The Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Jared Kotler

Listen to the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast to catch up on all things Connecticut sports.

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How Hartford Became a World Cup Hotspot | American Outlaws Hartford
Today at 1:00 PM

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As the World Cup captivates fans across the globe, Hartford has emerged as one of Connecticut's premier destinations for supporters of the U.S. Men's National Team.

On this episode of The Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast, we sit down with Tom Lovkay, President of the American Outlaws Hartford Chapter, to discuss the growth of soccer in Connecticut, the incredible atmosphere surrounding World Cup watch parties, and how American Outlaws has built a passionate community of fans throughout the region.


Hear From the UConn Football QB Jon Gruden Loves: Cooper Newman
Last Tuesday at 10:00 AM

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One of the newest additions to UConn Football joins the podcast as quarterback Cooper Newman discusses his decision to commit to the Huskies and what fans can expect when he arrives in Storrs.

Cooper shares what stood out during his visit to UConn, why the opportunity to play for Coach Jason Candle was so appealing, and his early thoughts on joining a deep quarterback room.

We also dive into Cooper's relationship with Jon Gruden and his now famous commitment video. Plus, Cooper talks about being just 20 passing touchdowns away...


Nathan Grube on the Future of the Travelers Championship | Behind the Scenes of a PGA Tour Event
06/08/2026

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In this episode, we sit down with Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube to discuss how the tournament has evolved during a period of unprecedented change in golf. From the introduction of Signature Events and a new television partner in NBC Sports to the arrival of a new PGA Tour commissioner, Grube shares his perspective on where the sport is headed and how the Travelers Championship continues to grow while staying true to the traditions that made it successful.


Alex Karaban on NBA Draft Combine, UConn’s New Roster, Solo Ball, Nik Khamenia & NBA Dreams
05/26/2026

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Alex Karaban joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast to talk about everything that’s happened since the end of the season, including his experience at the NBA Draft Combine, the pre-draft process, and the next steps in his basketball journey. Alex discusses how this year’s combine felt different compared to 2024, improving his vertical leap by 5.5 inches, his favorite and least favorite drills, team workouts, and whether he pays attention to mock drafts. He also shares what he wants NBA teams to know most about him as he prepares for the draft.

We a...


Alex Oriakhi on His UConn Career and New NIL Venture
05/22/2026

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UConn national champion Alex Oriakhi joins the show to talk about his new NIL venture, NIL Hype, and how today’s college basketball landscape compares to his time at UConn.

We discuss:
• Building NIL Hype and navigating the NIL era
• The chemistry behind UConn’s 2011 national championship team
• Being around UConn’s recent championship teams and attending the Final Four

A fun conversation filled with stories from one of the key pieces of UConn’s title run and insight into the changing world of college athletics.


Why UConn Vintage Merch Is Taking Over | Jeff Shawinsky of Seen Vintage
05/15/2026

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Vintage sportswear is bigger than ever — and UConn gear is right at the center of it. This week, we’re joined by Jeff Shawinsky of Seen Vintage to talk about the rise of vintage college merch, how he turned his passion into a business, and why old-school UConn Basketball apparel has become such a hot commodity. 

We get into how Jeff went from being a UConn fan to a vintage seller, why vintage sportswear has exploded in popularity, and the process behind hunting down rare gear. He also breaks down the “holy gr...


New UConn Football Coach Jason Candle Breaks Down His First Season Approach
05/05/2026

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New UConn Football head coach Jason Candle joins the show to break down his first few months on the job.

From assembling a roster in today’s transfer portal era to navigating NIL, Coach Candle shares what’s surprised him most about UConn Football and why he’s excited about the future.

We also dive into quarterback evaluation, spring practice takeaways, scheduling as an independent, and how he balances the process of building his program with the pressure to win right away.

Plus, some fun topics to close...


Luke Murray Says Goodbye to UConn Basketball + Talks Boston College Future
04/30/2026

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Former UConn assistant coach Luke Murray joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast after being named the new head coach at Boston College. Murray discusses what made the BC opportunity appealing, how he plans to build the program from scratch, and what kind of culture he wants to establish in year one.

