College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

St. John's Mike Anderson enters his 4th year as the head coach and knows the time is now to make the NCAA Tournament. Feelings about last season. What he knows about the job now that he didn't when he took it? Why the excitement around the newcomers is growing. How will they balance team scoring? The power of retaining players. Will that be a factor this year? The Big East without Jay Wright. And how important is it to the program to be one of the teams in the bracket on Selection Sunday? Plus, a full Big East preseason preview! Could we see as many as seven teams make the tournament?

Cincinnati's Wes Miller believes they laid a solid foundation in his first year but knows there is still room to grow. How can they get back to their standard of being a consistent player in the NCAA Tournament? Discussing the different ways to build a roster in today's game. Roy Williams' support and influence. Why he feels their advantage this year is positional length. Why this year's Maui Invitational is a huge opportunity. Thoughts on the move to the Big 12 in coming years. And what are the biggest keys to achieving team goals this upcoming season? Plus, a full American Athletic Conference preseason preview! Is it Houston and everyone else? Why the time is now for Cincinnati, Temple and Tulane.

Davidson's Matt McKillop is ready to take over the program associated with the McKillop name. When did he first think his father would possibly retire? Was he always the heir apparent to the program... How did those discussions go down? What attributes did he learn from the legendary basketball coach? And how much will be around? How he plans to put his own finger prints on the program. Navigating a sound A-10. Thoughts on his roster. And what are the goals in year one? Plus, a full Atlantic 10 preseason preview! And Jon's initial reaction to USC and UCLA leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.

The great Jay Wright knows the one thing in life that is definite, is change. How is the former Villanova head coach doing in his post coaching career? Would he come back? Could he ever see himself coaching somewhere other than Villanova? The strong statement sent by the school to hire from within. How the pandemic altered his timeline. How will he impact the program without being overbearing? Why he believes N.I.L deals will keep players in school but guidelines for the offseason need updating. And what's next for the hall of famer? Plus, with the NBA draft officially behind us its time to look ahead to next season!

The legendary Mike Krzyzewski reflects on the past and discusses the future of Duke basketball. It's the end of an era but a celebration of a nearly five decade career! When did he know Jon Scheyer was the right guy to succeed him? The state of College basketball. Time to restructure? And how often will he attend games? Plus, it's NBA draft week so we are inching towards full clarity for next season!

LSU's Matt McMahon is excited for the opportunity to build back the Tigers' program and is in it for the long haul. Can he bring his winning ways to Baton Rouge? Saying good bye to his team at Murray State and why he wasn't in a hurry to leave. The break neck pace at which coaching searches happen. What's the key to finding rhythm and continuity with thirteen new players? When continuity becomes an advantage. The process of building a roster from scratch. An Adam Miller update. And realistic goals in his first year at LSU? Plus, Duke gets some much needed experience. And why the Big Ten goes through Bloomington.

Seton Hall's Shaheen Holloway is living in the moment and looking to ride the momentum of a magical NCAA Tournament run into success at his alma mater. What has the last few months been like? Balancing distractions. Leading St. Peter's on a historical tournament run and then having to say good bye. What's in store for the Pirates in year one? Being a coach in the vaunted Big East. Rounding out coaching staff and non-conference scheduling. Which newcomers make an impact? Gelling a new team. And why he believes if they can be a tough and competitive team everything else will sort itself out. Plus, Gonzaga reloads. And the power of retention...

Duke's Jon Scheyer is ready to lead the Blue Devils into the next chapter but is still getting used to being called the head coach at his alma mater. How will he put his own stamp on the program? Following a coaching legend. The genesis of his coaching desire. The excitement builds around a deep incoming freshman class. Who steps up to provide leadership? Why iron sharpens iron... The pros and cons of a tough early season schedule. The surreal moment between Duke and UNC at the Final Four. And why it's a pivotal time for Duke basketball. Plus, we are inching toward full clarity as the NBA draft early entry deadline is approaching! And beware of the Big East?

