Episodi

  • UConn Demolishes St Johns 72-40

    UConn Demolishes St Johns 72-40
    Feb 26 2026
    The Huskies just put on a defensive masterclass. In this live reaction show, we break down UConn’s absolute 72-40 beatdown of St. John's. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, it was total dominance. In this episode, we discuss: The Defensive Wall: How UConn held the Red Storm to just 40 points. Key Performers: Which Huskies stepped up and controlled the tempo. Big East Implications: What this statement win means for the standings and tournament seeding. Post-Game Takeaways: Is this the most complete version of UConn we’ve seen all season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 min
  • UConn Dominates Villanova! Is THIS the REAL Deal?

    UConn Dominates Villanova! Is THIS the REAL Deal?
    Feb 23 2026
    Welcome to The Hoops Cap! In today's episode, Mark Zanetto dives into UConn's commanding 76-63 victory over Villanova, a statement win that puts the Huskies back in the national conversation. Mark breaks down how Dan Hurley’s squad found their defensive identity again after recent struggles, and he doesn’t shy away from questions about coaching decisions, bench contributions, and the team's tournament prospects. Plus, he shares candid thoughts on the ACC, the real meaning of making the NCAA tournament, and what UConn needs to clean up moving forward. Whether you’re celebrating the win or scrutinizing every turnover, this episode offers an honest, passionate look at where the Huskies stand—and what’s next. Get ready for unfiltered hoops talk, right here on The Hoops Cap! 0:00 – Technical issues & episode sponsors shoutout 1:36 – UConn completes season sweep of Villanova: What does it mean? 2:15 – Dan Hurley’s coaching candidness and bench usage 3:23 – UConn’s path to a 1-seed or 2-seed in NCAA tournament 4:07 – Defensive improvements and keys to offensive success 4:44 – Spotlight on Terrence Reid’s breakout game 5:23 – Mark’s approach to unbiased game analysis 5:29 – Side talk: Duke vs Michigan & Mark’s take on officiating 6:48 – Debating the strength of Michigan, Miami, and the ACC 7:13 – Participation trophies & the real value of making the tournament 7:42 – Evaluating the bench performance and other Big East contenders 8:25 – Turnover issues and the importance of valuing possessions 9:56 – Closing thoughts: Closer mentality and Silas’s role If you’re a true Big East basketball fan, smash that LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for the latest breakdowns, analysis, and hot takes! Who do you think will win the Big East this year—and does UConn have what it takes to go all the way? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you to our Sponsors: Homefield Apparel: Check out Homefieldapparel.com or download their app Vancord.com- For all your cyber security needs, visit Vancord.com or call 855-VANCORD for 24/7 365 Support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 min
  • Efficiency vs. Volume: Comparing Sarah Strong and Mikayla Blakes for Player of the Year

    Efficiency vs. Volume: Comparing Sarah Strong and Mikayla Blakes for Player of the Year
    Feb 21 2026
    Welcome to another episode of The Hoops Cap, where we dive deep into the latest debates and stories in college basketball. Hosted by Mark Zanetto and joined by Tee Baker, this episode explores the heated conversation around Sarah Strong’s candidacy for National Player of the Year and whether her dominance is overshadowing the incredible season from AZ Fudd. The team takes a historical look at UConn’s tradition of star duos, debates the merits of efficiency versus volume in award selection, and breaks down which teams pose the toughest threats as the NCAA tournament approaches. Plus, you’ll hear personal insights on the unique culture of UConn basketball, a shoutout to Home Field Apparel, and predictions for major matchups this March. If you love hoops, rivalries, and insider analysis, you’re in the right place. Let’s tip things off! We want to extend a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who make The Hoops Cap possible! Home Field Apparel
For the best vintage-inspired college gear, head to HomeFieldApparel.com. They’ve got the basketball capital of the world tee, men’s and women’s basketball styles, and so much more. Download their app for an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Vancord
Big thanks to Vancord for their ongoing support. If you need top-tier cybersecurity solutions or IT services, visit Vancord.com. For immediate help, call their hotline at 855-VANCORD. Your support means the world— and don’t forget, our sponsors are a big part of what helps us give back to the Connecticut Boys and Girls Club and keep the conversation going for basketball fans everywhere! 00:00 UConn Basketball's Legacy of Stars 05:39 UConn's Team Basketball Culture 08:52 Michaela vs. Sarah: Impact Debate 11:24 Mikayla Brooks Wins Debate 13:40 Big East Energy Sponsor Highlight 17:32 Big East, Tournament, and Top Seeds 20:09 UConn's Potential NCAA Threats 23:07 UConn vs. South Carolina Analysis 26:50 UCLA's NCAA Dominance Discussed #HoopsCap, #UConnWBB, #SarahStrong, #NCAAWomen, #BigEastEnergy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 min
  • UConn's Shocking Loss: Defense Fails, What's Next?

