Free Ira Brown! - The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast (general)
Three alumni/superfans, Marty, Chris and Adam discuss Gonzaga Basketball with previews, recaps and game analysis, all presented with good humour (spelled the English way because we're fancy).

Blerg.

Direct download: FIB_7-24_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:15pm PDT
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It was a Senior Night properly celebrated, as Gonzaga honored five seniors before beating Saint Mary’s en route to its eighth straight WCC regular season title.

Wait, I can hear you asking, five seniors? Aren’t there only three? There are three ON the court, but the Bulldogs pulled a pair of spectacular surprises, brining student manager Mac Graff out for celebration before bringing out NBA lottery pick and former Bulldog Rui Hachimura (WE HAVE A RUI!!) to enjoy what would have been his senior night.

Yes, dear FIBber, by that point, the game was a formality but we here at Free Ira Brown won’t let that stop us. And in our latest episode, our heroes react to the Senior Night festivities before breaking down the win over the Gaels (and all was right with the world).

Those stories, plus with the end of the regular season we turn our attention to Vegas and the WCC Tournament. To help us, we brought in someone who has some experience (and expertise) in postseason tournaments: Kerry Keating! The former Santa Clara coach makes his return to the pod to (in theory) help us understand how teams prepare for conference tournaments before things, well, drifted ever so slightly.

And finally, with the retirement of Adam Morrison’s jersey, we wonder what else might be worth putting on the North Wall of The Kennel.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come celebrate another WCC title with us, won’t you?

@freeirabrown

freeirabrown@gmail.com

Direct download: FIB_6-20_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:46pm PDT
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The world is clearly ending. Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria. Gonzaga has lost a conference road game!

Well, OK, so it’s obviously not that bad, and we here at Free Ira Brown try to take Saturday’s loss to BYU in stride and focus on the positives: the loss doesn’t affect our seeding much if at all, it wasn’t in March and we still have a chance to get a bit of revenge in the WCC Tournament.

We also run through Thursday’s win over USF, which featured one of the worst first halves in quite a long time but it’s pretty safe to say a solid second half.

Those stories, plus: it’s Senior Night! Or, it will be on Saturday against those mugs from Moraga. To help us prepare for that and Thursday’s game against USD we welcome FIB Patreon Ryan Lambert. Ryan also helps answer some questions from Chris, there are derps galore and we’ll have an extensive investigation into just who Brook Steppe is.

And finally, we run through some things at which we’re randomly good, much of which resorts to old video games and dad skills.

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come see the world’s end with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-19_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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The Pepperdine student section was loud and proud last week, but ultimately waved goodbye to their upset chances when Filip Petrusev showed his mettle, dominating the home team inside. This being the only game last week you might think this will be a quick show, but nay sir, do not underestimate your humble heroes’ ability to wax on about Filip’s continued improvement, Corey’s samurai like assassination skills and the Houston Asstrholes. We also mention the NBA All-Star game (Behold the Thickening) and dig deep into the upcoming match-ups against USF and BYU.

Speaking of BYU, they’re ranked in the top 25 this week and Ding-Dong! Hello! This is a massive match-up between two top 25 heavyweights. Marty introduces us to our formidable opponent the only way he knows best, through song.

All this and a discussion of those sports figures who, well, who may be compensating for something. This week on Free Ira Brown! THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast.

@freeirabrown

freeirabrown@gmail.com

patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: FIB_6-18_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT
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Laughing. Guffawing. Chortling. ROFL…uh…ing.

Schadenfreude is rarely so much freude as when it’s Saint Mary’s on the schaden end.

And it just so happens, dear FIBbers, we here at Free Ira Brown are all about the schadenfreude.

So in our latest episode, our heroes bring in a reinforcement to help us soak in all the joy of that mauling in Moraga. Free Ira Brown fan Connor Coombs joins us as we shower Drew Timme with love, bathe in that glorious first half and  give Randy Bennett some good, clean advice.

Those stories, plus, apparently we also played against LMU? We’ll investigate that, take a look ahead to  Peck…uh…Pepperdine and review the NCAA’s mid-season bracket release which has us (perhaps surprisingly) as a 1 seed in the West region, ahead of undefeated San Diego State.

And finally, we finish by sharing some of our own unpopular opinions.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come share the schadenfreude with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-17_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:01pm PDT
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You ever wonder why something is called jam-packed? Is jam have an unusually dense packing? Why is it not peanut butter packed? Or ice cream packed?

Mmm, ice cream. It might be time to head to your local grocery store, pick up a pint and throw on the latest offering from Free Ira Brown!

Our latest episode is ice cream packed as our heroes take a look back at the more-competitive win over Santa Clara and the nail-biting win over San Francisco. We’ll run through the after-effects of Tillie’s injury, what it means for the lineup going forward and … it’s Saint Mary’s Week!

Those stories, pus we take our first real deep-dive into Bracketology, it’s Saint Mary’s Week!, we have a mini-segment of Crazy/Not Crazy, we take a trip into the wonderful world of derps and it’s Saint Mary’s Week!

And finally, we finish up with a Top 3 full of love and hate and bits of love-hate.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come share some ice cream with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-16_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:06pm PDT
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You ever imagine what a soundtrack to a Gonzaga game would sound like?

It would start with Zombie Nation (obviously), but then what? Something more tense, more dramatic (like Filip going down with an ankle injury)? How about something more joyous (like Filip starting the next game)? Or just a straight energy boost (like Tillie throwing one down on the break)?

Well, dear FIBber, we here at Free Ira Brown imagine – at least in WCC play – it would be a little something like this: Zombie Nation, followed by It’s The Same Old Song and finishing up with DJ Khaled (All I do is winwinwin, no matter what…). Yeah, that sounds about right.

And in our latest episode, our heroes welcome another guest (Lissa Tripp, you may know her as ZagsChick on Twitter) to help us examine the same old story, the same old song and dance as Gonzaga trounces the (paper) Tigers of Pacific.

Those stories, plus we extend a tribute Brandon Clarke (and Matt Bouldin), we lament someone other than Heister announcing our game and we touch upon the loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

And finally, we return to Top 3 with our top three movie soundtracks, a wide-ranging set of choices sure to leave out your favorite.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come push play with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-15_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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Do you have any eligibility left? A spare season or two from your collegiate days? Maybe you’re still in school and feel like lending a hand (or ankle)?
It feels like that’s what is needed after yet another injury, this time to Gonzaga’s leading scorer and rebounder.

Unfortunately, dear FIBber, we have exhausted all our athletic eligibility. All we can give is the newest episode of Free Ira Brown, in which our heroes discuss the ankle injury to Filip Petrusev, why this was the best time for it to happen (not that there’s ever a good time) and what it means going forward.

Those stories, plus we welcome FIB super fan David Jenne to help us enjoy the thumping of BYU, we make fun of Marty relentlessly for believing in Santa Clara and we revel in Killian Tillie’s defense, Ryan Woolridge’s speed and Joel Ayayi’s all-around excellence.

And finally, we finish up with a fun discussion of which TV personalities we like and which ones drive us nuts.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come spend your remaining eligibility with us, won’ you?

Support the Show! patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: FIB_6-14_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT
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It’s sort of like finding your favorite pair of slippers, right? Maybe they had been lost under the bed, or the dog used one as a chew toy and it was lost for a few weeks.

But once you find it, you slip it on and it’s as comfortable as you remember. So it was, watching Gonzaga regain its form in a pair of blow-out conference road wins.

A savaging of San Diego? Slipping the right foot in. A mauling of Marymount? Your left foot sliding into an ocean of comfort.

It’s nice to see the slippers still fit, isn’t it?

And – no surprise here -- with a pair of games comes the latest offering from Free Ira Brown. In our latest episode, our heroes exalt in Ayayi’s excellence, Woolridge’s brilliance and at least one game of moderately passable free throw shooting.

Those stories, plus there’s a heated(ish) discussion of the best #13 in Gonzaga history, we have the largest amount discussion of Santa Clara in the history of the pod and we look ahead to a matchup with a dangerous BYU team who will likely be without star forward Yoeli Childs.

And finally, we have some fun with some accurate and not-so-accurate movie plot summaries.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do kick back, put your slippers on and join us, won’t you?

@freeirabrown

FreeIraBrown@gmail.com

Direct download: FIB_6-13_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:34pm PDT
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After about six-and-a-half years of putting out the podcast, one thing has become unassailably clear: We have no idea what we’re talking about.

So in order to help, we brought in the best possible option, the one person who has the combination of basketball smarts, access to the program and killer, killer hair.

That’s right, dear FIBbers, Free Ira Brown is back, and on our latest episode, our heroes interview Dan Dickau! Yes, that Dan Dickau. No, we’re not sure how it happened, either. But he’s here and there’s audio evidence to prove it.

We ask the Gonzaga legend his thoughts on this year’s team, what his time was like working as a player development coach with the Portland Trailblazers and who wore the #21 best?

Those stories, plus: did you guys hear about this Minnesota kid who committed to Gonzaga? Someone named Jalen Suggs…of course you heard, we all heard and we do a poor job of hiding our excitement about the highest-rated recruit Gonzaga has, uh, recruited (Dickau has some typically intelligent thoughts on Suggs, too).

But just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be more, we also evaluate the West Coast Conference’s non-conference schedule, review Gonzaga’s first two WCC games and take a look ahead to San Diego and Loyola Marymount.

