NCAA Tournament!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A FULL recap of the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

Aaron recaps the full, wild opening weekend of college hoops. He explains why so many upsets happened, why the Big Ten collapsed and why the Pac-12 had its best weekend in years. Also thoughts on Alabama, Arkansas, Gonzaga and the rest of the Sweet 16 field

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Official NCAA Tournament picks, tourney best bets + Mount St. Mary's coach Dan Engelstad Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

Wake up... the NCAA TOURNEY BEGINS TODAY!! And on today's Aaron Torres Podcast, we celebrate. Aaron gives his official NCAA Tournament picks, shares his best bets for Round 1 and welcomes Mount St. Mary's head coach Dan Engelstad in, live from the tourney bubble in Indy, before his team plays the opening game of the *entire* NCAA Tournament on Thursday night. Here's a full rundown of the show:

Official NCAA Tournament picks and best bets: We've waited long enough! It's time for Aaron to make his official tournament picks - and he does, with some surprise Final Four selections. He goes region by region, game-by-game to give his picks, starting in the West where he still believes that Gonzaga got the easiest draw of all the No. 1 seed (5:30). Aaron also believes the East is one of the toughest regions he can remember, where 5-6 teams could win the whole thing (20:00) and explains why in the South, he actually think Baylor's toughest game could come... in the second round (32:00)? Finally, he wraps in the Midwest where he actually has Illinois getting upset somewhere along the way - but by who (39:00)? From there, he gives his Final Four and title picks (47:00). Also, he shares his favorite bets for Round 1 of the Big Dance, including a few 12 over 5 upsets (49:00).

Mount Saint Mary's coach Dan Engelstad: Next up, Aaron welcomes in the man who will coach the first game of this year's NCAA Tournament - Mount Saint Mary's Dan Engelstad (56:00)! He discusses what life is like in the bubble in Indianapolis, the steps that the NCAA is taking to keep teams safe and what it will be like to coach in the first NCAA Tournament in two years. He also previews his team and their matchup with fellow No. 16 seed Texas Southern.

Today's episode is brought to you by:

BracketFanatics.com: Make sure to join the "Aaron Torres Pod" Bracket Challenge. Use promo code "TORRES" to be automatically entered to win a $1,000 cash prize. Also, top two brackets receive $250 Buffalo Wild Wings gift cards

PicksWise.com: Visit PicksWise where you can get expert picks, every day throughout the NCAA Tournament!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midweek bracket thoughts and upset picks, who's next at Indiana + Kentucky off-season checklist Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

We have a LOADED mid-week Aaron Torres Podcast. Aaron gives some mid-week bracket thoughts, discusses some actual good Covid news out of Indianapolis, the return of Sister Jean and who is next at Indiana. He wraps by talking Kentucky's offseason after some strong words from John Calipari. Here is a full rundown:

Mid-week bracket thoughts, upset picks + the return of Sister Jean: Aaron opens the show by giving a mid-week evaluation of what to expect at the NCAA Tournament (4:00). He discusses why we actually got good Covid news yesterday in Indy, which should help calm people's fears about canceled games. Then he discusses the return of Sister Jean (10:00), and gives a few general thoughts on the bracket, including upsets to watch and mid-week storylines to navigate (13:00). His official picks will come Thursday.

Who's next at Indiana: From there, Aaron moves to the coaching carousel (20:00). Archie Miller is out at Indiana, and Aaron gives the four guys that Indiana has to call - and the one guy he would go get if he was IU AD. He also briefly runs through the rest of the available jobs.

Kentucky's off-season plan: Aaron wraps on Kentucky's off-season (51:30) where he discusses John Calipari's Monday comments, the return of Devin Askew, Dontaie Allen and Lance Ware, and why he quietly is starting to believe that Kentucky can turn things around next season.

Today's episode is brought to you by:

Pickswise.com: Visit PicksWise where you can get expert picks, every day throughout the NCAA Tournament!

