College Hoops Today With Jon Rothstein

Gonzaga's Mark Few has led the Bulldogs to 22 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and is on the verge of a 23rd. Coach discusses the pride he feels in sustaining success at Gonzaga. Explaining how he keeps it all in perspective. More pride felt seeing his former staff do well at new jobs. What did they learn from a tough loss to Saint Mary's? What must they tighten up for the tournament season push? And could the WCC get multiple teams into the NCAA Tournament this year? Plus, remember, it's not anarchy, it's just college basketball! Jon reacts to the top six teams in the AP top 25 all loosing on the same day.

Villanova's Jay Wright is proud of the way the Wildcats have played of late despite being plagued by injuries. They're still refining things but heading in the right direction. How a tough non-conference schedule prepared them for the challenging Big East. Why the phrase, "be here now", is so important to the program. Controlling what you can control. How much depth can they develop before tournament season? Previewing their tough match up with UConn. The biggest keys to success heading down the stretch run. And how many teams does he believe the Big East will get into the NCAA Tournament? Plus, an ugly incident at the end of the Wisconsin vs Michigan game discussed.

Purdue's Matt Painter insists on the Boilermakers setting their own narrative to deal with high expectations. The importance of making hard work fun. Could this squad make a Final Four run? Balancing his two star big men. Who does Jaden Ivey remind you of? What can they improve on? How the mental aspect can be more important than physical play. And what are the biggest keys to be successful heading into March? Plus, Providence continues to win close games. And Jon gives you his favorites to win National Coach and Player of the year...

Marquette's Shaka Smart has the Golden Eagles playing like one of the best teams in college basketball winning eight of their last nine games. Coach explains how the teams will to play for one another has been key to the programs overall success in year one. How being selective in the transfer portal has been paramount to team chemistry. Why team defense has been a major factor in their recent surge. Gaining confidence after beating Villanova. Could Justin Lewis be the Big East player of the year? The special connection between the Marquette fan base and the players on the team. And why they most continue to grow and learn as we start the month of February. Plus, could Duke earn a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament? And Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga continues to impress!

Texas Tech's Mark Adams has high expectations for the Red Raiders and is proud of the start they have had. Who taught coach defense? Why he believes it's the "core" of a team. Four of their top six scorers are transfers... Key to playing in rhythm? A huge game coming up against Texas as Chris Beard returns... What's the atmosphere like in Lubbock? Does he stay in touch with Coach Beard? Not leveling off. The importance of improving throughout the season. And why it's all about the little things as we head into February. Plus, can Kentucky win it all? And has UCLA turned a corner?

Houston's Kelvin Sampson has himself in the coach of the year debate after the Cougars' 17-2 start, but how do they have this record with their two top players getting hurt early on? Secret sauce, depth. But now that the depth is being stretched, who steps up? How replenishing talent has become a strength of his programs. How much longer does he plan to coach? And the biggest key for this team to make another Final Four appearance? Plus, Auburn is your new top ranked team!

Wisconsin's Greg Gard isn't too surprised by the Badgers' hot start as he saw his team's potential over the summer. What are the areas they can improve in? How an early season tournament provided a moment of clarity and produced confidence. The evolution of Johnny Davis and his competitive knack for the big moment. The value of ball security. Team depth continuing to get deeper. What are some of the keys to sustain the early success? And why the best coached teams are player coached teams. Plus, parity is back! Top teams going down left and right.

Providence's Ed Cooley and the Friars are one of college basketball's great stories so far this season! What was behind their hot start, winning 14 out of 16? How the team really came together and connected during the spring. Why have they been so good in close games this year? Why Nate Watson can be a program changer. Is this most competitive Big East he's coached in? And why he believes that if they can get consistent perimeter scoring paired with their inside game, they can be tough to deal with. Plus, does the ACC officially have a second team behind Duke? And why the Big EAST is a beast!

Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger has been pleasantly surprised with the Cyclones 12-1 start. What has been the key to the hot play? How can they move the bar forward into the second half of the season? The key to their stingy defense. Why he teaches effort based concepts. His pride for Iowa State basketball and why it all has come full circle. And why you must turn the page quickly after defeat. Plus, why we're poised for a heck of a year in the Big Ten. And is Baylor trending towards being a blue blood in the sport?

Arizona's Tommy Lloyd is pleased with the start the Wildcats have had in his first year as a head coach. What has surprised him the most about being in the main seat? Why they hang their hat on the basics. The importance of taking it one day at a time. How his time at Gonzaga molded his coaching philosophy and style. Thoughts on taking on a tough Pac-12 regular season schedule for the first time. Benn Mathurin's early season dominance. And what are the biggest keys for the Wildcats to continue to ascend? Plus, Omicron continues to wreak havoc on sports. And find out the three guards that have separated themselves from the rest of college basketball.

