College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

UNLV's Kevin Kruger is in year two with the Running Rebels and off to a 10-1 start. What has been behind the solid non-conference play? How do they keep it going into Mountain West play? How often does he get advice from longtime coach and father, Lon Kruger? Raising the conference profile with aggressive scheduling. Could we see 4-5 teams make it into the NCAA Tournament from the Mountain West? And the biggest keys to hopefully making it back to the big dance for the first time in a long time. Plus, UCLA playing defense. Kansas going small ball. And will UNC's dramatic win be a turning point in the season?

Ohio State's Chris Holtmann has the Buckeyes out to a 7-2 start but knows his young team is still a work in progress. The balance of building a team in the "transfer portal" era. The importance of playing freshman and getting them integrated into the program. Zed Key's evolution as a prominent post player. Describing the wild ending to the game against Rutgers. Why there are no easy nights in the Big Ten. Thoughts on taking on UNC at Madison Square Garden. And a reminder to stay present in the moment. Plus, Jon details Monday's news regarding Chris Beard. And the SEC is off to a hot start...

Iowa's Fran McCaffery gives his early assessment of the Hawkeyes after their 6-1 start. Thoughts on some early season challenges coming up this week. Taking on Duke. Playing at Madison Square Garden. Why it's all about enjoying the journey. Finding the proper balance of playing time between players. Kris Murray stepping into a lead role and doing things his way. And the depth of the Big 10 is no surprise to coach, he's come to expect it. Plus, discussing some crazy results. And whose rising and falling?

Illinois' Brad Underwood has seen a lot of growth within the team and believes their new pieces belong. How chemistry and character has contributed to a hot start to the season. What the UCLA win says about the program. Switching style of play... Is he enjoying it? Why it's so important to play like you practice... Hard. The evolution of Terrance Shannon Jr. Why they must continue to grow defensively. Thoughts on playing Syracuse at Madison Square Garden. And what is the ceiling on this year team? Plus, is there a "great" team this year in college basketball?

UCONN's Dan Hurley finds himself pleased with the Huskies' 5-0 start to the season but knows the team is still developing a collective confidence. Are they ready to compete in the PK85 tournament in Portland? Just how deep is this year's team? Changing the mindset from contending for a championship to winning a championship. How sharp shooters like Jordan Hawkins and Andre Jackson can help with floor spacing for big man, Adama Sanogo. And why we're in the "We Season". Plus, don't overreact to these early season tournaments! And why Maryland has our attention.

Saint Louis' Travis Ford leads the Billikens into a pivotal week early in the season. Thoughts on the big match up with Memphis. His early assessment of the team. Will we continue to see high volume three point shooting? Navigating and surviving a grueling non-conference schedule. Is this the most talent he's had on a roster? And why coach wants more commitment and consistency in defensive and rebounding efforts. Plus, what a first week! Anarchy? Nope, just College Basketball!

Providence's Ed Cooley is feeling the optimistic energy after coming off a year in which the program reached the Sweet 16 and won the Big East Championship. The importance of turning the page on last year's accomplishments. What type of jump does Jared Bynum make? How will coach blend new pieces with existing program guys? Having a strategic schedule that helps build team confidence. Is a deep NCAA Tournament run possible and now that they've had a taste, are they craving to get back? And the biggest keys to a successful season. Plus, opening day is finally here! Jon gives you his games to watch and nuggets to watch for!

Michigan State's Tom Izzo is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season but knows he can lean on a veteran filled team. How building a strong program core leads to chemistry and consistency. How will they handle a monster of a schedule? Is it the toughest he's ever had? Thoughts on UCLA and USC coming to the Big 10. Thoughts on the possibility of an expanding NCAA Tournament field. Does he see himself ever retiring? And what must happen for the Spartans to be in a position to have a magical ride into March? Plus, only one week away from the start of the season! Jon gives his thoughts on some of the exhibition games being played.

Texas' Chris Beard is feeling the optimism around the Longhorns basketball program. What are reasonable expectations for coach in year two? Why he loves the mix of returners to new comers. Why consistency and winning are all that matter. The unique situation of playing in the Big 12 while the SEC awaits. How a new arena and facility upgrades enhances the Texas basketball experience. Why he wants players addicted to the game of basketball. And what are you willing to do to win it all? Plus, only two weeks away from college basketball! Is the preseason too long?

Arizona's Tommy Lloyd is excited to get his second year with the Wildcats underway. What will be the biggest keys to a repeat of his successful year one? Who taught coach the philosophies of offense? The value in climbing career ranks. Why he wants a team full of great decision makers. Establishing a high standard for effort & toughness. And thoughts on UCLA and USC leaving the Pac-12. Plus, we are only 3-weeks away from the college basketball season! Syracuse back in the NCAA Tournament? And does the NCAA Tournament need to expand in anyway?

