Shows
Basketball in the MountainsNorthern Colorado coach Steve Smiley joins the show to talk all things Bears basketball! | Episode 31Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Northern Colorado coach Steve Smiley to talk all things Bears basketball. They discuss UNC's regular season Big Sky championship from a season ago, how that momentum has carried over this summer, a pair of former players participating in NBA Summer League and the program's upcoming trip to Portugal. Go to uncbears.com to secure tickets and stay up to date with all things Northern Colorado sports and make sure to subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode!Tyler's Twitter: https://x.com...2025-07-2528 minBasketball in the MountainsNBA Summer League takeaways! Nique Clifford shines, Utah Jazz sophomores impress, DaRon Holmes looks the part for the Nuggets and more (with Troy Finnegan) | Episode 30Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Troy Finnegan of ClutchPoints to give their takeaways from 2025 NBA Summer League action. They start off with former Colorado State star Nique Clifford, who has been one of the MVPs in Las Vegas as the go-to player for the unbeaten Sacramento Kings. Then, they discuss the loaded Utah Jazz roster that is headlined by Kyle Filipowski's breakout summer and Cody Williams' steady progress as the top sophomores on the team. They also talk about DaRon Holmes' return from an Achilles injury and the progress he's made over the past...2025-07-1846 minBasketball in the MountainsNuggets own start to free agency with MPJ for Cam Johnson trade, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. signings and more (with Vinny Benedetto) | Episode 29Tyler King is joined by Denver Gazette colleague to break down the Nuggets' impressive start to free agency, headlined by the trade that sends Michael Porter Jr. and a future draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for sharpshooter Cam Johnson. Denver also brought back fan favorite Bruce Brown on a minimum contract and added veteran wing Tim Hardaway Jr., also on a minimum deal. The guys also broke down the trade that sends Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas before discussing what more the new-look front office could do in the days and weeks...2025-07-0139 minBasketball in the MountainsJazz call their shot and take Ace Bailey at No. 5 in NBA Draft. Plus, Utah moves up to grab Walter Clayton Jr. and Suns land Khaman Maluach at No. 10 (with Jason Walker) | Episode 28Tyler King is joined by Jason Walker from the Cache Valley Dailey and the Full Court Press on 106.9 in Logan to break down the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, which was headlined by the Jazz's decision to go against Ace Bailey's reported desires and bring the Rutgers star to Utah as the potential face of the franchise. They talk about Bailey's fit on a young roster and how he can change the perception he doesn't want to be in Salt Lake City. Then, they discuss Utah's decision to move up three spots in the middle of the first...2025-06-2645 minBasketball in the MountainsThe start of the Alex Jensen era for the Utah Runnin' Utes (with Steve Bartle) | Episode 27Tyler King is joined by Utah beat writer Steve Bartle from KSL sports to talk all things Runnin' Utes, who are in their first offseason with new head coach Alex Jensen, the program legend who will always be remembered for his contributions to the 1998 team that made the national championship game. Tyler and Steve discuss the revitalized fan base in Salt Lake City and how that has propelled a flurry of interesting transfer portal additions that should set Utah up for immediate success in Jensen's first season back with the Utes. 2025-06-2341 minBasketball in the MountainsEMERGENCY Pod: Kevin Durant traded to the Rockets, Suns get underwhelming return headlined by Jalen Green | Episode 26The Kevin Durant trade saga has finally reached its conclusion and Tyler King is back to break it all down on the latest episode of Basketball in the Mountains. He breaks down Phoenix's return for KD from the Houston Rockets, which includes Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. He discusses why this feels like such an underwhelming haul for one of the all-time great players, whose tenure in Phoenix ends after a little over two years and just one appearance past the first round of the playoffs. Tyler then gives some of...2025-06-2326 minBasketball in the MountainsKevin Durant is still a Sun... for now. Plus, early impressions of Jordan Ott and draft targets for Phoenix (with Erik Ruby) | Episode 25Tyler King is joined by Erik Ruby from PHNX Sports to talk all things Phoenix Suns. They begin by discussing the ongoing Kevin Durant trade saga, whether or not the superstar will be dealt before or during next week's NBA Draft and what the Suns should be looking to get back in return. Then, they discuss the early first impression made by first time head coach Jordan Ott, who has quickly risen up the NBA ranks in recent years. Finally, they wrap by talking about some options for Phoenix in the NBA Draft from potential lottery targets, should a...2025-06-2134 minBasketball in the MountainsNBA Draft deep dives on Carter Bryant, Nique Clifford and Egor Demin. Plus, targets for the Utah Jazz at No. 21 (with Tyler Rucker and Troy Finnegan) | Episode 24On the latest episode of Basketball in the Mountains, Tyler King is joined by Tyler Rucker from No Ceilings for NBA Draft breakdowns on the three top prospects from the MT time zone — Arizona's Carter Bryant, BYU's Egor Demin and Colorado State's Nique Clifford. They talk about how each player has done throughout the pre-draft process, how their skills will translate to an NBA role and some of the best fits for each player. Then, in Part 2, Tyler is joined once again by Troy Finnegan from ClutchPoints to continue their conversation about the top draft prospects for the Jazz, th...2025-06-121h 05Basketball in the MountainsWho should the Utah Jazz target No. 5? Official 2025 NBA Draft Big Board reveal (with Troy Finnegan) | Episode 23Tyler King is joined by Troy Finnegan from ClutchPoints to break down all of the options for the Jazz at No. 5 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. From VJ Edgecombe to Ace Bailey to Tre Johnson to Collin Murray-Boyles, they give their detailed evaluations of nine different prospects Utah could be considering with its highest draft pick in a decade.2025-06-061h 24Basketball in the MountainsColorado's offseason additions so far and Tad Boyle's bet on continuity (with Oliver Hayes) | Episode 22Tyler King is joined by Oliver Hayes from BuffStampede on 247sports to talk all things Colorado Buffaloes. They discuss the two transfer portal additions so far and if either can really make a difference for a team that finished in last place in a loaded Big 12 last season. Then, they talk about the important summer ahead for the returning players and who Tad Boyle will be counting on to take a major step forward in 2025-26. 2025-06-0234 minBasketball in the MountainsSuns narrow coaching search, looming decisions on Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal set tone for interesting offseason in Phoenix (with Trevor Booth) | Episode 21On the latest episode of Basketball in the Mountains, Tyler King is joined by Trevor Booth from Bright Side of the Sun to discuss Phoenix's coaching search seemingly approaching an end with some interesting names still in the mix. Then, they preview what will be a very important first offseason for new GM Brian Gregory that starts with the looming decisions on both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Finally, they wrap up with how the Suns can try to retool and rebuild around Devin Booker and give their thoughts on what the star guard's future could be in the...2025-05-3122 minBasketball in the MountainsNuggets eliminated by OKC Thunder, David Adelman has interim tag removed, Josh Kroenke's press conference and a Denver offseason primer (with Vinny Benedetto) | Episode 20Tyler King is joined by Denver Gazette colleague Vinny Benedetto to recap the Nuggets' blowout loss to the Thunder in Game 7 of the second round and preview the offseason ahead in Denver. They talk about the team's shortcomings in the series against Oklahoma City, David Adelman quickly having his interim tag removed after the season ended and Josh Kroenke's press conference that kicked off the summer for the franchise. They also discuss the open GM vacancy, some internal/external candidates and how quickly that job could be filled. Then, they look at what moves the Nuggets could make to...2025-05-2435 minBasketball in the MountainsWhere do the Utah Jazz go after falling in NBA Draft lottery? (with KSL's Ben Anderson) | Episode 19Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Jazz Insider Ben Anderson from KSL to talk about Utah falling to No. 5 in the NBA Draft lottery, despite having the worst record in the league this past season. From Ace Bailey to Kon Knueppel to Tre Johnson, they talk potential Jazz targets at No. 5 before taking a look at what the entire offseason has in store for Danny Ainge and the front office. They discuss Lauri Markkanen and John Collins as potential trade chips as well as the status of Utah's current crop of young players, from Walker...2025-05-1530 minBasketball in the MountainsNuggets dominate Clippers in Game 7, advance to face OKC Thunder in round two (with Vinny Benedetto and Chris Schmaedeke) | Episode 18Tyler King is joined by Denver Gazette colleagues Vinny Benedetto and Chris Schmaedeke for the latest episode of Basketball in the Mountains to break down the Nuggets' blow out, 120-101 win over the L.A. Clippers in Game 7 that sends Nikola Jokic and company to the second round of the NBA playoffs. They discuss Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon's big roles in the series clincher and look ahead to the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander likely winning the MVP over Jokic, OKC's impressive depth and more.2025-05-0541 minBasketball in the MountainsNuggets-Clippers tied 1-1 heading to L.A. with Nikola Jokic vs. Kawhi Leonard at the center of the series, plus Tyler's awards picks and all-NBA teams! | Episode 17Denver Gazette sports reporter Tyler King gives his thoughts on the first two games of the opening round Western Conference playoff series between the Nuggets and the Clippers, including a battle to be the best player in the series shaping up between Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard, Michael Porter Jr.'s health and Ivica Zubac's impact. Then, he gives his picks for the league's major awards, including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, as well as his all-NBA teams.2025-04-2335 minBasketball in the MountainsDenver Nuggets-L.A. Clippers first round NBA playoffs series preview (with Vinny Benedetto and Chris Schmaedeke) | Episode 16Tyler King is joined by Denver Gazette colleagues Vinny Benedetto and Chris Schmaedeke for a giant, Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers first round playoff series preview. They break down all the key matchups that will define this 4 seed vs. 5 seed matchup in the Western Conference, including Nikola Jokic vs. Ivica Zubac, Aaron Gordon vs. Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray vs. James Harden, David Adelman vs. Ty Lue and so much more.2025-04-1834 minBasketball in the MountainsDenver Nuggets SHOCK NBA world by firing Michael Malone AND Calvin Booth with 3 games left in regular season (with Troy Finnegan) | EMERGENCY Episode 15Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Troy Finnegan of ClutchPoints for an emergency episode of Basketball in the Mountains to break down the Denver Nuggets' shocking firings of both coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with just three games remaining in the regular season. Tyler and Troy break down the strange timing for a decision that felt imminent for a Nuggets team that has spiraled down the stretch, including a current four-game losing streak and a mysterious Jamal Murray injury that puts his status for the NBA playoffs in doubt. Then, they talk...2025-04-0938 minBasketball in the MountainsColorado State hires Ali Farokhmanesh, BYU-Alabama and Arizona-Duke Sweet 16 previews and predictions (with Caleb Wilfinger) | Episode 14Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King talks about Colorado State coming to the logical conclusion after Niko Medved left for Minnesota by promoting Ali Farokhmanesh to head coach. Then, he's joined by Caleb Wilfinger from Pickswise to preview the two remaining mountain time zone teams in the Sweet 16. First, they preview BYU and Alabama before talking about Arizona and Duke.2025-03-2744 minBasketball in the MountainsColorado State falls to Maryland in heartbreaking NCAA Tournament loss, Niko Medved leaves for Minnesota, Arizona and BYU advance to Sweet 16 | Episode 13Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King breaks down Colorado State's heartbreaking loss to Maryland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, including Derik Queen's buzzer beater and the "no call" travel on the play that wiped out Jalen Lake's go-ahead 3-pointer. Then, he talks about Niko Medved quickly leaving for Minnesota, his alma mater, and who from the Rams has already and will join him in the Twin Cities. Then, Tyler recaps Arizona and BYU's wins to advance to the Sweet 16 and Donovan Dent's decision to leave New Mexico and enter the transfer portal.2025-03-2628 minBasketball in the MountainsKyan Evans leads Colorado State to massive NCAA Tournament win over Memphis (with Kevin Lytle) | Episode 12Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Kevin Lytle for the Fort Collins Coloradoan to talk about Colorado State's massive, 78-70 win over No. 5 seed Memphis at the NCAA Tournament. Tyler and Kevin break down what they say in person at the game in Seattle, including Kyan Evans' best performance since joining the Rams. Then, they break down New Mexico's victory over Marquette that caps a hugely successful day for the Mountain West conference. Finally, Tyler recaps Arizona's blowout win over Akron (also in Seattle) and previews the second-round matchup between the Wildcats at No. 5 seed...2025-03-2236 minBasketball in the MountainsBYU dazzles in Denver, Utah State blown out, Colorado State-Memphis preview (March Madness Day 1 recap) | Episode 11Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King recaps day one of the NCAA Tournament, including BYU's impressive win over VCU in Denver. Tyler also recaps the rest of the action at Ball Arena, including a live reaction to the end of Michigan-UC San Diego, before talking about Utah State's disappointing, blowout loss to UCLA. Finally, he previews Friday's matchup between Colorado State and Memphis in Seattle.2025-03-2121 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 10: Selection Sunday mega-recap (with Caleb Wilfinger)Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Caleb Wilfinger from Pickswise to recap a fun Selection Sunday and give their biggest takeaways from the bracket reveal. They talk about Colorado State's draw against Memphis, with Arizona and Grand Canyon joining the Rams in Seattle. Then, they break down the eight teams coming to Denver for the first and seconds rounds, headlined by BYU. 2025-03-1755 minBasketball in the MountainsEMERGENCY Episode 9: Nique Clifford leads Colorado State to Mountain West tournament championship and trip back to the NCAA TournamentDenver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King recaps Colorado State's epic run to the Mountain West tournament championship, the Rams' first since 2003. Nique Clifford was the biggest star in Las Vegas and cemented himself as an all-time Ram with his performance. Niko Medved has now led CSU