The Drive with Lon Tay and Derek Piper airs weekdays 4-6pm on ESPN 93.5 in Champaign-Urbana!
The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper is truly a gem for any Illini basketball fan. As a recent listener, I stumbled upon this podcast during the 2021 Illini Basketball run, and I must say that it has quickly become one of my favorite sports podcasts to listen to. Lon Tay and Derek Piper are not only insightful but also incredibly entertaining, making each episode an engaging experience. Their chemistry is palpable, as they bounce off each other's ideas and opinions seamlessly.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the hosts' genuine love and support for the Illinois team. Unlike some other podcasts or radio shows where hosts tend to constantly pick against Illinois and emphasize rival teams' greatness, Tay and Piper maintain a refreshing enthusiasm for their home team. It's clear that they have a deep understanding of the game and are genuinely invested in Illinois' success. Their analysis and breakdowns of games are top-notch, offering unique insights that you won't find elsewhere.
Another highlight of The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper is the exchanges between J Lehman and Lon Tay. These moments provide some of the best radio (or podcast) content I've ever come across. Their banter is light-hearted yet informative, adding an extra layer of entertainment to each episode. As someone who often feels disappointed and frustrated with Illinois football, it's comforting to hear someone discuss these issues openly on the show.
On the downside, one could argue that The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper's content relies heavily on there being ongoing sports events. While Tay and Piper do an excellent job creating engaging content even during dry spells, there may be instances where episodes feel repetitive or lack new material. This is simply a natural consequence when no actual games or major developments occur frequently.
In conclusion, The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper is a fantastic podcast for any Illini fan looking for insightful commentary on their beloved team. Tay and Piper's genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the game make each episode a joy to listen to. Their chemistry and banter are a delight, further enhancing the overall experience. While occasional lulls in sports events may lead to repetitive content, this is a minor drawback compared to the excellent quality of the podcast as a whole. I'm excited for what the future holds for The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper and look forward to many more engaging episodes.
Our friend Matt Silich joins the show to chat about the Illini, KC, Will, the NBA finals, and more! Plus, our predictions for the Cubs vs Cardinals 4 game series.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA Champs! And they have two First Round Picks in the NBA Draft. Could Kasparas Jakucionis or Will Riley be headed to OKC? Ryen Rusillo LOVES KC and Will. Where does he think they'll land? Find out in Hour 1! Plus, who didn't get invited to Lon's big party on Friday?
Who has the best food in Illini country? How about the best bars? What are some underrated spots? Plus, more on Bielema being the "villain" that college football needs. We chat about Juice Williams' legacy for Illini football. We have a game 7 for the NBA Finals! Get ready for Pacers vs Thunder. And our Friday Toasts! Cheers!
Joey Wagner is in the studio today with a TON of info on the new Illini football recruits. Four star recruits, the markets where Illinois is having success, and more. Plus - a clip from Paul Finebaum's show made the rounds today about Bret Bielema being the "new villain" on college football. And why that's a good thing!
Will the Fighting Illini land one of the top TE's in the nation? How about two of them? Plus, how did the Illini represent at Wrigley Field last night? We break it down!
Illini alum and Cubs beat writer for the Chicago Tribune Meghan Montemurro joins the fellas. We chat about PCA, Cubs playoff moves, and more. Plus, the Illini landed a 4-star recruit for football! Find out who will be joining Bret Bielema's squad this year.
We do an MLB edition of Next Question. Who do you want to see in the Homerun Derby, All-star Game, and Post Season? What are the reasonable expectations for the Cubs and Cardinals?
The Thunder lead the Pacers 3-2 and Tyrese Haliburton is playing hurt. Are the Pacers doomed? Plus, is Piper about to be an author? He's an Illini historian and we think it should happen!
Brad Underwood held his first press conference of the summer and we were there. Find out the latest news on Ty Rodgers' injury. Plus, more on KC and Will at the NBA Draft. Oh, and Uncle Lon is ready to talk Swayze Movies!
Derek Piper is headed to the green room of the NBA Draft in Brooklyn! Pipes will be there live next week. And he's not going alone - breaking Illini news! Will Riley is officially invited to the Green Room too. And more breaking news - Ty Rodgers suffered a knee injury and it will require surgery. Hear the latest from Brad Underwood.
