Mike Greenberg has always been one of ESPN's least outlandish hosts. He's calm, reasoned, and seemingly tries to add some perspective to a sports world that's constantly surrounded by over-the-top noise.
Well, maybe not anymore. At least, not on Monday's Get Up show, which Greenberg hosts.
Instead, Greenberg decided to make one of those annual (and ludicrous) statements regarding an NCAA power, in this case, the UConn Huskies men's basketball team.
In a segment with former Duke star-turned-analyst Jay Williams, Greenberg said that the Huskies could qualify for the NBA playoffs,
Greenberg started by asking Williams his pick for the tournament's most impressive team so far.
"UConn," Williams said, while sporting a Duke jacket and holding a basketball. "It's not even a question. They are a freight train. That's the way they beat you. They out-execute you, by their attention to detail and how they're coached, makes them the best team in the country."
Williams' take is hardly unconventional. The Huskies certainly have been dominant on their way to the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen.
But NBA-ready? Come on.
"They would make the playoffs in the NBA's Eastern Conference," Greenberg said.
Williams responded, "I wouldn't go that far."
Greenburg concluded, "Yes, they would."
.@Espngreeny says UConn men's basketball could make the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs ? pic.twitter.com/tTmM6Axvdc
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 25, 2024
Hey Mike, no, they wouldn't. People have said the same thing for years about multiple college teams that got hot at tourney time. But almost zero college teams ever have five starters make it to the NBA. And never has there been a college team where all five starters eventually became NBA All-Stars.
As for the college benches, forget it. They'd get crushed by real pros.
Greensberg's taker was silly, especially for a guy who rarely blows out such hot takes. UConn could win the NCAA title, for the second year in a row, and that would be a major accomplishment.
But it wouldn't happen in the NBA. They'd look a lot more like the Washington Wizards or Detroit Pistons. Or worse.
