CBB Central

Interview with UAlbany Head Coach Will Brown

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!

Wichita State, Illinois Deep Dives

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.

Deep Dives: Auburn and Marquette

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.

Deep Dives: Arkansas and New Mexico

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.

Interview with Merrimack Head Coach Joe Gallo

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!