BTN Take Ten Podcast

Former Creighton and Kansas basketball player Nick Bahe joined the show and shared his journey to becoming a college basketball analyst for Fox Sports, broke down this week's NBA Draft prospects in the Big Ten, projected some surprise Big Ten teams next basketball season and explained the Nebraska/Creighton rivalry. (1:41-40:30) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton III joined to catch up on all things Big Ten football and basketball during the summer months, including optimism from his alma mater of Michigan State. (41:30-end)

Star Rutgers playmaker Bo Melton joined the Take Ten Podcast to discuss his preparation for the NFL Draft, his career with the Scarlet Knights and more. Then, Big Ten Network Mgr. of Research Harold Shelton joined to discuss the home stretch of the Big Ten Basketball race.

Northwestern alum Nate Taphorn joined and shared memories from the 2017 NCAA Tournament run by the Wildcats, the years that built up to the “First Dance” season and discussed his current career. (2:35-33:24) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined and broke down the week's action in Big Ten Basketball. (33:24-end)

Former Michigan State Basketball star Maurice Ager joined and shared his pursuits in the decade-and-a-half since suiting up for the Spartans, his favorite memories as college hooper and his Final Four run reflections from 2005. (2:20-29:40) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined to catch up on the latest in the Big Ten Basketball standings, trends and developments of the past week. (31:10-end)

All-B1G punter Blake Hayes joined and discussed the unique process that led him from Melbourne, Australia to Illinois, the renaissance of the Punter on social media and his favorite moments from his Illini career. (2:02-34:37) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton put a bow on the college football season, broke down the tweaks to the 2022 B1G football schedule and checked in on the early B1G men's basketball title and scoring chases. (36:17-end)

Former All-American Michigan TE Jake Butt discussed his post-football life after retiring from the NFL, his career at Michigan, his preview of Michigan vs. Georgia, coming full circle with the 2021 Orange Bowl after 2016 and more. (3:09 - 41:16) Then, Big Ten Network Mgr. of Research Harold Shelton discussed the upcoming College Football Playoff Semifinal, the B1G's other bowl matchups and a conference hoops update ahead of the new year. (42:15-end)

Former Huskers LB JoJo Domann discussed his favorite memories across six seasons at Nebraska, his prep for the NFL Draft, his charitable work through NIL and more. (2:08-25:30) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton reflected on Michigan's month, looked ahead to the CFP Semifinal vs. Georgia and assessed the state of Big Ten Basketball a month into the season. (27:22-end)

Sporting News, FOX Sports and Big Ten Network basketball expert Mike DeCourcy joined for his annual Big Ten basketball preview ahead of Tuesday's start to the season. (3:21-41:21) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton recapped a wild weekend of Big Ten football, took a Spartan victory lap for his alma mater, previewed what lies ahead for the league and looked ahead to Big Ten basketball season.

Former All-Big Ten defensive back Brock Vereen joined the Take Ten Podcast and discussed his path from Minnesota to the NFL to sports media, including his favorite moments in his first year as a B1G Tailgate host for Big Ten Network. (2:20-27:20) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton previewed a massive weekend of B1G football matchups. (29:00-end)

FOX Sports college football analyst RJ Young joined and shared his path to his current role in sports media, his approach to covering the sport and his takes on Big Ten Football. (2:20-24:35) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton broke down the strength of Big Ten football in early October and previewed Week 6 matchups. (24:35-end)

The FOX Sports personality and host of The People's Sports Podcast re-joined the show and shared her experiences on this season's Ultimate College Football Road Trip, including stops at Wisconsin and Ohio State and an upcoming trip to the Nebraska vs. Oklahoma game. She discussed creating content on the road with co-host Mark Titus and reflected on what she's learned about the Big Ten so far. (2:53-30:40) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined to discuss Week 2's developments across the conference, including Iowa's national contender status and Ohio State's ability to bounce back before previewing an intriguing Week 3 schedule. (32:00-end)

Former Big Ten Player of the Year Cassius Winston joined and shared what Year One in the NBA was like with the Washington Wizards, reflected on his favorite moments with the Michigan State Spartans and more. (2:20-17:05) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton III joined and evaluated Illinois' Week 0 win over Nebraska before previewing a loaded Week 1 schedule in the Big Ten. (18:20-end)

Illinois basketball's third all-time leading scorer Malcolm Hill joined and reflected on his favorite Illini memories, discussed his upcoming opportunity with the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA Summer League and more. (2:06-34:20) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton III helped catch up on eventful summer of Big Ten news, talked last week's NBA Draft and more. (35:40-end)