And finally, we see the return of some crazy (and not-so-crazy) predictions. It’s an episode packed to the brim with goodness on Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come enjoy a chat with a legend with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-12_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:48pm PDT
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The holiday season means a much-needed break for the Gonzaga players, giving a chance to rest, heal up some injuries and enjoy some high-quality Christmas music (see our last episode).

But fret not, dear FIBbers, we are still here to help you through this most festive of periods. That’s right, Free Ira Brown is back, and in our latest episode, our heroes fight through colds, Disney and whiskey to bring you a brief (well, for us) New Year’s pod.

There isn’t too much to cover, but we will review the win over Detroit Mercy, the Gonzaga women roaring back from a 20-point deficit to get a big win and some absolute gold from Greg Heister.

Those stories, plus with the new year comes the start of the West Coast Conference season, and we’ll take you through the conference openers against Portland and Pepperdine (ROMAAAARRR!!).

And finally, we would like to take a moment to wish you a wonderful, happy and healthy New Year. We wish nothing but the best in the new decade.

@freeirabrown    Freeirabrown@gmail.com  

Direct download: FIB_6-11_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT
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Gonzaga basketball caps off a tough stretch with glorious victories over North Carolina and Eastern Washington. In honor of their sweet, sweet domination, Marty blesses us with a song . . . about Greg Heister?

You're in for the yuletide of your life on this episode of Free Ira Brown!

@freeirabrown

Patreon.com/freeirabrown

freeirabrown@gmail.com

Direct download: FIB_6-10_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT
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Do ever wonder how well Gonzaga would do in a real conference?

You know, what that doesn’t include the lumbering lummoxes that are the LMU Lions? Or the ponderous peasants that are the Portland Pilots?

What if, and go with us here, what if Gonzaga were in a real, proper conference? Like, for example, the Pac-12? How would Gonzaga do in the Pac-12, where the west coast behemoths that are Washington and Oregon and Arizona live?

What’s that, now? They beat all those teams, you say? And not one of the games was at home? And Tucson is six hours from the ocean and shouldn’t be considered the west coast?

We hear you, dear FIBber! And since we here at Free Ira Brown are in the truthiness business, in our latest episode our heroes end the discussion on who the best team in the west is (as if there was any doubt) after Gonzaga goes into the McKale Center and comes away with a (mostly) impressive win over Arizona.

We’ll take a look back at Ayayi’s brilliance, Angry Filip(!), Mannion’s miscues and what, exactly, precisely….what the holy hell happened those last 90 seconds.

Those stories, plus we spend some time with Peter Woodburn and Keith Ybanez from this very Website, getting their thoughts on the season so far, what’s been a surprise -- both good and bad – and why Peter has ruined Keith’s ability to get into a game ever again.

And finally, we finish up with a look ahead to Eastern Washington’s return to the MAC. Oh yeah, some other team is making its way west, as well.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops podcast. Do come bear down with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-9_mixdown_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT
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Did you ever do Sunday dinner with the family? Mom and dad, or maybe grandma and grandpa, host as many members of the family as possible, maybe cook up a nice turkey dinner, or –ooh!—maybe a lasagna.
 
Just out of curiosity, what did you put on your food? Were you a gravy fan for your turkey? Maybe parmesan or Reggiano for your lasagna?
 
We hear at Free Ira Brown, we prefer Husky tears.
 
And in the latest episode, our heroes exult in the full supply of Husky tears available after Sunday’s win. Woolridge all over both ends of the floor? Cue Husky tears. Ayayi with a clutch 3-pointer? More Husky tears. Tillie being the best player on the floor? Even MORE Husky tears. We rejoice in it all.
 
Those stories, plus we give a shout out to the great Frank Burgess, pick an interesting thing from the Texas Southern game, take look at what should be a fun game against Arizona and weigh in on the topic du jour: Gonzaga’s student section.
 
All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come join us at the dinner table, won’t you?
Direct download: FIB_6-8_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT
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What was it Meatloaf once said? Two out of three aint bad?

It seems unlikely he was singing precisely about Gonzaga’s trip to the Bahamas 40+ years in advance, but we’re gonna go with it anyway (seriously, if you haven’t heard the man sing, go find him and treat yourself).

And in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, our heroes dissect the loss to Michigan in the Battle 4 Atlantis final. What went wrong? Mostly everything. What went right? Mostly nothing. Should we freak out? Not yet.

We also take some real heart from the gutty, gritty, dig-way-down-deep victory over Oregon, talk about Ayayi’s continuing improvement and see if there’s anything we can do to help our starting backcourt get healthy and effective (just remember: don’t be sad, cause two out of three aint bad).

Those stories, plus we have another pod dedication, we mention the words “Texas Southern” and we get ourselves prepped for that small matter of a cross-state trip Sunday to take on Washington. Isaiah Stewart is an elite talent, but is he enough to carry the Huskies to a long-awaited victory?

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come belt out some Meatloaf with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-7_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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As the season of thanks and commercialism descends upon us and turkeys everywhere run and hide, we here at Free Ira Brown turn our attention to the warm waters of the Caribbean. Specifically The Bahamas, of course, as Gonzaga has made its way from the lovely climes of Spokane to the totally average, nothing-to-write-home-about beaches of Nassau (seriously, what a downgrade).

It is on those pristine shores the Bulldogs will face their stiffest competition yet (no, not you, Southern Miss) with potential matchups with Oregon/Seton Hall and UNC/Michigan looming.

And it’s here (well, the link below, anyway) where you can find the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, in which our heroes look (briefly) ahead to the game against the Golden Eagles and (thoroughly) to the Thanksgiving Day game against either the Pirates (always a scary proposition in the Caribbean) or the Ducks (always a good Thanksgiving dish). Who do we match up with better? What are each team’s strengths and weaknesses? Why is Southern Miss so bad at shooting the basketball when they play a game where the goal is to shoot a basketball?

Those stories, plus we take a quick, obligatory look back to the razing of the Roadrunners, wonder what’s wrong with Corey, pay some respect to Kayla Standish, give our thanks for all that is Greg Heister and get into a little podcasting after dark.

And finally, with the Bulldogs heading off to the Bahamas, we provide the lads with a little extra motivation with the return of the Top 3.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come eat at the big kids table with us, won’t you?

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com 

Contribute! patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: FIB_6-6.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:44pm PDT
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The French don’t have a Thanksgiving Holiday.

That’s not really surprising, considering it’s a holiday celebrated by New World entities. But we here at Free Ira Brown won’t let that small, petty fact deter us from raising a toast to the return of Gonzaga’s Cagnes-sur-Mer Magnifique, Killian Tillie.

For as our forefathers taught us, “Give us Tillie, or give us bad non-conference losses!” Pretty sure that’s in paragraph three of the Declaration of Independence.

Anyway, where were we? Oh yes, our heroes were celebrating Tillie’s return to lead Gonzaga past a plucky, feisty, annoyingly game UT Arlington team who seemed determined to ruin the rest of our week and make us forget the dominating performance the Bulldogs put on just a few days earlier in a blowout win over Texas A&M in College Station.

Those stories, plus we have the most heated pod dedication argument in recent memory (all five episodes), Heister learns what kinesio tape is and we struggle to find any noteworthy alums from our next opponent, Cal St. Bakersfield.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come celebrate the return of our French Fantastique with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-5_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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In 2017, led by one Geno Crandall, North Dakota came into the McCarthey Athletic Center and pushed a loaded Gonzaga team (aren’t they all loaded, really?) to overtime.

That 2017 team, however, did not have Filip Petrusev. Filip Petrusev does not suffer such dramatics.

Nor would be there any of the accompanying hand-wringing this year from Free Ira Brown. That’s right, dear FIBbers, we’re back, and in the latest episode our heroes go deep into finer aspects of the cruise-control wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and the Fighting Hawks: Petrusev feasting on lesser fools, Corey doing a bit of everything and Woolridge being really fast.

Those stories, plus we get into the NCAA and why they got it right (or didn’t) with the James Wiseman situation in Memphis, take a swim in the waters of Lake Schadenfreude (Winthrop! At home!), nod our collective heads and drinks to Kevin Pangos (and P-Maag!), try to determine whether Joel Ayayi (#A11Aboard) is the best rebounding guard in Gonzaga history and finish up with a brief game of What If?

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come along and laugh at others with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_6-4_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:42pm PDT
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Basketball. Games. Actual, counts-for-real, honest-to-goodness basketball. Gonzaga is back!

And to help celebrate the season-opening romp past Alabama State, we here at Free Ira Brown brought in someone who kinda actually knows what he’s talking about: friend of the pod Steven Karr (he’s on twitter at @skarrGo, which we’re told is pronounced like the snails, not a nickname for Scarlett Johansson).

Steven helps our heroes preview the Gonzaga women’s season, discuss whether it’s too early to give Corey Kispert the Naismith Award now and figure out Alabama State is about on par with Michigan State.

Those stories, plus we brave through Filip’s injury scare (no getting hurt!), we preview the upcoming games against Arkansas Pine Bluff and North Dakota (the Geno Crandall internal Civil War special!) and run through some pet peeves from the sporting world and elsewhere.

All that and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come revel in the return of actual basketball, won’t you?

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com

Direct download: FIB_6-3_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:05pm PDT
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It can be scary out there, in the offseason. No ghoulish games to look forward to, no ghastly matchups to set your mind aflutter. Nothing but the vast, dark emptiness that is the wasteland of sports without college basketball.

Thankfully, our nightmare is over. Yes, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will finally come back to the court.

And with them, so Free Ira Brown returns! That’s right, dear FIBbers, our heroes are back to finish off the season preview pods. A scrimmage against Michigan State? We got that. Breaking news on Oumar Ballo and how that affects us? We got that, too.

Those stories, plus we take a look at each other freshman and what to expect/hope, go over the roster/rotations with a fine-toothed comb and break down our non-conference schedule. We also have a lightning round at the end, just for giggles.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us in the season countdown, won’t you?

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com

Direct download: FIB_6-2_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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Free Ira Brown Returns! That's right, four of five starters from last year's team have moved on, but Free Ira Brown is here to get you introduced to the new squad. In this ep, we take a look at the veterans, returning players and transfers, who will form the backbone of the roster. 

We also go over the new NCAA rules and look back at our own personal shining moments.

Thanks for listening to THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast.

@freeirabrown  freeirabrown@gmail.com

 

Direct download: FIB_6-1_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:10am PDT
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Yeah. So, this is our summer pod. It was recorded before the USWNT won the World Cup, so we didn't talk about that. Also, we pick a player from the past to name the episode after, but you can tell that from the title. 

We talk about the off-season moves, the inevitable departures and the welcome surprises, then we tell you, with complete accuracy, how all these young guns are going to fit together next year. Do have a beach day with us, won't you?

We're a little laid back here at headquarters, so this one's a freebie patreon patrons. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

If you aren't contributing, we'd welcome any support you can muster, go to patreon.com/freeirabrown. Follow us on twitter @freeirabrown.

Direct download: 6-S_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:22pm PDT
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If you thought, after five years, it would be easier to put together an end-of-season pod; if you thought, after five years, we would keep things in the proper perspective, not get too up or down on the emotional roller coaster which is college sports; if you thought any of these things...you thought entirely and utterly inaccurately.

Because, dear FIBbers, there’s no getting around it: this one hurts. A lot.

But through the pain, through the sniffles and the hangovers, Free Ira Brown still manages to cobble, well, something together. In our last episode of the season, our heroes look back at Gonzaga’s loss to Texas Tech in the Elite 8 and try to figure out why a season with so much promise ended so abruptly.

Those stories, plus, we look ahead to who may or may not be coming back next year, what our starting lineup for the opening game might be and we try to figure out why this loss stings more than some of the others.

And finally, we try to remember it’s not all bad, as we realize, yes, Gonzaga may have lost but others have it worse.

All that and more on the season finale of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do commiserate with us one more time, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-24_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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Free Ira Brown reacts to Gonzaga's magnificent victory over the Seminals(sp) of Florida State. We're celebrating that win and taking a look ahead to Saturday's Elite Eight Match-up with Texas Tech.

Direct download: 5-23_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:17pm PDT
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You ever get a cavity and you’re not sure how you got it? You floss regularly, you’re a good brusher, you don’t flood yourself with sugar.

But sure enough, there it is, the hole in your enamel which will cause you to sit in a dental chair for 90 minutes and accidentally bite your tongue as it comes out of anesthesia.

Well the same thing happened to your faithful hosts of Free Ira Brown. And after going to our respective dentists, we were asked one question: “What did you expect? You’ve had five straight years of sweetness every March.”

Of course! Now it all makes sense. Five consecutive years of the Sweet 16! Why didn’t we think of that?

We must have been thinking too much about Brandon Clarke (do doo do do do do) becoming the best player Salt Lake City has ever seen, Tillie dunking on Fairleigh Dickinson and Corey Kispert having his best game as a Bulldog. An in our latest episode, our heroes take a look back at it all.

We also look ahead to the rematch against Florida State in the Sweet 16. Will this time around be different? Does Gonzaga have enough depth to deal with all the Seminoles will throw at it? We’ll discuss.

Those stories, plus the Gonzaga women put forth one of the gutsiest, all-out performances you’ll see despite falling to Oregon State in the round of 32. We’ll also touch briefly upon some potential grad transfer news and check in on the Free Ira Brown bracket pool.

And finally, we take a look back at a few of our favorite moments of a chalky but nonetheless enjoyable first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come partake in some sweets with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-22_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:53pm PDT
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Can you feel it? That tingling in the air? The sense of anticipation? It’s almost here. Just a few days until we’re all glued to the court to watch Gonzaga make another run at the Final Four.

And to get you (even more) primed, dear FIBbers, the Free Ira Brown crew is here to help you break down the brackets. In our latest episode, our heroes take a look at the Bulldogs (you know, Number 1 seed in the West) and their path to Minneapolis. Is the west really as bad as some are making it out to be? Is the west really as easy as others are making out to be? Does it really matter?

Those stories, plus Randy Bennett actually has to get on a plane, we take a look at some of the best second-round matchups across all the brackets, Adam learns where Fairleigh Dickinson is and we spend some time with the Gonzaga haters (derpy-derp).

And finally, we give our preferred routes to the national title. Syracuse or Baylor? UNC in the national title game? How about Florida State in the Sweet 16? We’ll tell you how we’d like to see it.

All that and more on the latest episode Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come dance with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-21_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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The hardest things to do, dear FIBbers, after a loss like that: 1) Explain it. 2) Calm down.

It’s unclear whether we did either, but we here at Free Ira Brown at least tried. Sort of. Mostly.

In our latest episode, our heroes take a look back at the West Coast Conference Tournament and specifically at what went wrong in the final…well…pretty much everything, but then you knew that already. There are stats (lots and lots of stats), complaints (we’ve got a few), and an emphatic answer to the question: did Saint Mary’s provide a blueprint to beating Gonzaga?

Those stories, plus we look ahead to Selection Sunday. Does the loss to Saint Mary’s affect our expectations heading into the NCAA Tournament? What teams do we want to avoid, which do we want to play?

We cover it all, plus we turn our attention to a very sobering trip to Las Vegas for the Gonzaga women, who had their own loss in the WCC Tournament final, and then suffered a much more affecting loss.

And finally, we here at Free Ira Brown felt it was time to teach people some manners. We’ve seen so many breaches of public etiquette it was time we reached out to our fellow man, to make sure everyone knows what’s appropriate in the public setting. And who’s more qualified than us to do some teaching?

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come learn some manners with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_5-20_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:38pm PDT
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We interrupt this regularly scheduled Karr commercial to bring you this breaking news story: Sources in Spokane confirm Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke was being investigated by police for a series of events which took place last weekend in the greater San Francisco area.

The 6-foot-8 junior was accused of bullying multiple people over a span of three days in Gonzaga’s two victories over Pacific and Saint Mary’s.

Witnesses described the Phoenix native as “an absolute monster,” and detailed a sequence of events which left Saint Mary’s guard Jordan Ford in tears.

For more on this breaking story, we direct you toward the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, in which our heroes detail the finishing touches on Gonzaga’s fifth undefeated WCC season.

Those stories, plus: it’s the most wonderful time of the year, don’t forget, and so we felt the need to bring on a special guest. Joining us on the pod is Slipper Still Fits writer and Gonzaga fan extraordinaire Steven Karr to help us kick off the postseason for both the Gonzaga men and women.

Is it a forgone conclusion the men will run away with things? Can the women finally beat BYU? Will Saint Mary’s have any hope of making the NCAA Tournament without a win over Gonzaga? (Hahaha…no)

And finally, we end by asking a question: Would he play? We ask whether some of our favorite players from Gonzaga history would play on this year’s team, and if so, how many minutes would they get? From whom would they take playing time away?

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come join in this Karr ride, with us won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_5-19_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:54pm PDT
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There’s no getting around it: this ended up being a painful podcast to record.

Not for the content of the pod, of course -- Josh Perkins made sure the recording of the pod was going to be nothing but fun. But for the hangover. Oh, the hangover.

You see, dear FIBbers, for our latest episode, Free Ira Brown welcomed back FIB Patreon and Gonzaga super fan Lissa Tripp to share her thoughts on drinking, attending all Gonzaga home games and drinking at all Gonzaga home games (spoilers: she enjoys all three).

And in solidarity with our guest host, our heroes thought, “Surely it’s a good idea to drink along with our esteemed guest” (spoilers: it was … until it wasn’t).

And so our thoughts on the gloriousness of all things Perkins (Baby Daddy!) and Dave Rose’s rage and Emery’s ankles, while long-winded…may make sense? Possibly? Maybe?

Let’s just say you shouldn’t envy Adam having to edit this one.

We’ve got those stories, plus we’re told Baby Shaq is not a house for newborns but rather a super-young, uber-exciting Malian center. Adding him to our 2019 recruiting class seems almost mean. We also revel in the glory of being number 1 (in the polls, in the NET Ratings, in the West bracket), check in with the Gonzaga women ahead of their Senior Night and look ahead to ending any hopes Saint Mary’s has of an at-large bid.

And finally, what with last weekend’s Oscars, we share our own stories of formal occasions and the love and horror those can bring.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come throw one back with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-18_FIB_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23pm PDT
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It cannot always be sunshine and rainbows, right? Sometimes, games won’t be as easy to stomach as we wish they were. Sometimes, we don’t get Greg and Dan and Richard guffawing their way through a 30-point thumping of BYU, or a nigh-50-point humiliation of Randy Bennett and his scowl.

