March Madness Begins: Iowa, Arizona & Upset Picks + NBA & WNBA Headlines

The madness is officially here.

On today’s episode of Sports IQ, Larry Smith dives into the opening day of the NCAA Tournament with full bracket energy—breaking down key matchups, storylines, and the teams poised to make a run.

First, Larry is joined by Tom Kakert of Hawkeye Report from Tampa, where Iowa returns to the tournament for the first time since 2023. They discuss the Hawkeyes’ defensive identity under Ben McCollum, what it’ll take to beat Clemson, and the uphill battle that could await against defending champion Florida. On the women’s side, Iowa enters as a two-seed—but is there a growing gap between the elite programs and the rest of the field?

Later, Steve Rivera joins the show to break down Arizona’s path as a No. 1 seed. With a deep frontcourt, confident guard play, and strong chemistry, the Wildcats look like a legitimate title contender—but as history shows, nothing is guaranteed in March.

Larry and Tony also make their Final Four predictions, highlight potential upset picks (watch out for those 5–12 matchups), and debate which teams are peaking at the right time.

Plus:

• NBA streaks heating up with the Hawks and Lakers

• WNBA reaches a new CBA agreement with major financial growth

• MLB considers a midseason World Baseball Classic

• NFL moves shake up quarterback depth charts

And in today’s Moment of Awe: Bill Russell and the San Francisco Dons capture the 1955 NCAA Championship—launching one of the greatest basketball legacies of all time.

March is here. Let the madness begin.