ESPN’s Provocative Take
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg sparked a heated discussion on “Get Up” when he boldly claimed that the undefeated UConn Huskies men’s basketball team is an “NBA team.” Questions arose about their potential to compete in the NBA playoffs, a statement Greenberg later labeled as a joke.
Despite the retraction, Greenberg’s comments ignited a firestorm. Jay Williams, his cohost, gently dismissed the idea, suggesting their talent level may not qualify them for the play-in round. Seth Greenberg, the other Greenberg, was more blunt, flatly stating they “had no chance.”
It’s worth noting that Mike Greenberg is a Northwestern alum – a team that UConn had recently defeated in the Round of 32.
Former NBA Players Unload
Greenberg’s take drew swift and unforgiving criticism from former NBA players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams. On FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” where Michelle Beadle is now a talent, they tore into Greenberg’s comments.
“He is,” Williams stated flatly, referring to Greenberg being in the clickbait business. Parsons chimed in, “He is, now.”
“He’s full of s—,” Williams exclaimed. “Can UConn beat the Atlanta Hawks tonight? Can they compete with the Chicago Bulls? Can they beat the Miami Heat? They might not even win the NCAA championship, let alone compete for a play-in spot in the National Basketball Association. This is crazy.”
“The best player on UConn wouldn’t play on the Detroit Pistons right now,” Parsons added, referring to the team with the worst record in NBA history this season. “So how the hell would this college basketball team beat any of these teams that are in contention to make the NBA playoffs? It’s just stupid.”
UConn’s Future in the NBA Draft
Despite the heated debate, ESPN’s latest mock draft paints a different picture. Huskies star Donovan Clingan is projected to go No. 5 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers, while Stephon Castle is expected to be selected at 17 by the Atlanta Hawks.
The Huskies’ March Madness Dominance
While their NBA potential remains a topic of debate, UConn’s performance in March Madness has been nothing short of exceptional. Since the tournament began last year, they have steamrolled through their opponents, winning their last eight games by an average margin of 22 points.
Next Up: San Diego State
UConn’s remarkable run will continue in the next round, as they face off against No. 5 San Diego State, a rematch of last year’s championship game. The Huskies will look to prove that, even if they’re not quite NBA material, they are a force to be reckoned with on the college court.