Sometimes, we have to listen to Bill Walton.

But don’t worry, dear FIBbers, Free Ira Brown is here to help you through these dark times.

In our latest episode, our heroes take a look at the good (Dickau on national TV! Double-digit wins conference road wins!), the bad (Boxing out against Loyola Marymount! Three-point shooting against San Diego! Walton!) and the ugly (Let’s all agree to ignore both first halves, OK? Oh yeah, WALTON!) in the less-than-ideal-but-not-as-bad-as-some-people-think wins over LMU and USD.

Those stories, plus BYU keeps ruining things for the Gonzaga women, we finally found an award which bothered to remember Brandon Clarke exists, we look ahead to a return of our old friend Romar, BYU is in town for Senior Night again (ugh), Marty gets a movie wrong (we couldn’t believe it either) and Adam tells the story of the time he got accused of plagiarizing his thesis (it’s not true, but trust us: it’s a story you’ll want to hear, if only to hear how he left his parents twisting in the wind).

And finally, in honor of Marty’s annual trip to Maui, we finish with a truly vacation-worthy Top 3 sure to get your bags packed.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come be a light in the aural darkness with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-17_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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You ever see one of those fights, when there’s a bigger guy beating up on a little guy and you just can’t help but feel for the little guy? Maybe he or she is doing all they can but they’re clearly just outmatched and end up like the little brother being held at arm’s length by the big brother? And you just want to jump in and help the little guy?
Yeah, this was not one of those times.
This was not one of those weekends.
This was, instead, a thoroughly enjoyable 78-point thrashing of two of the “best” other guys in the West Coast Conference.
Direct download: 5-16_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:39pm PDT
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Adam and Marty are joined by special guest and FIB superfan David Jenne while Chris honeymoons (Congratulations Buddy!). We take a long, hard look at the 30 point drubbing laid upon the BYU Cougars, marvel at the consistent domination of Rui Hachimura and anticipate the toughest weekend of the WCC season with GU facing both USF and some other team from California.

We close with a top three that takes a look at things even more dull than the 53rd big game. 

Thanks for downloading!

Direct download: 5-15_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT
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Of all the people who helped start this incredibly period of success we’ve experienced as Gonzaga fans, there’s one man whose name ranks above all else as the coolest name among Gonzaga trendsetters. Casey Calvary is a great name (who doesn’t love alliteration), Dan Dickau is fantastic (see above), but no one – and we mean no one, dear FIBbers – can hold a candle to the man, the myth, the Aussie: Axel Dench.

That’s right, Free Ira Brown is back, and in our latest episode, our heroes welcome a Gonzaga legend. The great Axel Dench joins us to discuss his role in paving the way for 20 years of sustained excellence, how he got to Gonzaga and how to eat on $16 a day.

Oh yeah, we may or may not fanboy over his role in Star Wars, Episode III. He has his own action figure!

Those stories, plus: Bulldogs good. Broncos bad. We run through the plethora of fun stats and records set in Gonzaga’s demolition of Santa Clara, and how we completely accurately called this game. We also look ahead to BYU in a completely timely, not at all in-last-week’s-pod-cause-we’re-dumb preview of our trip to Utah and see if San Diego (who recently lost to … Santa Clara) can put up a fight in the Kennel.

And finally, we steal an exercise from our friend Gonzaga Guru (@GonzagaGuru on twitter) and put together our position-by-position, all-class team. Confused? Don’t worry, Adam will explain it wonderfully. We had a lot of fun with this one.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come on a trip down under with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-14_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:05am PDT
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Normally, we’d have something here about how Gonzaga put to lowly WCC foes to bed, and try to make it somewhat cute and/or funny. But this time, we have a sincere message: congrats to new Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez.

It only took 10 years (about nine too long if you ask us), but the baseball writers finally got things right.

Which has nothing to do with Free Ira Brown, but seemed worth mentioning nonetheless.

But fear not, dear FIBber, the pod is back with its usual shenanigans. And in our latest episode, our heroes review the wins over Loyola Marymount in LA and over the Pilots our home-away-from-home, Portland.

Those stories, plus we dip our toes into the Triple Tower lineup, have a moment with Heister, wonder if it’s time to start worry about Zach’s shooting and curse BYU’s women.

We also take the time to protect ourselves from the flailing hands of Nick Emery, the middle-aged hands of TJ Haws and the hulking hands of Yoeli Childs in our BYU preview. We also play Santa Clara this week, but they’re terrible so…bleh.

And finally, it’s the return of an old friend as we fish around for a very positive cinematic Top 3.

All this and more on this week’s episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join in the positivity, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-13_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm PDT
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They say it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. We can debate the axiom’s merits, but thankfully for us Gonzaga fans, what isn’t much of a debate is this: the Bulldogs finished the weekend a bit stronger your friends here at Free Ira Brown.

Yes, dear FIBbers, we’re back, though admittedly not at full strength. In our latest episode, our heroes attempt to recover from the weekend in time to bring you a breakdown of Gonzaga’s exciting win in San Francisco. We exalt in Brandon’s brilliance, Baby Daddy’s outstanding second half and Tillie’s best game this season.

Those stories, plus we played Pacific in one of the least memorable games in recent…uh…memory, we look ahead to the games against LMU and Portland this weekend, Gonzaga’s women set another new ranking record and Zykera Rice is pretty awesome.

And finally, in honor of whomever those people were who called the San Francisco game, we revisit some of the phrases/actions/habits of announcers which drive us crazy (spoilers: Chris and Marty do not see eye to eye about the effects of momentum).

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do help change the momentum with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-12_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:01pm PDT
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As conference play begins, Gonzaga’s roster is starting to look like what we all hoped it would, and Free Ira Brown is back to provide a closer look at the return of both Killian Tillie and Geno Crandall.

In our latest episode, our heroes revel in smacking aside Santa Clara in the Bulldogs’ West Coast Conference opener. The return of Tillie and Crandall provided the headlines, and we take a look at a full roster might mean moving forward.

Those stories, plus did you know it’s been 23 years since Gonzaga lost a WCC opener? Care to take a trip down memory lane? We’ve also got Zykera Rice ripping it up as the Gonzaga women now have their highest national ranking ever (congrats!), we look ahead to Thursday’s matchup against the Pacific (Paper) Tigers and look even further forward to Saturday’s trip to San Francisco. This is a trip which traditionally provides trouble for Gonzaga, and we make a closer examination of just how rude a host the Dons have been in recent seasons.

And finally, we end with what will hopefully become a regular segment: Story Time with Marty and Adam. You’ll want to hang around for this one.

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us for some fun, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-11_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:07pm PDT
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It’s a new year, a new week and a new episode of Free Ira Brown!

That’s right, dear FIBbers, the boys are back from their holiday hiatus and they’re here to welcome you to 2019. In our newest installment, our heroes review the trio of holiday cupcakes that were the Denver, North Alabama and Cal State Bakersfield matchups.

Those stories, plus we give some grades to Gonzaga’s non-conference season, review the unexpectedly strong showing by West Coast Conference teams not named Saint Mary’s, check in with the Gonzaga women and look forward to kicking off WCC play against Santa Clara (well, hello, Geno and Killian! Nice to see you again!).

We also take some time to chat about why it’s important to remember where the program came from, and why not every non-major conference team who is exceeding expectations is the next Gonzaga.

And finally, we finish things off with some New Year’s resolutions which will be 100% strictly adhered to without any semblance of a doubt. Nope, no doubt at all.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do ring in the New Year with us, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_5-10_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:51pm PDT
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As it is the festive season, we felt it only appropriate to give you our own (abbreviated) version of a classic holiday tune – don’t worry, we don’t actually sing on the pod, we’re not monsters. Cracks fingers…OK, here we go:

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

12 Jeremy Joneses

11 Zykeras Riceing

10 More games with Heister

9 B-Mikes at halftime

8 Gaels a-tearing

7 Angry Chris texts

6 Vic-tries in the tourney

Perkins passing Stockton!

4 Trips to Cali

3 Bennett blow-bys

2 Limbs a-healing

And a brand new podcast from Free Ira Brown!

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, in our latest episode, our heroes glance forlornly back at the trip to Chapel Hill, Marty talks Chris off the ledge (well, kinda) and Marty makes a Grosse Pointe Blank(!) reference.

Those stories, plus the UT Arlington game happened (Ayayi actually got minutes!), Heister makes fun of Fox for saying something wrong, we get a final clarification on how to pronounce Filip Petrusev’s name and we look ahead at the murderer’s row of upcoming games.

All that and more on the Christmas episode of free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us in the festive period, won’t you? Merry Christmas, everybody.

Direct download: 5-9_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02am PDT
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As I left my house to go to work Wednesday morning, I discovered someone had broken into my car.

Nothing too significant or meaningful stolen -- an old pair of sunglasses, some blue-tooth head phones, etc. Obnoxious, not really life-altering (that I can tell).

As I was pilfering through the mess that was the interior of my car, I noticed there was no broken glass. I walked around the car and noticed the locks didn’t appear – to the naked eye, at least – to be damaged. Which likely means I simply forgot to lock the doors, and someone took advantage of my oversight.

As I sat half kicking myself, half angry at the perpetrator, I realized something: this was partially my own doing, partially someone else’s doing. It was at least somewhat my own mistake(s) leading to the frustrating result. I felt crummy because things went poorly but also a bit relieved things weren’t worse. Hey, this sounds exactly like Gonzaga’s last two games!