to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments and to a third appearance in the last four years. Tyler will be back with a guest later on Selection Sunday night to recap where all of the Mountain time zone teams are headed this week and preview all eight teams that are coming to Denver for the...2025-03-1618 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 8: Mountain West and Big 12 tournament previews and all-conference awards (with Justin Michael and Troy Finnegan)Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by DNVR's Justin Michael to break down Colorado State's big win over Boise State to close the regular season, give their Mountain West awards and all-conference picks, as well as previewing the upcoming conference tournament. Then, Troy Finnegan from ClutchPoints comes on to preview the Big 12 tournament and who are the standouts from another exciting regular season in the conference.2025-03-111h 10Basketball in the MountainsEpisode 7: Colorado State officially on the NCAA Tournament bubble ahead of massive road game at Boise StateDenver Gazette college sports reporter reacts to news that Colorado State is officially on the NCAA Tournament bubble, per various projections, and lays out the path for the Rams getting an at-large mid to March Madness. He also previews Friday's important road game against Boise State to close out the regular season, which would boost the tournament hopes for Niko Medved's team and ensure that they get the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Mountain West tournament.2025-03-0720 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 6: Nuggets east coast road trip recap and more Suns embarrassment (with Vinny Benedetto)Tyler King is joined by Denver Gazette colleague Vinny Benedetto to talk about the Nuggets' recent road trip to the east coast, particularly the closing game against the Celtics and what they learned from the game in Boston, before discussing the next stretch of games for Denver that includes a pair of games on the road against first-place Oklahoma City. Then, Tyler and Vinny discuss yet another embarrassing loss for the Phoenix Suns, who continue to set themselves apart as arguably the bleakest situation in the NBA.2025-03-0432 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 5: Utah fires Craig Smith and BYU surges in Big 12 standings (with Sean Walker)Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Sean Walker of KSL to talk about Utah's decision to fire Craig Smith before the end of the regular season and potential coaching candidates that could help reinvigorate the Runnin' Utes program. Then, they talk about BYU's recent 5-game winning streak that has the Cougars tied for fourth in the Big 12 standings heading into the final three games of the regular season. They discuss Richie Saunders' big junior season in Provo and how first-year coach Kevin Young has found instant success leaning into making BYU a professional basketball factory.2025-02-2741 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 4: We're in a new era of the Nuggets-Lakers rivalry (with Vinny Benedetto)Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King and Nuggets beat writer Vinny Benedetto break down Denver's 123-100 loss to the L.A. Lakers on Saturday night at Ball Arena. They talk about J.J. Redick's aggressive game plan that kept three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic in check throughout the game, Luka Doncic's introduction to a rivalry that the Nuggets have owned in recent years and how this game sets up a fascinating end to the regular season that could lead to another postseason meeting between Denver and L.A.2025-02-2418 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 3: Utah State's continued success (with Patrick Mayhorn)Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Patrick Mayhorn from The Aggship, the best source for Utah State athletics coverage, to talk about the Aggies' spectacular 2024-25 season so far. They discuss first-year coach Jerrod Calhoun, stars Ian Martinez and Mason Falslev and the team's outlook the rest of the regular season and heading into the Mountain West and NCAA Tournament.2025-02-2140 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 2: Colorado gets first Big 12 win (with Troy Finnegan)Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Troy Finnegan of CU Sports Report and ClutchPoints to talk about Colorado snapping its 13-game losing streak and finally winning a game in Big 12 play. They also discuss the future of the Buffaloes' program and how Tad Boyle's team could look heading into year two in the Big 12 before hitting on some of the best games to watch in the Mountain time zone this week.2025-02-1847 minBasketball in the MountainsEpisode 1: Nuggets with Vinny Benedetto and CSU Rams with Justin MichaelIn the first episode of Basketball in the Mountains, Denver Gazette college sports reporter Tyler King is joined by Gazette colleague Vinny Benedetto to talk about the Nuggets' decision to stand pat at the trade deadline and the team's outlook heading into the All-Star break. Then, DNVR's Justin Michael joins to talk about Colorado State's big win over San Diego State that puts the Rams in sole possession of third place in the Mountain West ahead of a big-time showdown at Utah State.2025-02-1157 min