College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

Arkansas' Eric Musselman led the Razorbacks to the Elite 8 last season, what can we expect this year? Which one of this returnees makes the biggest jump? Any newcomers catching his eye yet? The key to blending talent. How did he get the program heading on an upward trajectory so quickly? How the depth and talent in the SEC was upgraded this offseason. Who will step up and be the leader at point guard for the Razorbacks? And why family is most important thing in this world. Plus, we continue to inch closer to the start of the season and Jon details his Texas trip.

Virginia's Tony Bennett starts on the journey to build continuity amongst his new team. Thoughts on not returning a double digit scorer. Keys to regaining defensive stinginess. Navigating the new landscape in college basketball. Why you need results now from transfers. The passing of the coaching guard in the ACC. And why you can't let the quest for a national championship consume you. Plus, Jon's travel updates.

Baylor's Scott Drew is seeing a few more smiles and Baylor jerseys around town after leading the Bears to a National Championship. What will they do for an encore? Why being efficient and effective is key to dominance. Does he feel any different after winning the title? Being the hunted vs the hunter. Why he's excited about what could be with this year's team. And why injuries, chemistry and leadership are factors for success. Plus, why it's business as usual for Villanova. Boeheim's in the back court at Syracuse? And why the St. John's role players could determine their ceiling.

Villanova's Jay Wright has had a great summer. Winning a Gold medal with Team USA Basketball and being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Is the two-time National Champion head coach thinking about a third? Why his veteran lead team may help him, and Villanova do just that. But they will have to get through a grueling non-conference schedule first... And then there is the Big East. Could they see up to 6 teams in the tournament? How will he balance minutes with 5th year seniors Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels with the Justin Moore's ascension? How much longer does he plan to coach? And is it imperative his eventual successor be from the Villanova family? Plus, Jon reports back form his Mid-West adventures. And why Las Vegas, Nevada will be the College Basketball epicenter in late November.

UCLA's Mick Cronin is blocking out all outside noise as the Bruins enter the new season with high expectations. Why he believes they could be better than they were last year. The importance of a full offseason regiment. Winning in a variety of ways. Managing a talented and deep rotation. How to get more eyes on the ultra-competitive and talented Pac-12. And does he give any thought to a potential #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament? Plus, we're talking about practice?! The preseason is officially here as teams begin workouts and practice... Jon gives you his quick hits.

Purdue's Matt Painter could have one of his deepest teams ever as he gets set to lead the Boilermakers into a new season. How high are expectations? How many players does he see in his rotation? Newcomers to watch? The tough Big Ten. The key to player retention. And why overcoming cold shooting nights to grind out wins will be a major key to success. Plus, Jon hit the West Coast and shares his thoughts on UCLA, USC, UCSB and Loyola Marymount.

BYU's Mark Pope can't believe he's entering his 10th season as the head coach of the Cougars! How have they been able to be so successful over the last two seasons? Explaining their recent success over Gonzaga. Discussing their passionate and supportive fan base. Why they will be a smaller, more agile team. Non-conference scheduling. And why it's all about the buy in of the players. Plus, a full West Coast Conference preseason preview!

Washington State's Kyle Smith has the Cougars poised to be a dark horse NCAA tournament team. What's it like to have expectations placed upon the program? Getting top recruits to come to Pullman. Why he loves the experience level of his team. Addressing ball handling and depth. How the Pac-12's run in the NCAA tournament gave everyone in the conference a boost. And how their new alliance with the ACC and Big 10 will help them with their non-conference scheduling. Plus, a full PAC-12 preseason preview!

Auburn's Bruce Pearl is re-charged and ready to go for the season! Could this be the nation's top front court? Can they be a Final Four team this season? Who will step up and solidify the point guard position? Why it's a great sign when your best player is your hardest working player. Can the SEC send more teams to the NCAA tournament? Any why they're keeping it simple... Plus, a full SEC preseason preview!

Oklahoma State's Mike Boynton is excited about his returning nucleus of players and knows they will be a deep and athletic team. Why they are hungry to prove they're much more than just Cade Cunningham. Who steps up to be the leader? The importance of having a full summer work out schedule. Navigating the transfer portal. Where they stand with the NCAA. Avery Anderson and Isaac Likekele's ceiling. Dealing with expectations. The ultra-competitive Big 12. And why coach believes their experience sets them apart. Plus, a full Big 12 preseason preview!