And frankly, dear FIBbers, this sounds exactly like most of the Free Ira Brown podcasts!

Such it is in our latest episode, where our heroes battle our own technological shortcomings to take you back to the way-too-close-for-comfort win over Washington and the woulda-shoulda-coulda loss to Tennessee.

Those stories, plus we check in with the news, Chris gets mad at his DVR and we take a look ahead to the biggest true-road game in quite some time, our trip ahead to Chapel Hill and Saturday’s matchup with North Carolina.

And finally, we decorate the tree that is the episode with some ornamental discussion.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join us in making sure you hear the beep before assuming your car doors are locked, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-8_mixdown_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT
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You ever get a feeling of déjà vu? Where things which just happened feel like they happened already?

How about you, Creighton? Ever get that feeling? You know the one: where Zach Norvell has a pretty pedestrian first half, you go into halftime with a seven-point lead, feeling pretty good about yourself. And then, out of nowhere, Norvell starts to eat…and eat…and eat…and eat. And suddenly you’re on the wrong side of a second-half explosion?

Well, just in case you forgot, Free Ira Brown is here to remind you. That’s right, dear FIBbers, our heroes are back, and in our latest episode we take a look at Gonzaga’s win over Creighton, from Zach’s second-half dominance, Clarke’s elite efficiency, Perk’s passing (Baby Daddy!) and Rui’s resplendence.

Those stories, plus we pop into the polls, prepare for a Wednesday with Washington, preview the tussle with Tennessee and celebrate a Stanford upset with the Gonzaga women.

And finally, we finish with a really fun interview with two of the authors of “We Are GU: The Origins, History, and Impact of Gonzaga University's Kennel Club” a new book about the origins of the Kennel Club. We go in depth on how everything started, the current state of the Kennel Club and student attendance, whether the Kennel Club ever came close to dying out and recount how many kegs the Kennel Club could go through in a weekend.

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do put on your wrist band, don  your Kennel Club shirt and drink with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-7_Mixdown_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT
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Last night I had a dream. For some reason, I was fighting a dragon. A green one.

I had traveled out of town to either chase it or go hiking (it’s unclear which) and noticed it flying around. As I was running to get back to … town? My house? … I passed two people playing tennis without a net. I stopped to jokingly act like a line judge, but they took too long, so I left. 

Anyway, I got to my parents house and was hiding out in their basement (despite the fact they don’t have a basement) and something happened to the dragon (maybe it was asleep?) and I was discussing with an unknown person whether we should kill the dragon.

Somehow the dragon heard me, got mad(der) and decided to come after me. I ran out of my parents’ house and into the street as the dragon flew overhead. The neighbors were trying to escape by putting their entire family on bikes (no idea why they didn’t use their car). The dragon threw what I think was a garbage can lid and hit one of the moving people, knocking them out over.

I turned to the dragon and said, “Damn. Nice shot.” 

Then I woke up.

What does this have to do with beating Duke in Maui? I have absolutely no idea. But hey, did you hear we beat Duke in Maui?

Want to hear more about it? Of course you do. And Free Ira Brown is here to help.

That’s right dear FIBbers, in our latest episode, our heroes relive the Maui Invitational Championship. From the closer-than-it-should-have-been win over Illinois, to the brilliant-second half comeback over Arizona to the nail biter that was Duke’s first-ever loss in Maui (hey, did you hear we beat Duke?), we’ve got it all covered — and wait until you hear Marty’s latest montage.

Those stories, plus we go into the details of Crandall’s unfortunate injury (get well soon, Geno!), we go over Monday’s win over North Dakota State and take a look ahead to the upcoming trip to Omaha. … Omaha! Omaha!

And finally, for the first time this season, we’re reunited with an old friend as we recap our favorite moments from Maui.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come slay some dragons with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-6_Mixdown_3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:33pm PDT
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On this episode of Free Ira Brown, the lads react to the drubbing of SEC "Powerhouse" Texas A&M and preview the upcoming murderer's row of a preseason tournament in this Year's Maui Invitational. 

Direct download: 5-5_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT
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 Are you excited about Brandon Clarke yet? Of course you are. You are, your parents are, and so is Free Ira Brown.

Yes, dear FIBbers, we’re back again. And in our latest episode, our heroes run the gamut reviewing the win over Texas Southern. From new fan favorite Brandon Clarke’s speed and explosiveness to the steady excellence of Josh Perkins (11 assists!).

Those stories, plus we hop around in a news recap stuffed to the brim, we say hello to Heister and we take a look ahead to Thursday’s clash with a Texas A&M who’s hobbled by injuries. Could they still pose a formidable threat?

And finally, what’s in a name? We’ll find out as we finish with a game testing Marty and Adam’s ability to decipher between a real player and a made up character.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops podcast. Do join us in the game of names, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_5-4_mixdown_end_cut.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:32pm PDT
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Finally! The rock has come back to Spokane!

Because, see, the basketball is sometimes called “the rock,” and basketball is back and The Rock was a wrestler who used to say…you know what, never mind. Basketball is back! Gonzaga basketball is back! Real, live, actual basketball! And you know what that means: A full and proper Free Ira Brown is back!

That’s right, dear FIBbers, in our most recent episode, our heroes react to the Tillie injury in a timely manner, revisit our own expectations for the season and break down the win over the Bengals…Bangles…Ben-gals of Idaho State.

Those stories, plus we have a Texas Southern preview, listen in on Mark Few turning down the role of fly fishing instructor and warmly embrace the return of some time with Heister.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come into the kitchen and smell what we’re cooking, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_5-3_Final_Mix.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30am PDT
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OK, let’s get this out of the way at the top: We recorded this week’s episode before Killian Tillie’s injury was announced. We didn’t ignore it. You can’t accuse us of being in denial. Mostly. You know…ish.

So what CAN you accuse us of? How about a high level of excitement as we help you count down the days until Thursday’s exhibition season-opener?

That’s right, dear FIBbers, Free Ira Brown is back with part two of our season preview. In our latest episode, our heroes go over what little info we have from GU’s victory over Michigan State in the “secret” scrimmage, take a peek at the polls and exalt at the most important news of the day.

Those stories, plus we pick our starting lineups for the first game (seriously, you couldn’t announce Tillie’s injury before we recorded? Sigh), have a festive Italian dinner with our non-conference schedule, take 90 seconds to discuss the other relevant non-conference matchups across the WCC and make our predictions for the season.

And finally, we end the episode with a riveting game of “Who’d You Rather?”

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come preview our preview, won’t you?

Direct download: FIB_5-2_Final_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT
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*Scrolls through old posts* ”Good God, That’s Free Ira Brown’s music!” No, no, we did that one already.

*Scrolls further* “From the depths of the darkness of despair rises a podcast…” Nope, did that one already, too.

*Looks closer* “We’re baaaaaccck!” Did that one, as well (note to self: Still use the Randy Quaid GIF from Independence Day on Twitter).

Maybe just go back to basics: Hey, everybody! Free Ira Brown is back!

That’s right, as the calendar switches into God’s season (college basketball season, of course), our heroes are back for another season of podcasting (our fifth!). With Kraziness in the Kennel in the books, it’s time for the first of our two-part season preview. In this episode, we'll discuss Larsen leaving, Geno joining and a bevy Bulldogs on preseason award lists.

Those stories, plus, we take a quick look back at Kraziness, breakdown the individual players and our expectations for them and opine for more Rem/Dakich twitter beefs.

All this and more on the season-opening episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast! Do join in the fun, won’t you?

Direct download: 5-1_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT
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OK, just hear us out. It’s late-August. We know. Lots of things happened since we last podded. We know. We’re sorry. We were trying to find a Chik-Fil-A.

But.

Much like that one terrifying week after that foam party you don’t like to talk about, we’re late…but we’re finally here!

That’s right, Free Ira Brown is back with a mid- … er … late-summer night’s pod! In our offseason recap, our heroes … well, it’s fair to say our heroes are a little rusty. We’ve got premature beer openings, computer/audio issues and a tease in the open we never bothered to revisit.

Those stories, plus we’ve got incomings (like Geno) and outgoings (like Jesse), surgeries (get well soon, Baby Daddy!) and scheduling (Maui!). We take a look at the NCAA’s new metric for evaluating Saint Mary’s crappy schedule and make a quick hop across the Atlantic to check in on FIBA’s Under-18 European Championships.

Oh yeah, one more thing: Courtney Vandersloot? Still a badass.

All that and more on the summer episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do pull up a camping chair and have a listen, won’t you?

Direct download: Summer_Pod.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:38pm PDT
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Through all the frustration and pain and tears; through all the rage and alibi hours and beers, it’s important to keep perspective. It’s important to not let one game ruin the whole season.

Except, that’s what the NCAA Tournament does, right? It builds you up, it gives you hope, only to have your (and 66 other) seasons come to a sudden, crashing halt. The excitement and enthusiasm of a(nother) Sweet 16 appearance dissipates into regret and hand-wringing, students and alums alike becoming vessels of dull, empty fandom.

And yet…through the darkness, a light flickers. From deep in the void now within all our hearts, our heroes stir. There’s one final podcast left, one final time for us to rise above the heartache, soar past the missed free throws and open 3-pointers to bring to you, dear FIBbers, a season-ending podcast worthy of our highest of standards.

