Fred VanVleet & Isaiah Thomas on Making it as Small Guards

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1:01For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see sportsbook.DraftKings.com slash promos limited time offer. Any kid that I'm talking to that's coming in is like, you just got to be a dog, bro. It ain't really no shortcut. There's no secret to this shit. You got to be a dog, bro, because you're already at a disadvantage walking in the door. Now they try to take the point guards out completely. So it's like, no, you got to be a super dog. You got to be a super dog, you know what I'm saying? You got to be incredible, failed. You got to be incredible. Welcome back to another episode of point game. I mean, this is going to be a jam packed episode because we're obviously me talking March madness.

2:04We're at the final four. We had some crazy stuff happen. I want to know what IT thinks of that. I'll also be talking some NBA. But most importantly, we're joined by one of IT's close friends. One of the best guards in the NBA right now. One time, Austin NBA All-Star NBA champion Fred Van Vleet is joining us later on the show. IT, I've been excited to talk to you ever since. I saw what happened last night. Yukon Duke. I don't think we can need to recap what happened, but one of the most legendary buzzer beaters. It's one that comes with, I guess you feel for Duke. To be honest, I don't know if I'd ever say that sentence, but you felt for Duke. You felt for the boozer, boozer brothers. What was your reaction in the moment seeing that, IT? I don't feel for Duke at all. I can give a damn about Duke. I really care about the players though. That was just one of those situations where it was just unfortunate that happens.

3:04Especially March madness, those type of things happen. But as I get older now and I'm outside of those situations, I've been feeling for the person because it's like they were so high and he was having such a great, great, not only great season, but really good game. They were in position to win, to go to the final four. And then like coaches always talk about like one or two possessions solidifying the win. And it was just, it was an unfortunate situation because I was a little frustrated. Like nobody, it seemed like nobody wanted to take the free throw. You were up. It wasn't down. It wasn't like the only thing you could do was foul. Obviously they were going to play it out, see if they can get a trap or a deflection or still like they did. But they're not even thinking they're going to get that. So that was tough. That hurt my heart. I was really watching it. And then to see the interviews after in the emotion, like, because you see it,

4:04like they were such a high and then that fast it turned for, for the worst. And it just, it just unfortunate. No, I mean, we can talk about for hours what they could have should have done. But this is also the beauty of sports that anything can happen. Because I mean, let's talk about it like he could have jibbled it out. They're playing, you know, hot potato with it. You know, the player could have just got sent to the line and those Duke players. But ultimately the ball got stolen. And even we were talking about the Duke player. And I don't want to say names because it's heartbreaking. Could have put a hand up. But it was a couple of shots by Yukon and Braille and Mullins. Now all of that, the worst of the worst happened. Those are the things you go through in practice and you go through when you're watching film. Like you mentioned those things because obviously anything can happen. But you're never thinking that's going to happen. So it was an unfortunate situation. It's just tough, but like as a fan of the game, like you want moments like that.

5:04You watch these games for moments just like that. Because it got me out of my seat. I was in the house screaming. I don't even like, I don't even become a fan like that. And I remember my daughter said you hurt my ears daddy. Like what do you, what are you yelling so much? Because it was really that crazy to see something like that. And you mentioned it, even the last shot. Fam, the sophomore guard who's having an amazing year. He's probably going to the NBA. But you got to contest that, bro. Yeah. I have a coach now that I coach a little bit and I watch film and I see those things. You're hurting at that too. Like we played to the end of the buzzer. Yeah. The only thing bro could have done was really shot the deep three. If he drove, he would have probably time would have probably expired. You got to put a hand up, fam. So all of those things hurt in the worst way. Like even when I told my wife today, I'm like, man, bro, walk up and it still hurts. Yeah.

6:04It hurts even more that you walk up because you, you're thinking that's kind of a night, a dream. You're thinking that's not real for how it played out. So like, and then all in all, you know, on this show, we always show love. We ain't, we ain't, we ain't hating that all. So like, I'ma always like show love and support to, to, to, to the, to the smaller boozer. Cause that, that hurts. I mean, that, that hurts. And even like, like Carlos boozer, like the dad, he has probably so much, the family has so many emotions. Like they were good. Yeah. The, the, the Cameron boozer was planning an amazing game. They should have won. They're going to the final four and then that happened. But that's like you said, that's sports for you. That's like really the definition of playing to the end of the buzzer, not giving up, up 19 throughout the game. Like all of those things that you talk about throughout the whole season, really just unfolded and happened. But at the end of the day, it's going to make him a better player.

