1. What will you remember most about basketball hall of famer Bill Walton, who died this past week?
John Letasky: By all accounts, he was a great guy who overcame a lot of physical pain. Plus, he was a key member of the Celtics 1986 title team.
Sarah Bloom: During the “Ball” era of UCLA less than 10 years ago, as a Kentucky fan, his laid-back, SoCal approach made it impossible to hate the historic program. Go Cats.
Daniel Shepard: His announcing antics, for sure. He seemed like a genuinely good human being. We need more of those these days.
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 mid 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: Sure, the Cat-Griz Insider Podcast.
Sarah Bloom: I have always been big into Editor & Publisher and found a new gem in 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: During college football season, it’s The Late Kick with Josh Pate. His insights and humor make Pate an ideal solo host.
Briar Napier: Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles. Really insightful guest conversations with basketball stars of today or legends of the past.
3. With the French Open underway, which is the best tennis major?
John Letasky: I like the Australian 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 I will never forget watching Naomi Osaka usher in a new era, beating Serena Williams and the boos of the crowd. What a moment.
Daniel Shepard: I don’t consume enough tennis to have an opinion. On a similar note (or maybe not), I watched televised pickleball for the first time last week. Wild.
Gavin Derkatch: Growing up close to Queens, I’ve always paid close attention to the U.S. Open and hope to be in attendance one day.
Briar Napier: Wimbledon. No need to overthink this.
4. What national/international summer sports event is on your calendar?
John Letasky: You have to go with the Olympics, but I always seem to keep an eye on the Tour de France as well.
Sarah Bloom: Olympics, duh. Gymnastics and basketball — three former Kentucky players representing our country with Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker and thee Anthony Davis. Sure hope we stay healthy.
Daniel Shepard: Indy 500/Coke 600 day (this past Sunday) is a big one for me. Sucks it got hampered by rain. Summer is NASCAR season, baby.
Gavin Derkatch: I always love watching the Euros. There’s something special about international soccer.
Briar Napier: I’m sure I’m alone on this panel, but the Copa America (soccer). Usually just for South American teams, the U.S. is in it and hosting in a prelude to the America-hosted World Cup in two years.
5. Sweet tea, unsweetened tea, lemonade … do you have a favorite summertime drink to cool down?
John Letasky: Depending on the day, iced coffee can be good and so can unsweetened tea. I didn’t think I would like zero sugar sweet tea and that drink isn’t bad either. But you can’t beat water.
Sarah Bloom: Fresh lemonade or bust. I will miss the freshly squeezed lemonade stands on the Jersey Shore. Nothing compares.
Daniel Shepard: Dr. Pepper is a year-round go-to. I grew up drinking Arnold Palmers (half-tea, half-lemonade) a lot. Water is a sneaky-good option.
Gavin Derkatch: I’ll never pass up a cold iced tea or lemonade.
Briar Napier: Unsweet tea in a pinch for me, but I discovered sparkling water a few years ago and am hooked on that as a hot-weather refresher.