Notre Dame's Mike Brey knows this is an important year for the Fighting Irish as they look to get back to the NCAA Tournament. Why they're hungry and playing with a chip on their shoulder. Having a veteran team. Off-season priorities: tightening up the defense. Coach K's last go-around. And why the ACC is up for grabs this season. Plus, a full ACC preseason preview!

Illinois' Brad Underwood and the Fighting Illini have some unfinished business from last season. What bringing back Kofi Cockburn does for the program. The emergence of Andre Curbelo. Who steps up to fill the big shoes left by Ayo Dosunmu? The mystery man that is Austin Hutcherson. And why establishing chemistry is priority number one over the summer. Plus, a full Big Ten Conference preseason preview!

Colorado State's Niko Medved wants to take it up a notch this season and be a lock for the NCAA Tournament. Why their veteran team gives them a leg up on the rest of the Mountain West. The importance of getting their home court advantage back with the return of fans. Fighting the Mid-Major narrative. The uniqueness of David Roddy's skills and game. And could the league get up to 5 teams into the tournament? Plus, a full Mountain West Conference preseason preview!

St. John's Mike Anderson enters year 3 with high expectations for the Red Storm. Why the time is now to take that next step and win an NCAA Tournament game. Blending new pieces with an establish core. Why Posh Alexander and Julian Champagnie are poised for huge seasons. Competing in a grueling Big East. The importance of a challenging non-conference schedule. And why it's all about building up to March. Plus, a full Big East preseason preview!

Houston's Kelvin Sampson is excited to show the world what they can do for an encore after a special Final Four run. What will their identity be this season? Who will step up to be the point guard? How to get the new guys to buy into the team philosophy? Blocking out the outside noise. What is the key to gain more respect? Discussing a non-conference schedule that isn't for the faint of heart! And can the American get four teams into the NCAA Tournament this year? Plus, a full American Athletic Conference preseason preview!

St. Bonaventure is set to return all five of their double digit scorers from last year and head coach, Mark Schmidt, couldn't me more excited. What is the ceiling for the Bonnies this season? Managing and dealing with high expectations. Why filling out their bench will be key. How a tough non-conference schedule should have them ready for a grueling A-10. And why it's time for the program to take the next step and make a NCAA tournament run. Plus, a full Atlantic 10 preseason preview!

Boston College's Earl Grant ushers in a new era for the Eagles as the ACC is in transition. The BC faithful should be excited about coach's phase one approach as he hopes to instill a competitive spirit, toughness and pride back to the program. How his ties to the Boston area might lend to landing top local talent. The importance of evaluating talent and trusting your eyes in the process. And how can he get the program back to the NCAA Tournament? Plus, some keys players around the country opt to stay in school and forego the NBA Draft... Find out who's staying and who's going!

Penn State's Micah Shrewsberry is eager to push the program forward and compete night in, night out in the talented Big 10. What are his biggest goals in year with the Nittany Lions? Applying lessons and philosophies learned from Matt Painter and Brad Stevens. Bringing back experience. The importance of recruiting Philadelphia. Staying calm and collected on the sideline. And why he's appreciative of the opportunity to be a first time head coach in a power conference. Plus, why the Kentucky Wildcats better prepared to claw!

Minnesota's Ben Johnson welcomes the challenge of being a first time head coach in one of the nations top basketball conferences. What are realistic goals in year one? How can he bring the program back to national prominence? Why recruiting local isn't always a sure thing nor the right fit. Will they rely heavily on the transfer portal? How his love and passion for state, school and game landed him the job. And the importance of setting a foundation early. Plus, why it's important to understand that just because someone isn't invited to the NBA Draft combine or the G League Combine doesn't mean that they're going back to school.

Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger didn't come to rebuild the prideful Cyclones program. Rather, he came to win now! How does he plan to accomplish that in the mighty Big 12? Why it's an honor for him to step up in weight class. The special environment Hilton Coliseum provides. The biggest lessons learned from mentors and why it's important to be "your own man". Thoughts on his roster. Emphasizing blue collar guys who can shoot and be a physical presence. The importance of being able to score in multiple ways. And why daily work habits are key to success. Plus, why Rutgers is two decisions away from being an NCAA Tournament team.