7:06It's going to make everybody in that situation, better players, better people. Nobody wants to hear that right now at all. But like in the future, you're going to look back like that, that, that shit sucked. But like it, it, it molded me into a better player and, and, and it's going to be, his career is going to be better for that. Even though nobody's trying to hear that right now. I did want to talk about Dan Hurley's reaction. If anyone saw that can honestly have cost them the game, we all know Dan is, is passionate to say, to say the least. But he, like, pushed his forehead into the rest forehead. Like, was that smart? Or is that, you know, how, how was that excused? He, that got to be his homie. Yeah, I got it. Because if I'm John Shire, I'm overdue. I'm talking to the NCAA. I'm doing something, because that's, you can't touch a rough. Like obviously, we don't want to go into that. It wasn't nothing crazy. But I think that's the definition who Dan Hurley is, bro. If you see his emotions, if you see his emotions, the whole last play, he went from chilling to being okay.

8:14To being mad and then to, to, to celebrating a big, big time shot. So if I'm, that's who I am when I'm, when I'm coaching, which is crazy. Because when I'm watching you con and seeing how crazy he looks, I'd be like, dang, I'm, I'm over there doing that on that freaking eighth grade AU game, bro. I'm looking just like he is because I'm just that passionate and I, and I love his coaching style, bro. I love it. But that was, that incident was questionable, bro. And it's crazy because nobody's really speaking about it. Like what usually happens when you touch a rough, it's usually a technical or some type of review. So I was surprised to even see him get that close, but he can't control his emotions. He, he looking at the rough, I know you see that. I was wild. I know you see what we're down. So that was, that was wild fans. That was, that was crazy. I, yeah. I mean, it's just, he's like, I think it was that chaotic that, that kind of went forgotten.

9:14But man, yeah, that was, honestly, that's calm, Dan Hurley. Sometimes I'm like, that was calm for him. So maybe that's what it is. His reputation is a little crazier, but you know, what else is he supposed to do? He's Dan Hurley. Exactly. Obviously, we got the final four coming up. We're going to keep talking about that as these, as these teams continue to do crazy stuff. But when we come back from the break, we're going to talk to one of the other legendary smaller guards currently in the game, Fred Van Vlie. All right. We're super excited over here at Point Game, welcoming NBA All-Star NBA champ Fred Van Vlie to the show Fred. How you doing, man? I'm doing great, man. I'm glad to be here. I appreciate you all. Appreciate you all. Appreciate you, family. Now, I, I see he's been talking about how you guys have known each other for a minute, not just through the league. So I'm curious for all of our viewers out there. Tell us a story of how you guys know each other. Man, I think I met IT at a CP3 camp.

10:14I was still in college at the time. Obviously, I followed him from the docs to, to YouTube watching all this stuff. You know, I was a smaller guard, him and Nate Roth, and then having a chance to meet him at CP3 camp when I was in college. He was just very helpful and definitely was bending his ear and asking him things here and there. And it's funny because I still got the DMs on my Twitter. Like, I reached out to him after like, yo, man, like, what I got to do this day and the third, you know what I'm saying? And he just gave me some real game and something that, you know, I never forget. But definitely was very, very helpful for me, trying to figure it out. Because you only know what you know, you know what I'm saying at that time. I ain't no nothing. So I was like, I'm trying to figure it out, find my way as an underdog. And IT was one of those guys. I looked at that that was like, all right, he kind of got to make something out of nothing too. You know what I mean? That the odds is against them. So to watch him, first of all, without knowing him and then to meet him.

11:15And him being just super cool and helpful, that was big for me. As a kid, for sure, a young kid trying to figure it out. I think, I think the super, the dope thing about it as well is like, obviously we talked through social media and things like that. But when we really sat down and met at CP's camp, I remember, I remember the particular moment that was doing the one-on-one tournament. And he's running through everybody. This is the top dog. So it's like, we've related just because these are the top dogs. I knew that Duke, North Carolina, UConn, whatever you want to name it. And nobody was really showing him the love that he deserved. I remember him running through every single one of the top dogs and winning it. And like really talking his stuff the whole time. And that was like the definition of my career and what I was going through as well as just being counted out, being against all odds and to go to something so prestigious in Chris Paul camp where it's the top guards in the country.

