On The Ball with Ric Bucher

Ric discusses the 2025 NBA Draft's No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, the long list of players to whom he has been compared, his strengths and weaknesses, and Ric's method -- and struggle -- to identify the current player he sees as Cooper's ideal comparison. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Host

Ric discusses the events leading up to Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers and what could determine who is the next champion. He also dives into the controversy surrounding Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and whether or not the WNBA needs to implement more protective measures

Ric discusses the factors that led to the Oklahoma City Thunder tying their best-of-seven NBA Finals series with the Indiana Pacers at two wins apiece and what will decide who wins the supremely pivotal Game 5 in Oklahoma City. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.

Ric discusses the moves that Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made to win Game 3 and shares how he came to know Carlisle both as a person (and pianist) and coach. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses why the NBA Finals could prove to be transformative for the league and the blueprint for building championship teams. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ric discusses the shocking last-second win by the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals over the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder -- why it happened and whether or not the Pacers' chance of winning the series should be re-evaluated. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted