Shows
The What If Sports PodWhat If... The Thunder beat the Warriors in the NBA’s 2015-2016 Western Conference Finals?In 2016, the Oklahoma City Thunder were trying to pull off the impossible and upset the record setting Golden State Warriors in the NBA's Western Conference Finals. But after the Thunder lost a 3-1 series lead in epic fashion, the offseason decision of Kevin Durant leaving for the team that just beat him sent waves across the NBA. If the Thunder completed the upset, would that summer of 2016 look different?
2022-08-0843 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... the Thunder beat the Warriors in the 2016 NBA Playoffs?In 2016, the Oklahoma City Thunder were trying to pull off the impossible and upset the record-setting Golden State Warriors in the NBA's Western Conference Finals. But after the Thunder lost a 3-1 series lead in epic fashion, the offseason decision of Kevin Durant leaving for the team that just beat him sent waves across the NBA. If the Thunder completed the upset, would that summer of 2016 look different?
2022-08-0543 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Garrincha did not have an alcohol addiction?What if I told you there was a soccer player that rivaled the skill of Pelé ... who actually played alongside him? Garrincha was a Brazilian winger whose dribbling skills embodied the flair and beauty we associate with Brazilian futebol today and who helped win his country two FIFA World Cups. But what if a life-long addiction to alcohol did not shorten the career and life of the adored player mourned by all of Brazil whose epitaph reads "Here rests in peace the one who was the joy of the people"?
2022-05-2847 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Italy qualified for the 2022 World Cup?It’s hard to believe that Italy will miss its second straight World Cup. To some, this is a tragedy. To others, this is absolute bliss. Regardless of which side you are on, we thought, well what if Italy did in fact qualify for the 2022 World Cup? What impact would it have had on the national team and domestic leagues? Tune in to find out!
2022-05-0651 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Oil superpowers did not rule European Soccer?Many European soccer teams have had strong ties to oil superpowers, for better or for worse. But, what if this trend continues and we see a greater oil influence in the coming years? Would this be good or bad for the sport as a whole?
2022-04-1443 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... NIL was allowed in previous years?In the summer of 2021, collegiate athletes were allowed to make money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL) for the first time ever. This new rule has impacted recruiting, the social media presence and branding of college athletes, and businesses who choose to sponsor them. This brought up the question: What if the NIL would have been allowed in previous years and how would it have changed the landscape of collegiate sports?
2022-03-3147 minThe What If Sports PodNCAA March Madness SPECIAL ... Part 2It's timeeeeeeee ... part two!! March has begun. Shamrock shakes, misty rain, and a whole lot of college basketball with March Madness. We break down the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament and give you our initial reactions, surprise picks, Final 4 selections, and more!
2022-03-1630 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... The globalization of sports continues into the future?Do you follow the NBA or keep up with MLB? Have you noticed the significance of soccer in all corners of the globe? Do your favorite athletes hail from countries outside the U.S.? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have noticed the role of globalization in every sport, especially here in the U.S. In today's podcast, with a special lens on the NBA and basketball world wide, we reflect on past trends of globalization in sports, predict future globalization trends, and discuss much more!
2022-03-0248 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If ... The NFL investigated everything like they did deflated footballs?Brian Flores, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, hit the NFL with a lawsuit claiming hiring and firing discrimination. The NFL instantly rejected Flores' lawsuit, stating they will defend against the claims as they were "without merit." Flores' lawyer argued the NFL investigated deflated footballs longer than the claims from the lawsuit. That got us thinking: what if the NFL investigated everything like they investigate deflated footballs?
2022-02-1644 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Ichiro Suzuki played his entire career in the MLB?Ichiro Suzuki is one of the most iconic players in baseball history. He set several records despite only playing a portion of his professional career in the U.S. Which of course begs the question... what would the sport of baseball be like had Ichiro Suzuki played his entire career in the U.S.?
2022-02-0243 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Barry Sanders didn‘t retire so early?Barry Sanders is known as one of the best running backs in the history of the NFL, known for his elusive jukes and snaking runs that cut through defenses for years. Unfortunately for football fans, his career was cut short because of injury and other reasons. What if he played longer? Would he be considered the greatest running back ever?