ManScaped: Use promo code "TORRES" to get 20% off your first purchase.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NCAA Tournament bracket is out - let's break down winners, upset picks and much, MUCH more Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

It's Selection Sunday - and after missing out on an NCAA Tournament last year... we officially have an NCAA TOURNEY BRACKET!!! Aaron breaks down each region and all the major storylines, from top seeds, to upset potential and an early look at a potential Final Four. These are not yet official picks - but here is a rundown of today's show:

West and East Regions: After Aaron tells you about his Bracket Challenge - where you can win a $1,000 cash prize or a $250 Buffalo Wild Wings gift card - (2:30) Aaron breaks down the first two regions in the NCAA Tournament: The West and the East. Aaron starts out West, where Aaron has a few question (6:00) --- Did Gonzaga get an advantageous draw to get them to the Final Four, could Creighton and Virginia both be upset in Round 1, and is USC a darkhorse to upset Kansas? From there, he moves out East (15:00), where he says that this is the most wide open region he can remember. Why Michigan can get upset as early as Round 2, why Georgetown can make a run, and why there are legitimately 7-8 teams that can win this region. Also, could UConn upset Alabama in Round 2?

South and Midwest Regions: After a short break, Aaron discusses the South and Midwest regions. He begins in the South where he wonders whether Baylor can get upset as early as Round 2 and if Arkansas has a draw that could get them all the way to the Elite Eight (25:00)? Then he transitions to the Midwest where Illinois is the top seed, but could face a challenge from Oklahoma State in the Sweet 16 and Houston in the Elite Eight. Also, is Syracuse destined to make another run and could Tennessee get upset in Round 1?

We have ourselves a bracket - let's get excited!!!!!! And the Aaron Torres Pod has everything you need to know as you fill everything out.

PicksWise.com: Visit PicksWise where you can get expert picks, every day throughout the NCAA Tournament!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEC Network's Pat Bradley previews the SEC Tourney + Wednesday college hoops recap and Thursday look ahead Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

It's Thursday, it's Champ Week and what better way to get caught up on all the action, other than with a loaded episode of the Aaron Torres Podcast? Aaron recaps a busy Wednesday of "Champ Week," looks ahead to a loaded Thursday and welcomes in SEC Network's Pat Bradley to look at the landscape in the SEC. Here is a full rundown of today's show:

Recapping Wednesday of "Champ Week" + a Thursday look ahead: Aaron opens the show discussing a busy Wednesday of "Champ Week." He explains why North Carolina is so damn dangerous when they are locked in (4:00) and looks at Duke's victory over Louisville (10:00). What does it mean for both the Blue Devils, but also Louisville, who now finds itself squarely on the bubble? Aaron then looks at the rest of the landscape, including surprise, surprise, Iona getting hot under Rick Pitino (16:30) and also looks ahead to a loaded Thursday slate (20:30).

SEC Network's Pat Bradley joins the show: Next up, Aaron is joined by SEC Network's Pat Bradley for a fun interview and look ahead to the SEC Tournament (25:00). The guys discuss Pat's playing days at Arkansas and being recruited - and turned down - by John Calipari. From there they talk the rise of Arkansas and Alabama this year and which one is more likely to make a deep tournament run. Finally, they wrap on Kentucky, and whether the Wildcats can actually make a run and win four games in four days in Nashville.

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Gonzaga exposed? Biggest Champ Week Questions + Les Miles Fired at Kansas Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

It's Wednesday, it's Champ Week and it's time for a LOADED Aaron Torres Podcast! Aaron asks if we should be worried following Gonzaga's struggles on Tuesday night, then looks at the biggest "Champ Week" questions. He also switches to football to discuss Les Miles' firing and the crazy comments about Kirby Smart and Nick Saban from a legendary high school football coach. Here is a full rundown of today's show:

Cause for concern with Gonzaga + "Champ Week" questions: Aaron opens the show by discussing Gonzaga's narrow, sloppy win over BYU on Tuesday (3:30). Aaron explains why yes, BYU did expose Gonzaga's biggest weakness and their biggest concern for them heading into the NCAA, even with a win. Then he talks about all the biggest stories of "Champ Week" from who gets No. 1 seeds, to teams on the rise and will Duke and Kentucky actually make a run (19:00)?

Les Miles fired + Rush Propst comments: Finally, Aaron wraps the show by discussing the bizarre firing of Les Miles. Is this the end for Les Miles as we know it, how did Kansas not know about his past indiscretions and can anyone win in Lawrence (33:30)? Then he discusses the wild audio from Georgia high school legend Rush Propst who accused Nick Saban and Kirby Smart of both cheating in recruiting. He also wonders, does anyone care anymore if college recruits are paid (50:00)?

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