12:16And him to come out on top on the one-on-one tournament says everything you need to know about Fred. So it was like from that day on, we just connected and we stayed close. And anytime he had a question, vice versa, it wasn't like I knew everything. But I was just a little older in terms of him following the footsteps. And he was a guy that was a student of the game. And I really connected with him with that because when you go to those settings, it's hard to get out of your shell. And it's hard to put your pride aside and ask guys questions. But coming from where we come from, it's like you being those situations where still to this day, I'm asking questions if I don't know the answer to it. I'm asking questions. I have no pride. And that was the one of the coolest things that I've seen from Fred from that day forward. Even when we got in the NBA and we battling, he might sneak a question in and warm up. It was like always super cool to be able to. And Fred knows that to this day too, as well as like when guys, especially younger guys, seek out information.

13:19It makes it that much easier to be giving it and you wanting to give it to the next guy. So like I said, like meeting you since that day and then being, you know, talking on social media and then just building that relationship, it's been. That was super dope on my end too, because I seen where you was trying to go. And I seen where you took it. And like we had the similar, you know, similar platform in terms of like the journey and nobody counting on us. Everybody counting us out. So like that, that was, that was a good part in my, in my journey as well as getting to know a guy like Fred. So yeah, full circle moments, bro. I had a few, you know, since I've been a league on my journey and that was definitely one of them. That was like one of the first ones. I just remember you CP obviously and then Earth, you know, at that time. It was like three guys that I stuck with that, that was giving me the game that I needed. And they like, I just remember you was just talking about it.

14:20The one on one tournament, I was like the last seed. Like it was like seeding like March Madness. Like I was like a 16 seed. I'm like, everything. Are you coming up to me like fam? You see what they're doing to me? I'm like, you can just go kill him. Go kill him real quick. And really came out on top. So that's, that's a core memory in my journey too. Just like seeing it because I have memories like that growing up, whether it be in high school, college or the pros going to these same settings. And just having that sense of like, you know when people like show you love, but they're like, okay, he's, he's good, but he's not that good. Like that, that was the energy there. And then one, it was all said and done the energy flipped to where the, the same people that, you know, maybe shook his hand at the beginning was showing way more love at the end. Because he showed out and showed up. So that was, that was super dope. And that's how it is throughout the whole journey though. Like I try to tell people all the time. It's like the same people you see when you're in high school, college or the pros, like you see them throughout the journey.

15:26And they at times seem to switch up on how they treat you, whether you're doing good or not. And that's the good thing to, to understand and know as you go through the journey. Like don't treat anybody wrong first and foremost because you never know what they can do for you throughout the journey. But just being having that love and respect for the game and, and, and, and just, you know, pushing it forward, bro. And that's what it's all about. Not real rap. Just didn't go back to that underdog and small guard. Like we talked about it on the show a lot. Like, especially doing the draft. Like now I'm learning that that wasn't the first time you sort of been doubted. And actually, I kind of went viral with this clip on Twitter because I was watching your vlogs. And I saw that, you know, when your, your championship run with the Raptors, I was like, this dude went from not being drafted. Had this party and you got up in front of everyone and was like, it's cool. Like this is just like the one hurdle and you overcame that. Like in that moment, how did you know to just like not be mad? Like things were going to be okay. And then the journey in front of you. Like what was sort of your mentality?

16:26It was that something that you had way, way before that or was that just like, there's another hurdle. I'll get over it. And it's just one is moment by moment, you know, and then all the way up until you, you become a champion with the Raptors. Yeah, I mean, it's easy to say now, but like, I feel like I always been like this. You know what I mean? Like you just got to be who you are no matter what. You know what I mean? When it's good, when it's bad, when it's ugly. So like I always had that. And it's just that old saying, like, you know what I'm saying? It's in you. It's not on you. It's just like, it's just what it is. But you do get discouraged. You know what I'm saying? You do get in your feelings. You do feel like, you know what I'm saying? The odds is against you. It's politics. Like you got to go through all of that. But like I T was saying the main thing for me was I was seeing all of the top guys in my class. And in the class ahead of me in the class below me, like I played against everybody. So I know I was good enough. It was just like, was I going to get my opportunity? So I always proud of myself on working and being a worker. And it was like, yo, if I can just, I'm already good as these guys right now. They just don't see it yet.