2021-11-2034 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If… Freddy Adu became a world class player?Few athletes in history have had as much pressure and expectations on their shoulders than soccer player, Freddy Adu. Many considered him the next Pelé, but his career unfortunately didn’t reach those lofty heights. In this episode, we look at what if he did become one of the best soccer players in the world, and what it would have meant for America to have a world-class men's soccer player.
2021-11-0432 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... The U.S. Men‘s National Team was able to replicate the success of the U.S. Women‘s National Team?With 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer matches ramping up for the U.S. Men's national team (USMNT), one may be left to ponder; why hasn't the USMNT done better on the international stage? In contrast, the U.S. Women's national team (USWNT) has reached utter dominance on the international stage. In this episode, we dive into the differences between the USMNT and the USWNT, how the USMNT can aim to replicate the success of the USWNT, and talk about other reasons there is such a divide and what if this actually happened. Let's take a listen.
2021-10-2138 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If…Teams acquired players matching the characteristics of a city?Inspired by an episode of the Netflix series “The Playbook: A Coach’s Rule for Life,” we thought it’d be neat to talk about which players would be an ideal characteristic fit for some of the teams we support. What kind of player would fit the humble chilled vibe of Welsh city, Swansea and their soccer team, Swansea City? What kind of player would fit the charm yet rugged individualism of Oklahoma City and their basketball team, the Thunder? What kind of player fits the glitz and glamour of Madrid and their famous soccer team, Real Madrid? 🤔 🤔
2021-10-0144 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If… Jeet didn’t select Adrian Peterson in our 2012 fantasy football draft?The Premier League fantasy football league has been running strong since our senior year of high school. It’s grown from 6 teams to 12, seen every single member of this podcast win a championship, and been the center of many arguments in the friend group. But the event in question today goes back to its first season, where Jeet picked Adrian Peterson, fresh off an ACL tear a few months earlier, in the last round of the draft. Had I, Cameron, picked him instead, would it have changed the course of fantasy history?
2021-09-0937 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Catalonia Seceded from Spain in 2006?The separation between sports and politics has always been cloudy. Perhaps the best example of that is Spain, a country where one of its biggest regions tried to secede. We take a look at what if Catalonia was not part of Spain, and how that would have affected their 2010 World Cup triumph.
2021-08-2736 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... College Football Transfers Weren't AllowedTransfers in college athletics have become commonplace in today's world. But what would happen if transfers were not allowed? Or what if specific athletes never decided to transfer in the first place? We dive into those questions by talking about three consecutive Heisman trophy winners and number one NFL draft picks, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Joe Burrow, and how their careers, and history books, would have been affected if they never transferred.
2021-08-1135 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Bo Jackson was never injured in 1991?Bo Jackson was at the peak of the sport world when the 90s began. He was the most incredible athlete on Earth, making all star appearances in both the NFL and MLB. He was a unicorn in professional sports. But after an awkward tackle in the 1991 NFL playoffs led to a career-altering hip injury, his time was cut short on his limitless potential. What would have happened if that injury never happened and shortened his career?
2021-07-3139 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If… Magic Johnson never contracted or continued playing after contracting HIV?Magic Johnson, from his time in college to the showtime Lakers, was an NBA super-star and one of the greatest ever to grace the basketball court. But amidst an epidemic, the legend contracted HIV and initially retired from the NBA in 1991 still at the peak of his powers, shocking the world in the process. But what if Magic never contracted HIV or continued playing after contracting HIV until his eventual retirement in 1996? How would his illustrious career have differed, in personal and team accolades, and what would the public health significance have been? Listen and find out.
2021-07-1435 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Lolo Jones didn't clip that hurdle in the 2008 Beijing Olympics?During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Lolo Jones was the favorite to win the 100 meters hurdles. She was in the lead and ready to claim gold until she clipped the penultimate hurdle, finishing 7th. Dawn Harper of the USA claimed gold. Following this loss, Lolo Jones attained several lucrative endorsement deals and media appearances. Dawn Harper received little attention in comparison. To this day, Lolo Jones has never medaled in an Olympics whereas Dawn Harper has medaled twice. Yet, many Americans recall Jones’ mishap rather than Harper’s victory. What if Lolo Jones didn’t clip that hurdle? Would she still have t...2021-07-0130 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Eddie owned the New York Knicks?The New York Knicks are in the midst of a renaissance. But what does it truly take to transform bottom feeders into a powerhouse? And what if the person destined to lead the Knicks to their former glory is one of the hosts of this very podcast…
2021-06-1633 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...There were no Top 4 Sports in the United States?The United States has produced some of the best athletes in the world. But, the U.S. hasn't been even close to good in the world's most popular sport, soccer. Due to the large amounts of options of sports, soccer has been pushed to the end of the line in popularity. What if those other sports, mainly the Top 4 (Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Hockey), didn't exist in the U.S.? How would we stack up to other countries in international soccer?