    UConn's Shocking Loss: Defense Fails, What's Next?
    Feb 19 2026
    Can the Huskies fix the cracks before March? 🏀 In this condensed 10-minute breakdown of The Hoops Cap, Mark Zanetto dives into UConn's defensive struggles following their surprising 91-84 loss to Creighton. While the Huskies' offense showed flashes of brilliance, the defensive end left fans with more questions than answers. In this episode: The Defensive Breakdown: Why UConn struggled to contain the perimeter and what went wrong in transition. Key Takeaways: Is this a fluke performance or a blueprint for how to beat the Huskies? The Road Ahead: What Dan Hurley needs to adjust as we head into the most critical stretch of the season. Watch/Listen for the "Big East Energy" perspective you won't get anywhere else Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 min
  • Breaking Down UConn's Surprising Defeat to Creighton

    Breaking Down UConn's Surprising Defeat to Creighton
    Feb 19 2026
    A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this episode of The Hoops Cap possible! Shout out to HomeFieldApparel.com—the premier vintage apparel company for college alumni and fans. If you want to show off your school pride with authentic, ultra-comfortable gear, Home Field has you covered. A big thanks to Vancord.com as well. For all your cybersecurity needs, be sure to call 855-VANCORD. Their team is available 24/7, ready to protect your business and help you stay secure in today’s digital world. We appreciate their support and encourage our listeners to check them out! On this episode of The Hoops Cap, host Mark Zanetto welcomes UConn alum and Big East Energy Network contributor David Pohorence to break down UConn’s stunning 91-84 loss to Creighton. The two dive into what went wrong for the Huskies, from lapses in defense and rebounding woes to questions about the team’s chemistry and leadership. They explore the challenge of maintaining high-level play in a tough Big East Conference, the reality of growing pains with transfers and new players, and whether fans should be sounding the alarm—or staying optimistic about what’s ahead. With honest insights, some Husky nostalgia, and a dash of tough love, Mark Zanetto and David Poharance assess UConn’s tournament outlook, the impact of roster construction, and why it’s time to take things one game at a time. If you’re a UConn fan processing the ups and downs of the season, this conversation is for you. 00:00 UConn's Defensive Struggles Highlighted 03:43 "Emeka Okafor's Legacy Reflection" 06:16 Basketball IQ vs. Athleticism Debate 11:59 "Searching for an Offensive Alpha" 16:08 "Turnovers, Rhythm, and Rim Protection" 18:04 Evaluating Transfers and Offense Struggles 22:02 "Hurley’s Rotation Philosophy Explained" 24:24 "Perspective on Challenges and Growth" 28:23 "One Game at a Time" 30:02 "Why Not Me Podcast" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 min
  • The Hoops Cap (Condensed) | Georgetown, UConn's Crowd & The Amp Brawl

    The Hoops Cap (Condensed) | Georgetown, UConn's Crowd & The Amp Brawl
    Feb 16 2026
    Short on time? We’ve cut the latest episode of The Hoops Cap down to the absolute essentials. Get the full breakdown of the week’s Big East madness in just 10 minutes. In this episode: Georgetown’s Identity Crisis: We dive into the current state of the Hoyas and what needs to change. The UConn Atmosphere: Why the Huskies have the most intimidating home-court advantage in the country right now. The Amp Brawl: A raw breakdown of the chaos that went down at the Dunk and what it means for the rivalry moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 min
  • Dan Hurley BLASTS UConn fans after Georgetown win

