Locked On College Basketball – Details, episodes & analysis

It’s September and that means it’s time for the 2024-25 Locked On College Basketball Team Previews. We kick it off with Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks who are looking for a big bounceback after going 10-8 in the Big 12 last year. Hunter Dickinson, DaJuan Harris, and KJ Adams are all returning plus a loaded incoming transfer class headlined by Wisconsin’s AJ Storr. That’s not to make any mention of incoming freshmen Rakease Passmore and Flory Bidunga. The Big 12 adds Arizona, Arizona St., Colorado, and Utah, but we fully expect Kansas to be right back at the top of the conference. The Jayhawks also have a loaded non-conference schedule that includes six high major opponents, including Duke, North Carolina, Michigan State, and Creighton.

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

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🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

5-Hour Energy
Go to 5hourenergy.com and use promo code LOCKEDONCFB to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. Go to 5hourenergy.com today!

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free.Post your job for free atLinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Terms and conditions apply.

Ultimate GM
Ultimate College Football HC is a brand-new mobile game that is completely free, has no ads and 100% playable offline. Use the promo code LOCKEDONCFB, all caps, inside the game store to receive a free boost to your program. Begin your coaching legacy today!

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

A survey of 100+ college basketball coaches resulted in 65% in favor of expanding the NCAA Tournament, splitting the vote between a 72 and 76 team field, with 35% in favor of things staying as they are. We discuss the merits of all three options and the varying opinions of the coaches surveyed, including some who wanted to do away with play-in games, some who wanted to make space for more mid-majors, and more!

Last year college basketball had one ranked matchup in Week 1, between Duke and Arizona, but this year many more appear to be taking shape including Auburn vs Houston, North Carolina at Kansas, and a potential Gonzaga vs Baylor matchup in Mexico City.

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

5-Hour Energy
Go to 5hourenergy.com and use promo code LOCKEDONCFB to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders. Go to 5hourenergy.com today!

Ultimate GM
Ultimate College Football HC is a brand-new mobile game that is completely free, has no ads and100% playable offline. Use the promo code LOCKEDONCFB, all caps, inside the game store to receive a free boost to your program. Begin your coaching legacy today!

Factor Meals
Head to FACTORMEALS.com/lockedoncollege50 and use code lockedoncollege50 to get 50% off your first box PLUS 20% off your next month while your subscription is active!

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Class of 2025 center Malachi Moreno announced his commitment to the University of Kentucky. Retaining Moreno’s services, keeping an in-state player, is a big step for Coach Mark Pope as he and his staff works to establish themselves. What will Moreno’s commitment signify about UK’s 2025 class? 

AJ Dybantsa is the number one high school player in America, regardless of class. He recently cut his schools to a top seven of Auburn, Alabama, Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Kansas St, and UNC. Check out the article from Adam Zagoria in which he interviews AJ’s dad Ace to get the skinny on all seven schools including NIL and shoe deal intel.

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Mark Pope is officially the new head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing John Calipari and leaving Big Blue Nation caught off guard. Can the former BYU coach and UK alumnus recruit well enough in Lexington to lead this program back to the Final Four? Or will Pope's lack of NCAA Tournament success lead to a quick tenure with the 'Cats?

Kentucky reportedly made little contact with current Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan and no contact with Rick Pitino, a sign Pop was their top choice after Scott Drew and Danny Hurley said no. Pope does have a modern offense that should do well at Kentucky, and won 23 games in the Big 12 last year, but the timing of this hire is not doing him any favors with the fan base.

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCBB?sid=YouTube 

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel
New customers, join today and you’ll get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

On Thursday morning, Scott Drew officially and publicly turned down Kentucky to stay at Baylor. Dan Hurley once again affirmed his desire to stay at UConn, despite the Wildcats’ willingness to drop a very large bag. Why would they choose to do so? 

Meanwhile…where does AD Mitch Barnhart turn next? Does he wait on Billy Donovan to finish? Or does the need to get active in the transfer portal speed up the process? If so, Kentucky might consider candidates such as Bruce Pearl (Auburn), Mark Pope (BYU), or maybe even try to bring back Rick Pitino (St. John’s).

Tennessee lost a pair of frontcourt players to the transfer portal on Thursday – Jonas Aidoo, Tobe Awaka. 

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCBB?sid=YouTube 

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel
New customers, join today and you’ll get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Scott Drew had a meal in Waco on Wednesday and Big Blue Nation had a field day while rumors about the Baylor coach taking over Kentucky from John Calipari. Is Drew the right guy to take over in Lexington, and does he want to leave a Bears program he helped build from the ground up? Plus Kentucky's offer to Danny Hurley and interest in Billy Donovan.

Calipari had his first press conference as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and addressed his team meeting - without having much of a team as nearly everyone is in the transfer portal. Who from the Hogs might come back, and who might coach Cal nab from the 'Cats? Cyril Somto is the latest 2024 recruit decommitting from Kentucky, will they all head to Fayetteville?

We close discussing Mason Gillis and Ethan Morton hitting the transfer portal out of Purdue and what role they could have had for the Boilermakers, while also discussing a handful of NBA draft declarations: Yves Missi, Isaiah Collier, and the Marquette pair of Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro.

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCBB?sid=YouTube 

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel
New customers, join today and you’ll get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

On Tuesday, John Calipari finally made it official that he was stepping away as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats while saying that it was time for a new voice to lead the way. While we know Coach Cal is headed to Arkansas, he didn’t outright say it in his announcement video. In the meantime, the question becomes: Who will be the successor in Lexington? Nate Oats and Jay Wright are out. Reports are out that Baylor’s Scott Drew has been offered the job. 

Duke’s Mark Mitchell becomes the first meaningful transfer of the Jon Scheyer era. Others entering the portal early this week include notable names like Oumar Ballo and Kylan Boswell from Arizona, along with Robbie Avila from Indiana State and Aden Holloway from Auburn. 

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCBB?sid=YouTube 

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel
New customers, join today and you’ll get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The UConn Huskies are back-to-back national champions after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers, 75-60, to conclude the college basketball NCAA Tournament. Danny Hurley's team won every tournament game by 14 or more points, with a total point differential of 140 representing the biggest in tournament history. 

Is UConn now cemented as a college hoops dynasty? They have six titles in six appearances, with only UCLA, Kentucky, and North Carolina having more all-time. Tristen Newton led UConn in scoring in each of the past two tournaments, joining Christian Laettner from Duke as the only people to do that since the tournament expanded in 1985.

Zach Edey had 37 points in a losing effort for Matt Painter's squad, while Braden Smith (12 points) was the only other Boilermaker in double figures. Purdue didn't quite 'pull a Virginia' but they certainly helped put last season's loss to Fairleigh-Dickinson in the rearview mirror.

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCBB?sid=YouTube 

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel
New customers, join today and you’ll get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the John Calipari to Arkansas news broke. For more on that check out the live episode with Isaac Schade and Lance Dawe.

It’s all come down to this: Purdue vs. UConn for the 2024 National Championship. Will Zach Edey, Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and company find redemption from their loss to FDU in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament? Or will UConn cement their dynasty by winning a second-straight national championship (and doing so in dominant fashion)? Will Tristen Newton once again be the leading scorer in the Championship game? Will the Zach Edey / Donovan Clingan matchup live up to expectations?

Bronny James has entered in the transfer portal as well as the NBA Draft. What will he do? 

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCBB?sid=YouTube 

LinkedIn
These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/lockedoncollege. Terms and conditions apply.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel
New customers, join today and you’ll get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS if your first bet of FIVE DOLLARS or more wins. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)