|
Matt Norlander@norlander.bsky.social |
1387 followers 56 following 550 posts
Senior Writer, CBS Sports.
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
By the way, NCAA Tournament expansion discussion is the big topic on today's agenda, I'm told. No idea if the discussion leads to an actual vote/decision, but they'll burrow into a lot of the logistics and consequences behind what would come with increasing the field to 72 or 76.
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Column: Five obvious and significant reasons why the NCAA shouldn't expand the NCAA Tournament, starting with: most people who enjoy the NCAA Tournament would prefer to not have it expanded.
www.cbssports.com/college-bask...
4 replies 2 reposts 13 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
It's arguably the slowest sports week of the year. That in mind, one last piece on the draft, guaranteed to age beautifully. The seven players taken too late, who will prove to be some of the best picks of the 2024 NBA Draft, or: Why Tyler Kolek is kinda/sorta the next Jalen Brunson.
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Flew down to North Carolina to see March Madness cult hero DJ Burns' 45-pound weight loss for myself and get a sense of the hell and rigor he's put himself through daily to shape up. I don't think he'll be drafted, but after spending a day with him, I can tell you this: He's never been happier.
1 replies 1 reposts 6 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Kinda wanna play NHL 96 right now.
1 replies 0 reposts 7 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
I double-dipped for this project and did some video feature work as well. The CBS team did a really nice job here. This is a look at what it's like to see a lottery pick in training in the build-up to the biggest night of his life. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ-2...
0 replies 0 reposts 0 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Williams had a Grade 3 ankle sprain in February that, in retrospect, one of the most respected doctors in sports medicine said should have ended his brief college career. Cody wanted to play anyway, so he did. He's a fascinating prospect. Remember, big bro Jalen has been a stud for the OKC Thunder.
1 replies 0 reposts 0 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
I recently took a trip to Santa Barbara to watch Cody Williams train. He's going to be a top-10 pick on Wednesday. The wonder of it: He'll do it despite an underwhelming single season at Colorado that was plagued by injuries, the extent of which he kept private until now. NBA Draft feature here:
1 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
If only I had that power, Sara!
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
I'll be podcasting today at 4 ET. I spoke to a variety of sources who were in the room yesterday when Dan Gavitt floated the possibility of expanding the NCAAT to 72/76 teams. I've got some intel and context to provide and will save it for today's show, including a timeline on a decision. Link here:
1 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Consier? Go to bed, doofus.
0 replies 0 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Consier: Since he was 14/15, Jayson Tatum's almost always been the best or second-best player on the court. I remember interviewing Jayson Tatum at MSG in December of his lone season at Duke. I was nearly convinced then he'd be a really good NBA player. Awesome to see him achieve a lifelong dream.
1 replies 0 reposts 7 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Finally: a championship has come to Boston.
2 replies 4 reposts 14 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Ryan: It took me until the year 2024, but I finally gave in to inner urges and bought a grill. And yes, in true dad style, it is a Weber.
1 replies 0 reposts 2 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
This is really kind of you, Tim. Thank you. Brightened my day.
2 replies 0 reposts 5 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Got Dan Hurley on the phone for 45-plus minutes earlier today. We touched on a lot. Read it to the end. That last graf is key, I think. He also told me he was seeing Billy Joel at MSG no matter what — and would have pushed the Lakers' meeting even if they insisted meeting with him that same day.
2 replies 6 reposts 14 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Thank you, man. I was happy with how it came out.
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
In speaking to sources, my read on the Hurley decision timeline: Saturday at the earliest, Monday at the latest. I have spoken to people who have strongly expressed an (uninformed) opinion that he's not leaving. Others have said you can't turn down this shot. Amazing that we've hit this point.
0 replies 1 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
A big column on Dan Hurley and the Lakers and why a man who thrives as a creature of comfort has a lot to consider — and a lot to be wary of — if he's to choose to leave UConn behind.
www.cbssports.com/college-bask...
2 replies 1 reposts 4 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Kareem on Bill. It won't take long to read and you'll be glad you did.
kareem.substack.com/p/bill-walto...
2 replies 33 reposts 54 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Some Ween on a hot Friday afternoon hits the spot 🌶️
1 replies 0 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Had multiple people tell me commissioners in the Group of Five are hardly happy but outright refuse to speak up and upset the CFP apple cart with how the arrangement currently sits.
0 replies 0 reposts 2 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Here's the cruel irony: The riches and chaos of college football rolled college sports to this point. But college football isn't solving anything. The only reason we have a settlement is because of college basketball. And, because of course, college hoops will also take the hit after saving the day.
0 replies 2 reposts 9 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Me, watching Ron Dayne: "He's running."
0 replies 0 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Good stuff from press warhorse Jack Shafer. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
It's about damn time. These things genuinely frightened the hell out of 7-year-old me. Send every last one of them into the sun.
2 replies 0 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
New/updated story: I got the Green Bay AD on the record to explain why he hired Gottlieb despite having zero college coaching experience and still allowing him to do a nationally syndicated daily radio show.