    Dan Hurley BLASTS UConn fans after Georgetown win
    Feb 16 2026
    Thank you to our sponsors and Partners Sponsor: Shop the best vintage collegiate threads at Homefield Apparel: homefieldapparel.com Local Sponsor: For world-class cybersecurity and infrastructure, visit Vancord: vancord.com Community Partner: Support the CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and their mission at: ctbgc.org This episode of The Hoops Cap delivers an unfiltered, expert take on the shifting dynamics in Big East basketball. Host Mark Zanetto dissects UConn’s narrow win over Georgetown, Dan Hurley’s viral criticism of the “wine and cheese” crowd, and whether success has dulled the home-court advantage at Gampel Pavilion. We unpack electric milestones from Alex Karaban, reflect on the legendary Hashim Thabeet’s return, and contrast UConn’s energy with Providence’s powder-keg atmosphere. Plus, we spotlight the viral brawl at The AMP, debating if fierce rivalries and raw fan passion are what makes the Big East truly elite. If you’re searching for the latest Big East basketball analysis, UConn fan debates, or insider reactions to recent conference drama—including NIL controversies and the ever-evolving college hoops landscape—this is your must-watch episode. 00:00 – UConn vs Georgetown recap and Dan Hurley’s fan critique 01:12 – Comparing UConn’s home energy to Providence’s wild crowd 01:27 – Milestones: Alex Karaban sets a new program record; Hasheem Thabeet honored 02:53 – Hurley and Ed Cooley call out fan lethargy 05:22 – Is the Big East better with buttoned-up fans or raw intensity? 06:25 – The impact of historic moments and the atmosphere at Gampel 08:44 – Why pro-level results demand pro-level expectations 12:21 – Gampel’s crowd compared to other Big East arenas 14:00 – Providence’s crowd erupts: Malice Scale segment begins 17:11 – Movie references: Gangster and revenge energy in sports 18:06 – Duncan Powell’s hard foul and media response 20:50 – Hockey analogies: How real sports handle on-court chaos 22:33 – The difference in fan energy: Providence vs. UConn 23:54 – Message to UConn fans: It’s time to step up! #UConn, #DanHurley, #CollegeBasketball, #BigEast, #HoopsCap, #GampelPavilion, #Huskies, #BasketballCapital, #FanCulture, #Providence, #StJohns, #MaliceScale, #HashimThabeet, #AlexKaraban, #NIL, #BasketballAtmosphere, #WineAndCheese, #SportsPodcast, #HomeFieldApparel, #Vancord, #BasketballFans, #CollegeHoops Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 min
  • Boys & Girls Clubs and The Hoops Cap, Changing the Game in CT

    Boys & Girls Clubs and The Hoops Cap, Changing the Game in CT
    Feb 13 2026
    You’re listening to a special 10-minute “best of” edition of The Hoops Cap, where we shine the spotlight on our incredible community partners: The Connecticut Boys & Girls Club. In this condensed episode, host Mark Zanetto welcomes guest Don Maleto for a fast-paced, heartfelt look at the vital work these clubs do across Connecticut. Hear how 14 organizations and 57 club sites team up to serve over 36,000 young people each year, providing much more than just a safe space after school. Learn how the clubs build lasting relationships, open doors to new opportunities, and help shape kids into tomorrow’s leaders and community changemakers. Mark Zanetto and Don Maleto also share their personal connections to the clubs and discuss how fans, alumni, and anyone listening can get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Packed with inspiring anecdotes, real-life examples, and a powerful call to action, this episode celebrates the spirit of giving back and the importance of supporting our youth. Don’t miss this special highlight reel dedicated to the positive impact of the Connecticut Boys & Girls Club! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 min