17:26But like if I can continue to keep working while nobody paying attention by the time I get my moment, they're going to be like, damn, who is this whole time? I've been here the whole time. Y'all just ain't really been paying attention. You know what I'm saying? So it's like, I knew how to, I knew how to kind of just stay down. You know what I mean? Until I come up and like wait for my moment really like and just be patient. And yeah, but I definitely get discouraged. I still get discouraged. I got discouraged doing, you know what I'm saying? But it's like, you can't let that affect your process. So my process never changed. And I just stay with it the whole time. Yeah, I want for you for it. So we talk about, we talk about small guards all the time on the show because that's something like obviously we deal with all the time. And how often they're overlooked, especially in today's game as, as the small guards getting pushed out because the game is just changing. And that's how it is throughout different errors and times throughout time. But like, what's your mentality on giving game to a small guard that's trying to make it? Because like we always, like I always, I'm in the A you seen now.

18:29So I always see kids and their parents are always asking me, what does it take? And it's and it's a complicated thing, especially in today's game. But like, what are your thoughts on giving game to a smaller guard, like giving the sweet honest truth on what it takes to get there, what it takes to stay in the league? And what are the things you got to just overcome and like the, the, not necessarily the things you got to overcome. What do you have to do to even get looked at nowadays while being six foot and under because as you know, it's just a bigger man's game in today's game. And they're not giving the same respect. Obviously, they didn't even give us the respect to keep it 100, but fighting through those things. What do what type of game do you give up and coming guy this, you know, trying to be the next Fred trying to be the next small guard to push the game forward in today's game, which is damn near and impossible to do.

19:31I always break it down in the two, two parts because I think the first part is more important where it's like, I don't think people, the kids, the guys or the parents understand how good you really got to be like, you already had a disadvantage walking in the door before you even tell your shoes up. So it's like, people don't know how good I said Thomas was people don't know how good Nate Robinson was like people don't know how like how incredible of a player you have to be to just overcome those odds. First, but they look at the end goal and be like, I want to be like, I see when he average 30 for Boston. It's like, yo, it's a whole lot of other career. You know what I'm saying? It's a build up to that. And it's like, oh, I seen Fred hit big shots in a game six to win a ring. And it's like, no, y'all didn't see how I came in though. Like, I didn't play my rookie year. I had to figure it out. Like, my first challenge was can you guard? You know what I'm saying? Can you get on the floor? Okay. Now you get on the floor. Can you shoot? I couldn't shoot. All I could do is shoot corner threes. I couldn't shoot a butter break. It was like step by step.

20:36So I try to make sure I communicate that. And then I'll give them the actual shit they can do. You got to be able to shoot the you got to be able to shoot the three like really shoot the three. And you got to be able to be disruptive on defense. Like, you don't have to be a stopper. You don't have to be a lockdown defender. But you got to be disruptive enough to be like a plus. You know what I'm saying? Because your offense obviously is going to keep you on the floor. But your defense is going to get you on the floor. And I try to stress that. So like, yo, if nobody know who you is, you know, you got to pick up. You got to pick up. If you wait till we get down here, not everybody switching. Like, you're going to get rolled under the rim. You might as well start that fight down here. You know what I mean? It just pick up and be disruptive. I think the three is a separate right now for sure because the way we plan and like, you don't really get to play against drops anymore or like certain coverages where you can manipulate the defense and play pick a roll.

21:36Like everybody's switching because everybody at the same size. So you got to be able to space the floor and shoot the three to stay on the court. So I just, me personally, I'm built a little bit bigger. So like, I can hold, hold up a little bit on defense. But like any, any kid that I'm talking to that's coming in. It's like, you just got to be a dog, bro. Like, it ain't really no shortcut. Like, it's no, it's no secret to this shit. Like, you got to be a dog, bro, because you, you're like already at a disadvantage walking in the door. And now they try to take the point guards out completely. So it's like, no, you got to be a super guy. You got to be a super dog, you know what I'm saying? Because they're rather terrible fail. They're rather just give it to give it to a tall guy that can dribble a little bit. You know what I'm saying? And they ain't even really don't even know nothing about being a guard for real. But he tall enough and can dribble. And that's like the new point guard now. For sure, man. That's a good insight, bro. That's because I always be trying to game, especially parents.

