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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In this episode, Steve Hartman and guest Matt Askegaard dive into the changing identity of basketball at both the high school and collegiate levels. They explore the resurgence of "Bully Ball"—a physical style of play focused on rim protection and glass dominance that is currently defining top-tier teams like UConn, Michigan, and Arizona.

Key topics include:

• The Underclassmen Takeover: A look at the "crazy" amount of underclassmen who led teams in the Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament, and how digital access to drills is accelerating player development.
• Tactical Daggers: Why the offensive rebound kick-out three-pointer is the most deflating play in the game and how coaches like Matt drill their players to stay in rhythm.
• The "Water Your Own Grass" Philosophy: A discussion on the value of program loyalty in the transfer portal era, highlighted by players like Alex Karaban and Fletcher Loyer who chose to build something lasting at their schools.
• Final Four Breakdown: Predictions for the Arizona vs. Michigan showdown and the matchup nightmares in UCONN vs. Illinois that could decide the national title.

From the grit of Minnesota section championships to the bright lights of the McDonald's All-American game, Steve and Matt break down what it takes to win in the modern era.

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In this immediate reaction episode, host Steve Hartman breaks down a weekend of absolute disbelief in the final Elite 8 game. After a refreshing spring break Steve returned just in time to witness one of the most stunning collapses in NCAA Tournament history as UConn erased a 19-point deficit to knock off top-seeded Duke.

Inside the Episode:

• The Duke Meltdown: Steve reacts to the closing seconds of the UConn-Duke thriller, specifically the late turnover by freshman Cayden Boozer that led to Braylon Mullins’ game-winning 35-footer. We dive into the "Freshman Ceiling" debate—is Duke too reliant on 18 and 19-year-olds in high-pressure moments compared to the veteran-heavy rosters of Michigan and UConn?.
• The Final Four Field: A look at the "heavyweight" matchup between Michigan and Arizona, which many feel could be the de facto National Championship game. Steve also analyzes the "matchup nightmare" that is Illinois, highlighting their incredible defensive transformation from 80th in the country to 8th since March 1st.
• The Big Ten Statement: With half of the Elite Eight consisting of Big Ten teams and two moving on to the Final Four, we discuss how the conference’s emphasis on size, length, and physicality is paying off.
• MSHSL Boys State Tournament Recap: Steve recaps a wild week at the barn, including:
• 4A: The Chaska Hawks' winning streak culminates in a title win over Apple Valley.
• 3A: Totino-Grace edging out DeLaSalle in a high-intensity rivalry battle.
• 2A: Minnehaha Academy returning to the top for the first time since 2021.
• 1A: Hills-Beaver Creek completing a historic "double" by adding a basketball championship to their 9-man football state title.

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In this jam-packed episode, Steven Hartman dives deep into the changing landscape of college basketball before shifting gears to preview the upcoming Minnesota State Boys Basketball Tournament.

• The Death of the Cinderella? Steven examines whether NIL and the transfer portal have killed the "mid-major" magic in March Madness or if the rise of power conference teams has simply raised the bar.
• Blue Bloods on Life Support: A look at the early exits of perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina, and the coaching transitions that are defining a new era of the sport.
• Tournament Recap: A "quick whip around" the college game, highlighting Iowa’s stunner over Florida and the most exciting moments from the first two rounds.
• Minnesota State Boys Basketball Preview: Marcus Fuller from the Star Tribune joins the show to break down every class of the upcoming state tournament.
• Class 4A: Can undefeated Tartan overcome the "eye test" favorite and defending champion Wayzata? Plus, a look at the intriguing Alexandria vs. Maple Grove quarterfinal.
• Class 3A: Steven and Marcus discuss the Totino-Grace dynasty and whether teams like DeLaSalle or Mankato East can disrupt their run.
• Class 2A: A spotlight on the standout athletes to watch, including NDSU football-bound Darren Russell and high-level prospects like Roman Voss.

Whether you're following the road to the Final Four or heading to Minneapolis for the high school state tournament, this episode has everything you need to stay ahead of the game.

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Host Steve Hartman takes the Splash City Basketball Podcast on the road for a live broadcast from Back Channel Brewing on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. It’s opening day of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, and the madness is already in full swing as the crew reacts in real-time to a massive 12-5 upset with High Point taking down Wisconsin.

In this episode, Steve is joined by a rotating cast of guests—including friends Tate & Matt —to break down the first-round action, Vegas odds, 1st round weekend experiences and much more.

Highlights include:

• The Badgers are Shocked: A deep dive into how High Point managed to outlast the Badgers in an 83-82 thriller.
• The "Vegas Grind": Guest Tate Schoenbauer shares nostalgic stories of navigating the pre-mobile betting era in Las Vegas, from waiting in 9:00 AM sportsbook lines to the evolution of the "second weekend" experience.
• NIL and the Death of the Cinderella: The crew discusses whether the transfer portal and NIL money are making top seeds more dominant, or if mid-majors are actually benefiting from "trickle-down basketball" talent.
• Tournament Favorites: Early impressions of Arkansas and Michigan State’s dominance, Duke’s narrow escape, and why VCU might be the next team to bust your bracket.
• All-Tournament Names: From Chandler Bing to Boopy Miller to Jomo Goings, a look at the best names in the 2026 field.

Whether you’re tracking your bracket at a food truck or scouting the next NBA draft pick you'll want to listen to this fun, lively episode!

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In this episode, Steve Hartman is joined by Andrew Dukowitz from Zone Coverage to discuss a historic weekend at Williams Arena as the Gopher Women host the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament for the first time in 20 years. We break down their opening matchup against Green Bay, the health of key players like Sophie Hart and Mara Braun, and why their "impeccable" defense makes them a threat to anyone in the bracket.

The conversation then shifts to the professional ranks with an inside look at the WNBA CBA negotiations. Andrew shares updates on the 12-hour daily meetings between the league and the Players Association and the massive $200M+ TV deals hanging in the balance. We also take the temperature of the Timberwolves, discussing the "nauseating" roller coaster of their recent West Coast trip and the urgent need for a shift in energy before the playoffs.

Steve has bracket fever! He talks about why Santa Clara is the trendy upset pick over Kentucky and the high-scoring potential of Wisconsin vs. High Point, Steve identifies the "fireworks" to watch for in every region.

Key Highlights:

• Gophers at The Barn: Why hosting as a top-four seed is a "monumental" shift for the program.
• Labor Talk: Breaking down the "bad faith" leaks and housing subsidies in the latest WNBA negotiations.
• Wolves’ Identity Crisis: Why fans are "ticked off" by the team's inconsistent effort and "Olay defense".
• Bracket Picks: Steve’s games to watch in every region.

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