The best golfers in the world are struggling on the U.S. Open Course. Is the course too tough? The guys discuss. Plus, a huge Friday toast to Father's Day!
Illini Basketball start their summer workouts soon. What news do you want to know coming out of camp? Also, we do a NBA Draft NEXT QUESTION and some Father's Day Fun.
Uncle Lon vs. Cherokee Parks - who ya got? Probably Cherokee, but how could Lon win? Plus, who are the most famous people in our phones? We go down a Tim Beckman / Illini rabbit hole, and more Illini nuggets.
The Pacers have found themselves up 2-1 in the NBA Finals. What would a championship win mean from a historic perspective? Plus we have a few Illini nuggets for football and basketball. And which Duke basketball players are the most punchable? We give our list!
Eddie Johnson's Tweet about teammate Mark Smith continues our conversation about which former Illini basketball players need to be in the Hall of Fame. Also, find about the new NCAA Basketball Rules and what it has to do with GROIN SHOTS?!
We discuss the local athletes currently playing in Major League Baseball and some of the local legends that made it to the majors. Did we miss anyone? Also, what should the Cubs and Cards do RIGHT NOW to compete for the post season? And which Illini basketball players deserve to be in the Hall of Fame?
We now know how much NIL Money is available for the Illini. Find out how much and how it might be spent. Plus, will players from 10 years ago get back-pay? Plus the Cardinals trolled Clayton Kershaw. Was it "bush league?" And shoutout to the wonderful woman that brought us ice cream!
Who has the best uniforms in B1G TEN football? We discuss a list that came out over the weekend. Plus, Aaron Rodgers is official a Pittsburgh Steeler and Lon Tay's taking us on a bar tour.
It's Friday and we're ready to toast one! Find out why Uncle Lon Tay has all the luck at the bars. And Pipes spent HOW MUCH at an Oxford bar just to get in?! Plus Kurtis drinks for cheap and we chat more NBA/Pacers.
Jeremy Woo from ESPN tells us how the NBA Draft will shake out and what it means for SJ & Will. Plus, he breaks down the Pacers incredible Game 1 victory over the Thunder in the NBA Finals.
Our old friend Matt Silich calls to break down the Pacers vs Thunder in the NBA Finals. Matt has a ton of great info that makes the finals can't-miss for sports fans! Plus, breaking Illini Men's Basketball news. Find out who is coming to Champaign this November!
The guys look at the impact of Travel Ball & AAU's impact on College sports. And that leads into a conversation about how the Illini will divide up their NIL money.
He had an epic run in 2023 and has some great insight for the 2025 Illini football team. Former Illini QB John Paddock joins the show for a great conversation!
The text line blows up when Pipes asks, "What would you wash away from sports?" Plus, Next Question is back and it's all about Illini Football.
We continue our conversation of Quad One Wins and the College World Series. Plus, there's a change in Illinois sports betting laws. And can you go back to watch your favorite teams lose? It's The Drive!
Illinois Men's Basketball is headed back to Madison Square Garden. The Illini will play UCONN on Black Friday, which adds to a huge weekend of Illinois sports! Plus we answer your texts and break down the importance of Quad 1 wins. Also, is strawberry ice cream healthy?
Bret Bielema has some FIRE responses on Twitter today about the SEC vs B1G TEN, and cooks an unfortunate Ole Miss fan. Plus, should college football expand the playoffs to 16 teams? And we give our Friday Toasts!
Pipes looks at the last 25+ years of Illinois Basketball and asks this question, "What if history turned out differently?" What if Bill Self stays at Illinois? What if the Illini LOSE to Arizona in the '05 tournament? This is a FUN conversation.
Caleb Williams addresses rumors that he didn't want to play for the Chicago Bears. Listen to his statement and hear our reactions. Plus, what were the worst interviews we've ever done? It's The Drive!
Join us for a FUN convo with former Drive teammate Trevor Vallese from The Field of 68 catches up with us. Plus, our Pro Wrestling / Fighting Illini discussion continues and we answer your texts.
Derek and Kurtis discuss the hype around Illinois vs Michigan this basketball season. Who are the #BalkanBrutes? And which former Illini basketball players would make great Pro Wrestlers? It's The Drive!