22:37Now that I talk to parents a little more now, because like you said, they don't understand it. They don't understand how hard the journey's going to be. Yeah, it's not, I mean, it's, it's almost impossible. But like, you got guys to critique that and look at that and build off that. But it's like, if you don't do the needs of being a small guard and that's picking up, being disruptive and being able to shoot the three, like on a consistent basis, you, you don't really got a chance. And then, and it's going to take a lot of hard work. It's going to take a lot of nights where, you know, you're discouraged. Like you said early on, like I always tell people as well. Like I didn't have this ultimate poison at all times. Like I didn't, I didn't, I didn't feel this comfortable at all times. It took every step of the journey to be able to get to this spot where I'm walking indoors and, and, and making sure it's known that I am who I am. So it's, it's levels to it, man. But it's, it's always good to hear from another, you know, undersized guard that's doing it. That's playing 10 plus years in the league.

23:37That's when championships and being all stars because the people don't understand how difficult that, that thing really is on a day-to-day basis. And that's dope to get the insight from somebody who's in there and who's one of the best, best to ever do it as being an undersized guard. So appreciate, appreciate that. And study, study any, any guys listen because I know they still, they still definitely listen to you and, and Mario journey. But like watch that film, but watch that film and get that lab. And that you got to go from there. You know what I mean? Like I can tell you how many nights I just watch film. Like it wasn't even now. It's easy. You could just YouTube. You know what I'm saying? You got to have like a synergy and then you could just watch YouTube. Like really study how guys getting a game off and apply it. You know what I'm saying? Where you see fit? A lot of these guys, we want some magic recipes, short cutters, some shit. You know what I'm saying? It don't exist, bro. It don't, it don't, you don't. Looking ahead here, Fred, because I'll speak for all NBA fans.

24:37I'm devastated. We haven't gotten to see you and Katie on the court together. And what that's going to look like, obviously you know. But like, look at this rocket scene. You guys are only a few games at a third place without you. So like what are some things that you're looking at that you're excited about? That you can make an impact when you get back on that court probably next season, right? Like what was something that you've been excited about? Man, just just putting guys in a spot. Like, and that's something that I can do with my eyes closed. Just like making the game easier, you know what I mean? Getting the guys to ball, putting them in position to be successful. Because it's like without me and without Steven this year, everybody just kind of out of position a little bit. Even if it's just like one slot, you know what I'm saying? It's like Katie working way too hard to get to his spot. You know what I'm saying? Big fella got so many more responsibilities that I wouldn't normally be having. You know what I mean? I mean, we taking him from what he's specialty and asking him to be a point guard this year. You know what I'm saying? Me being out there with Reed Shepard. Like, it's just, it's a lot that I would just alleviate or help.

25:38You know, so I'm more so looking at it from that standpoint. But I'm proud of the guys and it's actually a blessing in disguise because so many of the young guys is getting opportunity that, you know what I mean? Way more opportunity. And so I always tell them all the time, like, shit, I wish. And I would never wish for nobody to be hurt. But as a first, second, third year guy that I was just be throwing it to the mix. Like, you get you getting 30, 35 minutes a night now, 10, 15, 20 shots, you know what I mean? So I'm, I'm telling them, like, yo, y'all better take advantage of this. Like, this is an incredible opportunity. And I think that they've done a good job. So we got to make sure we keep, you know, the fabric of like what keeps our team and our culture together. And then once we put all the pieces back together, I think we got a real shot. So I got, I got one question to pick you back off that with you playing with Kauai. Obviously, winning the championship. And then being around K every day and seeing, you know, his work ethic.

26:39Do those two guys have similarities in how, how great they are in terms of being a teammate, being offensive threats, being who they are. Do they got any type of similarities in that? Like, I haven't been around the two at the same time or I played with K for a little bit. But are there similarities? Are they similar in some aspects? Are they different? I would love to hear the breakdown coming from somebody who's around those guys every day. Yeah. So, I mean, I haven't been out there, but like just having a front row seat. I feel like they're very different people. But like, the greatness is taking for granted. Like, we just played, we just played Pelicans or somebody. And it's like, K just going through the game and doing this thing. You know what I'm saying? You might get a free light. And then you look up and it's like, Berga, he's like 24. And I'm like, when did this happen? You know what I'm saying? Like, you know, I know how hard it is for me to get 24.

