College Hoops Today with Jon Rothstein

Notre Dame's Mike Brey knows this is an important year for the Fighting Irish as they look to get back to the NCAA Tournament. Why they're hungry and playing with a chip on their shoulder. Having a veteran team. Off-season priorities: tightening up the defense. Coach K's last go-around. And why the ACC is up for grabs this season. Plus, a full ACC preseason preview!

Illinois' Brad Underwood and the Fighting Illini have some unfinished business from last season. What bringing back Kofi Cockburn does for the program. The emergence of Andre Curbelo. Who steps up to fill the big shoes left by Ayo Dosunmu? The mystery man that is Austin Hutcherson. And why establishing chemistry is priority number one over the summer. Plus, a full Big Ten Conference preseason preview!

Colorado State's Niko Medved wants to take it up a notch this season and be a lock for the NCAA Tournament. Why their veteran team gives them a leg up on the rest of the Mountain West. The importance of getting their home court advantage back with the return of fans. Fighting the Mid-Major narrative. The uniqueness of David Roddy's skills and game. And could the league get up to 5 teams into the tournament? Plus, a full Mountain West Conference preseason preview!

St. John's Mike Anderson enters year 3 with high expectations for the Red Storm. Why the time is now to take that next step and win an NCAA Tournament game. Blending new pieces with an establish core. Why Posh Alexander and Julian Champagnie are poised for huge seasons. Competing in a grueling Big East. The importance of a challenging non-conference schedule. And why it's all about building up to March. Plus, a full Big East preseason preview!

Houston's Kelvin Sampson is excited to show the world what they can do for an encore after a special Final Four run. What will their identity be this season? Who will step up to be the point guard? How to get the new guys to buy into the team philosophy? Blocking out the outside noise. What is the key to gain more respect? Discussing a non-conference schedule that isn't for the faint of heart! And can the American get four teams into the NCAA Tournament this year? Plus, a full American Athletic Conference preseason preview!

St. Bonaventure is set to return all five of their double digit scorers from last year and head coach, Mark Schmidt, couldn't me more excited. What is the ceiling for the Bonnies this season? Managing and dealing with high expectations. Why filling out their bench will be key. How a tough non-conference schedule should have them ready for a grueling A-10. And why it's time for the program to take the next step and make a NCAA tournament run. Plus, a full Atlantic 10 preseason preview!

Boston College's Earl Grant ushers in a new era for the Eagles as the ACC is in transition. The BC faithful should be excited about coach's phase one approach as he hopes to instill a competitive spirit, toughness and pride back to the program. How his ties to the Boston area might lend to landing top local talent. The importance of evaluating talent and trusting your eyes in the process. And how can he get the program back to the NCAA Tournament? Plus, some keys players around the country opt to stay in school and forego the NBA Draft... Find out who's staying and who's going!

Penn State's Micah Shrewsberry is eager to push the program forward and compete night in, night out in the talented Big 10. What are his biggest goals in year with the Nittany Lions? Applying lessons and philosophies learned from Matt Painter and Brad Stevens. Bringing back experience. The importance of recruiting Philadelphia. Staying calm and collected on the sideline. And why he's appreciative of the opportunity to be a first time head coach in a power conference. Plus, why the Kentucky Wildcats better prepared to claw!

Minnesota's Ben Johnson welcomes the challenge of being a first time head coach in one of the nations top basketball conferences. What are realistic goals in year one? How can he bring the program back to national prominence? Why recruiting local isn't always a sure thing nor the right fit. Will they rely heavily on the transfer portal? How his love and passion for state, school and game landed him the job. And the importance of setting a foundation early. Plus, why it's important to understand that just because someone isn't invited to the NBA Draft combine or the G League Combine doesn't mean that they're going back to school.

Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger didn't come to rebuild the prideful Cyclones program. Rather, he came to win now! How does he plan to accomplish that in the mighty Big 12? Why it's an honor for him to step up in weight class. The special environment Hilton Coliseum provides. The biggest lessons learned from mentors and why it's important to be "your own man". Thoughts on his roster. Emphasizing blue collar guys who can shoot and be a physical presence. The importance of being able to score in multiple ways. And why daily work habits are key to success. Plus, why Rutgers is two decisions away from being an NCAA Tournament team.