College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

No Final Four? No problem! Iona's Rick Pitino joins the podcast! Did he believe a return to college basketball was possible? How was his time coaching over in Europe? What made Iona the right fit? How is he getting recruits to commit? And how he plans to schedule in the non-conference. Plus, how unique would it be for someone who, for the majority of his career has been a favorite ---- to close out his career as an underdog in March trying to play Cinderella?

Michigan Assistant Coach Phil Martelli and the Wolverines are starting to get back to business as usual... Somewhat. How was it for him to be an assistant after being a head coach at St. Joe's for so long? How was it working under Juwan Howard? Observations on being a part of the Big 10 conference. Does he aspire to be a head coach again? How has Michigan recruited so well under Coach Howard? The outlook for next season. And how the new transfer rule can lead to not as much program building. Plus, tis the season for players to declare for the NBA draft and decide where to transfer to...

NCAA Senior VP of Basketball, Dan Gavitt, takes us through the thought process in canceling this years' tournament. How it affects the sport as a whole and the plans moving forward. Plus, Jon discusses Coronavirus and the impact on the NBA draft... Could it lead to more veterans on NCAA rosters next year? And a top graduate transfer commits to the Buckeyes.

UCLA's Mick Cronin guided the Bruins to a 19-12 record in his first year but the sudden end to the season leaves a strange feeling lingering. What was his message to the team when he learned the PAC-12 Tournament was called off? Was his perspective different at all after what he went through with his health in 2015? What was behind the mid-season turnaround? And his thoughts on his former boss, Rick Pitino, being back in the game.... Plus, Jon lends his perspective on the current state of college basketball. And he hands out some end of the year awards!

Dayton's Anthony Grant navigated the Flyers to a perfect regular season in the A-10 but can they cap it off with conference tournament championship? Has he brought up a potential #1 seeding in the NCAA Tournament with the team? Why match ups are so crucial to a deep run. And what are they focused on the most heading into tournament season? Plus, who could be "bid" sleepers this upcoming selection Sunday? This is March... Don't miss this podcast!

San Diego State's Brian Dutcher has the Aztecs poised for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament but knows March is for players! What is the focal point at practices this late in the year? How can they create more spacing on the floor for shot makers? Playing out East vs West. Why he believes if you're hard to guard, you're hard to beat. And just how much is the Final Four on their minds? Plus, less than 2 weeks away form selection Sunday! Whose making their case for a tournament bid?

Iowa's Fran McCaffery has his squad poised to make a run through March. But how has he been able to manage all the injuries and still play well? The stellar season Luka Garza is having. And his thoughts on the new transfer rule. Plus, a wild weekend sees Baylor, Gonzaga and San Diego State loosing... What does it all mean?!

Creighton's Greg McDermott knows his team has weathered the injury storm well and is pleased with the balanced play. When did he realize this year's team was going to be really good? Discussing his dynamic perimeter players. Competing in a tough Big East. How do they plan to slow down Markus Howard and Marquette in their up coming match up? And what has to happen to continue their hot play into March and beyond? Plus, why Duke has a clear path to a #1 seed. And a second coming of Juan Dixon at Maryland?

West Virginia's Bob Huggins knows winning comes down to making shots and that's something his Mountaineers are not doing. How can they fix that and be more productive around the rim? What's the biggest difference in coaching now versus when he was at Cincinnati? Players heading to the pros too early and how to remedy it. Is over saturation of games the reason for lower TV ratings this year? And what they must do to be successful in March. Plus, Jon's big picture thoughts from the weekend and games to keep an eye on this week.

Gonzaga's Mark Few has seen the WCC get tougher but the Bulldogs are still an impressive 23-1 heading into February. What does he hope to learn after a pair of tough road conference games? What it's like to get everyone's best shot. The importance of player relationships. Why this year's team shows exceptional chemistry and culture. And how they have bounced back after loosing so much talent last year and not missed a beat. Plus, the hidden All-American at San Diego State and the Big East is a beast.