We also dive into UConn’s March run, working alongside Dan Hurley from Wagner to Rhode Island to UConn, how Hurley has evolved over the years, and what advice Murray has for whoever steps into his demanding former role.

Pl...


CCSU AD Tom Pincince Breaks Down the Wild New Era of College Athletics
04/27/2026

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The college sports world is changing fast. NIL, the transfer portal, conference realignment, and new financial pressures are reshaping everything. We sat down with Tom Pincince, Athletic Director at Central Connecticut State University, to discuss how CCSU Athletics is navigating the new era of college athletics.

We talk about the biggest challenges facing mid-major programs, how student-athletes can benefit from NIL opportunities, the impact of the transfer portal, donor support, facilities, and what success looks like for Central moving forward.

If you care about the future of college sports...


Inside George Steinbrenner: The Truth Behind “The Boss” + A Little UConn/St. John's Talk with Mike Vaccaro
04/23/2026

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Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post joins the show to discuss his new book The Bosses of the Bronx and the fascinating legacy of George Steinbrenner. We dive into how Steinbrenner became known as “The Boss,” whether his larger-than-life persona was truly who he was or partly an act, and what most people still get wrong about one of the most polarizing figures in sports history.

We also talk about how quickly he changed from calling himself an absentee owner at his opening press conference to becoming one of the most...


What Went Into Braylon Mullins Coming Back to UConn? Dad Josh Mullins Explains
04/20/2026

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Why did Braylon Mullins decide to stay at UConn? In this exclusive interview, Braylon's dad, Josh Mullins, breaks down the full process behind his return to the Huskies and what went into one of the biggest decisions of his career. From family conversations to evaluating the future, this is the behind-the-scenes story UConn fans have been waiting to hear!


The End of an Era with Alex Karaban: Recapping the National Championship and His UConn Career
04/13/2026

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STAY TUNED POST CREDITS FOR YOUR VOICEMAILS! In the final episode of our four-year series with Alex Karaban, we reflect on an unforgettable journey at UConn and dive into everything from the emоtions of the past week to what’s ahead. Alex shares what it was like preparing for a matchup against a massive Michigan team, how he has handled the tough loss, and what made this year’s Final Four experience unique compared to the others. We also get insight into his relentless mindset, including getting back in the gym immediately after...


From Locker Room to Living Room: How CollectU is Taking UConn History into Your Living Room with CEO Jay Sharman
04/03/2026

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What if you could own a real piece of UConn history?

On this episode, we sit down with Jay Sharman, CEO of CollectU, the company redefining sports memorabilia by transforming authentic stadium and locker room pieces into one-of-a-kind collectibles.

With UConn currently auctioning off items from Gampel Pavilion—including actual player lockers tied to iconic moments, Jay takes us behind the scenes of:

 How CollectU was founded and the vision behind turning “hidden” team assets into collectibles  Why UConn became a perfect partner for this innovative concept  ...


INSANE UConn Buzzer Beater: Alex Karaban on Comeback, Chaos & March Madness Moment
04/01/2026

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Fresh off one of the wildest finishes of the tournament, UConn’s Alex Karaban joins the show to break down the Huskies’ unbelievable buzzer-beater win over Duke to send them to the Final Four. From a rough start and 19-point deficit to the final shot heard by 19 million viewers, Karaban takes us inside the mindset, momentum shifts, and locker room energy that fueled the comeback.




Alex Karaban Talks UConn’s March Madness Run | Big Wins, UCLA Career High & Michigan State Preview
03/25/2026

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Alex Karaban joins the show to break down UConn Huskies men's basketball’s strong start in the NCAA Tournament and what’s fueling the team’s momentum.

We dive into:
- A recap of the wins in the first two rounds
- Preparing for a big showdown with Michigan State in Washington, D.C.
- How the team handles recent shooting struggles
- Karaban’s career-high performance vs. UCLA
- Teammates stepping up amid injuries
- Mindset heading into the next stage of March Madness


UTSA Head Coach Karen Aston Talks Matchup with UConn | NCAA Tournament Preview
03/17/2026

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Karen Aston, head coach of the UTSA Roadrunners Women's Basketball, joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast to preview her team’s upcoming matchup with the UConn Huskies in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

Coach Aston breaks down UTSA’s season, the growth of her roster, and their American Conference Tournament run of winning four games in four days. She also discusses key players to watch, the challenges of facing UConn, and what this opportunity means for her program on the national stage.


