Free Ira Brown! - The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast

In which we try very, very hard not to overreact to an exhibition. Gonzaga went to Arkansas and came home with a loss. They shot 6-of-28 from three, Davis Fogle sat out with a bum leg, Xaivian Lee was stuck in foul trouble, and Nathan De Sousa went 2-of-17 in his college debut. Mard insists it was all very weird and none of it counts. We mostly agree, though Massamba Diop's flirtation with the Young Master Grayson school of tripping gave us pause.

There were bright spots. Izan Almansa was cleared seemingly on the way to the airport and looked like a pro. Isiah Harwell was efficient and steady. Braden Huff grabbed 11 boards in his first game back from his knee injury. The women crushed Westmont 84–43 behind 24 from Lauren Whitaker, and they open for real against North Dakota State on November 2.

Then it's on to Purdue in Las Vegas. Gonzaga is 0-for-5 against the Boilermakers, and we are tired of it. After that we tour the whole non-conference slate: the Players Era, UCLA in Anaheim, a trip to Creighton, Michigan State in Palm Springs, and those mid-season dates with Oregon and Duke. Is Optimard back with a 29–4 prediction? Just how sour is Chris about the home slate at the Kennel? The Purdue preview starts about 34 minutes in.

All that and more on this episode of Free Ira Brown!

Support the show at patreon.com/freeirabrown.

In which we finally get to watch basketball again, sort of, and immediately lose all perspective. Kraziness in the Kennel was a glorified scrimmage, yes, but the Zags went 18-for-32 from deep, Davis Fogle poured in 30 points in 20 minutes (and won the dunk contest for good measure), and Isiah Harwell looked every inch the five-star McDonald's All-American he was supposed to be. We have concluded, responsibly, that three-point shooting will never trouble us again.

Then the lawyers return. Javon Bennett is eligible, for now, thanks to a stay out of Ohio. Xaivian Lee has his day in a California courtroom on October 20, and Chauncey Wiggins and Izan Almansa remain marooned in limbo. We sketch the best case, the worst case, and the most realistic case, and argue over which two we'd pick if the NCAA only lets us keep two. Then we air our anxieties. Can Braden Huff still feast without Graham Ike beside him? Can Lee be the inverse of Adam Miller? Who stops the other team's best wing? And how scared is Mard about rebounding? (Very.)

Plus the TV schedule (all 31 regular-season games on national TV, and the exhibition at Arkansas on October 24 on SEC Network+), a thank-you to our newest patron, Carol Hemingway, and an update on the Gonzaga women, who shot the lights out last year and would love to stop throwing the ball to the other team. We close with Shenanigans: things that were nearly ours before they were ripped away. It turns out to be a deeply painful exercise for all involved. The cold open is a brand-new Paul Simon tribute, and the show proper starts about five and a half minutes in.

All that and more on this episode of Free Ira Brown!

Support the show at patreon.com/freeirabrown.

In which we attempt to preview a Gonzaga roster that refuses to sit still long enough to be previewed. Mario says goodbye via 2:30 a.m. Instagram post, and we handle it with grace and maturity (we do not). Adam puts his law degree to work explaining the NCAA's five-and-five mess, and Mard floats a theory about why the NCAA might actually want the chaos.

If Wiggins, Lee, and company all get cleared, this might be the biggest, best-shooting team Few has ever had. If they don't, Davis Fogle may be your point guard. We also introduce the Diop chop, air grievances about players with two last names, and check in on a Gonzaga women's team that returns almost everyone.

All that and more on this episode of Free Ira Brown!

Support the show at patreon.com/freeirabrown.

In this episode we take a deep dive into Gonzaga's basketball season, tournament performance, coaching changes, and team dynamics. The hosts analyze key moments, player performances, and the future outlook of the program, providing insights for fans and followers of college basketball. In this lively episode, the hosts discuss NCAA tournament highlights, Gonzaga basketball prospects, transfer portal insights, and share amusing personal stories, including a memorable golf game with a Seahawks legend and a humorous chicken slaughter story. They also explore the upcoming Gonzaga season, player transfers, and off-season strategies, all wrapped in a fun, engaging conversation.

Goodbye loyal listeners. We'll be back before you know it, just like another season of Gonzaga Hoops. Go Zags!

Gonzaga basketball continues its incredible streak of NCAA tournament appearances and will face (TEAM) in the first round of the big dance on Thursday in Portland. How do we feel about the seeding? Does it matter?