Buyers or sellers? What should the Cardinals do at the trade deadline. Plus, Brian Kelly opened a can of worms. Will we get a Big Ten vs SEC football challenge soon? What about a super conference? The guys discuss!
Brian Ames joins the guys to recap The Indy 500. Plus, is Lon getting lazy or losing his mind? Your texts help us decide. It's The Drive!
Jeff Jones from The Belleville-News Democrat joins the show to discuss the Cardinals keeping pace with the Cubs. Plus we answer your texts, recap the Indy 500, and NBA playoffs.
Brian Ames joins us to discuss the 109th Greatest Spectacle in Racing - The Indianapolis 500! Plus the Coca-Cola 600, the fastest animals in the world, and our Friday Toasts!
The guys compare Bret Bielema's contract with the Top 10 highest paid coaches in college football. Plus, Lon and Kurtis give Pipes advice on T-Ball. And which MLB player did Tawny Kitaen (from the Whitesnake video) beat up back in the day?
Are the guys buying the Cubs as a playoff contender already? Plus, what can the Cardinals do to keep pace and win the division. Also, Michael Jordan is going to NBC. We chat about his potential role and more.
Nasir Rankin had an all-timer presser to announce he's joining The Illini. We discuss all the hat tosses. Plus, is Bret Bielema putting together one of his best teams ever? And we chat about Game 1 of Pacers vs. Knicks. NO CHOKE! It's The Drive.
Lon's back in the studio with Derek and Kurtis. Get our live reaction to Nasir Rankin's epic commitment to Illinois Football. Plus, why Dan Hartlieb had every right to be upset with today's Illini Baseball game, and more.
Details emerge on Brad Underwood's new contract, and the guys discuss the expectations for the next several seasons. Plus Cubs & Cards 2 months in, we answer your texts, and more!
Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports joins the show for a great chat, some big news on Illini Football recruiting, and does recruiting Chicago matter as much as it once did? The fellas break it down!
Scott Dochterman from The Athletic joins the boys to discuss all things Big Ten, Illini, Iowa, Caitlin Clark, and more!
Joey Wagner joins Pipes and new guy Kurtis Allen to chat about his NFL draft experience. Plus, the guys break down Bret Bielema's biggest wins so far and look at the upcoming Illini Football schedule.
Derek and Kyle discuss whether it's even worth it to invest in high school recruiting anymore in the current landscape and what they anticipate the Illini's approach to recruiting being going forward. Later, the guys react to 247 Sports' Big Ten quarterback rankings for 2025.
Derek and Kyle talk some baseball and discuss why we haven't seen very many bad blood rivalries and benches-clearing brawls in baseball in recent seasons. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the first two days of the PGA Championship and potential NBA conference finals matchups.
Chris Block, owner of Chris Block Racing Stables joins the show to share his insight into the Preakness field and if the Triple Crown schedule needs to be adjusted to allow for more horses to chase the Triple Crown. Later, Lon and Derek discuss Illini football's season opener getting moved to Friday and the new book coming out that details drama surrounding Caleb Williams and the Bears before the draft.
Lon and Derek discuss the announced contract extensions for Brad Underwood and Bret Bielema and what a realistic expectation should be for Underwood each season. Later, the guys share their thoughts on Illinois & Tennessee finalizing an agreement to meet for another two seasons in Nashville and Chicago and who else they'd like to see the Illini schedule.
City/Suburban Hoops Report and the Chicago Sun-Times's Joe Henricksen joins the show to talk Jalen Brunson's ascension into an NBA star, the current state of Illinois high school hoops, and some old Illini hoops recruiting insight. Later, the guys look back at the loaded list of 2016 recruiting class visitors the Illini brought in.
Lon and Derek react to the news of MLB lifting its ban for Pete Rose, Joe Jackson and other deceased figures, making them eligible for the Hall of Fame. Later, intern Daniel Herzog leads the guys through Next Question: Illini hoops edition.
Lon and Derek take a look back at what the COVID era of sports looked like, including virtual drafts and the canceled NCAA Tournament. Later, the guys discuss what to make of Kasparas Jakucionis's draft stocking following a negative projection by The Athletic.
Lon and Derek discuss the Cardinals' 8-game win streak and whether the Cubs/Cardinals series this season could actually be for the NL Central crown. Later, the guys go back and look at Illinois' national championships in athletics on the heels of Illini golf's quest for one.
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