College Hoops Today with Jon Rothstein

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!

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!