Plugged In with Chris Howard PodcastOne

In this action-packed episode, we dive into a tumultuous week across the NBA, NFL, and the world of golf. We start on the basketball court where the Lakers face a pivotal decision: should they re-sign LeBron James, or is it time to rebuild from scratch? Meanwhile, the Thunder advance triumphantly, and the Timberwolves execute a stunning sweep against the Suns. We analyze which team's playoff exit stings more, the Lakers or the Suns, and discuss the impact of Kevin Durant's performance downturn on his legacy. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to knee inflammation and the series tied, what's next for the Clippers?

Switching courts, we look at the NBA's Eastern Conference battles, with Boston, Indiana, and NYC all leading their series 3-1. Are we witnessing the setup for dramatic closeouts, or is there a comeback on the horizon?

Then, we hit the gridiron where the NFL draft has stirred up controversy and applause. Atlanta's decision to draft a new quarterback has split opinions—where do you stand? Travis Kelce’s whopping $34 million contract, Ezekiel Elliott’s return to the Cowboys, and Bill Belichick's scheduled appearance on a Netflix roast of Tom Brady add spice to our discussion. We also hand out our draft grades with the 49ers, Chiefs, and Eagles coming out on top.

Lastly, we tee off into golf where the sport's politics take center stage. Greg Norman's chilly reception from the PGA hints at deeper rifts, and we explore the pressures facing Charlie Woods as he follows in the footsteps of his legendary father.

Strap in for a deep dive into the week's biggest sports stories, packed with insights, debates, and a few laughs along the way.

Today, we celebrate a momentous occasion as the Michigan Wolverines receive their championship rings. We'll share our thoughts and highlights from the Michigan football Spring game, dissecting the team's performance and what it suggests for the upcoming season.

Next, we tackle a hot topic in college athletics: Should recruits prioritize team culture over NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals? We'll explore the pros and cons, and what it means for the future of recruiting.

Switching gears, we spotlight Dusty May, who's making significant waves in the transfer portal. With his strategic moves, can he lead his team to the tournament? We'll analyze his tactics and the potential impact on the team's success.

UFC 303 Breakdown: We discuss Max Holloway's recent victory and analyze the potential showdown between Connor McGregor and Michael Chandler. Plus, Ocho weighs in on his chances lasting rounds with Holloway.
NBA Analysis: The Lakers are pushing for the Western Conference finals - is this a win for the organization? Plus, a critical look at the Warriors vs. Kings; who will come out on top? We also pay tribute to Blake Griffin's career as an in-game dunker and rank him among legends like Vince Carter and Shaquille O'Neal. Can anyone stop Denver this season, and what would another Denver win mean for the NBA?
NFL Insights: Justin Jefferson is eyeing a max contract, but is he worth it without a solid quarterback? We also discuss Brock Purdy's record-setting season with the 49ers, the truth behind Anuk's trade request, and what the lack of contract extensions for Tua and Goff means for their teams.
Boxing Corner: A humorous take on the unlikely but entertaining Paul vs. Tyson fight scheduled for 4/20.
WNBA Focus: Caitlin Clark's salary contrasted with her endorsement earnings and what the high viewership numbers for the WNBA draft could mean for the future of the league.

Welcome to this week's episode! We've got a packed show covering a whirlwind of developments from the world of sports, kicking things off with a major shake-up in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills are reeling from the loss of Stefon Diggs. What does this mean for the future of the team? Is it the end of their dominant run?

Switching gears to the drama-infused atmosphere in Dallas, we dive into how the ongoing issues could affect the team's attractiveness to future free agents. Could this spell trouble for the Big D's roster building?

From the NFL, we transition to the burgeoning Universal Football League, where a Michigan kicker is making waves with another 60-yard field goal. Is the UFL poised to become the developmental league for the NFL?

Next, we switch to the hardwood with some college basketball highlights. The UConn Huskies have clinched back-to-back championships, marking their sixth tournament win in 25 years. Meanwhile, Kentucky is on the hunt for a new coach, and Arkansas is banking on their new leadership with Coach Calipari. What does this mean for their programs?

In women's college basketball, South Carolina claims victory over Iowa, demonstrating the power of consistency. We discuss whether Caitlin Clark's performance fell short, or if a lack of depth was the real issue. Plus, is the upcoming WNBA draft class one of the best we've seen?

Over in the NBA, big questions loom: Should the Warriors bring Klay Thompson back? Ja Morant's recent off-court controversy sparks debate about self-defense. And as trade rumors swirl around Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, we speculate on his potential new home.

On the golf course, all eyes are on Tiger Woods as fans and analysts ponder if he can secure another Masters win.



Don't miss our insights and analysis on these stories and more in this episode

In this jam-packed episode of our sports roundup, we dive headfirst into a whirlwind of updates and analyses that every sports fan needs to hear. We kick things off with a look at Purdy's latest financial win—turns out, getting paid can come in many forms, kind of. Then, we shift gears to the heated debate around Michigan's QB star, JJ. Is he destined to be a top 5 pick in the draft? Speaking of drafts, we take a deep dive into the intriguing history of QB draft picks and their Super Bowl starts—did you know thirteen of the 67 quarterbacks who've started a Super Bowl were top draft picks?

But it's not all football here. We're also talking NCAAW and the powerhouse that is Clark. Dominating the court, she's now faced with a life-changing decision: jump into the WNBA or take Ice Cube's jaw-dropping $5M offer? And if Clark and Reese both land in the WNBA, could we be witnessing the rise of a rivalry as iconic as Bird vs. Magic?

The matchups are getting intense as we look ahead to Uconn vs. Iowa and NC State vs. South Carolina. With talents like Paige Bueckers lighting up the court, these games are anyone's guess. And speaking of talent, Reese opens up about the impact of social media on her mental health, sparking a much-needed conversation on the pressures young athletes face in balancing love for the game with public scrutiny.

So, who's going to clinch victory in these nail-biting matchups, and what will Clark decide? Tune in for our take on these burning questions and more, as we dissect what these developments mean for the future of sports.

Description: In this riveting episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the seismic shifts happening within Michigan sports. We kick things off by discussing the end of the Juwan Howard era and the dawn of a new chapter under Dusty May's leadership. What does this transition mean for the team, and how will May's vision reshape the future of Michigan basketball?

Next, we turn our attention to the football field, where JJ McCarthy is making headlines and surging up the draft boards. What's behind McCarthy's meteoric rise, and how might his draft stock impact his final season?

In a bold segment, we unpack the enigma that is Warde Manuel. As Michigan's Athletic Director, Manuel's decisions have often sparked controversy and debate. We explore the reasons behind his seemingly indifferent stance to public opinion and what this means for the future of Michigan athletics.

Finally, we weigh in on Donovan Edwards's decision to pack on extra weight this offseason. Is this a strategic move to bolster his game, or could it potentially slow him down? We analyze the pros and cons, providing insight into how this could affect his performance and Michigan's offensive strategy.

Join us as we dissect these pivotal moments and their implications for Michigan sports. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good sports discussion, this episode promises to deliver insights, opinions, and plenty of spirited debate.