Eye on the Ball · 1450 KTZR (KTZR-AM)

Hour 2- April 7, Reggie Geary

April 8, 2026·53 min·5 clips

Reggie Geary compares Arizona's Final Four loss to his 1994 team's early tournament exit.

The episode begins with an advertisement for Connecticut Children's Doctors at Norwalk Hospital, followed by Steve Rivera and Dave Silver introducing the show on Fox Sports 1450. They open with sports news, including updates on Arizona women's golf, baseball, and tennis. The hosts discuss Jackson Shelstad's transfer portal visits to Arizona and Louisville, noting his impact in the Pac-12 tournament. They shift to baseball injuries, like Alejandro Kirk's thumb fracture and Cade Horton's elbow injury, and mention the Pirates' potential long-term deal with Griffin. The conversation turns to coaching salaries, with UNC's Michael Malone earning over $8.3 million annually, and Baylor's James Nanji entering the transfer portal. Steve and Dave talk about the Diamondbacks-Mets game and the transfer portal's volume, with over 800 basketball players entering. They discuss coaches' egos, particularly in baseball versus basketball, referencing Gino Auriemma and Dawn Staley's confrontation. Reggie Geary joins the show, reflecting on Arizona's Final Four weekend, describing the buzz in Indianapolis and the disappointment of the loss. Geary compares the 2024 loss to Arizona's 1994 Final Four defeat and the 1998 loss to Utah, emphasizing the NCAA tournament's single-elimination brutality. He shares memories of the 1994 team's camaraderie and how modern roster turnover affects player relationships. Geary explains that coaches like Tommy Lloyd and Dusty May must 'microwave' teams due to rapid changes, adjusting to a model where players may stay only months. He discusses the athletic department's momentum, with success across sports feeling like the 1990s golden age, and how winning helps fundraising conversations. The hosts and Geary praise the 2024 team's character and the community's support. After the interview, they take calls from listeners like Frank, who questions the NCAA tournament ball's bounciness and arena dome effects, and Don, who defends the season against critics calling it a failure. The episode includes multiple local advertisements and ends with more sports talk.

As heard by us

A former Arizona player weighs Final Four disappointment against the larger meaning of the run for the university and its fans.

Arizona's Final Four run anchors this Eye on the Ball episode, moving between the hope around Indianapolis, the hurt of Saturday's loss, and the wider attention the season brought to the university.

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Why you'd press play

You want Arizona's Final Four week from the inside, with old McHale and airport memories waiting in the wings.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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