College Hoops Today with Jon Rothstein

Alabama's Nate Oats has the Crimson Tide on a roll and emerging as a top team in the country. What has been behind their hot play of late? How they turned their season around after a loss to Western Kentucky. Herb Jones' endless skill set. The X-Factor that is Josh Primo. Discussing the coaching pedigree in the SEC. Playing with a bullseye on your back. And the biggest key for them to be playing into early April. Plus, why you won't want to panic about Michigan's Covid pause. And is Florida State just scratching the surface?

Seton Hall's Kevin Willard has the Pirates hitting their stride as they get set for a huge matchup against Villanova. How mental health is playing a key role in this season. Developing chemistry with out a traditional preseason. Figuring out the best ways to utilize his players. Why he loves their balance but knows they need to tighten up their defensive play. And why he believes seeding the NCAA tournament should be based on more than just the metrics this year. Plus, Virginia with a statement win. Is Iowa underrated nationally? And why Gonzaga and Baylor are separating from the pack.

Virginia Tech's Mike Young has the Hokies off to a fast start and possibly in early position to make the NCAA Tournament. What has been behind the quick start? What the Villanova win taught him about his squad? Why you need to trust your eyes while recruiting. The importance of moving without the ball. Coaching against the legends of the ACC. His love for Wofford College. And why a little popcorn before a game never hurt anybody. Plus, don't sleep on the Pac-12. Is a season to remember forming for the Texas Longhorns? And don't look now, but here comes Kentucky!

Boise State's Leon Rice has the Broncos making noise this year in the Mountain West, is this year's squad the best he's coached? Why following the Gonzaga formula has turned Boise State into a top non power five conference team. The development of Derrick Alston Jr. Why chemistry and tough defense will be key to their success. The challenges of scheduling. The uniqueness of playing the same team back-to-back in the same location. The key to finding good transfers that fit your program. And why its all about player development. Plus, the NCAA announces that March Madness will happen in a bubble in Indiana. Texas with a statement win. And is this the year of the outlier?

Missouri's Cuonzo Martin was confident heading into the season but knew he has a special team when they defeated Oregon early on in the year. Has the team surpassed his early expectations with a 6-0 start? How their team chemistry and connection with one another will be key moving forward. Thoughts on where the sports is heading with potential rule changes on the horizon. Taking on Tennessee in their SEC opener. And why he believes there are more important things in life than just basketball. Plus, the Big Ten continues to look impressive. And Gonzaga looks a cut above the rest.

Houston's Kelvin Sampson is missing some of the atmosphere that normally surrounds college basketball but knows it's all about adapting and overcoming! What he likes so far from his 5-0 Cougars. The keys to building and sustaining culture within a program. Thoughts on rule changes. Why the winning is great but the process of getting there is more satisfying. Where this year's squad ranks among some of the best he's ever coached. And why he's always learning from others. Plus, was there tangible growth in a loss for Kentucky? Ron Harper Jr and Rutgers are legit. And the Big Ten has no bottom!

Ohio State's Chris Holtmann has the Buckeyes out to a 5-0 start but knows the key to their success is the back court. The need to grow their bench production. Thoughts on starting up Big Ten play this week. Has he been apart of a more talented conference? Playing without EJ Liddell. Expectations for Seth Towns. Why are his teams so good in close games? And the coaching mindset amidst the covid-19 pandemic. Plus, did Kentucky over-schedule? And our thoughts and prayers are with Florida Gators stand out, Keyontae Johnson.

Rutgers' Steve Pikiell and the Scarlet Knights are happy to be playing basketball. What's been behind their 3-0 start? The keys to building a program up in a "power conference". Facing Syracuse and his respect for Coach Boeheim. The mindset of being the hunted versus being the hunter. Expectations at home games, where the RAC was one of the great home court advantages, with no fans allowed. Why they need to keep evolving on the defensive side of the ball. Why its "all iron", every night in the Big Ten. And why staying safe and healthy will be a huge key to the overall success of the season... Hard to start and stop all season long and be successful...Plus, with the exception of Villanova, many blue-bloods have holes in appears... Is this the year of the outlier?

Illinois' Brad Underwood is pleased with the chemistry being created in their early season games. He's also happy that the Illini are shooting the ball better than a year ago. Why he's excited about his freshman. Creating more room and space for Ayo Dusunmu who has gotten more physical. His thoughts on playing Baylor and Duke. The grueling gauntlet that is the Big Ten conference. How they're dealing with the Covid-19 protocols and testing. And after a lot of hard work to get the program back to national prominence... What are the keys for continued develop? Plus, we have games to talk about! Jon breaks it all down right here...

Indiana's Archie Miller is excited to get the season started but knows it will be full of different emotions. What's been the toughest part about not having a pre-season or scrimmage games? How many Final Four contenders do he see in the Big Ten? Discussing the makeup of his team... why he likes the blend of talent. Why he believes the rigorous testing protocols in place in Big Ten will ensure a successful season. And why every player on the roster will need to be ready to play. Plus, it's Opening Week! Jon gives you his games to watch...