SportsIQ with Larry Smith

Texas Tech Gambling Controversy, NBA Finals Shift

The NBA Finals are officially a series. Larry Smith breaks down San Antonio's critical Game 3 victory over New York, Victor Wembanyama's breakout Finals performance, and what both teams must do as the championship battle heads deeper into Madison Square Garden. PrizePicks' Chris Bengel joins the show to discuss Wemby's emergence, the Spurs' championship chances, NBA parity, and what could be next for Oklahoma City after a disappointing postseason exit. Plus, Caitlin Clark delivers her first career WNBA game-winner, sinking a clutch three-pointer to lift the Indiana Fever over Washington. Larry also covers key NHL storylines, including a thrilling Stanley Cup Final, Peter Laviolette's return behind the bench, and an unforgettable Brewers-A's slugfest featuring 11 home runs and 29 total runs. Then, Larry and Producer Tony tackle one of the most controversial stories in recent college sports history: Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's NCAA eligibility ruling after admitting to betting on his own team. The discussion explores competitive integrity, gambling in sports, NCAA authority, and the precedent this decision could set for college athletics moving forward.

Knicks on the Brink, French Open Crowns New Champions & Ole Miss Heads to Omaha

The Knicks are two wins away from ending a 53-year championship drought, the Stanley Cup Final delivers instant-classic drama, and the road to Omaha is nearly complete. Larry Smith breaks down a packed sports weekend, including New York's commanding 2-0 lead over San Antonio in the NBA Finals, Vegas' thrilling double-overtime Stanley Cup victory, and the latest chaos from the College Baseball Super Regionals. Plus, David Cobb of CBS Sports joins the show to preview the upcoming NBA Draft, discussing AJ Dybantsa's rise to the top spot, the surprising lack of international prospects, and several potential draft sleepers. Later, Chris Muller of RebelWalk.com explains how Ole Miss punched its ticket to the College World Series and why the Rebels may be built for another Omaha run.

Texas Wins It All, Kentucky Lands a Star & Pro Wiffle Ball Arrives on ESPN+

The first champions of June have been crowned, and the Texas Longhorns are once again on top of the softball world. Larry breaks down Texas' dramatic Women's College World Series title run, the legacy of Texas Tech ace NiJaree Canady, and why Tegan Kavan has cemented herself among the greatest pitchers in NCAA history. Then, Kentucky basketball insider Mark Story of the Lexington Herald-Leader joins the show to discuss the Wildcats' blockbuster addition of Iowa State sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic, the outlook for Mark Pope's third season in Lexington, the evolving impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and why optimism is growing once again in Big Blue Nation. Plus, one of the most unique interviews SportsIQ has ever featured: Jordan Robles joins the show to preview the debut of professional wiffle ball. The new Big League Wiffle Ball league launches this weekend on ESPN+, featuring celebrity ownership groups, top players from around the country, and a chance to make sports history.

NBA Draft 2026 Preview, MLB Labor War Looming & Knicks Shock Spurs in Finals Game 1

The NBA Finals are underway, and the New York Knicks wasted no time making history. Larry and Tony break down the Knicks' stunning Game 1 road win over the Spurs, Jalen Brunson's late-game heroics, and why Victor Wembanyama may need to spend less time behind the three-point line and more time dominating the paint. Then, NBA Draft analyst Matt Babcock of Babcock Hoops [https://www.babcockhoops.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] joins the show for an in-depth look at the 2026 NBA Draft class. The conversation covers AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Koa Peat, Keaton Walker, Yaxel Lendeborg, NIL's growing influence on draft decisions, and why this freshman class may be one of the deepest in recent memory. On the baseball front, Larry examines the remarkable start to the season by Phillies ace Christopher Sánchez and highlights one of the most lopsided trades in recent MLB memory. Jose Ramírez continues his ownership stake in Yankee Stadium, while the Women's College World Series championship series gets underway with Texas taking Game 1 over Texas Tech. The show also dives into what could become Major League Baseball's biggest labor battle in decades. MLB writer TJ French joins the program to discuss the widening gap between owners and players, the possibility of a salary cap, revenue sharing disputes, and why many insiders believe a lengthy lockout could be on the horizon when the current collective bargaining agreement expires.

NBA Finals Shocker: Spurs vs Knicks | Vin Scully's 23-Inning Day | NFL Offseason Moves

The 2026 NBA Finals are officially set—and it's a matchup few predicted. The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks are headed to the championship round, reviving memories of their 1999 Finals meeting. Larry Smith is joined by CBS Sports NBA writer Jasmyn Wimbish to break down the rise of Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson's remarkable journey, the Thunder's future after a heartbreaking Western Conference Finals loss, and why this series could become an instant classic. Plus, Larry and Jasmine discuss how the NBA's growing parity is creating fresh champions, new fanbases, and exciting storylines across the league. Later, NFL writer Dave Holcomb joins the show to analyze one of the wildest offseasons in recent memory. The Rams land Myles Garrett and may not be finished if Aaron Donald considers a return. The Patriots add A.J. Brown, the Raiders begin the Fernando Mendoza era, and the Cowboys, Lions, Bengals, and Bears all enter 2026 with major expectations. In today's Moment of Awe, we celebrate legendary broadcaster Vin Scully. On June 3, 1989, Scully called a Cardinals-Cubs game in St. Louis before flying to Houston and stepping into a 22-inning marathon between the Dodgers and Astros—ultimately broadcasting 23 innings in two different cities on the same day. A remarkable feat from one of the greatest voices in sports history.