27:40I'm working hard to get 24. You know what I'm saying? It looks like he don't miss, bro. Like, he doesn't miss. Like, you're surprised when he missed. Like, you know what I'm saying? So, the greatness of that and Kauai used to be like that. Because Kauai was a little more rigid and like methodical to the approach. Like, even though he'd be like three from nine or something or three from eight, you know, playing team defense, passing the ball and then the fourth quarter coming. He'll just make like six pull-up jumpers going right in a row. And you look up, he got like 28. And I'm like, damn. Like, it's just levels. Like, it's just levels, bro. And I'm just grateful to be able to see it. And obviously, I wish I was out there with K. But like, the level of scoring and the impact and the attention that they take up on the court, that space that they take up, the kids that's checking into the game, they get the guard of it. It's like, this is like this day moment, you know what I'm saying?

28:41So, it's like they either start struck or like they follow them all crazy because they just overly excited. So, the personality and the people are very different. But like, the impact and the greatness is very, very similar on a daily basis because it's just like, it's so good that you just get used to it. Like, you just get numb to it. Like, you look up, you know what I'm saying? It's 26, 27 on like 50, 40, 90, like, bro. And it's just sound crazy. It's just sound regular when you're talking about Katie. But that's just not regular, bro. At all. At all. And I think the world takes it for granted too. Yeah. And it's tough because like you said, you look up and he's 12 for 17. You're like, this is how he plays, yeah, on jumpers, how he plays is really how he trains. He's not missing, you know, no matter who's guarding them. So, I always wondered that, especially about Kauai as well, like just being a fan of the game outside of being a competitor against him and him being one of our peers.

29:42But like, I always wondered what their similarities was when it comes to that. Because greatness is always similar. Like, it could be different in terms, like you said, personality, how they go about it. But the end goal is kind of always the same in terms of their work ethic, their routine, each and every day, how they are to their teammates. And like, like you said, like the world takes those type of things for granted. So I always, especially on this show, we always try to try to critique those things, but also give that love and respect that these guys earn because that's what it's really about. And that's the crazy part about the game too, because you graded them inside of the game that they plan. So like, if we lose or if we don't win a championship, then it's like that's an angle to discredit them. To discredit them. But if you just peel back the basketball, you just using your eyes. It's like, bro, this is, I mean, my first week, I'm like, yo, how is this guy not the greatest ever to play basketball? For real though, this is what my mind.

30:44And then I'm like, all right, hold on, hold on. I'm like, hold on. I'm like, cold, you know what I'm saying? You got Mike, you got Brian, but it made me think. I'm like, yo, bro, like I don't know this got to be the best shit I've ever seen. But I felt that same way when I watched Kawaii 2. It's like that let you know the level that they at. Like that's the level, that's the room then. That's funny, man. That's real though. That's a good way to think about it. Anytime you see those greats, you, it questions you like, how is it that guy the greatest man? It doesn't seem like I could see no better. But I feel you on that. Fred, I got one more here. Obviously you've made a crazy run in the, you know, March Madness, while back, which are tall, state, undefeated. So I did want to ask you because it just happened last night. And it's been my favorite thing to talk about. I think we all saw it. You know, the buzzer beat it from Braille and Mullins, Yukon. And I think what we're talking about more, incredible shot. But honestly, the boozer twins and like, you know, just, I think it would help seeing future

31:45groupers out there. Even if you saw this, like, how do you deal with something like that? So heartbreaking after all the hard work that you can't forget. But how do you deal with a moment like that and basketball, which the whole world just witnessed? Man, it's gonna be a long summer, man. It's gonna be a long summer, dog. Like, you know what I'm saying? Just understand you got more basketball to play. And like, whatever moment that meant to you, like, your best, your best is on the other side of that. You know, so it's like, I feel for him. I'm more so focused on, you know, the guy that made this shot. Like, because in all, you know, you have to get yourself great too. Like, you know what I'm saying? What a, what a just an incredible play that was made on the other end. You know what I'm saying? He said 10 shots. Yeah, it wasn't like, he dribbled off his foot or like, he did some careless shit. Like, he was trying to get rid of it. And the guy just made a crazy play. And the kid made a 40 footer switch at the buzzer, brother. Like, that's cool. That's March Madness, bro. Like, it's nothing like it.