The loss to Florida State may be a few days old now, but the sting is still fresh and our heroes break everything down. From the unexpected absence of Killian Tillie (please don’t be his last appearance at GU, please don’t be his last appearance at GU, please don’t be his last…) to the size and length of the Seminoles (phrasing) to us struggling at everything from the free throw line in (and the free throw line out, for that matter), we examine it all.

Those stories, plus: Chris has a predictably weird beer, we look ahead to what’s next for the 2018-19 season, examine whether the Mountain West Conference makes sense for Gonzaga, Jill Barta surprises the women’s team and we throw around a few stats worth knowing.

And finally, the final Top 3 of the season has us looking ahead to the off-season. Reluctantly. Because baseball will surely fill the void in our hearts. Ugh.

Anyway, all that and more is on the season finale of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come have one last drink with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-22_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:09pm PDT
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There will come a time when your heroes, brave and mighty, will return from an in-person meetup with their bodies and brains fully intact. There will come a time when Free Ira Brown, borne of strength and purity, returns from its annual NCAA first-weekend meetup full of voice, vigor and vivacity.

This, dear FIBbers, is not one of those times.

And yet, despite being on limited sleep and voice quality, our heroes -- showing the type of intestinal fortitude, sheer force of will and cojones to rival one young Zach Norvell, Jr. -- somehow manage to muster up the energy and raw strength to take a deep and devoted dive into Gonzaga’s fourth straight Sweet 16 appearance (!). 

We celebrate the giant…basketballs owned by the aforementioned Mr. Norvell. We discuss the decided lack of quality free throw shooting (until the last 8 minutes against Ohio State, that is). We give props to Rui’s massive performance. And Chris fawns over his Baby Daddy, the good sir Josh Perkins himself.

Oh yeah, did we mention we hung out with Nigel Williams-Goss?

Those stories, plus we run through some of our favorite NCAA facts and stats, we turn a brief eye toward the news (Romar’s back!!) and we put a bow on the Gonzaga women’s season.

And finally, we finish with the Top 3 things that annoy us. No, not in general, though give us a second to write that idea down…OK, cool. We finish with the Top 3 things college fans do that annoy us. Aside from be younger than us. And be better looking. And be from Moraga.

 All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come and mock our voice quality, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-21_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:23pm PDT
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Free Ira Brown and special guests share some pints and relish in another Sweet Sixteen.

Regular Pod back this week. (If our voices recover).

Direct download: Bonus_pod_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:25am PDT
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Gonzaga Moves on. For now, that's enough.

Direct download: 4-21_Bonus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40pm PDT
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How do we feel about Gonzaga’s draw (hint: we’re not upset)? Where can UNC-Greensboro cause us trouble? What concerns do we have? What’s our dream path to San Antonio? How is Saint Mary’s going to do? We’ve got it all covered.

Those stories, plus we take a quick look at the other regions and what intrigues us in each, we check in with the Gonzaga women (They got hosed! They were robbed!), we throw some (listener-fed) crazy statements at you and we share some of our favorite tournament facts.

And finally, we finish with the Top 3 matchups we hope to see this tournament.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come join the dance, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-20_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:23pm PDT
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It’s important to peak at the right time. College basketball seasons are marathons, not sprints, after all. What no one wants is to be the Champion of November (ahemsaintmarysahem). 

It’s with this in mind we here at Free Ira Brown, much like a certain set of basketball teams from Spokane, primed ourselves to be at our best when March rolls around. And in our latest episode, our heroes are in postseason (read: possibly beer-aided) form as we break down Gonzaga’s victories in the WCC Tournament.

After the slow start against LMU (blame Vegas, if you must) to the Killian Tillie hitting anything and everything (oui, oui!) to Saint Mary’s losing to BYU (hahahahahahaha) to those thoroughly enjoyable and dominating minutes on either side of halftime, we have it all covered.

Those stories, plus we check in on the Gonzaga women (congratulations, champs!), take a look at the WCC postseason awards as well as their all-Decade in the Desert Team and laugh (yet again) at the absurdity of the RPI.

And finally, in honor of the terrific showing of Saint Mary’s, our Top 3 honors some of sports biggest ninnies. 

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join the fun, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-19_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:24pm PDT
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Complacency in fandom can be tough. When the exceptional becomes routine fans run the risk of being spoiled. That’s why, here at Free Ira Brown, we take care to point out: winning the WCC regular season title never gets old!

And in our latest episode, our heroes break down the wins over San Diego and BYU that secured Gonzaga’s 17th regular season title in the last 18 years. From the late-game heroics we’ve come to expect this season (We have a Rui!) in Southern California to the outstanding play of Josh Perkins (Baby Daddy!) in the domination of the Cougars in the mountains of Utah, we’ve got it all covered.

Those stories, plus we take a look ahead to the WCC Tournament, who we might play and how much easier the one seed is. Wait, who’s the one seed again? Oh yeah, we are.

 

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come join in the fun, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-18_Episode.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:19pm PDT
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These kinds of podcasts are always bittersweet. First, the sweet: A pair of conference wins (one comfortable, one relatively so), Saint Mary’s losing and Gonzaga where it belongs, alone atop the WCC standings. Then, the bitter: beginning to say goodbye to seniors who have meant so much to the Gonzaga program.

And so, in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, our heroes begin that process, recapping the wins over LMU and Pepperdine (hey, we actually won on Senior Night!) while taking a look back at the careers of Jonathan Williams III, Silas Melson and yes, even Brian Pete.

Those stories, plus we check in with the WCC Champion Gonzaga women, we take a look at the latest bracketology projections, Chris has a belated Valentine’s Day present for everyone and Marty’s preview of BYU is something to behold.

We also check in to see if people are going to get a little crazy and give you a couple bits of information we think you should know before finishing with a Top 3 sure to make you even more appreciative of Gonzaga’s program.

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do celebrate our seniors with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-17_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:14pm PDT
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Sometimes, when you break into the world of predictions, you’re made to look crazy. Other times, you’re David Jenne. 

On the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, our heroes are rejoined by David Jenne so he can gloat and reign supreme before we kick him to the curb. And then the real fun begins as we break down every aspect of that delicious, delightful, defensive masterpiece on Landale and the rest of the pretenders from down south(ish). 

From Rui’s dominance to JW3 anchoring the defense to the double-teaming to Perk (Baby Daddy!) setting things right, we’ve got it all covered.

Those stories, plus we break down the NCAA Selection Committee’s first Top 16 and what it means for GU (#deathtotherpi), check in briefly with Heister, provide a David Stockton(!) update and take a look at the weekend’s games.

Direct download: 4-16_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:35pm PDT
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It’s getting toward the time of year where you need to execute down the stretch. Can you perform in the clutch moments? Can you hit the big shot?

So just to make sure your friends at Free Ira Brown didn’t choke in the important moments, we brought in Patreon patron extraordinaire David Jenne to dish out some assists and make sure we have you, dear FIBber, covered properly.

That’s right, Free Ira Brown is back with some help! And in our latest episode our heroes (and our +1) go over Gonzaga’s ability to come up big late in games in a pair of wins over San Diego and BYU (finally!). Defensive intensity, offensive execution, Zach Norvell auditioning for Daredevil (The Man Without Fear…of taking big shots down the stretch no matter how you’ve been shooting before hand); we break it all down.

And finally, we finish with a Top 3 that had Hollywood executives kicking themselves.

Direct download: 4-15_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36pm PDT
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As we speed past the halfway point of the West Coast Conference season (where has the time gone?) a thought occurred to us here at Free Ira Brown: It’s about time to give a State of the Team address. It is, after all, about that time of year.

And so in our latest episode, our heroes give their thoughts on where we are as a team. Are we more or less optimistic than when we started conference play? In what areas are we doing well and where are we struggling? Why can we not guard the bloody 3-point line?

All that and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join in wrestle away some time for us, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-14_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:46pm PDT
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They say misery loves company. And, man, do we hate to suffer alone. With that in mind, we here at Free Ira Brown decided we needed to bring in some help. 

And so, joining our heroes on our latest episode, from about a mile on the dark side of 395, is guest host Lissa Tripp — Spokanite, FIBber supreme and patreon patron. 

With our powers combined — and maybe a touch of alcohol — Lissa (don’t you dare call her Lisa. Trust us. Don’t do it.) helps the guys break down Gonzaga’s first loss of 2018. Where did it go wrong (spoiler: the last 10 minutes), what didn’t we do well (spoiler: shoot 3s) and why couldn’t we just give it to Rui every time (spoiler: uh…um…er…).

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come share in our misery, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-13_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:26pm PDT
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Can you feel it? There’s an electricity in the air. An extra crackle. An energy. There’s something about this week; it just gets the juices flowing. And finally, after what feels like such a long while, it’s here.

That’s right: it’s Santa Clara Week, baby!!! And in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, our heroes have it covered top to bottom!

Enough about the so-called big names, who on the Broncos do we really need to worry about? What’s Coach Sendek done to really get this team humming along? SCU’s strength is turnovers – both causing and not committing – so how is Gonzaga going to cope?

Those stories, plus we take a look back at the survival that was the win over USF and the rout over Portland, we introduce a new segment that may or may not be crazy, we take our normal stroll around the various polls and rankings and touch upon some other game happening a few nights before the big one against Santa Clara.