Mississippi State's Chris Jans has a vision for what the Bulldogs program should look and feel like and is ready to get to work. Will his mid-major success translate to victories in the SEC? Thoughts on the roster he inherits. Why he's building a team for a season and not the long term. Tapping into the past success of the program. Why key additions need to earn playing time. Respecting SEC competition but not fearing it. And is a deep run in the NCAA tournament a possibility in year one?

Louisville's Kenny Payne is back at his alma mater and ready to re-establish the winning culture the Cardinals are accustomed to. Why he left a great NBA job to coach in college... What is he anticipating as far as possible NCAA sanctions? How last year's adversity will make for a stronger team this year. What are his year one goals? The importance of rallying the community. And why it's all about sustaining success. Plus, some of the sports marquee names are finding schools to play at next season!

Florida's Todd Golden is eager to get the Gators back atop the SEC and into the NCAA Tournament making a deep run. How he engineered the turnaround at his past job. Utilizing analytics. Coaching experience. Impressions of the team. Goals for year one? The Billy Donovan factor. And the path taken to a prime job at the age of 36. Plus, Creighton lands a top transfer. And "Portal Kombat" rages on!

Villanova's Kyle Neptune ushers in a new era of Wildcats' basketball. How did he land one of college basketball's most coveted jobs after one season at Fordham? His relationship with Jay Wright and what he learned from him. Replacing a legend. Thoughts on the team he is taking over. Updates on Justin Moore and Caleb Daniels. And why it's all about focusing inwards and building team relationships. Plus, how N.I.L. is heading toward uncharted territory. And other "big picture" storylines.

Xavier's Sean Miller is back for another round with the Musketeers and knows the future is bright. What did he learn from his year away from the sport? Anything new in the coaching holster? Why his biggest goal was to keep the talented core of the program intact. His feelings watching Arizona. Playing in the Big East, a basketball centric league, with no Jay Wright at Villanova... Exciting? How long should Xavier fans expect it to take to get back to a high-ranking tournament team? And why regaining a balanced life was key to getting back into coaching. Plus, a salute to Jay Wright!

Butler's Thad Matta is recharged and excited for the opportunity to lead a program he has such pride for. Discussing why Butler was the right landing spot for him coming out of retirement and how much familiarity played a role. How has he evolved as a coach? Early impressions of the roster. Dealing with a new style of recruiting. Thoughts on the Big East. The importance of enjoying the journey. How he viewed his time at Ohio State. Why passing on knowledge is a big focal point. And what are realistic goals in year one at Butler? Plus, get ready for Portal Kombat!

Kansas State's Jerome Tang has worked his whole life for this and is finally stepping into a head coaching role after serving as an assistant for over 20 years at Baylor. What are the biggest difference from being an assistant to the head coach? Taking us through the process. His coaching philosophies and inspirations. The passion of the K-State fan base. Fear the "Octagon of Doom"! Getting more "Big Twelve" athletes into the program. And coach shares an amazing story about his good bye with Baylor Coach, Scott Drew. Plus, how the Big East is stepping up a weight class.

Maryland's Kevin Willard is humbled and hungry to be the next head coach of Terrapins. What put the Maryland job over the top in his mind? Saying good bye to Seton Hall. The importance of player development. Discussing the impact N.I.L currently has over the sport. How home court advantage can be a weapon. The importance of Gary Williams to the program. And his early impressions of the roster and the biggest needs to fill... Plus, it's never too early for a Rothstein Preseason 45!

Jon provides analysis and perspective into the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Talking Final Four and potential Championship Game match ups!

Jon provides analysis and perspective into the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Talking Sweet 16 and potential Elite 8 match ups.

Jon's 2022 NCAA Tournament Picks & Break Down!

This is March! Auburn's Bruce Pearl felt satisfaction after winning the SEC regular season crown but knows this isn't a time for reflection, but of doing your job. When did he realize he had a contender? The importance of making the most of what you have. Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler... Best center/power forward combo in the nation? Why point guard play wins you titles. What favors a deep run in the NCAA Tournament? Winning conference your tournament or an early exit to rest up? And why its all about making history. Plus, any bid stealers in sight? Expect Anarchy!