Auburn's Bruce Pearl has the Tigers off to a 10-1 start and is still learning a lot about his team. Why he loves the chemistry and bond his squad shares. The key to getting them to play hard and unselfishly. Is a Final Four run a possibility? Jabari Smith, the best he's coached? An Allen Flanigan update. Is he closer to getting back out there? A one - two punch at point guard. His feelings on putting the NCAA stuff behind them. Tackling the gauntlet that is the SEC. And the importance of the buy in to team success being bigger than "me". Plus, Covid-19 has reared its ugly head across the college basketball and the sports world. How disruptions are impacting the season. Time for new testing rules? Let the Big East wars begin. Purdue's point guard concerns? And just how good are the North Carolina Tar Heels?

Xavier's Travis Steele and the Musketeers are off to a solid 9-1 start but he knows they must continue to improve. What's the mood of the program after taking down rival Cincinnati? Why he loves the depth of his squad. Could Jack Nunge be the bet center in the Big East? Why it's all about winning. Shoring up defensive rebounding and ball security ahead of Big East play will be key. And is this the best team he's had in his four season at Xavier? Plus, could the Big East be a seven bid league? And Baylor continues to look dominant.

UCONN's Dan Hurley knows the expectations are high for the Huskies this year but enjoys the enthusiasm around campus. What has been behind their 8-1 start? Maturing as a head coach. With some key players out, who steps up? The next great UCONN wing? Painting inside the lines. Respecting the Big East. Jim Calhoun's presence. And besides, health, what are the biggest keys to success this season? Plus, a monumental win for Alabama. And watch out for Arizona!

Ohio State's Chris Holtmann is happy with the Buckeyes' performance to start the season considering they've not been at full strength. Why early growth is key to a successful season. Updates on Eugene Brown, Justice Sueing and Seth Towns. How has EJ Liddell's position change gone? Not ignoring their tournament ending loss to Oral Roberts. Why it's an honor to play Duke and Coach K in his last season. Discussing a tough Big Ten Conference. And keys to a successful season for Ohio State. Plus, how elite is this year's Duke squad?

Loyola Chicago's Drew Valentine loves the championship mindset the Ramblers have shown so far. What are the biggest keys to a successful season? How playing without Cameron Krutwig has led to a more guard-centric, faster paced system. Recruiting back his Super Seniors. Who jumps out from the newcomers? Making the move to the Atlantic 10. Raising the profile of the program. The importance of not only developing a players game but mind as well. And why it's all about playing confident offense. Plus, hats off to Purdue's start and can St. Bonaventure run the table in the A-10?

Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg knows there are high expectations on this year's Cornhuskers team and the time to deliver is now. Why they must be at their best after suffering an early season set back. The power of home court advantage. The importance of making the right play. Why they must take care of the ball and rebound in order to be successful. Seeing the confidence grow in Bryce McGowens. And is the rivalry game against Creighton a must win? Plus, the buzz is palpable for the start of the season! What an opening weekend as UCLA comes back on Villanova and Drew Timme puts on a show for Gonzaga.

Michigan State's Tom Izzo loves the challenge of opening the season with a tough national tournament. Why it's an honor and a privilege to kick off the season at Madison Square Garden. What's his current assessment of the Spartans? Why transfers make this season interesting. The deeeeeep Big Ten. Another star wing in the making? Why he was encouraged by the end of last season. And how much difference does a year make? Plus, the season tips off this week! Games to watch and UCLA brings back all 5 of their starters, are they the team to watch this year?

Alabama's Nate Oats knows the Crimson Tide have set high expectations after last season's Sweet 16 appearance. How can they avoid a let down and maintain their high level of play? Strong point guard play is key. Can they step up and play consistently on both sides of the ball? Why he's looking to Jahvon Quinerly for a leadership jump. Who steps up from the newcomers? Who makes an impact as a returnee? Who taught coach his style of play? Could the deep SEC see 8-9 tournament teams? And why a tough early schedule makes for a better team late. Plus, should the NCAA consider adding a 3rd exhibition game?

Arkansas' Eric Musselman led the Razorbacks to the Elite 8 last season, what can we expect this year? Which one of this returnees makes the biggest jump? Any newcomers catching his eye yet? The key to blending talent. How did he get the program heading on an upward trajectory so quickly? How the depth and talent in the SEC was upgraded this offseason. Who will step up and be the leader at point guard for the Razorbacks? And why family is most important thing in this world. Plus, we continue to inch closer to the start of the season and Jon details his Texas trip.

Virginia's Tony Bennett starts on the journey to build continuity amongst his new team. Thoughts on not returning a double digit scorer. Keys to regaining defensive stinginess. Navigating the new landscape in college basketball. Why you need results now from transfers. The passing of the coaching guard in the ACC. And why you can't let the quest for a national championship consume you. Plus, Jon's travel updates.