Valenti and Rico got today's show started with their reactions to Trajan Langdon trading up to draft Stanford G Ebuka Okorie with the 17th overall pick last night. They wondered whether he'll contribute at all in 2026-27 and what Trajan Langdon could have up his sleeve tonight in the second round and throughout the rest of free agency. Plus, they touched on the latest in the Red Wings/Dylan Larkin situation and how the Buffalo Sabres' recent moves can have an impact on it. The guys rounded things out with some more thoughts on the Pistons and Red Wings and your calls.
HOUR 1: Why The Guys Are Not Pleased With Pistons' Selection Of Ebuka Okorie + NBA Fastbreak
06/24/2026 | 40 mins.
The guys were frustrated with what Trajan Langdon did (or did not do) in last night's first round of the NBA Draft, to say the least. They dished on Ebuka Okorie, the newest Piston, and described their lack of belief in his potential to contribute to the team this upcoming season. They wrapped the first hour with their overall NBA Draft recap.
HOUR 2: Thoughts On NBA Draft Coverage + Reactions To Sabres' Moves
06/24/2026 | 40 mins.
Mike and Rico couldn't help themselves from absolutely ripping ESPN/ABC over their coverage of the first round of the NBA Draft last night. Plus, the guys touched on what the Sabres have been up to the last 24+ hours.
HOUR 3: Biggest Draft Busts In Sports History + What Sabres' Shrewd Moves Mean For Red Wings' Larkin Plans
06/24/2026 | 31 mins.
Rico had a list of the biggest draft busts in sports history, which he had the guys guess to open the third hour. They continued their reactions to this list into the second segment and wrapped up the hour with how Steve Yzerman could somehow replicate what the Sabres did the last couple of days.
Mike and Rico put a bow on today's show with some more Pistons thoughts ahead of the second round tonight before diving into how Steve Yzerman might handle the Larkin situation with the NHL Draft in just over 2 days.
The Valenti Show with Rico is Detroit’s must-listen daily sports show — where strong opinions meet smart analysis. Hosted by Mike Valenti and Rico Beard, The Valenti Show brings unfiltered takes on the biggest national stories and dives deep into all-things-Detroit sports: the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, Michigan and Michigan State. Whether it's NFL drama, playoff stakes or college football storylines, Valenti and Rico tell it like it is — no fluff, no fan service, just real talk. Catch The Valenti Show with Rico live Monday through Friday 2pm - 6pm EST on 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT). Full episodes, individual hours and show highlights drop daily wherever you get your podcasts.
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