Épisodes

  • Episode 187 - Boston Backlash, NBA Playoff Madness & The Big 12’s Big Money Shift

    Episode 187 - Boston Backlash, NBA Playoff Madness & The Big 12’s Big Money Shift
    May 5 2026
    “Chaos in the NBA. Pressure on Boston. And a money move that could change college football forever.
    We’re breaking down the Celtics’ collapse without Jayson Tatum, the rise of new playoff contenders, and the Big 12’s billion-dollar play.
    This is In The Zone with Anthony Smith — where the game meets real insight.”

    Cover art photo provided by Davide Aracri on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@davieees?utm_source=spreaker&utm_medium=referral

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    44 min
  • Episode 186 - Contracts, Controversy & Playoff Pressure

    Episode 186 - Contracts, Controversy & Playoff Pressure
    Apr 24 2026
    In this episode of In The Zone with Anthony Smith, we break down a packed slate of basketball headlines shaping both the present and future of the game.
    The Las Vegas Aces make history by locking in A'ja Wilson to the largest contract in WNBA history, while the Indiana Fever invest big in rising star Aliyah Boston—signaling a major shift in player value and league growth.
    Over in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons finally snap a historic home playoff losing streak, while tensions rise as Devin Booker calls out officiating in a heated postseason matchup.
    We also dive into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant 37-point performance powering the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 2-0 series lead over the Phoenix Suns—and what that means for the balance of power in the West.
    Plus, we discuss the potential impact of Jalen Williams’s hamstring injury and how it could shift the momentum of the series moving forward.
    From historic contracts to playoff intensity, this episode delivers sharp analysis, real conversation, and everything you need to stay

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    26 min
  • Episode 185 - "65-Game Snubs & WNBA Draft Fire: Fudd to Dallas, Johnson Trade Drama & Big Grades"

    Episode 185 - "65-Game Snubs & WNBA Draft Fire: Fudd to Dallas, Johnson Trade Drama & Big Grades"
    Apr 15 2026
    In this jam-packed episode of In The Zone, Anthony Smith breaks down the NBA’s controversial 65-game rule and which superstars got left out of end-of-season awards contention — including Luka, LeBron, Giannis, Cade Cunningham, and more.
    Then we go full WNBA Draft mode: Azzi Fudd taken No. 1 by the Dallas Wings, the Flau’jae Johnson pre-draft trade to the Seattle Storm, Olivia Miles to Minnesota, Lauren Betts to Washington, full ESPN report card grades, winners & losers, and why several teams aced this draft.
    Plus, listener Q&A, Azzi Fudd’s perfect fit analysis with Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, and closing thoughts on where the league is headed.
    🎧 Tune in for sharp hoops analysis, draft breakdowns, and real talk on the biggest stories in basketball right now.
    Drop your thoughts in the comments — who had the best draft? Should the NBA change the 65-game rule?
    New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, rate, and stay In The Zone! 🏀
    Available now on all platforms.

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    26 min
  • Episode 184 - Portal Chaos to Championship Money: College WBB Explosion + WNBA Offseason Fireworks

    Episode 184 - Portal Chaos to Championship Money: College WBB Explosion + WNBA Offseason Fireworks
    Apr 11 2026
    From Portal Chaos to Championship Money: College Hoops Explosion + WNBA Offseason Fireworks | In The Zone with Anthony Smith
    Women’s basketball is moving at warp speed! In this jam-packed episode, we break down the wildest offseason yet.
    We start with the college chaos: Over 1,100 players entered the transfer portal in the first 12 hours, including Iowa State star Audi Crooks (25.8 PPG, 64.9% FG). Plus, UCLA’s national title game drew 9.9 million viewers — proving the sport’s massive momentum is here to stay. We also address the Dawn Staley vs. Geno Auriemma Final Four moment and why it’s time to turn the page.
    Then we shift to the WNBA: The Las Vegas Aces lock up four-time All-Star Jackie Young with a $1.19 million deal to keep their dynasty alive. We grade the blockbuster Angel Reese trade to the Atlanta Dream and discuss what it means for both teams.
    Plus, we look ahead at the emerging rookies who will shape the 2026 season — including Paige Bueckers in Year 2 and top 2026 prospects like Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Lauren Betts, and more.
    This is the new era of women’s basketball: bigger money, bigger audiences, and nonstop movement.

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    37 min
  • Episode 183 - "Headbutt" Chaos, Underwood’s Redemption & Explosive 2026 NBA Mock Draft

    Episode 183 - "Headbutt" Chaos, Underwood’s Redemption & Explosive 2026 NBA Mock Draft
    Apr 3 2026
    March Madness is heating up as we head into the Final Four! On this episode of In The Zone with Anthony Smith, we break down all the biggest storylines from the Elite Eight:
    Dan Hurley downplays the viral forehead-to-forehead moment with the ref after UConn’s buzzer-beater win over Duke — was it a headbutt or just March Madness passion?
    Brad Underwood silences the doubters as Illinois reaches their first Final Four since 2005.
    Why the “death of March Madness” narrative is way overblown (record viewership proves it).
    The real reasons NCAA tournament expansion to 76 teams is likely coming soon.
    Early look at the loaded 2026 NBA Mock Draft featuring AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and more.
    Plus, listener Q&A on Hurley’s intensity, tournament excitement, and how expansion could impact the NBA pipeline.
    If you love unfiltered college hoops talk and NBA futures, this episode is for you. Drop your Final Four predictions in the comments!

