College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

Seton Hall's Kevin Willard has the Pirates hitting their stride as they get set for a huge matchup against Villanova. How mental health is playing a key role in this season. Developing chemistry with out a traditional preseason. Figuring out the best ways to utilize his players. Why he loves their balance but knows they need to tighten up their defensive play. And why he believes seeding the NCAA tournament should be based on more than just the metrics this year. Plus, Virginia with a statement win. Is Iowa underrated nationally? And why Gonzaga and Baylor are separating from the pack.

Virginia Tech's Mike Young has the Hokies off to a fast start and possibly in early position to make the NCAA Tournament. What has been behind the quick start? What the Villanova win taught him about his squad? Why you need to trust your eyes while recruiting. The importance of moving without the ball. Coaching against the legends of the ACC. His love for Wofford College. And why a little popcorn before a game never hurt anybody. Plus, don't sleep on the Pac-12. Is a season to remember forming for the Texas Longhorns? And don't look now, but here comes Kentucky!

Boise State's Leon Rice has the Broncos making noise this year in the Mountain West, is this year's squad the best he's coached? Why following the Gonzaga formula has turned Boise State into a top non power five conference team. The development of Derrick Alston Jr. Why chemistry and tough defense will be key to their success. The challenges of scheduling. The uniqueness of playing the same team back-to-back in the same location. The key to finding good transfers that fit your program. And why its all about player development. Plus, the NCAA announces that March Madness will happen in a bubble in Indiana. Texas with a statement win. And is this the year of the outlier?

Missouri's Cuonzo Martin was confident heading into the season but knew he has a special team when they defeated Oregon early on in the year. Has the team surpassed his early expectations with a 6-0 start? How their team chemistry and connection with one another will be key moving forward. Thoughts on where the sports is heading with potential rule changes on the horizon. Taking on Tennessee in their SEC opener. And why he believes there are more important things in life than just basketball. Plus, the Big Ten continues to look impressive. And Gonzaga looks a cut above the rest.

Houston's Kelvin Sampson is missing some of the atmosphere that normally surrounds college basketball but knows it's all about adapting and overcoming! What he likes so far from his 5-0 Cougars. The keys to building and sustaining culture within a program. Thoughts on rule changes. Why the winning is great but the process of getting there is more satisfying. Where this year's squad ranks among some of the best he's ever coached. And why he's always learning from others. Plus, was there tangible growth in a loss for Kentucky? Ron Harper Jr and Rutgers are legit. And the Big Ten has no bottom!

Ohio State's Chris Holtmann has the Buckeyes out to a 5-0 start but knows the key to their success is the back court. The need to grow their bench production. Thoughts on starting up Big Ten play this week. Has he been apart of a more talented conference? Playing without EJ Liddell. Expectations for Seth Towns. Why are his teams so good in close games? And the coaching mindset amidst the covid-19 pandemic. Plus, did Kentucky over-schedule? And our thoughts and prayers are with Florida Gators stand out, Keyontae Johnson.

Rutgers' Steve Pikiell and the Scarlet Knights are happy to be playing basketball. What's been behind their 3-0 start? The keys to building a program up in a "power conference". Facing Syracuse and his respect for Coach Boeheim. The mindset of being the hunted versus being the hunter. Expectations at home games, where the RAC was one of the great home court advantages, with no fans allowed. Why they need to keep evolving on the defensive side of the ball. Why its "all iron", every night in the Big Ten. And why staying safe and healthy will be a huge key to the overall success of the season... Hard to start and stop all season long and be successful...Plus, with the exception of Villanova, many blue-bloods have holes in appears... Is this the year of the outlier?

Illinois' Brad Underwood is pleased with the chemistry being created in their early season games. He's also happy that the Illini are shooting the ball better than a year ago. Why he's excited about his freshman. Creating more room and space for Ayo Dusunmu who has gotten more physical. His thoughts on playing Baylor and Duke. The grueling gauntlet that is the Big Ten conference. How they're dealing with the Covid-19 protocols and testing. And after a lot of hard work to get the program back to national prominence... What are the keys for continued develop? Plus, we have games to talk about! Jon breaks it all down right here...

Indiana's Archie Miller is excited to get the season started but knows it will be full of different emotions. What's been the toughest part about not having a pre-season or scrimmage games? How many Final Four contenders do he see in the Big Ten? Discussing the makeup of his team... why he likes the blend of talent. Why he believes the rigorous testing protocols in place in Big Ten will ensure a successful season. And why every player on the roster will need to be ready to play. Plus, it's Opening Week! Jon gives you his games to watch...