Former Iowa wide receiver/kick returner and recent Minnesota Vikings draft pick Ihmir Smith-Marsette joined the show and shared his lifestyle since Draft Day, discussed his fit in the League, reflected on some electric Hawkeye memories and more. (2:00-14:15) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined and reacted to Andy Katz’s polarizing list of the Top 5 Most Scenic Big Ten Campuses before pivoting to Big Ten schools’ evolving recruiting advantages in football and men’s basketball. (16:18-end)

Big Ten Network and ESPN reporter Olivia Dekker joined and discussed her career path and how she’s made an impact in a competitive industry, her family ties to the sports universe and navigating life with her husband and former Badger basketball star, Sam. (2:30-44:15) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined and reflected on his Top 5 games he’s attended in both Big Ten Football and Basketball with Alex Roux. (46:00-end)

Former Michigan State Basketball walk-on Jack Hoiberg joined the show and shared what it was like growing up in a hoops family as the son of an NBA and college coach, reflected on his Michigan State memories and more. (0:00-23:07) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined and dissected the week’s schedule announcement from the Big Ten for in-conference men’s basketball opponents. (25:00-end)

Former Wolverine fullback, defensive lineman and special teamer Ben Mason joined and shared what makes his impact on the game unique, described his NFL Draft prep approach, reflected on Michigan memories and more. (1:45-15:40) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined to discuss how the proposed Super League in European Soccer matches sports trends in the US before talking both real and hypothetical Big Ten schedules vs. nonconference opponents. (17:35-end)

FOX Sports host and reporter Jenny Taft joined and discussed hosting Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, her sideline reporting experiences from Big Ten Country to the World Cup, her Midwest roots and more. Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined the show and reacted to The Athletic’s list of Top Football Hires since 1999 and shared his own Big Ten Football and Basketball coaching hire rankings.

Former Indiana basketball player Christian Watford joined to discuss the Hoosiers hiring Mike Woodson, his recent visit to Assembly Hall, some unique perspectives on his famous Wat Shot, and more. (1:40-23:40) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton discussed the new basketball coaching hires in the Big Ten, the end of the road in the NCAA Tournament and more. (26:00-end)

Former Penn State star and Denver Broncos WR KJ Hamler joined the show to talk about what he's learned in a year post-Penn State, his 'Welcome to the NFL' moments, his favorite cartoons growing up and more. (1:41-29:18) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined to analyze why eight of nine Big Ten teams in the NCAA tournament missed the Sweet 16, Michigan's chances to advance and more. (30:30-end)

Purdue's 2015 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Rapheal Davis joined the show to reflect on his role in lifting Purdue from losing seasons as an underclassmen to conference contender. He also discussed taking pride in his defense, holding himself and teammates accountable and what makes the current Boilers team successful. (0:00-33:30) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined to discuss the Michigan/Ohio State instant classic game and its implications, Michigan State's upset of Illinois and the remaining Big Ten Title race and March Madness projections. (35:30-end)

Former Buckeye star Jared Sullinger joins the Take Ten Podcast to discuss his attempted return to professional basketball, his favorite Ohio State and NBA memories and what makes the Buckeye alumni family unique. (0:41-24:00) Then, Big Ten Network manager of research Harold Shelton joined to share Big Ten Network’s Black History Month efforts and break down the current state of B1G basketball. (25:48-end)

Former Iowa star Peter Jok caught us up on his post-Hawkeye pro career, his connections to this year’s Top 5 squad and his favorite memories from his time on campus. (0:00-26:00). Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton broke down the current state of B1G men’s hoops. (28:00-end)

First, Joshua Perry and Kenny Bell discussed their first year working together as “emerging talent” at Big Ten Network while connecting with audiences from their playing days and beyond on TV and social media. The duo also offered insights on the intersection of sports, culture and off-field issues in 2020. (1:48-1:10:54) Then, Big Ten Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined and reflected on how 2020 changed the sports world, broke down the CFP matchup between Clemson and Ohio State and updated other Big Ten football and basketball developments. (1:13:54-end)

Former Michigan head coach John Beilein joined to discuss his return to Big Ten Network, tell stories from his career in Ann Arbor and offer thoughts on this year’s college basketball season. (1:28-30:30) Then, Big Ten Network manager of research Harold Shelton joined to break down the B1G football and basketball seasons. (33:16-end)

