Top Dogs Podcast: The art of rebuilding a roster and the NBA

[Umami Zen]

Being a UConn fan really isn't an issue there. Most coaches appreciate the authenticity, and I save the uber-douchiness for TOP DOGS, so they don't see it lol

The difficult part is balancing being critical and maintaining a good enough relationship to get access, but for the overwhelming majority of those guys, as long as you're fair in your criticism -- as long as you do your homework -- they're good with it. The only time I really f-cked up with that this year was getting caught up in a convo and calling Auburn "the biggest frauds in the country". It got aggregated, front page on AL.com, and like three weeks later, we had Bruce Pearl on after a big win and he just broke my balls about it.

There has only been a single time that something said on After Dark has cost us access, and that only lasted for like three weeks. If it comes off as me trying to protect relationships when I decide not to go after a coach/player/whoever, it means I suck at my job more than anything else.

You're always having to walk a tight rope when balancing critical analysis and trying to maintain access. If you're good at it (you are).. You'll get the respect from your subjects.. Wouldn't lose too much sleep about being right on Bruce Pearl.. Keep bringin' it.

 

[MJKI]

Okay then Rob, why don't you tell us where the $800k offer was from if you are so adamant that it wasn't Memphis? Go ahead.

A) Why would he burn his sources like that and B) Why are you so adamant on proving your "sources" are more knowledgeable than a public CBB figure? Why heckle one of the true UConn fans in the industry. I swear UConn fans just want the media to despise us sometimes

 

[August_West]

There has only been a single time that something said on After Dark has cost us access, and that only lasted for like three weeks. If it comes off as me trying to protect relationships when I decide not to go after a coach/player/whoever, it means I suck at my job more than anything else.

Nah but seriously you do hard job very well.

 

[August_West]

However, all of that notwithstanding, the big Jackson benefit isn't really about the lineup. It's his intangibles, leadership, and captaincy. None of that is likely replaceable in the lineup or through a transfer, he's 1 of 1 in that regard. I would love, love, love if these 5 recruits coming in got at least 1 year under him to learn the ropes of the program. The answer of course is hoping both Jackson and Newton come back which obviously is the dream for UConn fans (but perhaps disappointing for those guys). Or maybe getting Jackson back and getting a poor or average-mans Newton-esque guy in the portal.

It's this. You put it well, but all you really needed to say is "It's Andre motherephing Jackson"

Rob should understand that better than anyone. He is the most unique impact player we have seen in all of college in a LONG time. He covers up a ton of issues in a non traditional way including the fact that we didn't have a PG this year