College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

UAB's Andy Kennedy is recharged and ready to bring the Blazers back to the national spot light. What are his goals for year one? How did his time as a tv analyst help him become a better coach? How is he building connections with his team while not physically being able to see them in person? Navigating Conference USA... Can it become more than a one bid league? And what it will be like to coach it his alma mater... Plus, a resurgence at Stanford?

No Final Four? No problem! Iona's Rick Pitino joins the podcast! Did he believe a return to college basketball was possible? How was his time coaching over in Europe? What made Iona the right fit? How is he getting recruits to commit? And how he plans to schedule in the non-conference. Plus, how unique would it be for someone who, for the majority of his career has been a favorite ---- to close out his career as an underdog in March trying to play Cinderella?

Michigan Assistant Coach Phil Martelli and the Wolverines are starting to get back to business as usual... Somewhat. How was it for him to be an assistant after being a head coach at St. Joe's for so long? How was it working under Juwan Howard? Observations on being a part of the Big 10 conference. Does he aspire to be a head coach again? How has Michigan recruited so well under Coach Howard? The outlook for next season. And how the new transfer rule can lead to not as much program building. Plus, tis the season for players to declare for the NBA draft and decide where to transfer to...

NCAA Senior VP of Basketball, Dan Gavitt, takes us through the thought process in canceling this years' tournament. How it affects the sport as a whole and the plans moving forward. Plus, Jon discusses Coronavirus and the impact on the NBA draft... Could it lead to more veterans on NCAA rosters next year? And a top graduate transfer commits to the Buckeyes.

UCLA's Mick Cronin guided the Bruins to a 19-12 record in his first year but the sudden end to the season leaves a strange feeling lingering. What was his message to the team when he learned the PAC-12 Tournament was called off? Was his perspective different at all after what he went through with his health in 2015? What was behind the mid-season turnaround? And his thoughts on his former boss, Rick Pitino, being back in the game.... Plus, Jon lends his perspective on the current state of college basketball. And he hands out some end of the year awards!

Dayton's Anthony Grant navigated the Flyers to a perfect regular season in the A-10 but can they cap it off with conference tournament championship? Has he brought up a potential #1 seeding in the NCAA Tournament with the team? Why match ups are so crucial to a deep run. And what are they focused on the most heading into tournament season? Plus, who could be "bid" sleepers this upcoming selection Sunday? This is March... Don't miss this podcast!

San Diego State's Brian Dutcher has the Aztecs poised for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament but knows March is for players! What is the focal point at practices this late in the year? How can they create more spacing on the floor for shot makers? Playing out East vs West. Why he believes if you're hard to guard, you're hard to beat. And just how much is the Final Four on their minds? Plus, less than 2 weeks away form selection Sunday! Whose making their case for a tournament bid?

Iowa's Fran McCaffery has his squad poised to make a run through March. But how has he been able to manage all the injuries and still play well? The stellar season Luka Garza is having. And his thoughts on the new transfer rule. Plus, a wild weekend sees Baylor, Gonzaga and San Diego State loosing... What does it all mean?!

Creighton's Greg McDermott knows his team has weathered the injury storm well and is pleased with the balanced play. When did he realize this year's team was going to be really good? Discussing his dynamic perimeter players. Competing in a tough Big East. How do they plan to slow down Markus Howard and Marquette in their up coming match up? And what has to happen to continue their hot play into March and beyond? Plus, why Duke has a clear path to a #1 seed. And a second coming of Juan Dixon at Maryland?

West Virginia's Bob Huggins knows winning comes down to making shots and that's something his Mountaineers are not doing. How can they fix that and be more productive around the rim? What's the biggest difference in coaching now versus when he was at Cincinnati? Players heading to the pros too early and how to remedy it. Is over saturation of games the reason for lower TV ratings this year? And what they must do to be successful in March. Plus, Jon's big picture thoughts from the weekend and games to keep an eye on this week.

Gonzaga's Mark Few has seen the WCC get tougher but the Bulldogs are still an impressive 23-1 heading into February. What does he hope to learn after a pair of tough road conference games? What it's like to get everyone's best shot. The importance of player relationships. Why this year's team shows exceptional chemistry and culture. And how they have bounced back after loosing so much talent last year and not missed a beat. Plus, the hidden All-American at San Diego State and the Big East is a beast.

Baylor's Scott Drew has the Bears atop the rankings with tough, physical perimeter play. Is this year's team one of his best yet? Why they emphasize character and work ethic. Is wining the Big 12 regular season title on their mind? And why he focuses on controlling what he can control. Plus, beware of cannibalization in top leagues with no clear cut dominate teams...

Michigan's Juwan Howard is having a lot of fun in first season as the head coach at his alma mater. Why he loves coaching his players and how they are growing game by game. The challenges of playing in a deep and talented Big Ten conference. His coaching influences. Recruiting. The return of the 5 man. And the key factors for the Wolverines to make a deep run into March. Plus, is Seton Hall's Myles Powell the best player in the country?

Auburn's Bruce Pearl and the Tigers have been one of the major surprises of the season so far. What has been behind their undefeated record? Where are the areas still needing improvement? How they are adjusting and replacing firepower from last season. Knowing their identity and sticking to it. And the keys to getting back to the Final Four? Plus, is Baylor starting to separate itself from the pack?

Florida State's Leonard Hamilton loves the balance of his team. Why he believes in the concept of team and playing together as opposed to having a "go to guy". What was behind their impressive win at Louisville? Discussing the current NBA draft process. Is this the year they can win the ACC out right? And why there's so much more to the game than winning... Plus, is there a mid-major out there with Final Four dreams?

Butler's Lavall Jordan knows consistency will be the key to a deep run into March. What has been behind their stellar defensive play? The importance of getting Kamar Baldwin back on track. Defining the "Butler Way". Preparing for their Big East opener against St. John's. Why they must stick to sound principles. And why defense and ball security are always top of mind. Plus, is it a down year for the ACC and SEC?

Ohio State's Chris Holtmann feels the Buckeyes have the perfect blend of young and veteran talent... Is he surprised by their 11-1 start? Why has the team been successful so far? Is this the most balanced team he has coached? His journey to head coaching. His reverence for Butler. And the keys for Ohio State to reach a Final Four. Plus, why this year is as wide open as it has ever been in College Hoops.

San Diego State's Brian Dutcher is a little surprised by the Aztecs 10-0 start due to the tough road games they had early... What does he like most about this year's team? How they are building "equity" with their non-conference wins. Why the Mountain West Conference should NOT go to 20 league games. And why building out a program with transfers is now a necessity. Plus, why rankings mean nothing and tournament seeding is everything.

UCONN's Dan Hurley has the Huskies sitting at 6-2 ahead of a big game against Indiana. What will be the biggest keys for their success this season? His journey to coaching and why he is more comfortable as a leader. Discussing the loss to St. Joe's and how they can grow from it. How Christian Vital has emerged and how he wants to change the narrative around their older players. And with the program leaving for the Big East next year, does he feel like there is some unfinished business in the American Conference? Plus, Ohio State and Gonzaga on a roll. And the revival of the Mountain West.

Indiana's Archie Miller knows his squad has a lot of room to grow but loves the upside. What was the thought process behind their tough schedule? The adjustment of playing league games in December. Preparing to play Florida State on Tuesday. The versatility of Trayce Jackson-Davis. And why it's all about the team and not one guy. Plus, could Maryland challenge for a National Title? And the rise of Juwan Howard at Michigan.