1. What will you remember most about basketball hall of famer Bill Walton, who died this past week?
John Letasky: He was a great guy who overcame a lot of physical pain and was a key member of the Celtics 1986 title team.
Sarah Bloom: His laid back, SoCal approach during the “Ball” era of UCLA less than 10 years ago made it impossible to hate the historic program.
Daniel Shepard: His announcing antics and the fact that he seemed like a genuinely good human being.
Gavin Derkatch: It was always a joy seeing him on the call for a Pac-12 game, rocking his typical tie-dye T-shirt.
Briar Napier: His ability to jolt me awake during late-night Pacific coast basketball games with multiple “Wait, he said what now?” moments. One of a kind character, rest in peace.
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2. Do you have a favorite sports podcast?
John Letasky: The Cat-Griz Insider Podcast.
Sarah Bloom: Editor & Publisher and The Press Box, which gives those in the media a different perspective on things.
Daniel Shepard: Dale Jr. Download and Door Bumper Clear. A couple NASCAR podcasts.
Gavin Derkatch: The Late Kick with Josh Pate during college football season.
Briar Napier: Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles for insightful guest conversations with basketball stars.
3. With the French Open underway, which is the best tennis major?
John Letasky: I like the Australian Open as it is the first and brings the promise of spring and summer here in the U.S.
Sarah Bloom: Wimbledon is something everyone should watch, but the moment of Naomi Osaka beating Serena Williams was unforgettable.
Daniel Shepard: I don’t consume enough tennis to have an opinion.
Gavin Derkatch: U.S. Open, growing up close to Queens, always paid close attention to it.
Briar Napier: Wimbledon. No need to overthink this.
4. What national/international summer sports event is on your calendar?
John Letasky: Olympics and the Tour de France.
Sarah Bloom: Olympics, watching gymnastics and basketball.
Daniel Shepard: Indy 500/Coke 600 day is a big one for me, and NASCAR season is always exciting.
Gavin Derkatch: Euros, something special about international soccer.
Briar Napier: Copa America, usually for South American teams, but the U.S. is in it this time.
5. Sweet tea, unsweetened tea, lemonade … do you have a favorite summertime drink to cool down?
John Letasky: Depending on the day, iced coffee or unsweetened tea, but water is unbeatable.
Sarah Bloom: Fresh lemonade, missing the stands on the Jersey Shore.
Daniel Shepard: Dr. Pepper is a go-to, grew up drinking Arnold Palmers and water is a good option.
Gavin Derkatch: Cold iced tea or lemonade, always a refreshing choice.
Briar Napier: Unsweet tea or sparkling water for a hot-weather refresher.
