In a special episode of the CBB Central Podcast, Kevin is joined by UAlbany head coach Will Brown. After 18 seasons and almost 300 wins, Brown still has it rolling in Albany, and returns a strong core that should contend for an A-East title this season. They discuss his unique path through the coaching world, recruiting in Australia, the team’s recent trip to Canada, and preview the upcoming season. Plus, the answer to the question everyone wants to know: can his sons beat him in one-on-one?

Thanks to Coach Brown for taking the time to join us!

On today’s show, Brad and Kevin tackle two more teams in their deep dive series: Illinois (26:30-1:12:00) and Wichita State (1:13:00-1:45:00). Illinois enters a critical year three of the Brad Underwood era, with the return of Ayo Dosunmu giving optimism for a Big Dance berth in Champaign. Brad and Kevin discuss how a two-big lineup will look, whether Underwood can improve the team’s defense, and why Kevin thinks the offense was the problem.

Gregg Marshall brings in another strong recruiting class to complement a talented group of young players already in tow– is it enough to get back to the NCAA Tournament? They analyze just how good Dexter Dennis can be, what to make of the team’s departures, and which freshmen are most ready to contribute.

The boys open the show with news and notes (0:00-26:00) on some late-breaking action on the transfer portal, with discussion on Jermaine Marrow, Carte’Are Gordon, DJ Williams, and Taelon Martin’s decision to go D3.

Brad and Kevin continue their journey through the nation’s most interesting teams with in-depth breakdowns of Auburn (15:20-50:00) and Marquette (50:50-1:33:30) on today’s show. First, they break down an Auburn team that came a Kyle Guy prayer from the national title game, but has significant holes to fill in the backcourt. The guys debate whether J’Von McCormick can be a high-level lead guard, Isaac Okoro’s upside, and just how good this defense can be.

Then, they take a look at Marquette, as the Golden Eagles make the transition from the shooting that the Hauser brothers provided to a squad that surrounds Markus Howard with size and athleticism. They break down whether playing Jayce Johnson and Theo John at the same time can work, if there’s enough shooting for Howard, and who this team’s second best player is.

In the latest installment of our deep dive series, we break down two teams we have strongly differing opinions on: Arkansas and New Mexico. Arkansas is up first, as we talk about the hire of Eric Musselman and what to make of a roster with major backcourt talent but questions up front. Then, they go in-depth on the UNM Lobos– perhaps the most talented mid-major team in the country this year. Still, questions about last season’s 14-18 debacle and how to mesh together a band of high-major imports on their last shot at D1 loom large.

They also touch on Oregon’s additions of N’Faly Dante and Addison Patterson off the top, as well as some hiring philosophy analysis with Mike Young at Virginia Tech given the momentum the Hokies have on the recruiting trail right now.

Yet another head coach interview is in the books as the boys were joined by Merrimack head coach Joe Gallo. The newest member of Division 1, Merrimack begins its four-year transition process this year as members of the NEC. Kevin spoke to Coach Gallo about the how the transition process is going, the differences between D2 and D2, the unique style of defense they play, and so much more. It was a really insightful chat and we think you’ll really enjoy it!

On today’s show, Brad and Kevin get back into the land of deep dives with in-depth breakdowns on Ohio State (22:50-1:04:15) and Memphis (1:04:25-1:38:00). OSU brings back a superstar in Kaleb Wesson, lots of role players, and adds three top-50 recruits. Can Chris Holtmann put the pieces together and unlock the potential of this club to be among the nation’s elite?

And since we’re talking potential, perhaps no club in college basketball has more upside than Memphis in year two under Penny Hardaway. We break down exactly what this team will look like, some of the ways Penny can maximize the talents of his loaded roster, and what reasonable expectations are for a team unlike anything we’ve really seen in the one-and-done era for a coach not named John Calipari or Mike Krzyzewski.

They also touch on the International trips, the Pan-Am games, Yoeli Childs’ suspension, and Brandon Williams’ injury off the top.

Today on the show, we are joined by College of Charleston head coach Earl Grant. We talked with Coach Grant for about 20 minutes about inheriting a program late in the process, holding onto 5th-year guys, the rise of some young Cougars, and much more.

Afterwards, Kevin and Brad break down the conversation and project where College of Charleston stands next year in a wide-open CAA.

We were fortunate enough to have Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay join the show this week! Kevin spoke with Coach McKay about working for Tony Bennett, the pack line defense, winning an NCAA Tournament game, recruiting, and so much more. Afterwards, Brad and Kevin break down the conversation and discuss Liberty’s outlook for the 2019-20, including their path to an at-large bid.

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We pride ourselves here at the CBB Central Podcast of previewing the most interesting teams in the country, no matter the level. That’s what makes this episode so much fun: over 40 minutes on a mid-major team in Missouri State that has a chance to contend for an at-large bid (17:30-59:30), and 30+ minutes breaking down the defending national champs in Virginia and how they can win in a post-Jerome/Guy/Hunter era (1:00:00-1:32:00).

We have a very special episode of the CBB Central Podcast this week as George Mason head coach Dave Paulsen was kind enough to join the show. Paulsen, who has engineered the Patriots to back-to-back top-five finishes in the A10, discusses working his way up from D3, how the A10 can continue to get at-large bids, why he may have his best team yet at GMU, and much more. You won’t want to miss this one!

Today’s show features two more deep dives as Brad and Kevin continue their journey through the most interesting teams in the country for the 2019-20 season. They both love the guard play Oklahoma profiles to have with a talented group of newcomers, but frontcourt and overall talent concerns keep Brad skeptical. Meanwhile, it’s show-it time for Andy Enfield in SoCal– with a talented roster that features a pair of incoming 5-star recruits. Can they put it together and make it back to the NCAA Tournament?

The boys also discuss their plans for the week, with Kevin off to the NCAA Basketball Academy at UConn and Brad watching the Pan-Am Games Scrimmage in Providence.

This podcast is the first to feature the show’s new logo and new intro music. We hope you enjoy both and welcome any feedback you may have!