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News and B1G Network previews the college basketball season, breaks down the tiers within the Big Ten and offers a Final Four prediction. (1:30-36:15) Then, B1G Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton joins to go in-depth on the latest B1G football matchups and implications and concludes with a look at the first week of B1G basketball. (36:16-end)

Former Wisconsin Basketball player Vitto Brown (2013-17) updates us on his pro career since graduating from the Badgers, what life is like overseas during the pandemic and his interests outside of basketball. (1:17-37:00) Then, B1G Network anchor Mike Hall joined and discussed the launch of his new podcast for the network, On The Bench With Mike Hall. (39:10-1:00:38) Finally, B1G Network Manager of Research Harold Shelton caught us up on the state of B1G football and previewed Week 4’s must-see games. (1:01:40-end)

Charlotte Wilder of FOX Sports joined and discussed her journey from SB Nation to Sports Illustrated to FOX, shared her perception of college sports as a New Englander and small-college graduate before going through a crash course in B1G mascots and trivia. (1:36-35:04) Then, BTN Manager of Research Harold Shelton joined and discussed what we saw in Week 1 of B1G football and previewed what to look forward to in Week 2. (36:48-end)

SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic joined and discussed his college football favorites from both the B1G and SEC, shared which B1G programs scare SEC fans the most and analyzed the first month of college football. (1:05-24:30) Then, BTN Manager of Research Harold Shelton chatted about the TV schedule unveiling, basketball schedule updates and more (25:40-end).

Former Ohio State basketball player David Lighty joined and discussed his decade of professional basketball, his memories from a golden era of Ohio State basketball and more. (0:00-34:45) Then, BTN Manager of Research Harold Shelton re-joined for his regular in-season segment to discuss the return of Big Ten football, the schedule reveal and basketball optimism. (36:30-end)

Former Wisconsin and NFL DB Marcus Cromartie joined and updated fans on his career since leaving Madison, shared how he stays active on social media and facilitates relevant discussions, offered some thoughts on the upcoming NFL season and reflected on his Badgers career coming from one of football’s famous families.

Former Rutgers basketball center C.J. Gettys joined and reflected on his graduate transfer year with as a Scarlet Knight during Steve Pikiell's first season. Gettys also provided updates on his hoops career overseas since leaving Rutgers and shared his perspective on the current team as a fan.

Former Michigan State and NFL running back Jeremy Langford joined the show to reflect on his favorite Spartan memories, discuss his NFL career, rank Chicago vs. Detroit pizza and more. (0:00-25:20) Then, former Northwestern volleyball player, BTN intern and host of Big Ten Volleytalk Emily Ehman joined the show to discuss her sports media and playing career, plus facing the uncertainty of the sports industry as a recent grad during a pandemic. (27:00-end)

Former Purdue guard Ryan Cline reflected on a Boilermaker career that included two Big Ten titles, a memorable NCAA tournament run to the Elite Eight and more before sharing some thoughts on Matt Painter and ranking the skills of his fellow shooting guards during his time in West Lafayette.

Former Penn State star QB Trace McSorley joined and reflected on his first year experience in the NFL, sharing a QB room with Lamar Jackson and RGIII, his favorite moments from his Penn State career and more.

Former Michigan basketball star and NBA vet Nik Stauskas joined and reflected on his professional basketball career to this point, discussed his favorite moments from his Wolverine career and more. (0:40-33:30) Then, BTN staffers Harold Shelton III and Bill Friedman joined Alex Roux to run through some personal "All-Decade" favorites from the past ten years of Big Ten sports. (35:00-end)

Former Ohio State basketball walk-on Joey Lane joined to discuss his podcast coverage of the upcoming TBT basketball tournament in Columbus and break down the bracket before reflecting on his days as a member of the Buckeye program.

New Illinois Football Director of High School Relations Ashton Washington joined the show and discussed taking on a trailblazing role during an unprecedented time, how the pandemic led to her current opportunity and how Lovie Smith has helped guide her during the first few weeks on the job.

BTN Manager of Research Harold Shelton, BTN anchor/reporter Coley Harvey and BTN football analyst Joshua Perry discuss racial injustice in America, their own personal experiences as black men and Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren's plans to address the divide.

Former Maryland basketball star, ACC Player of the Year and 7-year NBA vet Greivis Vasquez joined to discuss his path from Venezuela to the United States, his love for the Terps and stories from his career.