What UConn Fans Need to Know About Furman | NCAA Tournament Preview
03/17/2026

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What should UConn fans expect from Furman in the NCAA Tournament?

On this episode of the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast, Jared Kotler is joined by Mark Livingston of Greenville Sports Media to break down the Furman Paladins ahead of their matchup with UConn.

We discuss Furman’s up-and-down season, including how the Paladins lost five of their final eight regular season games before entering the conference tournament as a No. 6 seed — and what changed for them during their postseason run.

We also take a closer look at some of F...


Mike Francesa Talks UConn, St. John’s & Big East Tournament Predictions
03/11/2026

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Legendary sports radio voice Mike Francesa joins the podcast to break down the Big East Tournament, the outlook for UConn and St. John’s, and what to expect as March Madness approaches.

We break down the first two matchups these teams had, how each squad is trending heading into the tournament, and whether either program has the pieces to make a national championship run.

Mike also shares his perspective on the current state of the Big East and what MSG will fe...


Inside UConn Games with Sideline Reporter Jared Greenberg
03/09/2026

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TNT Sports sideline reporter Jared Greenberg joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast to take fans behind the scenes of covering Big East basketball and UConn games this season.

Jared shares how he got his start in the sports media business and what it was like when TNT/TruTV landed Big East games — giving him the opportunity to be on the floor for some of the conference’s biggest matchups.

We also dive into the craft of sideline reporting: how he prepares before tip-off, how much of his reporting is p...


Pat Sellers Gets CCSU Ready for Postseason Play
03/04/2026

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Central Connecticut head coach Pat Sellers joins the show to break down the Blue Devils’ regular season and how it stacked up against preseason expectations. From signature wins over BC and Rutgers to winning 7 of their last 8 games, Sellers shares why his team is confident heading into the NEC Tournament.

We dive into the dominant stretch from Darin Smith Jr., including his 38-point performance against Sacred Heart, 40 on the road at New Haven, and 25 in the regular season finale vs. Wagner. Sellers explains what makes Smith so special and how his le...


From St. John's to Senior Day: Alex Karaban Breaks Down UConn’s Statement Week
03/02/2026

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Alex Karaban joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast following a huge week for UConn basketball.

We break down:

The bounce-back win at Villanova after the loss to CreightonAdjustments vs. St. John’s physicalityThe Tarris steal ➝ Karaban outlet ➝ Braylon 3 sequenceImproved inbounds execution vs pressureThe impact of UConn’s bench

Plus — an emotional Senior Day at Gampel Pavilion:

Ceremony with family & friendsHuskies of Honor recognitionFan tributes in the arena

And, we break down five big Alex plays for him to blind rank his top 5.




New Haven's Ted Hotaling Reflects on Year 1 in Division I
02/19/2026

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In his first year coaching at the Division I level, Ted Hotaling opens up about the season so far — from exceeding expectations to the challenges of making the jump to D1. Hear his take on the team’s biggest surprises, the standout players to watch including Naj George, Jabri Fitzpatrick, and Andre Pasha, and the thrill of taking down the top team in the NEC, LIU. Even without a spot in the NEC Tournament, Hotaling shares what he hopes to accomplish in the final weeks of the season.


Alex Karaban on Becoming UConn’s Winningest Player, Bouncing Back from St. John's loss, and More
02/15/2026

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Alex Karaban joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast during a pivotal stretch of the season. He breaks down what was clicking in the games against Creighton and Xavier, what stood out in the loss to St. John’s, and how the team responded in practice before bouncing back.

Karaban also reflects on becoming the winningest player in UConn history, whether the postgame honor caught him by surprise, and what it means to see legends like Hasheem Thabeet recognized while thinking about his own legacy. We get into Solo Ball heating up, Silas De...


Talking UConn with Dom Amore: Basketball, Football & More
02/12/2026

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We’re joined by Dom Amore, longtime sports columnist for the Hartford Courant, to discuss UConn’s biggest storylines across men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, and more. From player impact to program narratives and what’s next for the Huskies, Dom shares his insights.


