In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, I share a recent interview with Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman before taking a look at the NCAA’s first set of NET rankings.Topics include:* The impressive 41-point game for Mason Jones against Tulsa* How Arkansas players are embracing their roles* The Razorbacks’ excellent defense* Auburn leading the SEC in the first NET rankings of the season* Texas A&M’s struggles* Why Kentucky and Florida are lower than expected* How Alabama’s strength of schedule could keep it in the NCAA Tournament mix* The upcoming games in the SECYou can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or by entering your email to have new episodes sent straight to your inbox.As always, thanks for listening, and be sure to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy the discussion.If you enjoyed this post, please consider subscribing for free to get new articles sent directly to your inbox. Thanks! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, I dive into a ton of mailbag questions on SEC and college basketball.Questions include:* What’s the ceiling for Auburn this season?* Should Florida change its offense given its early struggles?* What does the current hierarchy look like in the SEC?* Is Alabama better than its record suggests?* Will the one-and-done rule be eliminated in college basketball?* Who will succeed Mike Krzyzewski as head coach at Duke?* How is the extended 3-point line affecting SEC teams?* Who would win an SEC coaches edition of Survivor?And just as a note: My normal microphone didn’t record properly for some reason, so the audio quality isn’t as great due to using the computer mic. If you hear some mouse clicking and dog barking, that’s why.You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or by entering your email to have new episodes sent straight to your inbox.Also, follow me on Twitter to discuss your pick for which SEC coach would win Survivor. You can also use Twitter to send questions for future mailbag episodes.As always, thanks for listening, and be sure to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy the discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
Many of my new subscribers are here for the SEC stuff.We’ll get to that, but let’s first circle back to college basketball’s most memorable moment to this point in the season. I do my best to be impartial when it comes to covering sports.But sometimes, it’s fine to break the rules.One of those times was during the Nov. 26 game between No. 1 Duke and Stephen F. Austin at Cameron Indoor Stadium.It was a game that defined why we love college basketball. Unless you were a Duke fan, you were rooting for the underdog. You had no other choice. There was no detailed explanation needed as to why you were doing it. You were simply doing it for the story.And what a story it was for the Lumberjacks. Kyle Keller, a Texas native who is one of the most genuine people in the business, got the biggest win of his coaching career.Nathan Bain, who watched from afar as his family in the Bahamas lost nearly everything due to Hurricane Dorian, made a game-winning play that will be replayed over and over for years to come (and saw the school’s GoFundMe for his family reach nearly $150,000).The Stephen F. Austin program, one that has scored road wins at Baylor and LSU in recent years, finally got the national recognition that it deserved.It was everything non-Duke fans could want. It had the drama, it had the atmosphere, and it had a story that not even Evansville’s improbable win at Kentucky could replicate.The win itself was certainly a surprise. However, seeing a Keller-led team accomplish such a feat wasn’t surprising at all. The Lumberjacks pride themselves on toughness and attacking style of play, and those two characteristics were the difference.Luckily, having interacted with Keller (who was Billy Kennedy’s assistant at Texas A&M for five seasons) a lot over the years, he was kind enough to join us on the Marching to Madness podcast to discuss his team’s victory and the aftermath of it.We’ve had hundreds of coaches on the podcast since we started it in February 2016, but Keller is one of my favorites. He’s a humble, down-to-earth person who’s easy to talk to, and he’s also not afraid to tell it like it is.His kindness and generosity have gotten him far in his coaching career, even if it’s one that has come with adversity. I’d highly recommend that you listen to his recent podcast with Stadium’s Jeff Goodman to hear Keller tell the story about the tragic Oklahoma State plane crash in 2001 and how he continues to battle the emotions involved after a last-minute plane switch.In his conversation with us, he discussed the Duke win, how his players have handled all the national attention since the victory, Bain’s incredible journey to get to that memorable play, the Lumberjacks’ response with a win at Arkansas State, and much more.Keller’s team will hit the road again on Friday to play Alabama in a game that undoubtedly has Crimson Tide fans’ attention. Use the podcast player to listen to the full interview with Keller on Marching to Madness podcast.If you enjoyed this post, please consider subscribing for free to get new articles sent directly to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares his thoughts on Wednesday's action in SEC basketball before looking ahead to Friday's slate. Topics include: Justin Minaya's double-double in South Carolina's win over North Alabama, Missouri's dominant performance, Buzz Williams' first victory at Texas A&M, Vanderbilt snapping its 20-game losing streak, why Auburn/Davidson will be must-watch TV, and much more.Be sure to also subscribe to Blake's other CBB podcasts:Marching to Madnesshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marching-to-madness/id1082877988?mt=2Cutting the Nethttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cutting-the-net-clutchpoints/id1484561375The Blue Ribbon SEC Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blue-ribbon-sec-basketball-podcast/id1444174740 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell recaps all the action from Tuesday's games in the SEC. Topics include: Tyrese Maxey starring in Kentucky's win over Michigan State, Alabama's upset loss to Penn and why people shouldn't overreact, Auburn freshman Issac Okoro having the 'it' factor, Arkansas's 48-point victory against Rice, and much more.Be sure to also subscribe to Blake's