Former Minnesota star LB and 2020 New York Giants draft pick Carter Coughlin joined the show and discussed getting drafted, getting ready for his rookie year and his favorite moments from his time in the Twin Cities. (2:07-20:00) Then, BTN Sr. Coordinating Producer Alex Bertsche joined the show and discussed his role at the network, notable experiences from his sports career and what it’s been like to quarantine with his kids. (20:30-end)

Former Iowa star TE and No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft T.J. Hockenson joined the show and chatted about his favorite memories from his time with the Hawkeyes, his first year with the Detroit Lions and his hobbies during quarantine. (1:40-20:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined the show and discussed the best Big Ten and college sports uniforms of all time. (21:00-end)

Illinois basketball’s Giorgi Bezhanishvili joined to discuss his solo quarantine lifestyle in Champaign, his favorite moments from an exciting sophomore season and his thoughts on potential changes to the Illini roster. (3:00-27:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined and discussed intriguing B1G landing spots from the NFL Draft, a Pistons fan’s perspective on the latest Last Dance episodes and ranked the best sports movies of all time. (28:00-end)

Former Michigan State basketball player Matt McQuaid joined the show to discuss playing in Germany in the year since his last Spartan game, how the pandemic disrupted his professional career and some fond memories from his time in East Lansing. (3:00-15:45) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined the show to catch up on conference news, preview the NFL Draft, discuss the Last Dance documentary and list the best restaurants at each Big Ten Campus. (17:45-end)

Former Wisconsin basketball player and BTN analyst Ben Brust re-jonied the show and discussed how he’s adjusted his sports media responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, Brust reflected on a special season for Wisconsin Basketball. (3:00-16:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined for an extended segment to catch up on Big Ten transfer and roster news before discussing the best Big Ten football and men’s basketball teams since 2000 who fell short of winning the national championship. (18:45-end)

Former Nebraska head coach and current BTN/FS1 basketball analyst Tim Miles joined the show and discussed the pandemic’s disruption to life and basketball before reflecting on his coaching career and favorite moments on the sidelines as the Huskers’ head man. (2:50-36:50) BTN Senior Coordinating Producer Bill Friedman joined to discuss how his flagship show, BTN Journey, is adapting its programming strategy during a time when live sports don’t exist and how it has embraced a digital rollout strategy over the years throughout the rise of social platforms. Plus, Bill shared his favorite memories across years of production and interactions with coaches and athletes for BTN. (39:30-end)

Former Penn State basketball player Shep Garner joined the show to talk about how he's handling the fallout from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, how it disrupted his basketball career, what he's been up to since graduating in 2018 and discussed his best memories from his days as a Nittany Lion. (3:00-31:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined to reflect on the craziness of the last two weeks and discussed the new normal of working in the sports industry. Other topics include the ultimate "what-ifs" of the canceled Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments and the impact of transfer news, recruiting and NCAA eligibility rulings since the sports world shut down. (31:45-end)

Michigan State Basketball player Aaron Henry joined the show to discuss how the Spartans are approaching their Big Ten Championship push and how they’re preparing for March Madness. (4:30-11:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined to break down the Big Ten basketball title race and seeding scenarios for the Big Ten Tournament. (11:30-36:00) Then, BTN On-Campus Producers Cory Pontarollo and Conner Hoke hosted a special Big Ten Wrestling Tournament preview with BTN wrestling analyst Shane Sparks. Sparks breaks down each weight class and everything you need to know for this weekend’s tournament at Rutgers. (36:30-1:32:00)

Sam Vecenie, Senior Basketball Writer for The Athletic, joined and discussed which Big Ten teams might make noise in March, where Big Ten stars could get drafted in June and more. (2:00-27:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined to break down the last week and a half of the conference title race and explained Big Ten Tournament seeding and tiebreakers. (28:00-end)

Former Purdue and current Texas Legends guard discussed how he made the All-NBA G-League team in his second year after graduating from Purdue and how he has elevated his game as a pro. (2:45-16:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined to discuss the head coaching transition for Michigan State football and caught us up on the Big Ten basketball title race. (17:00-end)

BTN wrestling analyst Shane Sparks joined the show and discussed his path from selling cars with a different last name as a 20-something to becoming a prominent figure in wrestling media. Plus, Shane discussed the sport's unique influence in Big Ten country. (3:00-28:00) Then, BTN researcher Harold Shelton joined and discuss last week's Wisconsin basketball news before wrapping up with a reflection on the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant. (29:00)