Tennessee's Rick Barnes has put the Volunteers back on the map in college basketball and he knows this years team has a chance to be really special. Why he believes they can be elite on the defensively. Why depth is created through results and understanding a role. Who expects to make the biggest jump this season. Newcomers to watch. Why the Final Four is always on his mind. Dealing with Covid-19 this season. And the biggest difference between coaching in the SEC and the Big 12. Plus, we know it's going to be a wild season, things will be canceled... But look on the bright side, we will have a season!

Michigan State's Tom Izzo is looking to solidify the Point Guard and Center positions ahead of the new season... Who will step up and fill the big shoes left by Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman? How is Josh Langford's health? What will the addition of transfer Joey Hauser bring to the team? Why coach is worried about the "unintended consequences" of the new transfer and N.I.L rules. Why he believes the Big Ten Conference is, "the best it's been!" And why he's approaching this season as a one off. Plus, Kentucky's tough opening schedule is something to discuss.

West Virginia's Bob Huggins is all for safety but knows his team wants to play. It's simple... follow protocol or you don't play! What's his initial prognosis of the Mountaineers? Thoughts on where the sport is heading. Why redshirting isn't such a bad thing. Discussing the deep Big 12. And the biggest keys for West Virginia to have a successful season. Plus, is the sports crown jewel, the NCAA Tournament, headed to a bubble?

Virginia's Tony Bennett would love to recapture the momentum gained at the end of last season where the Cavaliers won 11 of their final 12 games. What will be the key to doing that? What transfer Sam Hauser brings to the team. Replacing Mamadi Diakite and Braxton Key.... Who steps up? Can they once again be defensive stalwarts? Why strength through numbers will be the theme. Managing transfers and red shirts. And what will be the biggest key for Virginia's success this season? Plus, Jon breaks down some of the hurdles to get through a full season.

Villanova's Jay Wright knows developing depth will be a key to the Wildcats success this season. Who will step up to fill in the gaps of his veteran led team? What does the addition of UConn do for the Big East brand? Players that will make an impact this year. And how's scheduling coming along? Plus, Jon hit the road this past week and has updates from: UMass, URI and UConn. And the return of 5-Good-Nuggets!

Oregon's Dana Altman is anxious to get started as he believes the core of his team is strong, deep and long. The Pac-12 was a little late to the November start date idea, where does Oregon's schedule stand? Replacing Payton Pritchard. Thoughts on improving the Pac-12 brand nationally. Do coaches ever think about tough losses from prior seasons? And why the seasons success might hinge on their ability to play strong defense. Plus, a full PAC-12 preseason preview! UCLA is loaded. Could the conference see as many as seven teams make the NCAA Tournament?

South Carolina's Frank Martin returns an experienced and deep team and has his sights set on the NCAA Tournament. What must be done in order for the Gamecocks to return to a Final 4? A broader conversation about life and where our country as a whole is. The value of the College experience. His battle with Covid-19. Breaking down some of his talented roster and grueling SEC conference. And he knows they have the makeup to win but can they navigate the adversity the season will surely throw at them? Plus, a full SEC preseason preview!

Texas Tech's Chris Beard has a team loaded with experience... just not playing together. How coach is creating that chemistry ahead of what should be an exciting season for the Red Raiders. Discussing impact players to keep an eye out for and returners who make a jump... How is the schedule coming together? Sustaining success. The pressure to not have a program "step back" and, to continue making the NCAA tournament. And why it will be so important to come out firing when the games start... with no scrimmages or exhibition; the beginning part of the schedule will be of the up most importance. Plus, a full Big 12 Conference preseason preview! How will Baylor handle being the "hunted"?

Gonzaga's Mark Few is excited to see a date announced for the start of the season but knows nothing about this year will be normal. How their non-conference schedule is rounding out and why it's so pivotal to schedule aggressively. Where is the ceiling for incoming freshman, Jalen Suggs? Who else does he expect to be big contributors? Balancing work and life. And thoughts on our country and what these times mean for us. Plus, a full West Coast Conference preseason preview! A hidden talent at Pepperdine? And why Gonzaga should firmly be in the mix yet again.

Wisconsin's Greg Gard will benefit from having a veteran team as they navigate these uncertain times... What is the ceiling on this year's Badgers squad? Can they repeat as Big Ten Champs? Returnees who makes the biggest jump this season and newcomers to watch. The philosophy of: "getting old and staying old." Dealing with a grueling Big Ten schedule if they only play league games. And why they clicked down the stretch last year. Plus, a full Big Ten preseason preview! Why it could be one of the best conferences Jon has ever covered!

Pitt's Jeff Capel is entering his third year as the Panthers head coach and knows the time is now for his team play more consistently. Why he's thrilled about his new crop of recruits. Why they must improve their defensive rebounding and scoring. What he's learned on the job. Navigating the spot light with Justin Champagnie. His relationship with Coach K. And more importantly, a deeper conversation about race and the roll sports plays in racial relationships. Plus, a full ACC preseason preview! Depth will be back in a major way!