We'll break down the West region, project our likely match-ups and as the song says, predict how far we will go. We'll also look around the bracket for our most anticipated games, including those involving a certain tearful team from Moraga, and the upstart Santa Clara Broncos.

It's the episode that's ready for roundball rock, on Free Ira Brown: THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast!

Support the Show at patreon.com/freeirabrown.

Join us as we analyze Gonzaga's recent performances and the the Zags' NCAA tournament prospects. We also delve into conference dynamics, team resilience, and the impact of injuries on Gonzaga's season. We delve into the intricacies of NCAA basketball, tournament predictions, and the personalities behind the teams. We discuss Gonzaga's historic run, potential matchups, and the coaches we'd love to share a beer with.

Support the Show! patreon.com/freeirabrown

It's late, and is therefore AI summary time!

In this episode of Free Ira Brown, the hosts discuss Gonzaga's recent performance, coping mechanisms after tough losses, and the implications of WCC awards. They analyze the dynamics of the conference, the recognition of players, and the coaching strategies that have led to Gonzaga's current standing.

The conversation also delves into game predictions and reflections on recent matchups, highlighting the challenges and expectations surrounding the team. In this conversation, the hosts analyze the recent Gonzaga vs. St. Mary's basketball game, discussing key moments, momentum shifts, and the impact of referee decisions. They delve into the offensive struggles of Gonzaga, particularly focusing on player performances and the implications for the upcoming tournament.

The conversation highlights the unpredictability of player contributions and the challenges faced by the team as they prepare for future games. In this segment, the conversation delves into the current state of Gonzaga's basketball team, focusing on the struggles of the point guards, the potential of future players like Mario and Jack, and the impact of injuries on team performance.

The discussion also touches on rivalries, particularly with St. Mary's, and the challenges faced by the women's team. As the WCC tournament approaches, predictions and insights about the men's tournament dynamics are shared, highlighting the unique aspects of the conference's structure and the importance of consistency in player performance. In this episode, the hosts delve into the intense rivalry between Gonzaga and St. Mary's, discussing their confidence levels heading into the championship game and the historical context of their matchups. They also address injury concerns regarding key player Worley and how it may affect their chances. The conversation takes a reflective turn as they use music to express their emotions about the season and the upcoming Selection Sunday, emphasizing the excitement and anxiety that comes with tournament time.

Destiny beckons the Gonzaga Bulldogs into the final two WCC regular season games in their storied history. First, a chance for sweet vengeance against the uppity Pilots, who dared to bloody the nose of their betters. Then, in the darkest depths of Moraga the evil one awaits the true kings of the Conference. Who will prevail?

We'll talk about the week that was in Gonzaga Basketball, but stick around to the end for the official Free Ira Brown Saint Mary's Faels all-time-hated starting five.

All that and a bag of chips on this episode of the original Gonzaga Hoops Podcast!

Support the show at patreon.com/freeirabrown

AI says that in this episode we discuss Gonzaga basketball performance, injury news, game analysis against Santa Clara, and predictions for upcoming games against Pacific. The hosts discuss player performances, offensive strategies, and the challenges faced by the team, while also touching on women's basketball updates.

All that and more on this episode of Free Ira Brown!

In which we lament an inexplicable loss in a hopeless place. What will this quad three stumble cost this Gonzaga team? And will we ever be able to move on? Steven Karr will join us to work through some stuff.

Turns out the lads moved on just fine, with two dominating performances against the Beavers and Cougars.

Next up, the Zags take on the Conference leaders, in Santa Clara?! What should we be looking for? How scared is Mard?

All that and some surprises, too!

Support the show at Patreon.com/freeirabrown.

In which we celebrate another victory over our hated rivals from Moraga. Graham Ike takes any and all frustration out on Harry Wessels, smiting his ruin upon the court and dunking on his face.

We saw much we liked, and some we didn't, and complain entirely too much about solid win over a solid opponent.

The ladies get a couple of wins, and the men prepare for a couple of road cupcakes this week.

Support the show at https://patreon.com/freeirabrown.

The Gonzaga men continue to hold the line in the WCC despite the absence of their champion centers, Graham Ike and Braden Huff. It's been especially difficult considering their jump shots have abandoned them entirely.

It is about to get even tougher, because the hated Gaels of Saint Mary's are coming to town, and baby, they mean business. We'll spend some time letting the hate flow through us before providing some things to watch out for on Saturday.

If you want to skip ahead to the Saint Mary's Preview, it starts at about 45 minutes in. I know! That's too long, which is why I'm letting you know now.

