College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

Illinois' Brad Underwood has a more experienced squad looking to make some noise in the Big Ten. How they can capitalize on momentum seized at the end of last season. Kofi Cockburn's skill set. And what are realistic expectations for this season? Is a return to the NCAA tournament in the cards? Plus, why you should take preseason and exhibition results with a grain of salt and where's the respect for Liberty?

LSU's Will Wade led the Tigers to a SEC regular season title last year, he was then suspended and reinstated by the school. What does the future hold for Coach Wade and the Tigers basketball program? Why he believes they must develop toughness, grit and attention to detail. Why consistency will be key. And does he have the best returning back court in the SEC? Plus, why Maryland could be a Final four team.

Memphis' Penny Hardaway is hungry to put Tigers basketball back on the map. What to expect out of his talented class of incoming freshman. Who's the hidden gem of the bunch? How the team is gelling and building chemistry daily. Is Memphis the new destination for one and doners? Who are his coaching influences? And why his experience in basketball can help guide a youthful team to a title. Plus, Jon's observations from the road as we are just 4 weeks out from the start of the season!

As we inch closer to the start of the new season we check in with the defending National Champs! Virginia's Tony Bennett joins the podcast to discuss their title run last year. Plus, what the outlook is for the Cavaliers in 19-20. What to make of California's new bill... How it will impact amateurism. And don't miss Jon's observations from the road!

Louisville's Chris Mack is starting to feel at home in year two with the Cardinals. Is this years' team the best he's ever coached? Why depth and continuity are big factors. A Malik Williams and David Johnson update. Coaching vs Kentucky. And why a loss to Gonzaga in the Elite Eight still fuels him today. Plus, Jon's thoughts from the road!

Florida's Mike White knows it's all about the people around you. Could this years' team be the best he's ever had at Florida? What has he learned about the job that he didn't know prior? Returners who've made the biggest improvement... And what to expect from their incoming batch of Freshmen. Why the SEC has become one of the country's toughest leagues. Plus, Mid-Majors to watch out for in 19-20.

Texas Tech's Chris Beard has the Red Raiders in the conversation for one of the best teams in the country. His thoughts on the squad heading into the season... How has his life changed since taking Texas Tech to the brink of a national title? Who to look for this year? And his reverence for the forefathers of the game. Plus, only 8 weeks out from tipping it off for real!

Georgia's Tom Crean is re-stocked and re-loaded for the start of the season. What are reasonable expectations for the team in his second year? Discussing the talented batch up incoming players... Get to know their super freshman, Anthony Edwards. Who taught coach the importance of player development? And the differences between coaching in the SEC vs the Big Ten. Plus, with only 9 weeks until the start of the season, Jon gives you 5 Good Nuggets!

Maryland's Mark Turgeon has a young, talented and deep team that he believes can make some noise this year in college basketball. How the close loss to LSU in the round of 32 motivates the team today. What style of play will best suit his team this year? How he sees the Big Ten. And could this be his best team at Maryland? Plus, the return of 5 Good Nuggets!

Utah State's Craig Smith looks to replicate last year's success. Why his team is determined to achieve more this year. How they hope to utilize their size. The skill set of Sam Merrill. Lessons learned from Tim Miles. Examining a competitive Mountain West.... And why they must eliminate the "noise". Plus, a full Mountain West off-season breakdown! Can they continue to get multiple team bids to the big dance?