2021-06-0238 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... Manchester City never received wealthy ownership in 2008?Manchester City has recently clinched yet another Premier League title and after making their first Champions League Final, they have moved into Europe's upper echelon of clubs. But what if the Manchester City we know them as today was never purchased by a Middle Eastern ownership group in 2008? How would the landscape of English domestic football have changed and if not Manchester City, which club(s) would have reigned supreme in the 2010's? Only one way to find out...
2021-05-1932 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If... The European Super League was Created?Recently, over 10 of the world's biggest soccer clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Liverpool, among many others, nearly broke away from their country's leagues to form a European SUPER League. But what if it actually materialized? Walla walla bing bang let's get into it.
2021-05-0540 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...The U.S. women’s professional soccer leagues didn’t fold in the early 2000’s?In the midst of the U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) global dominance, the U.S. women’s professional soccer leagues endured periods of instability, with leagues collapsing due to improper management. In the early 2000’s, there was roughly a three-year period where there wasn’t a recognized top-tier women’s professional soccer league in the U.S. What if the U.S. women’s professional soccer leagues didn’t fold in the early 2000’s? How might that have impacted the USWNT?
2021-04-2134 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...College Students have to attend an In-State School?One of the great things about college sports is that students can travel all over the country to pick the perfect school for them. But, what if students could only attend schools in the state they were born in? How would the lives of the students and the success of certain schools be affected? Walla walla bing bang let's get into it.
2021-04-0734 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...Wayne Gretzky was never traded in 1988?Wayne Gretzky was on top of the NHL world in the 1980s doing things that no NHL player had ever done before and to this day, his records still stand. Consequentially, the Edmonton Oilers had established a dynasty of their own, winning 4 finals in the decade. But one day in 1988, the Oilers decided to shock the world and trade the GOAT to Los Angeles, one of the biggest markets in America. This trade not only affected the Oilers and the Kings but also created waves that helped form the National Hockey League we know today. What if this trade...2021-03-2431 minThe What If Sports PodNCAA March Madness SPECIALIt's timeeeeee!! March has begun. Shamrock shakes, misty rain, and a whole lot of college basketball with March Madness. We break down the tournament and give you our initial reactions, surprise picks, Final 4 selections and most importantly, our favorite type of pie!
2021-03-1722 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...the "One-and-Done" rule in College Basketball was Removed?March Madness is upon us! But college basketball has become known for "one-and-done" superstars before they jump to the NBA. This has led to the rule being criticized for its college requirement for soon-to-be NBA stars. What if the controversial "one-and-done" rule was changed or completely removed?
2021-03-1022 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...Luis Suarez doesn't handle the ball in the 2010 FIFA World Cup?In the Quarter-Finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Uruguay battled against the only remaining African team in the tournament...Ghana. With the game tied in extra-time, a young Uruguayan striker by the name of Luis Suarez blocked a goal-bound ball with his hands. Ghana ended up losing this match. But what if Luis Suarez didn't handle the ball? How would that have impacted his career? How would Ghana be impacted?
2021-02-2419 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...Hubie Brown didn't coach the 2002-03 Grizzlies?The 2002 Memphis Grizzlies were a historically bad team when the season started. But then they hired Hall of Famer Hubie Brown to lead them to a mediocre season. Believe it or not, his decision to coach them had league-shaking ramifications for years to come. So what if he never coached them? How would the NBA as we know it be different?
2021-02-1019 minThe What If Sports PodWhat If...Drew Bledsoe didn't get injured?Drew Bledsoe was holding it down at New England in the mid to late 90's. But a bone-crunching tackle (literally, it crunched the poor man's bones) left him sidelined and paved the way for a young quarterback by the name of Tom Brady. So what if Drew Bledsoe never got injured? Would Tom Brady still be considered the G.O.A.T. he is commonly known as today?
2021-01-2719 min