College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

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!

San Diego State's Brian Dutcher led his Aztecs to a season to remember last year, going 30-2! Did it feel like it was a missed opportunity with the way the year ended or a dream season? Why he loves this years' veteran leadership and mix of new blood. The importance of playing top non-conference opponents. Recruiting smart. Building team chemistry during this wild off season. And how does he continuously turns out winning seasons. Plus, a full Mountain West Conference preseason preview! What can San Diego State do for an encore? Boise State a sleeper? And why the conference needs more out of UNLV.

Xavier's Travis Steele is dead set on winning the Big East conference title in his third year as the head coach there. What must the Musketeers improve on to make that happen? What to expect from an influx of talented transfers? Describing his "transfer up" philosophy. Why he's preaching to his team to control only what they can control. The addition of UCONN to the conference. And thoughts on playing 20 league games. Plus, a full Big East preseason preview! Villanova and Creighton are top 10 teams and UCONN adds major sizzle to the conference...

Cincinnati's John Brannen learned a lot in his first year as the Bearcats' head coach. What are the goals for year two? What was behind the strong second half finish to the season? Coaching in tight, overtime, games. Who steps up to fill the void left by Jarron Cumberland and Tre Scott? His impressions of coaching in the American. And the biggest keys to being back in a position to again reach the NCAA tournament. Plus, a full American Athletic Conference preseason preview! Houston the clear favorite? The pressure is on for Penny Hardaway and Memphis. And why the ceiling of the league could depend on waivers from the NCAA on transfers...

Saint Louis' Travis Ford likes the makeup of his team and is getting set for the upcoming season... However that may look. How's it been getting back to practice? Reflecting on last season, especially the end where they were red hot. The importance of playing a tough non-conference schedule. Could this be the best team he's had a chance to coach? How does he stay focused day-to-day as a leader? And why its all about staying safe. Plus, a full Atlantic 10 preseason preview! Why it's so important for this league to have big games in November and December...

LSU's Will Wade is thrilled about getting three key players back from the NBA draft process. Could this be one of the most talented teams he's ever coached? How do they go about tightening up their defensive play for next season? Any sleepers in the SEC to be keeping an eye on? And could the Tigers win the SEC again like they did two years ago? Plus, full personnel clarity in College Basketball! NBA draft deadline winners and losers... A lot of players returning makes for an exciting season!

Baylor's Scott Drew is confident that we will have season but just not sure when it will begin. How has he been staying connected with his players? Any updates on Jared Butler or MaCio Teague returning to the program or going pro? How they replace Freddie Gillespie. Breaking down a loaded Big 12. And why building team chemistry is so important. Plus, with the Covid-19 cloud still looming over the sport we are one week away from full clarity on the 20-21 season.

Iowa's Fran McCaffery is comfortable playing in the fall but knows player safety must come first. What is the best way to proceed with the upcoming season? How disappointing was it to not be able to finish the season last year especially when Luka Garza was having the type of season he was having? If Luka were to return... Where would he go down in Iowa basketball history? Balancing the notion of potentially having his best team at Iowa with what's best for Luka individually. Status update of Jordan Bohannon. And the mental toughness needed to get through this trying time in our country. Plus, ASU & Michigan get some good news on returning players.

Providence's Ed Cooley is taking advantage of the down time but is anxious to get back to preparations for the season! What can we expect from the Friars? Who makes the biggest jump? What can we expect from his two transfers? And how much better is the Big East now that UCONN is back in it? Discussing equality in coaching. And how he is proud to be one of five black coaches in the Big East. How can we get more into the game? Plus, why the only thing that's for sure is nothing is for sure!

Arizona State's Bobby Hurley had the Sun Devils peeking at the right time last year. Can he continue that momentum into next season? What has it been like trying to teach players during this global pandemic? What type of expectations are on incoming freshmen, Josh Christopher and Marcus Bagley? Where does Remy Martin rank among the Sun Devil greats? The idea of playing small next season to enhance the best potential line ups. The Pac-12 stepping up to 20 league games... Is that concerning to him? And has the idea of coaching against his brother ever crept into his mind? Plus, a mid-major making major noise with a 5 star commitment. And when will the season actually start?