Is UConn a 1 Seed Team? Fox Sports' Mike DeCourcy’s Bracketology Breakdown
02/10/2026

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Can UConn earn a 1 seed when Selection Sunday arrives? Fox Sports bracketologist Mike DeCourcy joins the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast to break down where the Huskies stand right now, what the selection committee values most, and how the Big East is shaping up heading into March.

We dive into:

UConn’s résumé and realistic seed range

How Big East teams are being evaluated nationally

What UConn fans should be rooting for down the stretch




How Downtown Storrs Is Growing Beyond Gameday | Steve Ferrigno, Mansfield Downtown Partnership
02/03/2026

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In this episode, we’re joined by Steve Ferrigno of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership to talk all things Downtown Storrs—where it’s been, where it’s headed, and why it continues to grow as a hub for the UConn community and beyond.

Steve shares his background and role with the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, then dives into the growth and development in the area over the past few years, along with a look ahead at what’s coming next. We also break down the impact UConn plays on Downtown Storrs, especially on gameday...


Samson Johnson on the G League Grind, UConn Battles & Life After College Hoops
01/28/2026

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Former UConn big man Samson Johnson joins the podcast to talk about his transition from Storrs to the G League with the Noblesville Boom.

Samson breaks down the biggest differences between college basketball and the pro game, the toughest part of adjusting to G League life, and what surprised him most about being a professional. 

We also dive deep into his UConn days — first impressions of practice, battling elite bigs like Donovan Clingan, Adama Sanogo, and Tarris Reed, and how those matchups helped shape his game. Samson shares his fav...


Alex Karaban on UConn’s 19–1 Start, Big Win Over Villanova, and What’s Fueling This Huskies Run
01/25/2026

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UConn Men’s Basketball's Alex Karaban joins the podcast to break down the Huskies’ 19–1 start and 9–0 run in Big East play. We talk expectations vs. reality, how this team has handled closer games, and what’s stood out defensively at the midway point of the season.

Karaban dives into the tough back-and-forth win against Villanova, what clicked after a quiet first half, and how players like Solo, Jaylin, and Jayden are stepping up. He also shares what it takes to win gritty road games at places like Seton Hall, and the difference...


Steve Rannazzisi on The League, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Stand-Up vs Acting & NY Sports Fandom
01/19/2026

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Comedian and actor Steve Rannazzisi joins the podcast ahead of his stand-up shows at Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun (Jan 22–24) for a wide-ranging conversation on comedy, acting, and sports.

Steve breaks down what came first in his career—stand-up or acting, which one’s harder, and how he landed the role of Kevin on The League during its legendary 7-season run. We dive into the casting process, the real-life chemistry of the cast, and whether fans still stop him to yell “Shiva Blast!” or call him Kevin.

He also talks abou...


Skyler Bell on Choosing UConn, Staying Loyal & Being Part of the UConn Football Revival
01/15/2026

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UConn Wide Receiver Skyler Bell joins the podcast to reflect on his journey to Storrs and why he chose to stay when new opportunities opened up. Skyler breaks down what led to his success at UConn, how he’s been so effective after the catch, and the mindset that kept this team fighting through a tough start.

We also talk about being part of the UConn football revival, working with Kashif Moore, and what it meant to suit up one last time in the bowl game. Plus, Skyler shares life after th...


Inside the Toledo to UConn Football Pipeline with Insider Kyle Rowland
01/12/2026

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UConn’s football roster and coaching staff are getting a major Toledo influence and we’re breaking it all down with someone who knows it best.

Toledo football insider Kyle Rowland joins the podcast to explain what fans can expect as Coach Jason Candle makes the move to UConn, along with multiple players and members of his coaching staff. We dive into the impact of the transfers, what kind of culture Candle brings from Toledo, and more.


Inside UConn’s Comeback Win vs Providence w/ Alex Karaban | Talking Demary Jr., Mullins & More
01/09/2026

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Alex Karaban joins the podcast to recap UConn’s statement comeback win over Providence last night and what flipped the switch when it mattered most. We dive into the huge effort from Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins;  the team getting back into the swing of things after the holiday break, and what film review has looked like for the Huskies during this stretch of the season.