other CBB podcasts:Marching to Madnesshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marching-to-madness/id1082877988?mt=2Cutting the Nethttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cutting-the-net-clutchpoints/id1484561375The Blue Ribbon SEC Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blue-ribbon-sec-basketball-podcast/id1444174740 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares a recent interview with Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis. Topics include: Terence Davis earning an NBA opportunity with the Toronto Raptors, building momentum off an NCAA Tournament appearance last season, how Breein Tyree and Devontae Shuler continues to expand their roles, Blake Hinson's emergence as one of the most underrated freshmen in the country, what the newcomers will add to the mix, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares a recent interview with Florida head coach Mike White. Topics include: building chemistry this season, how Andrew Nembhard and Noah Locke continue to expand their backcourt roles, Keyontae Johnson's development, how the talented freshman class is fitting into the mix, the Gators' challenging non-conference schedule, biggest lessons during his coaching journey, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares an interview with Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. Topics include: takeaways from the Final Four run, what it's been like watching former Tigers play in NBA Summer League, expectations for the returning roster, the intangibles of the talented freshman class, how the expanded 3-point line will affect college basketball, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares a recent interview with Alabama head coach Nate Oats. Topics include: Kira Lewis winning gold with the USA U19 team, adding Beetle Bolden to the roster, expectations for Alex Reese, the importance of having Antoine Pettway and Andrew Steele on staff, biggest lessons he's learned during his journey in coaching, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares a recent interview with Mississippi State head coach Ben Howland. Topics include: getting the program back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009, expectations for the talented returning roster, Reggie Perry's development, how several newcomers will be able to make an impact, the recent rule changes in college basketball, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell is joined by Rock M Nation writer Sam Snelling. Topics include: expectations for Missouri heading into the '19-20 season, Florida's potential as an SEC title contender, the Kerry Blackshear effect on several teams around the league, Auburn and LSU needing to replace key backcourt contributors, why Alabama could have lots of success in Nate Oats' first season, Anthony Edwards' impact on Georgia, the dynamic guard duo at Ole Miss, how Eric Musselman is reshaping the Arkansas roster, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell takes an early look at the SEC basketball landscape heading into the 2019-20 season. Topics include: the two teams that may be ahead of the pack, how the NBA draft affected a few potential conference title contenders, which five sleeper teams could surprise some people next season, the unknowns surrounding three programs in particular, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares a recent interview with Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman. Topics of discussion include: biggest takeaways from the tenure at Nevada, embracing the Razorbacks' tradition, early thoughts on the roster, putting together the coaching staff, whether moving the 3-point line back will help college basketball, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell answers mailbag questions on SEC basketball. Topics include: Beetle Bolden transferring to Alabama, how Auburn could replace Jared Harper and Bryce Brown, whether Florida should be an SEC title contender next season, expectations for year one of the Jerry Stackhouse era at Vanderbilt, which new coach has the best chance off winning right away, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell welcomes in former Vanderbilt guard Drew Maddux. Topics include: how the conference has evolved, the Commodores hiring Jerry Stackhouse, why the program can be a consistent contender, reflections on his playing career, SEC basketball in the mid-90s, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell is joined by Neil Blackmon of the Florida Basketball Hour. Topics include: what we learned about the Gators this season, how fans currently view Mike White, what next season's roster could look like, the one area the team must improve in, reflections on the back-to-back national title teams, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell welcomes in Rocky Top Insider managing editor Nathanael Rutherford. Topics include: the Lady Vols hiring Kellie Harper, how the Rick Barnes situation unfolded with UCLA, other potential coaching staff changes, what Tennessee's roster could look like next season, the rewards and challenges of being a beat writer at an SEC school, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell welcomes in former Alabama basketball director of operations Colton Houston. Topics include: his most memorable moments with the Crimson Tide, what goes into the unique director of ops job, launching HD Intelligence, how the scheduling process works in college basketball, the challenges for mid-major teams, what role an improved schedule has played in the growth of SEC basketball, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares thoughts on two big coaching changes in SEC basketball. Topics include: Alabama's decision to part ways with Avery Johnson, why there are plenty of attractive aspects to the job, Vanderbilt firing Bryce Drew after three seasons, what's next for the program, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com
In this episode of the Southeast Hoops podcast, host Blake Lovell shares an in-depth preview of the South Region in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Topics include: analysis of each first round matchup, Tennessee's favorable path to the Final Four, expectations for Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma, the most anticipated first round game, teams that could pull off the biggest upsets, and much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blakelovell.substack.com