32:46And it's, I've been through it. I've been through the highs and the lows. But, you know, you just got to pick yourself back up. And I don't know. I haven't watched that much. I don't know if he gonna come back or whatever. I know the other brother. The other brother is supposed to be a lottery pick. But, um, yes, you just, you know, give you something. I like to like, either take screenshots or snapshots. It's like, all right. You know what I'm saying? Everybody. Piling on me right now. They, they killing them because he threw the game away. So I'm just used as my whole summer. I'm just used that. My whole summer. That's going to be in my mind. I can't wait to get back out there. Everything, everything. He just got a bounce back. That's the toughest part. Like, at the end of the day, he was 18, 19. Social media area is crazy. So like, you might have to deactivate that for me. Yeah, that's right. Right. Get around people who really truly care about you. Because these are one of their moments where, like, it hurts. It hurts. But like you said, like the best basketball is ahead of you.

33:46You use this as motivation. This should be something like for me. If that happened to me, I might have a picture up in my room. The whole summer of something that can just motivate me. And like, change the script around because it does hurt. And then everywhere you go, you feel like they're talking about the turnover and all those things. But like, the thing about it we said before we got on, that's the game of basketball for you. Like, that's obviously the worst case scenario. But down the line of the history of basketball, that's happened so much, bro. That's happened so much. So you got to just use that as motivation and find ways to move forward. Even though, you know, it's a tough moment. Man, put that phone down. All of that. That's the thing about the March Madnesses and the NBA. You would probably have another game like to wash it away. You know what I'm saying? The day or two tomorrow. He got away till next year. But if you turn that phone off and you wait a week, it's going to be somebody else turning next week. That's God fuck up.

34:47They're going, they're going, they're going to fuck up in the final four. And then it's going to be on them and we can move on. So I would love to see him bounce back and just make a career out of it. You know, I'm saying, make a nice career for yourself and not let that moment be the end of it. I mean, nobody can remember that shit in ten years. Well, Fred, we were over time here. We appreciate you. Just, you know, parting words here. What you got in store? Obviously next season, we'll see you back on court. But how you spend your summer? Man, I'm working. I'm getting back to it. It's going to be the first year that my summer is kind of flip, right? So as soon as this season's over, I'm going to be looking for five and be looking for some runs. Like I haven't, I haven't had much on court time. So my, my, my friend and my summer will be a little bit heavier this year. But, you know, be on the lookout. We doing the pie now. It's been cool and watching y'all stuff. So I'm new in that space. I'm just keeping myself busy and, uh, yeah, you know, looking forward to me getting back out there. You know, the best version that you see yet. It's on the way. That's dope. You know, you can always come to Seattle for a few days.

35:48We could get in the gym. You know, like all times just, I know you haven't been to Seattle. The weather's nice in the summertime. So just, I need to get out there. It's like two or three days. Get in the gym. You know, vibe out a little bit. Get you right back to Houston, baby. I need to get out there, brother. Come on. Say that. Always appreciate you, fam. For sure. Check out on guard at everybody point game fans. Check out on guard from all of everything. Friend. Subscribe, tap in. You know what it is, bro. Appreciate you. Stand slow. You know. Appreciate you, brother. Thank you. March madness is coming to a close this weekend. Yukon is plus 122 to beat Illinois in the draft King sports book app. And Arizona is plus 108 to beat Michigan. That means that Yukon and Arizona are slight underdogs at this moment, which is insane. So if you had to put your money on one of these squads pulling off the upset, are you taking Arizona? Are you taking Yukon? Pulling off an upset.

36:50I'm gonna take Yukon. Are you talking about in the final four, right? Yep. Yeah, I'm gonna take Yukon. I don't think the Michigan Arizona. They're the two best teams in the country to me. So it's not really an upset whoever wins that. So that Yukon. I'm gonna go with Yukon. I gotta give love to some Huskies. Since my UW Huskies ain't, you know, ain't in the tournament. It's always Huskies. Yeah, yeah. I'm gonna have to end there and they got some nice color over there. So I'm gonna go with Yukon Huskies. Download the draft King sports book app now and use code point game. That's code point game to turn five bucks into 200 and bonus bets instantly. In partnership with draft Kings, the crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800 gambler or 1-800, my reset. New York. Call 877-8 hope and why or text hope and why. Connecticut. Call 888-7899-77777 or visit ccpg.org. On behalf of Boot Hill, Casino and Kansas, wait your tax pass through may apply in Illinois.