Karaban also shares insight into the team’s mindset, adjustments being made on both ends of the floor, and what fans should keep an eye o...


UConn WBB Midseason Check-In: KK Arnold’s Impact, Azzi’s Consistency & Lockdown Defense
01/06/2026

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UConn Women’s Basketball is rolling at the midway point of the season — undefeated at 15-0 and 5-0 in Big East play. On this episode of the Connecticut Scoreboard Podcast, we’re joined by Daniel Connolly, who covers UConn women’s basketball, for a full midseason check-in.

We break down how this team has performed compared to preseason expectations, why the defense feels different this year, and which players have taken major steps forward. From KK Arnold’s importance to the full-court press, Sarah Strong’s next-level play, Azzi Fudd’s elite consiste...


Looking Back at 2025 and Ahead to 2026 with UConn’s AD | Coaching, NIL & More
01/01/2026

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On New Year’s Day, UConn’s Athletic Director David Benedict joined us to reflect on a pivotal year for Huskies athletics and what lies ahead.

We look back at the biggest moments of 2025 across UConn sports, including a major winter coming up for men's and women's basketball and hockey. The conversation dives into the football coaching search process — including the behind-the-scenes trip to observe Coach Candle. 

We also discuss how college football continues to evolve with bowl game opt-outs and the challenges of independent scheduling moving forward.

The...


Gameday Conor Talks Hyping Crowds, Behind-the-Scenes & In-Game Moments
12/23/2025

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What does it take to keep stadiums and arenas rocking? 

We sit down with in-game host Gameday Conor to talk about his journey to the mic, how he prepares for game day, and the art of reading a crowd in real time. Conor gives an inside look at what fans don’t always see during games.

We also dive into:

- His game day routine and prep
- The best moments and crowds he’s been part of
- Fan interactions


Connecticut Mid-Major Hoops Check-In | Non-Conference Results, League Play & Players to Watch
12/19/2025

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Connecticut college basketball runs deep in Connecticut! In this episode, we’re joined by Joe Budzelek of Stretching the Floor to take a deep dive into the state’s mid-major programs, including Central Connecticut, Fairfield, New Haven, Yale, Quinnipiac, and Sacred Heart.

We break down:
- How each program performed during non-conference play
- What to expect as league play gets underway
- Key players to watch on every roster
-Which teams might be positioned to make noise as the season progresses

If you’re a fan...


Alex Karaban on Revenge Wins, Closing Games & UConn’s Big East Mindset
12/16/2025

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UConn's Alex Karaban joins the podcast to break down the Huskies’ non-conference run and what’s ahead as Big East play approaches.

Karaban talks about returning to Kansas for a second time, staying composed when things weren’t going perfectly, and watching Braylon have a breakout performance. He reflects on revenge wins, quick turnarounds, and getting back to Madison Square Garden.

The conversation also covers Tarris Reed’s return, closing games with timely threes, and earning praise from opposing coaches like Sean Miller. Alex shares his mindset heading into Big East...


Meet Bo Polston: Get to Know UConn Football’s New QB Commit
12/14/2025

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UConn football has its newest quarterback and we’re getting to know him.

In this episode, we sit down with Bo Polston, the newest UConn football QB commit, to talk about his recruiting journey, why UConn felt like the right fit, and what Huskies fans can expect when they watch him play. 

Plus, we get to know Bo off the field from pregame routines to who he models his game after and more.


John Fanta Breaks Down UConn’s Non-Conference & the Upcoming Big East Race
12/11/2025

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Join us for a deep dive into UConn Men's Basketball and all the Big East storylines with John Fanta, one of the top voices covering the conference. We break down UConn’s season so far, the surprises around the league, which teams are emerging as contenders, and what to watch as conference play heats up.


Inside the Florida Gators: Writer Chris Harry Previews UConn–Florida Showdown
12/08/2025

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Florida Gators writer Chris Harry joins the show to break down everything you need to know about the team heading into their matchup with UConn. We cover how Florida’s season has unfolded, how they’re handling the pressure of being defending champs, what’s changed from last year’s roster, who’s stepped up early, the under-the-radar players to watch, the issues that have shown up in their losses, and what kind of game to expect on Tuesday in the Jimmy V Classic.