Mick Cronin joins the show! Plus, the latest from the NBA Draft Combine!

In this episode of The Field of 68: After Dark Podcast, host Rob Dosser and Jeff Goodman welcome UCLA head coach Mick Cronin for a wide-ranging conversation on college basketball's evolving landscape. Cronin shares his candid views on the NCAA's decision to expand the tournament from 68 to 76 teams, arguing that the 'Field of 68' brand is strong enough to stand on its own. He reflects on his own evolution as a coach, embracing the modern era’s challenges—NIL, the transfer portal, and player branding—while emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s values. Cronin draws parallels between coaching and poker, urging coaches to either adapt to the new rules or walk away. He also discusses the emotional toll of the season, the value of player retention, and the critical issue of graduation rates, especially for minority athletes. The second half focuses on the NBA Draft Combine, with deep dives into key prospects like Milan Mamchilevic, Malachi Moreno, and Tyler Tanner. The hosts debate the financial and developmental trade-offs of returning to college versus going pro, with strong consensus that many players, especially those not guaranteed first-round picks, should return to school to maximize long-term value and growth. The episode ends with a humorous and chaotic segment as Rob’s house is invaded by a lizard, cutting short the discussion on Tunde Yesifu and Alan Graves.