0 replies 0 reposts 0 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Folks, I know this is extremely random, but: Doug Gottlieb is going to be the head coach of the Green Bay men's basketball team. Wait. There's more. He's also going to continue to be a national radio host for Fox Sports. Unprecedented arrangement. I have no idea how any of this is going to work.
6 replies 1 reposts 5 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Grand Canyon and Seattle are joining the WCC. A lot of news pegs off this, but the two biggest to know, per my sources: 1. The Big 12 has no interest as of now in adding Gonzaga 2. Washington State and Oregon State are likely leaving the WCC in 2026 to (maybe) revive the Pac-12 brand Details here:
1 replies 2 reposts 7 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
It's such a bonus for college basketball AND the NBA that a trio of college teammates, who won a national title, found each other as teammates again in the NBA and are legitimately the three most important players on the best Knicks team in years. Among the cooler things in sports I've seen in 2024.
5 replies 3 reposts 19 likes
|
Scott Tobias
@scotttobias.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Hard to even work my mind around a loss like Steve Albini, particularly here in Chicago, where he loomed especially large. Such a guiding spirit and uncompromising voice for indie music. Also a great quote, a first-rate poster and a hell of a poker player.
7 replies 45 reposts 344 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
I'd love to hear that! I'm due to play a three-man gig with a hand-drum percussionist next Saturday, in fact. My first in over a year.
0 replies 0 reposts 0 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
The plan is to make this a 16-team, multi-tournament event in Vegas in 2025. How it makes money with so many millions being poured into it, I'm not yet sure. Skepticism abounds. That said, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Michigan, Syracuse and Virginia have all been in talks to potentially join as well.
0 replies 0 reposts 2 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
The teams involved for 2024: Bama, Houston, N. Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego St., Texas A&M. Eighth team is TBD but will soon be decided; I believe it'll be a Big East team. Most—if not all—of these schools have signed three-year agreements to participate in this polarizing multi-team event.
1 replies 0 reposts 2 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
News: A first-of-its-kind CBB event is coming to Vegas this year. Eight teams will be paid $1 million apiece in NIL money for players. The winners will receive an additional seven-figure payout. And in 2025? They want to double it to 16 teams and have blue bloods involved. Scoop/details:
2 replies 1 reposts 3 likes
|
Timothy Burke
@bubbaprog.ilovecitr.us
[ View ] |
BREAKING: The sworn affidavit, filed a year ago to justify the seizure of my newsroom, has been unsealed. You will want to read this one, as much for what it leaves out as for what it says (much of which is, of course, completely wrong): storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
8 replies 65 reposts 242 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
JUST ASKING: Are we sure the Bears shouldn't draft Jayden Daniels?
0 replies 0 reposts 2 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Enjoyed this half-feature, half Q-and-A with Seinfeld, courtesy of GQ. Opens on his thoughts on the Curb finale—which I enjoyed a lot more than I was expecting to. They really did pull off a magic trick to end it.
Then we get bits of insight like this. A good read.
www.gq.com/story/jerry-...
1 replies 0 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
The other deals with an irony at Kentucky. The Wildcats couldn't convince Baylor's coach to leave for Lexington. But Kentucky's new coach did convince Scott Drew's top assistant to leave Waco to coach at UK. The move has drawn intrigue around the sport. Here are the angles from both sides.
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Broke a couple of college hoops stories in the past ~24 hours. Gotta be better about linking/posting over here. The biggie is RJ Davis coming back to UNC. He's the most accomplished player returning to the sport next season. Not yet official but will be, I think, tomorrow. Here are the details.
1 replies 5 reposts 14 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
I'll read you wherever you're putting the words down, Amanda. Congrats on a new venture.
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Thought-provoking prompt. The list is not long, that's for sure. Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits spring to mind.
0 replies 1 reposts 0 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
It is only fitting that here, on Bluesky, we pay homage to Dickey Betts, who just passed. He and Duane are trading licks together once again and forever more. Seminal American songwriting.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwyX...
0 replies 0 reposts 5 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Headed to the airport, but the coaching tracker over at CBS got a huge update yesterday. The big thing at the moment is Eric Musselman emerging as USC's top choice. He's interviewing today. I suspect he's getting the job. www.cbssports.com/college-bask...
0 replies 0 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
That encounter led to this, today:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWfL...
0 replies 1 reposts 3 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Iowa State's pep band is slaughtering some RATM. Give it to me!
0 replies 1 reposts 10 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
A LOT of game left, but early on it is looking like Iowa State does not have the offensive arsenal to run with Illinois. And Illinois' offensive style is not conducive to the one thing ISU thrives off: turnovers. We'll see. I love a Sweet 16 Thursday, by the way.
0 replies 0 reposts 7 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
!
0 replies 0 reposts 1 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Hello from Boston.
Via @sickoscommittee.bsky.social
❤️ to @guster.bsky.social
2 replies 2 reposts 13 likes
|
|
Matt Norlander
@norlander.bsky.social
[ View ] |
Apologies for the overshare, but had an unexpected moment that made my day: Ian Eagle recognized me as I made my way my press seat before Duke-JMU and said he loves my passion for covering 🏀. Right back at you, 🦅! That guy's the best and we're so lucky to have him as the new voice of the Final Four.
3 replies 1 reposts 24 likes