Steve Hartman returns to the Splash City Basketball Podcast to break down the Minnesota Timberwolves' 2025–26 regular season. After finishing with a record of 49-33—the exact same record as the previous season—the Wolves are heading to the "Mile High City" to face the Denver Nuggets for the third time in four years.

In this episode, Steve explores whether the team is plateauing or simply pacing itself for the postseason. He hands out final grades for the team and individual players, including:

• Overall Season Grade: C+.
• Anthony Edwards: C+. While 3rd in the league in scoring and elite in the clutch, his defensive intensity showed a noticeable drop-off.
• Jaden McDaniels: B. Despite a late-season tail-off, his 41% shooting from deep was a major bright spot.
• The Roster Shake-up: Grades for the mid-season acquisition of Ayo Dosunmu (B+) and the veteran stabilizing presence of Kyle "SlowMo" Anderson (B-).
• Veteran Watch: Analysis of Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert as they battle the effects of "Father Time" heading into a physical playoff series.

The discussion also dives into the team's statistical identity, finishing 8th in defensive rating and 10th in offensive rating. Steve breaks down why health should have been the Wolves' biggest advantage this year, losing the second-fewest "wins" to injury in the league.

Finally, we preview the first-round matchup against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. Can Anthony Edwards find his defensive gear in time for the playoffs?

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Michigan is back on top! In this live post-game reaction, host Steve Hartman breaks down the Wolverines' 69-63 victory over UConn to claim the 2026 National Championship. It was a gritty, defensive battle that saw Michigan overcome poor shooting with size, physicality, and clutch late-game execution.

We dive into how Dusty May led Michigan to their first title since 1989 and secured the Big Ten’s first national championship since 2000. Steve analyzes the key moments and players that defined this historic night, including:

• Clutch Under Pressure: Freshman McKenney's "stones" in the final minutes, hitting a critical three-pointer and icing the game at the free-throw line.
• The MOP: Elliott Cadeau controlling the game to earn Most Outstanding Player honors.
• Interior Dominance: How Michigan's size, led by 7'3" Aday Mara, stifled UConn’s offense and forced them into tough shots.
• The Coaching Matchup: Comparing Dusty May’s calm, prepared sideline demeanor to Danny Hurley’s high-energy theatrics.
• A "Minnesota Flavor": Celebrating local champions Will Tschetter (Stewartville) and Gianna Kneepkens (Duluth Marshall).
• Legacy and Dynasty: Assessing UConn's impressive run and the legend of Braylon Mullins' tournament-defining shot against Duke.

Finally, we look ahead to the immediate future of college basketball as the transfer portal opens officially tomorrow.

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Will the Big Ten drought finally end? On this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman breaks down a lopsided Final Four weekend that has set the stage for a historic Monday night in Indianapolis.

Steve dives into why UConn is the modern dynasty of the sport and how their "European-style" movement system left Illinois gassed in the semi-finals. Then, we look at the Michigan juggernaut—a team that just "smacked" Arizona despite their best player, Yaxel Lendeborg, being sidelined by fouls and injury. Steve explains why Michigan’s defensive flexibility and veteran "juice" make them his pick to take home the 2026 title.

We also head to Phoenix to celebrate UCLA’s dominant Women’s National Championship run and discuss the controversial "short-circuiting" of Geno Auriemma after UConn’s undefeated season went up in flames vs Dawn Staley and South Carolina. Finally, we wrap up with some local Minnesota love for Tessa Johnson and Will Schetter, participants in this year's NCAA Men's & Women's Championships, a look at the Will Wade/LSU drama, and a grim "live look" at the injury-plagued Timberwolves.

Monday night determines it all—will the Huskies cement a dynasty, or will the Wolverines bring the trophy back to the Midwest?

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