And finally, we finish with a Top 3 sure to make you go, “What?! Are you serious?! How is this possible?!” Especially Marty.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come get energized with us, won’t you

Direct download: 4-12_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:57pm PDT
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Yes, dear FIBbers, in our latest episode, our heroes are joined by our hero: Bulldog legend Dan Dickau. The man with the best hair in Gonzaga history joins the pod for a wide-ranging interview covering basketball (What does he like about this year’s team? What are his concerns?) to sort of basketball (Who did you get in a fight with on the court?) to not basketball (Dogs or cats?) and back to basketball again (Why is Brian Michaelson such a grump?).

And finally we end on a Top 3 which had us doing whatever the opposite of singing along is.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come listen to a legend (and Dan Dickau!), won’t you?

Direct download: 4-11_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:41pm PDT
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You guys hungry? Don’t know about you, but after the distasteful display in San Diego, we here at Free Ira Brown were in need of some good home cooking. 

Thankfully, Gonzaga provided a pair of performances that could fill any king’s table.

And in our latest episode, our heroes break down that appetizing performance against Pacific and the sumptuous spectacle that was Santa Clara. A cutdown in fatty turnovers? That’s on the menu. An uptick in defense? Already ordered. And the FIB crew scarfs it all down.

 

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come eat with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-10__Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23pm PDT
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In our latest episode, our heroes turn over every stone in dissecting the loss to San Diego State (see, because of all the turnovers in the game. There were lots of turnovers by Gonzaga … yeah, sorry). Frustrations about our offense, our defense, our rotations…all are drilled down.

Those stories, plus with the holidays come the end of the semester. And with the end of the semester comes grades! Grades for players, grades for coaches, grades for the non-conference schedule. We’ve got ‘em all!

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do come sing Auld Lang Syne with us, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-9_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:54pm PDT
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Gonzaga Basketball narrowly avoids its worst home loss in 20 years to North Dakota, but returns to form against an equally over matched IUPUI team.

What exactly happened? Who is to blame? Does anybody really know what time it is? We have questions, and answers, and more questions. . .

All that and our top three Christmas movies! Listen!

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com Patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 4-8_Upload.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:23pm PDT
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Gonzaga lost to Villanova at MSG in a poor showing, but returned to the Northwest as strong as ever, proving once again who is tops in Washington State.

We examine the highs and lows from the previous week and complain about some announcers! All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown! THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast.

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 4-7_Upload_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:57pm PDT
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After a second half as dominant as the one Gonzaga had against Creighton, we just couldn’t wait until Monday. That performance got us so excited, the Free Ira Brown crew got going early, and finished…uh…before our normal finishing time.

And so the latest episode of Free Ira Brown is here, in which our heroes cover the crushing of Creighton in the Kennel. The Blue Jays were game, but Tillie and Norvell were too good. We break it all down.

We also take a look ahead at the jewel of Gonzaga’s non-conference schedule, the matchup with Villanova Tuesday in Madison Square Garden. What would a win for us look like? On what creature (creatures?) can we report? Will Kispert play? 

 

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join in the revelry, won’t you?

Direct download: 4-6_ep.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:19pm PDT
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With the greatest non-NCAA Tournament competition in college basketball history behind us, Free Ira Brown has it all covered. In the latest episode, our heroes breakdown the beat down of the Buckeyes (Baby Daddy!), the fall to Florida (oh, Silas) and the Rui-breakout-that-was-almost-a-disaster-but-turned-out-OK victory over Texas.

Those stories, plus we check in on the polls and the Gonzaga women, the Tweet of the Week makes its triumphant return -- and just might send us off into a three-on-five rabbit hole -- and we preview the upcoming games against Incarnate Word (don’t call it Incarnate World) and the Creighton Blue Jays (don’t call them the Jays…or Rays).

And finally, we finish up with our Top 3 takeaways from the magical weekend that was the PK 80.

@freeirabrown

Support the show at: patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 4-5_EP.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:32pm PDT
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And now, the real (turkey) meat of Gonzaga’s schedule begins. Stuffed with top-100 (and hopefully top-10) teams the Bulldogs head down to the beautiful (and wet) Rose City for the PK 80 tournament in Portland, and Free Ira Brown has the main course and all the side dishes covered.

In the latest episode, our heroes take an in-depth look at Ohio State (including the return of two beloved segments), then break down the (hopeful, likely, probable, if-someone-doesn’t-screw-it-up) matchup with Florida. What would success look like? Will the Bulldogs end up playing Duke? What would constitute disappointment?

Support us at patreon.com/freeirabrown! Twitter us at @freeirabrown.

Direct download: 4-4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:44pm PDT
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Our heroes are joined by heroes in their own right: the editor of this very Web site, Peter Woodburn, and Slipper Still Fits writer Keith Ybanez team up for a wide-ranging chat covering their Slipper Still Fits origin stories, their fight against the evil forces that are other fan sites and what their hopes are for this multiverse’s Bulldogs.

Those story lines, plus: the polls are back (like a villain who just. won’t. die.), there’s an update on the recruitment of new members to the team and a quick glance ahead (or behind, in the case of Howard) to the next foes.

And finally, this week’s story arc ends with a rundown of the Top 3 musical acts we’ve seen. 

Patreon.com/freeirabrown @freeirabrown

 

Direct download: 4-3_Upload.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:38pm PDT
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No more season previews, no more scrimmages, no more exhibitions. Thankfully. Mercifully. Adverbily. We finally (FINALLY!) have real Gonzaga basketball. No, really. It’s a dream matchups with … er … Texas Southern. But still, it’s a real Friday evening tipoff with real repercussions and real lineups and … what’s this? It’s a real Free Ira Brown season preview?!

That’s right, our heroes are back, finishing up the preseason rabblerousing with a real look ahead to Gonzaga’s 2017-18 season. We’ve got real injury news (get well soon, Jesse, Jeremy & Emma!), real recaps of the fake game against the College of Idaho, and is this really going to be our starting lineup?

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com

Support us at patreon.com/freeirabrown!

Direct download: Ep_4-2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:45pm PDT
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With Gonzaga Basketball season quickly approaching, Adam, Chris and Marty take a look at the national scene, lambaste those who have picked St. Mary's to win the WCC and run down this new look GU team. We also leave room for our season opening top three.

Go to patreon.com/freeirabrown and enjoy exclusive content, outtakes and T-shirts with your generous support. Tweet us at @freeirabrown or e-mail freeirabrown@gmail.com!

Thanks for listening and GO ZAGS!

Direct download: Ep_4-1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:16pm PDT
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It's Christmas in August and Free Ira Brown knows just what you want. GONZAGA BASKETBALL NONSENSE.  We hope you like our presents. We talk: Recruiting! Schedules! Pacific Northwest Heat Waves!

We also get caught Rosterbating, but hold out for a top three of ice and fire.

Thanks for downloading!

@freeirabrown

Direct download: 4-Summer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:17pm PDT
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That’s right, just one more episode of Free Ira Brown before we head into the podcast pre-draft process. In FIB’s season finale, our heroes salute the greatest season in Gonzaga history by saluting our seniors and those whose Gonzaga careers are ending. There are tributes to Huge Piece, Jordan Mathews and Bench Mob leader Rem Bakamus as well as discussions of how the early NBA Draft declarations of Zach and Nigel will affect the team’s look next season.

Direct download: 3-26_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:14pm PDT
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Gonzaga's epic run through the NCAA tournament comes to a crushing end and the Free Ira Brow! boys are her to commiserate, console and commiserate some more. We look (at great personal sacrifice) at the highs and lows from the Final Four weekend and recognize how lucky we all are to have experienced them.

Direct download: 3-25_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm PDT
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In the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, our heroes dive head-first into the first Final Four in Gonzaga basketball history. Can we just say that again? The first Final Four in Gonzaga basketball history. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

So what does it mean for the program as a whole? What makes this team different from its predecessors? Was this really the missing link from Few’s resume?

 

And finally, we end with a Top 3 which goes all the way back to two weeks ago before raising a glass to the Bulldogs who came before who made this Final Four(!) run possible.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do join in on the finality, won’t you?

Direct download: 3-24_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:15pm PDT
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FIB makes a special appearance to celebrate the trip to the elite eight and Jordan Mathews' huge nuts.

Go Zags!

Direct download: final_3-23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:37pm PDT
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In our latest episode our heroes humbly offer a pod stuffed to the brim with NCAA goodness. We got facts, we got figures, we got losers, we got winners. Well, actually, no, we don’t have losers, we have a Sweet 16 team.

What we didn’t forget is a top-to-bottom review of Gonzaga’s wins over South Dakota (not to be confused with San Diego) State and Northwestern. 

Those stories, plus we check in with some concerns we have moving forward, a Tweet of the Week replete with buzzkills and we offer up a few things we think you should know.

And finally, we end with nine reasons why Mark Few will be cutting down some nets on Saturday. Optimism reigns supreme.

Direct download: 3-22_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:15pm PDT
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It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time of the year

 Gonzaga is number 1 in the West Region. How could anything possibly go wrong?

Do come sing along with Free Ira Brown, won’t you? 

Direct download: 3-21_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:15pm PDT
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What a serene ending to a surreal regular season. That was just good, old-fashioned fun. Thirty two wins, (what should be) a No. 1 seed, the best regular season in the school’s history.

And the Free Ira Brown crew is here to exult in the revelry.

 

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Trust us: this one is fun.

