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  • Episode 186 - Contracts, Controversy & Playoff Pressure

    Episode 186 - Contracts, Controversy & Playoff Pressure
    2026/04/24
    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 分
  • 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"
    2026/04/15
    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 分
  • 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
    2026/04/11
    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 分
  • Episode 183 - "Headbutt" Chaos, Underwood’s Redemption & Explosive 2026 NBA Mock Draft

    Episode 183 - "Headbutt" Chaos, Underwood’s Redemption & Explosive 2026 NBA Mock Draft
    2026/04/03
    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 分
  • Episode 182 - Bill Self is Back

    Episode 182 - Bill Self is Back
    2026/04/02
    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

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-zone-with-anthony--4399324/support.
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    21 分
  • Episode 181- The 1966 Texas Western Legacy

    Episode 181- The 1966 Texas Western Legacy
    2026/03/23
    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 分
  • Episode- 180 The 2026 Shift: Deadlines, Decisions, and New Frontiers

    Episode- 180 The 2026 Shift: Deadlines, Decisions, and New Frontiers
    2026/02/24
    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 分
  • Episode 179- The Aftermath: Super Bowl LX Post-Mortem & The Road to 2027

    Episode 179- The Aftermath: Super Bowl LX Post-Mortem & The Road to 2027
    2026/02/12
    In The Zone with Anthony Smith
    ​"Where the game never ends and the analysis never sleeps."
    ​Welcome to In The Zone with Anthony Smith, your premier destination for high-octane sports talk and deep-dive gridiron analysis. Hosted by Anthony Smith, this podcast bridges the gap between the casual fan and the hardcore strategist, delivering a mix of radio-style energy and modern podcast grit.
    ​From the high-stakes drama of the NFL offseason and Super Bowl post-mortems to the pulse of Kansas college and high school athletics, Anthony brings you the stories that matter. Whether we’re breaking down veteran retirement rumors, analyzing "cut-throat" roster moves, or navigating the road to the Draft, we provide the context you won't find on the highlight reel.
    ​What to expect on In The Zone:
    ​In-Depth Breakdowns: Detailed analysis of the league's biggest headlines and coaching decisions.
    ​The Rival’s Perspective: Unfiltered takes on divisional rivalries and locker room culture.
    ​Offseason Blueprints: Comprehensive guides to Free Agency, the NFL Draft, and salary cap maneuvers.
    ​Strategic Insights: Expert commentary on DFS, player stats, and the "X’s and O’s" of the game.
    ​Join Anthony Smith every week as he cuts through the noise to bring you the facts, the fire, and the future of the sports world.
    ​Get in the game. Get in the huddle. Get In The Zone.

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    39 分