The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

3/24/23 Hour 2: Does the Big Ten get too many teams in the tournament?

Lon and Derek discuss whether or not the Big Ten gets too many teams into the NCAA Tournament despite their lack of tournament success.

3/24/23 Hour 1: Reacting to an incredible night of hoops; Keith Randolph on spring practices and goals for senior season

Lon and Derek react to some incredible games in the NCAA Tournament and give their thoughts on Kansas State and Gonzaga's last second victories. Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph joins the show to discuss the start of spring practices and what he wants to prove during his final season.

3/23/23 Hour 2: Tyra Perry (Illinois Softball Coach) on starting Big Ten play; Thursday Sweet 16 picks

Illinois softball coach Tyra Perry joins the show to recap the start to the season for her team and discuss getting ready to begin Big Ten play. Later, the guys break down the night's Sweet 16 matchups and give their picks.

3/23/23 Hour 1: Luke Goode in studio! Reflecting on sophomore season & plans for offseason

Luke Goode joins the guys for the final time this season in studio to reflect on an up and down season and share what's ahead for him during the offseason.

3/22/23 Hour 2: Aaron Leming (Bear Report) grading the Bears’ trade & what DJ Moore will bring; Oli Okonkwo (Illini men’s tennis) on start of B1G play

Lon and Derek are joined by Aaron Leming of the Bear Report to get his thoughts on the Bears' trade with the Panthers, what DJ Moore will bring and what's next. Later, the guys talk to Oli Okonkwo from Illini men's tennis.

3/22/23 Hour 1: Cheers to the World Baseball Classic; Eli Hershkovich (The Lines) on Sweet 16 & Illinois’ 1st round exit

Lon and Derek discuss Japan's 3-2 win over the US in the World Baseball Classic and what was a great tournament. Later, the guys are joined by Eli Hershkovich from The Lines to talk about the Sweet 16 matchups, some betting opportunities and another early exit for Illinois.

3/21/23 Hour 2: How disappointing is the lack of March success?; Bret Bielema on start of spring practices

Lon and Derek continue their Illinois basketball discussion and talk about the importance of March success in today's college hoops world. Hear from Bret Bielema as he updates the beginning of spring practices for Illinois football.

3/21/23 Hour 1: Any truth to Underwood rumors?; Honest thoughts on Underwood’s Illinois tenure

Lon and Derek discuss some rumors that have circulated about Brad Underwood and whether or not they are true. Later, the guys reflect on Underwood's tenure and how devastating it would be if he hypothetically left.

3/20/23 Hour 2: Looking ahead to the offseason for Illinois; Recapping the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament

Derek and Kyle discuss what Illinois needs to do heading into the offseason to set themselves up for success next season. Later, the guys recap the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament and break down some of the upcoming Sweet 16 matchups.

3/20/23 Hour 1: Illinois goes one and done in the tournament; Big picture thoughts on the Illini season

Derek and Kyle recap the Illinois loss to Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament and the finish to the Illini season as a whole. Later, the guys discuss their big picture thoughts on the season and how they would grade it.

3/8/23 Hour 2: Sizing up Illinois’ Big Ten Tournament draw; Annual Big Ten Tournament teams draft

Lon and Derek break down the Illini's draw in the Big Ten Tournament and how far they think the team can advance. Later, the guys do their annual draft of Big Ten Tournament teams.

3/8/23 Hour 1: Justin Bozarth (Tuscola Basketball) on trip to state; Ella Masar (Chicago Red Stars) talks Illinois career and getting into coaching

Lon and Derek talk to Tuscola High School Basketball coach Justin Bozarth about his team's season and trip to state. Later, Chicago Red Stars coach Ella Masar joins the show to discuss her journey from walk-on to All American at Illinois and her start in coaching.

3/7/23 Hour 2: Luke Goode on second half comeback & Big Ten Tournament; Brad Evans (Bally Sports) talks bracketology & Illinois’ tournament outlook

Luke Goode joins the show for his weekly segment to discuss how Illinois was able to come back against Purdue and what the team's mindset is like heading to Chicago. Later, Brad Evans from Bally Sports (Twitter: @NoisyHuevos) joins the show to talk about the Illini's NCAA Tournament seeding possibilities and other bracket topics across the Big Ten.

3/7/23 Hour 1: Big Ten postseason honors announced; Agreements and disagreements?

Derek and Kyle go through the Big Ten postseason honors and share their thoughts including on Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and the all-conference teams. 

3/6/23 Hour 2: Assessing the regular season for Illinois; Early look at the Big Ten Tournament bracket

Derek and Kyle discuss what to make of the the Illini's regular season as they look to make a deep postseason run. Later, the guys take their first look at the Big Ten Tournament bracket.

3/6/23 Hour 1: Illinois’ comeback falls short against Purdue; What needs to change for this team at the start of games?

Derek and Kyle discuss Illinois' loss to Purdue on Sunday including a flat first half and big second half comeback. The guys give their takes on what needs to change for Illinois to avoid starting games so slow.

3/3/23 Hour 2: What are Illinois’ chances against Purdue this weekend?; Sorting out the many Big Ten scenarios

Derek and Kyle take a look at Illinois' matchup against Purdue over the weekend and what their chances are of coming away with a win. Later, the guys sort through the many different seeding scenarios within the Big Ten over the weekend.

3/3/23 Hour 1: Illinois knocks off Michigan in Double OT thriller; Shannon and Mayer take over late

Derek and Kyle break down a wild Illinois win over Michigan in double overtime. The guys discuss how important it is for Terrence Shannon Jr. and Matthew Mayer to play well together in March.

3/1/23 Hour 2: Bret Bielema joins the show! Getting guys back, Witherspoon draft stock & expectations for Year 3

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema joins the show to discuss a busy offseason in the program and his expectations for the team heading into his third year. The guys continue to talk Illinois basketball. Hear from Matthew Mayer ahead of the matchup against Michigan.

3/1/23 Hour 1: Health concern for Jayden Epps; Another crazy Matthew Mayer story

Lon and Derek react to multiple pieces of news out of the Illinois basketball program including a health issue for Jayden Epps and a funny Matthew Mayer story. St. Thomas More Girl's Basketball coach Erin Quarnstrom joins the show to discuss her team's trip to the state semifinals.