Virginia's Tony Bennett is in the unique position of returning all five starters from last season. How important is continuity to a basketball program? What is the key to blending the returners with the new comers? Can we expect vintage Virginia defense? Who makes the biggest jump out of the returning players? Newcomer he's most excited about? How deep will the Cavaliers be this year? Why there's no substitution for competitive games early in the season. And what inspires him to keep coaching? Plus, Jon gives a report from his travels out West.

Indiana's Mike Woodson is embracing the high expectations for the Hoosiers this season. What must happen for them to reach those expectations? Who makes the biggest jump from last year to this year? Who steps up as a newcomer? Philosophy on scheduling. Big Ten title or bust? And what makes the combination of Trayce Jackson-Davis and Race Thompson so good? Plus, only five weeks away from college basketball! Jon continues to hit the road to bring you the inside scoop.

Houston's Kelvin Sampson has guided the Cougars' program to all time highs and is looking for complete player buy in this season to take them a step further. What can we expect from this year's team? Why roster depth leads to competitive practicing. Building and establishing a culture that has one level, one standard. Thoughts on how the American Athletic Conference has helped them grow and left coach feeling appreciative. Do they need the Big 12 from a basketball perspective to be in a position to advance in NCAA Tournaments? And could this be the best team at Houston he's ever coached? Plus, more road updates from Jon as he sets off to bring you stories from the top programs across the country.

Creighton's Greg McDermott thinks he may have the deepest teams he's ever had and knows there are high expectations that come with all the buzz. How the end of last year helped the team gain confidence. Which newcomer will provide the biggest lift? Can Ryan Nembhard regain his form after injury? Scheduling to ability and the need to be tested in the non-conference. Thoughts on the Big East conference. Weird without Jay Wright? And can they win the conference out right this year? Plus, Jon hits the road!

North Carolina's Hubert Davis is excited for this season and looking forward to building off last year's success. How are they handling expectations? Just how good can this year's team be? The difference between making suggestions and decisions. Why it's all about how you respond. Developing depth for their style of play. Why roles are developed through competition. And with a ton of returning players and high expectations, can the Tar Heels block out the outside noise? Plus, we are officially into the preseason! Jon hits the road for practice.

San Diego's Steve Lavin is excited to be back coaching and looks forward to the challenges of building a program that sustains winning. What brought him back to the sport after working in the media? What made USD the perfect re-entry point? How he's a different coach now versus his last year at St. John's. Exploring his recruiting philosophy. What was the pitch that led to the influx of talent into the program? Realistic goals for year one? And why it's all about building up to play your best in March. Plus, a full West Coast Conference preseason preview! Gonzaga and everyone else? Can the league get three bis again into the NCAA Tournament?

San Diego State's Brian Dutcher is excited about the Aztecs' returning nucleus and is eager to reclaim the Mountain West title. Why he believes team experience coupled with key newcomers will be a formula for success. Exploring how team culture is formed. Navigating a challenging non-conference schedule. Being included in perhaps the best Maui Invitational field ever. Other conference challengers. And why at the end of the day, it's all about proving it on the court! Plus, a full Mountain West preseason preview!

UCLA's Mick Cronin has high expectations for this year's Bruins squad! What are the biggest keys to success this year? Thoughts on the future move to the Big 10. Getting more exposure on the west coast. Initial impressions of the team. Why he's excited about his group of Freshman. Could Jaime Jaquez be the best wing player in the NCAA? Added depth. Finding their identity on defense. And after a Final Four appearance two years ago and a trip to the Sweet 16 last year, is a National Championship on the horizon? Plus, a full Pac-12 preseason preview!

TCU's Jamie Dixon knows that with five returning starters, the Horned Frogs aren't sneaking up on anyone this year! Why the excitement is already building for the season coming up. Remembering last season's magical run through the NCAA tournament. The process of getting better over the summer. Why coach wants their defense to be the calling card this year. Can it be tops in the nation? Out of the returning starters, who makes the biggest jump? The importance of developing depth. Why they must protect the ball better on offense. And dealing with expectations. Plus, a full Big Twelve preseason preview! Are we looking at the best conference in the country... again?!

Iowa's Fran McCaffery takes a lot of pride in the Hawkeyes' ability to replenish quality talent and this year's team will have no shortage of it. His thoughts on how last season ended. Can Kris Murray become a star and have a spike in production? The confidence of Tony Perkins. Playing Duke at Madison Square Garden. Thoughts on USC and UCLA joining the Big Ten? Ideas on how to clean up transfer rules. And Iowa overachieved last year... What has to happen for that to occur again? Plus, a full Big Ten preseason preview. After Indiana, it's wide open!