College Hoops Today with Jon Rothstein

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?