All that and more on this episode of Free Ira Brown!

Support the show at Patreon.com/freeirabrown.

Braden Huff goes down for 4-8 weeks and the Cougars prowled and Redhawks circled, but the Bulldogs turned them away, with sheer chaotic energy and boundless talent, the Zags showed that it will take more than bad luck to unmoor their excellence.

Also, we're gonna bamboozle the Waves and the Dons, because they're not very good.

Stick around until the end to hear about a time so long ago that Pepperdine was Gonzaga's chief WCC rival!

Support us at Patreon.com/freeirabrown

Our tour begins on the frigid rolling fields of the Palouse, where the Cougars will hope to shrug off their generally poor basketball skills and give the Zags a decent run. After taking in the sights and sounds of the Eastern reaches, the Gonzaga men will cross the scablands, ford the mighty Columbia and scale brave the Cascade passes to reach the fair Emerald City, where they will take on the Redhawks of Seattle University.

Can the Redhawks repeat their impressive defensive performance in the Kennel? Or will they revert to their more recent form at 1-4 in conference? The FIB boys will make their predictions known.

We'll close with a discussion of frustrating sports f-ups.

Support the show at https://pateron.com/freeirabrown.

Gonzaga barely escaped the firece talons (beak? whatever) of the Redhawks of Seattle University, then proceeded to float merrily into their home tilt against the Lions of LMU. Much like the lion tamers of old, the Zags gently placed their head into the Lions' mouth, giving it the false sense of power, before pulling back and unloading their blunderbuss into the beasts heart. Too much metaphor? Maybe.

In any event, the FIB boys will walk you thorugh both games, speculate further on Mario Saint-Supery's love life, and sing the praises of his highness of efficiency, Braden Huff.

We'll then take a look at the upcoming game against Santa Clara, in which a high flyn' Broncos team will hope to steal some of the Redhawks' Kennel mojo (they will fail). All that and more on this episode of Free Ira Brown! THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast.

Support the show at patreon.com/freeirabrown.

Do you like the show? Give us a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, our heroes present a detailed analysis of Gonzaga basketball's recent performances. They discuss defensive issues, offensive strategies, and the importance of free throw shooting. The conversation also touches on player development, particularly regarding the starting lineup dynamics and the performance of key players.

We'll preview upcoming games against Seattle U and LMU, and reflect on memorable moments from past WCC matchups. The conversation also touches on personal and team resolutions for the New Year, emphasizing the importance of maintaining defensive focus and improving overall performance.

Hey, the summary is AI, but our show sure isn't. If you enjoy what we do, please support us at Patreon.com/freeirabrown.

In this episode, the boys welcome Steven Karr for a thoughtful discussion on the UCLA and Campbell games, as well as a review of the non-conference results. Only one non-conference game remains, and we'll talk about Gonzaga's upcoming trip to to Portland to take on the Ducks.

Finally, we welcome our famous visitor from the East (of Europe), that's right, It's Karno-ac the Zagnificent!

Support the show! Patreon.com/freeirabrown.

AI Summary. Let's see how she did!

In this episode of Free Ira Brown, the hosts discuss the recent performances of Gonzaga and Kentucky basketball teams, touching on themes of resilience, team chemistry, and individual player highlights. They also share personal anecdotes related to weather, holiday traditions, and college football controversies, creating a rich tapestry of sports and life experiences.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the future of Gonzaga basketball, focusing on key players and their potential scoring capabilities. They delve into the challenges faced by Coach Mark Pope and the importance of upcoming games for building team resumes.

The conversation shifts to the women's basketball team, analyzing their performance and prospects.

As they preview the upcoming game against UCLA, they assess both teams' strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing the need for strategic play and physicality. The episode concludes with predictions for the Gonzaga vs. UCLA matchup, highlighting the excitement surrounding the game.

Hey that wasn't 70 percent bad! I'm convinced no one reads these descriptions anyway.

Support the show at patreon.com/freeirabrown.

We're all struggling here a bit at Free Ira Brown. The sting of the UM blowout weighs heavily on our hearts, even and we enjoy another lovely holiday season. We thought we'd bring on Austin King from House of Krause to help us get over it, but . . . let's just say we miscast him for that specific role. Join us, though, as we discuss our general observations about the season so far and what our expectations are the rest of the way.

Then we complain about stuff everybody hates.

Support the show! Patreon.com/freeirabrown.

Oh man. That was ROUGH.