37:5321 plus in most states. Void and Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see sportsbook.draftkings.com slash promo's limited time offer. All right. We're back here on point game. That was dope getting a chopper up with you and Fred. I mean, that's crazy. I didn't know it went way back like that. Yeah. That's, you know, it's like 2012, I think. Yeah, man. 2012, 2013. So I've been, I've been along the journey with him. Man, that's. It's crazy because some people that watch my oldest son play. I should have said this when we was chopping it up with him, fam. But they compare my, my oldest son to him. Really? In terms of his game and how smooth he is out, you know, he goes at his own pace. Really good, strong defender who can hit the open three. I tried not to hype my son like that, but there's been a few little basketball heads around my way. There's mention that. So I should have said that. So shout out to, you know, Fred.

38:53Shout out to my son James, you know, he's following the footsteps of a legend. But that's like, you know, we've talked about it before. That is, it's the cycle of things like way back when you were given him advice, you know, that free knowledge. And he's inspiring your sons, like it all just comes around. It's, it really is anyone in any profession. It's like, you know, keep that knowledge, keep spreading that knowledge and that information. Because you never know how to come back to you. Like Fred, you know, he just, he quickly came on the show. It's people outside the business know like that's a process. But he was like, yeah, whatever. I'm coming on. So that was dope. That's the love that they got for us, fam. That starts with you, bro. Well, so we're going to continue that as we do on this show. A little segment called No Days Off. We spread the love to some players. You might not be getting the shine. We think that they deserve. So I to you who we got for No Days Office episode. No days off. You know, we're going to go with our guy on the Chicago Bulls. My task. Buzelis. Yep. One of my favorite young up and coming stars in the league.

39:53Shout out to Reebok too, just because, you know, I was a, I was a Reebok family member. We started my career out and he's on Reebok. And I, and also I got to chop it up with him after he got drafted a couple of summers ago. And he was a big fan of mine. So, you know, I'm going to give the love back, show my support back every week. Then I'm on NBA TV or the podcast. We're, we're shouting him out because he's dunking on somebody. We got crazy. He's a human highlight film. So, our No Days Off goes out to my task. Buzelis, keep doing your thing in the season strong. You never know. I got, you know, I got IT training skills academy out in Seattle. I already, already tried to get Fred. You might as well come out, you know, some of the time. All we need is two to three days. I get, I get all the skills right, bro. Come and tap in because the sonics is coming back. So you got, you might as well visit before you come out there in a couple of years. Man, he, yeah, I mean, Reebok is looking, I might buy stock and Reebok.

40:55Man, they got eight cuff in the last week. They have modest on there. They're, they're making big moves. They're making big moves. Shout out to all the shoe companies, bro. But Reebok is under the radar. Yes, sir. All right. IT, another great episode. We're, we're still in the heat of basketball right now. Final four coming up. Playoffs ahead. Well, any parting words you want to give to the fans? Checking out point game right now. It's the best time of basketball. We're going to be talking the best type of hoop. So tap in, subscribe. Give us some comments. Whatever you want to chop it up about, this is the best time to be a basketball fan. So we got to give you what you want. Yes, sir. All right. Appreciate you all. We'll see you next time on point game. Draft King Sportsbook. The number one sports book for live betting is built for March. The tournament is unexpected. The words are guaranteed. Draft King Sportsbook is delivering the most generous rewards in the market. With Draft Kings, the number one sports book for live betting,

41:56you're not betting what might happen. You're betting what's happening. New to Draft Kings, but just $5 and get 200 and bonus bets instantly. Download the Draft King Sportsbook app now and use code point game. That's code point game to turn five bucks into 200 and bonus bets instantly. In partnership with Draft Kings, the crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-Gamber or 1-800-MyReset. New York. Call 8-778-Hopen-Y or Tex-Hopen-Y. Connecticut. Call 8-888-789-777-777 or visit ccpg.org. On behalf of Bootheulkicino and Kansas. Wage your tax pass through may apply in Illinois. 21 plus in most states. Void and Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see sportsbook.draftkings.com slash promos limited time offer. This is an I Heart Podcast. Guaranteed Human.