Direct download: 3-20_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:57pm PDT
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Yes, yes, Gonzaga's undefeated season is a lost cause, but they remain a dominant force in college basketball as the NCAA Tournament looms. But first, the WCC demands to be put in its place once again in the desert.

We perform a post-mortem on the BYU loss and attempt to find meaning from a no good, terrible, very bad day for the GU offense.

To top it off we cheer up with a top three full of laughs.

Free Ira Brown is Adam, Chris and Marty. Gonzaga Superfans with computers and microphones. Thanks for spending some time with us!

Direct download: 3-19_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:25am PDT
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We bring in none other than the Dan, the myth, the legend, Mr. Dan Dickau. No, really, Dan Dickau is on the pod. Yes, that Dan Dickau. No, we’re not joking.

The Gonzaga legend and broadcaster joins the FIB crew to discuss this team’s remarkable run, Mark Few’s evolution as a coach, Dickau’s ping pong skills and Greg Heister’s Dickau fandom.

Those stories, plus we have a preview of San Diego, a Tale of the Tape with the team with the best fans in the WCC and we end with a Top 3 with that has absolutely nothing to do with anything.

All this and more in the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast.

Direct download: 3-18_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:10pm PDT
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Adam is back at the helm as the Free Ira Brown crew celebrates Gonzaga’s latest comfy win over its supposed rival. That’s right dear FIBbers, we’re back, and in our latest episode, our heroes thoroughly enjoy all aspects of that delightful win. With the joy and schadenfreude you’ve come to expect, we look look back at Karnowski’s brilliance, Williams’ athleticism, Silas’ best game as a Bulldog, Naar having another stinker. 

 

All this and more on this week’s episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. We don’t really need to ask you to join us, do we? Just remember: it won’t always be like this.

Direct download: Ep_3-17_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:25pm PDT
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Sorry about the late POD dear friends, but a severe illness hath struck Free Ira Brown and the delay could not be avoided.

With Adam out with a severe flu, Marty and Chris recap BYU and Santa Clara and look ahead to the ultimate rivalry game against the G*els.

All that and and a top three of champions. 

Direct download: Episode_316_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:10pm PDT
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That’s right, dear FIBbers, the top team in America, in both polls, is none other than your Gonzaga Bulldogs, and the Free Ira Brown crew has it all covered. In our latest episode, our heroes take in the news and take down the internet trolls. Haven’t played anyone? Dumb. Wouldn’t make the NCAA Tournament in a “real” conference? Ignorant. Are we a bunch of flat-track bullies, not worthy of the #1 ranking? Buffoons.

All that and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do give it a listen. You don’t wanna be number 2, do you? 

Direct download: 3-15_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:20pm PDT
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Gonzaga's undefeated run continues with wins over Santa Clara and Portland and a  wild Tuesday night could land the Zags at number 1 in the country. The FIB boys discuss and later sit down with former Santa Clara and UCLA coach Kerry Keating for a long talk about the NBA, college kids, and which of his players the refs never got along with.

Also, we speak ill of Randy Bennett (FIB we mean, coach Keating is a perfect gentleman).

It's a super-sized Free Ira Brown: The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Join us!

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-14_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:31am PDT
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In our latest episode, our heroes explore every aspect of that beautiful, wonderful thumping of THAT LOT. From Williams’ block party to Silas’ defense to Mathews’ shooting, we cover every aspect of the glorious embarrassment of Randy Bennett’s over matched Ga*ls.

freeirabrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown patreon.com/freeirabrown

 

Direct download: Episode_3-13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:53pm PDT
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And now the real fun begins. Are you ready?

One of the nice things about having a direct rival in the WCC is you’re guaranteed to play them (at least) twice a year. Home and away, punch and counterpunch, first blows and last words. Sold-out gyms. National television. Tent city. Are you ready? 

Free Ira Brown is. And in our latest episode, our heroes have something special in store the visit of that most hated of long-standing nemeses, the Loyola Marymount Lions. . .  I mean, The St. Mary's Gaels. 

Gonzaga Basketball's Only Podcast From Real (old) Fans.

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com patreon.com/freeirabrown

Thanks for Listening!

Direct download: 3-12_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:11pm PDT
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Gonaga beats Pepperdine and Pacific by a combined 50 points while battling a team-wide flu outbreak.

Those stories, plus we have a very special pod-long guest, a member of Gonzaga Basketball’s royal family, if you will. We spend some time with a certain regional(!) announcer and then take a look at this week’s upcoming games, including a trip to Chris’ least-favorite WCC arena. 

And finally, we finish up with a Top 3 that hopefully sheds some positive light on 2016.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast.

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-11_rough.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:57pm PDT
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Free Ira Brown! The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast is Adam, Marty and Chris, three GU superfans who love to drink drinks and talk hoops.

This week, we breakdown the beatdown that was South Dakota, relish in Gonzaga's best start ever and walk down memory lane to look at some historic WCC successes that didn't include Gonzaga (this was hard). 

All that, and a moment with Heister! Tune in won't you?

freeirabrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-10_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:39pm PDT
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Adam, Chris and Marty are back to recap a tough game against the officiating crew in Nashville and bring you some holiday cheer.

It's Free Ira Brown: The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast as you know and love it: long and full of puns!

Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for Downloading!

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-9_Holiday_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:43pm PDT
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What’s that sound? Do you hear what I hear? Sounds like some caroling: 

“Have yourself a merry little podcast. Set your ears alight. From now on Huge Piece will keep us of sight…”

Now imagine the guys from Free Ira Brown singing it. No! Wait! Come back! We’ll stop! We’ll stop.

Adam, Chris and Marty talk about Gonzaga Hoops, Gael tears and our favorite Christmas music!

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-8_project_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:43pm PDT
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Adam, Chris and Marty discuss the week that was in Gonzaga hoops. We recap the tune-up against SMVSU and the main event against Arizona. We look ahead to Huskie tears and the Zips!

All that and a surprising top three.

Direct download: 3-7_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:49pm PDT
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Lookout Gonzaga world, David Jenne has arrived! In this week’s episode of Free Ira Brown, our heroes welcome Jenne as a guest host as we break down the magical Thanksgiving weekend in the most magical place on earth: Orlando, Florida.

Arizona looms and we hope this week's top three stands the test of time.

All this and more on the latest episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do make David’s journey into hosting worth it, won’t you?
P.S. You want to be like David and guest host your own episode? Hit up www.patreon.com/freeirabrown. Well…we’re waiting!!
Direct download: 3-6_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:46pm PDT
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The Free Ira Brown boys are at it again; Recapping, previewing, and quoting stats developed by our statistical overlords. This week we turn our laser-like focus to the Advocare Invitational and drool at the juicy opponents to be faced there.

All that and the return of "Moments with Heister" on this episode of Free Ira Brown: The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast!

freeirabrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:03pm PDT
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Gonzaga Superfans Adam, Chris and Marty break down the Bulldogs' two blowout wins over the weekend, gush over the freshman big men and explore the Norvell mystery. All this and a Bryant preview on this episode of Free Ira Brown!

Thanks for downloading!

@freeirabrown freeirabrown@gmail.com patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-44_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:27pm PDT
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Adam, Marty and Chris discuss their takeaways from the exhibition against West Georgia and give you the in depth skinny on upcoming opponents Utah Valley and San Diego State (well, on SDSU anyway).

We also give you our top three GU player presidential candidates! Now THERE's an election we can get excited about!

Thanks for listening! Hit us up!

freeirabrown@gmail.com @freeirabrown patreon.com/freeirabrown

Direct download: 3-4_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:58pm PDT
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Gonzaga is getting a lot of hype with a top 15 pre-season ranking and riding high expectations. What's their floor? What's their ceiling? Free Ira Brown takes a look a the rankings and expectations and lays some smack down on top 25 rival Saint Mary's.

All that, and halloween puns! Thanks for downloading!

@freeirabrown; freeirabrown@gmail.com; patreon.com/freeirabrown

The Gonzaga Hoops Podcast!

Direct download: Ep_3-3_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:07pm PDT
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Adam, Marty and Chris are back for another season of Gonzaga Hoops and the hype surrounding this squad is off the charts. Is it justified? Are you curious about all the new faces this year? Listen and learn!

Stay to the end to find out our top three punchable faces of the off-season!

Tweet us at @freeirabrown! E-mail us at freeirabrown@gmail.com. If you like the show donate! www.patreon.com/freeirabrown.

 

Direct download: 3-2_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:59pm PDT
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Surprise! It's like March in July!

Jordan Matthews transfers to Gonzaga and all the pieces (especially a HUGE piece) are in place for a great 2016-2017. We discuss. Also, top three Olympic moments we can remember right now. 

Direct download: 3-Summer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:11pm PDT
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It's that time of the season again, dear FIBbers. The gym's closed down, the Kennel stands pushed back. The scoreboard has been unplugged, the Heisterisms boxed up and put in storage. We here at Free Ira Brown have turned in our final assignment of the season...in the form, of course, of our final episode of the season (Season 2, Episode 25). 
 
 
Before we shut it down for the spring/summer, we take a look at the most important question of the season: If you had to play NBA Jam with one duo  from Gonzaga history, who would it be? We tackle all this and more on the season's final episode of Free Ira Brown, THE Gonzaga Hoops Podcast. Do close down the season with us, won't you?
Direct download: Episode_225_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:32pm PDT
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