    Cover art photo provided by Bailey Burton on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@17thcw?utm_source=spreaker&utm_medium=referral

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    42 min
  • Episode 182 - Bill Self is Back

    Episode 182 - Bill Self is Back
    Apr 2 2026
    Bill Self is officially returning for the 2026-27 season — and the Kansas Jayhawks are reloading with purpose!
    In this episode of In The Zone with Anthony Smith, we break down the latest news: After health scares and a tough NCAA Tournament exit, Coach Self shuts down retirement rumors and recommits to chasing another national championship at Allen Fieldhouse.
    We dive deep into his legendary legacy — multiple national titles (2008 & 2022), record wins, 17 Big 12 crowns, NBA talent factory, and what his return means for the program.
    Then we examine KU’s 2026 recruiting class: Headlined by five-star point guard Taylen Kinney (the confident scorer Self compared to a young Mario Chalmers), plus athletic frontcourt piece Davion Adkins, versatile wing Trent Perry, and sharp-shooting guard Luke Barnett (called the best shooter Self has recruited since Gradey Dick). Currently ranked as high as No. 1 nationally on some services and a strong top-5 across the board — is this a championship foundation or a player away from elite status?
    We compare it to past monster KU classes (think 2005 with Chalmers/Rush or 2013 with Embiid/Wiggins) and discuss how it stacks up in today’s game.
    Finally, we look at the fierce Big 12 recruiting battlefield — Texas Tech, Houston, Arizona, and others are coming hard. Can a healthier Bill Self and this balanced reload keep Kansas ahead of the conference wolves?
    If you’re a Jayhawk fan or love college hoops drama, this one’s for you. We debate whether Self can push KU back to Final Four glory or if it’s time for new energy in Lawrence.
    Drop your hottest take in the comments: Is Bill Self writing one more legendary chapter, or will Big 12 rivals make it too tough?
    ✅ Subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave a review — new episodes drop weekly!
    Follow the show on socials for more Kansas basketball talk and sports debates.
    #KansasJayhawks #BillSelf #Big12Basketball #CollegeHoops #InTheZone
    Follow me on X @ITZAnthonySmith

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    21 min
  • Episode 181- The 1966 Texas Western Legacy

    Episode 181- The 1966 Texas Western Legacy
    Mar 23 2026
    Sixty years ago, the landscape of college basketball changed forever. In this special episode of In The Zone with Anthony Smith, we’re traveling back to March 19, 1966—the night the Texas Western Miners made history as the first team with an all-Black starting five to win the NCAA Championship.
    Host Anthony Smith breaks down the "Collision Course" between the legendary Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats and Don Haskins’ fearless Miners. We look past the box score to explore:
    • The Decision: Why starting five Black players was considered a "national risk" in 1966.
    • The Action: Bobby Joe Hill’s back-to-back steals and the "playground" flair that dismantled the old guard.
    • The Ripple Effect: How this single game forced the integration of Southern sports and paved the way for the modern era of the game.
    It’s more than a championship; it’s Forever Black History.
    Join the conversation: Follow Anthony Smith on social media and let us know—who is the most underrated player from that 1966 squad?

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    17 min
  • Episode- 180 The 2026 Shift: Deadlines, Decisions, and New Frontiers

    Episode- 180 The 2026 Shift: Deadlines, Decisions, and New Frontiers
    Feb 24 2026
    In this hard-hitting episode of In The Zone, Anthony Smith breaks down a week of seismic shifts across the sports world. From the legal fallout in Manhattan to a standoff in Dallas, we are diving deep into the stories that are redefining the 2026 season.
    ​On Today’s Show:
    ​The WNBA’s $2.2 Billion Clock: With a critical CBA deadline looming, we analyze how the league's massive expansion plans for Toronto and Portland hang in the balance of player negotiations.
    ​Chaos in Manhattan: The Jerome Tang era at Kansas State has come to a shocking "for cause" end. We break down the legal battle over his $18M buyout, the interim leadership of Matthew Driscoll, and the top candidates to lead the Wildcats next.
    ​Lawrence Health Watch: Bill Self is concerned about Darryn Peterson’s availability. We discuss what this means for the Jayhawks' National Championship aspirations.
    ​The Tag & The Flag: The Dallas Cowboys face a locker room crisis over George Pickens, while the NFL mulls a radical change to officiating that could change the game forever.
    ​Gold Medal Statements: Why the U.S. Women’s Hockey team declined a White House invite and what it says about the intersection of sports and politics in 2026.
    ​Black History Moment: Celebrating a historic championship sweep by the Howard University Bison.
    ​Get locked in. Get informed. Get In The Zone.

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    37 min