March Madness 365 With Andy Katz

Virginia Head Coach Tony Bennett's team just won the ACC regular season Championship on Saturday, and enters the ACC tournament in Charlotte as the #1 seed. Tony explains what they have to do in order to take home that championship too, and what he expects from De'Andre Hunter, Kyle Guy, and Ty Jerome. He also speaks to their victory over Carolina, and loss to Duke. Then Kansas State Head Coach Bruce Weber joins with an update on Dean Wade and Cartier Diarra's status, what they learned from last year's trip to the Elite 8, and how this season's "Pursuit of Better" motto is paying off. Plus, Andy's conference tournament picks! via Knit

Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter's team is currently in first place in the Big 10 and is gearing up for tournament play. He speaks to the scheduling difficulties being a mid-major, grinding out wins, and key player Carsen Edwards. Then CJ Massinburg from Buffalo joins to talk about the crazy atmosphere of road games, the strength of the roster, and the confidence they gained from both last year's Arizona victory and the Kentucky loss. via Knit

Cincinnati Head Coach Mick Cronin doesn't mind flying under the radar heading into the NCAA tournament, says Central Florida is the best unknown team in the country right now, thinks Houston is going to surprise everyone come tournament time, and feels that the Bearcats' exceptional guard play is their best weapon. And speaking of Central Florida, big man Tacko Fall checks in on overcoming injury, why defense wins championships, and how being 7-foot-7-inches has its challenges in the classroom. And last Saturday, eight Ole Miss players took a knee during the National Anthem, and former Ole Miss Head Coach and current SEC Analyst, Andy Kennedy, comments on the players' message. He also explains why a historically weak Pac12 is a good thing for South Carolina, and why he's not surprised by LSU winning the SEC. Plus, Andy Katz has a new number one in his Power36! via Knit

It's North Carolina vs Duke on Wednesday, and UNC head coach Roy Williams explains why this might be the most talented Duke team he's faced in the last 16 years of his coaching career, and how he plans to ready his players to rise to the challenge. And legendary ESPN broadcaster and Hall of Famer, Dick Vitale, offers his take on the great UNC-Duke rivalry, and shares some of his favorite moments in rivalry history from his 35 years in the broadcast seat. Plus, Texas Tech's Chris Beard's team is playing Kansas at home on Saturday night, and he offers up the strategy he hopes will secure a win. He also speaks to the adversity the Red Raiders have faced this season, and how they're staying focused on getting back to tournament play. via Knit

Killian Tillie is injured again, and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few explains how Brandon Clarke and Jeremy Jones will help fill the void, and whether Killian will make it back in time for tournament play. Then, reigning SEC Player of The Year, University of Tennessee's Grant Williams, weighs in on the road to the NCAA tournament, getting through a tough SEC conference, the benefit of veteran players, and his respect for Zion Williamson. via Knit

Duke's Coach K sits down to talk about weathering both an injury bug and an illness bug in the first half of ACC play. He speaks to this year's freshman class versus 2015's, the advantage that Tre Jones has at Duke that his brother Tyus did not, how Zion Williamson is handling the hype and attention, and the Duke brotherhood past, present, and future. And Kansas State's Dean Wade was perfect from the field last weekend against Oklahoma State, is looking forward to taking on Kansas and Baylor this week, and explains how his team has flipped the script on the season, improved on offense, and dealt with injury. via Knit

Washington is the only undefeated team in the Pac12 and head coach Mike Hopkins says their improved defense and shooting ability have helped them get there. He also speaks to the strength of the Pac12 overall, how he feels about the weight of non-conference play, and why he roots for Gonzaga when they aren't playing Washington! Then, Villanova Senior guard Phil Booth weighs in on the team's 7-0 start in the Big East, their struggles in early non-conference play, breaking bad habits, developing team chemistry, and the art of winning. Plus, Andy's Power 36 and some early tournament predictions. via Knit

LSU coach Will Wade likes flying under the radar, and explains what's contributing to his team's current 4-0 start in the SEC. He talks about the roles that Naz Reid and junior college transfer Marlon Taylor are playing in the Tigers' current success, and how the team continues to honor late teammate Wayde Sims.Then Kentucky Freshman guard Ashton Hagans shares his take on his team's early season loss to Duke, his own improvements as a player, and what he and his teammates are learning from Coach John Calipari. And longtime ESPN College Basketball Analyst and former Arkansas women's basketball coach, Jimmy Dykes, joins to discuss the new #1 in the country, Tennessee, and what he thinks about LSU and Ole Miss. via Knit

South Carolina head coach Frank Martin believes it takes age and experience in addition to truly special talent to make it to the Final Four, and hopes that's where South Carolina is headed after an exceptional start to SEC conference play despite a rocky preseason and early non-conference performance. He explains how South Carolina has grown as a program and developed its culture in the 7 years since he became coach, and also addresses his expectations for Chris Silva, last year's Co-Defensive Player Of The Year. Then Jarrett Culver from the Texas Tech Red Raiders joins to speak to why everyone but the Red Raiders and Coach Chris Beard are surprised by the team's incredible start to the season! He also shares team goals, tournament goals, and Texas Tech's ability to legitimately challenge Kansas in the Big 12. via Knit

Murry Bartow is the new UCLA interim head coach and explains what it means to him to land the job 7 years to the day after his father (and former UCLA head coach) Gene Bartow's passing. He speaks to his dad's coaching tenure following the great John Wooden and Gene's relationship with Coach Wooden. Murry also talks about what it's like replacing good friend Steve Alford, the changes he's making to the team's culture and playing style, and how he views the Pac12 as a conference this season. Then Virginia's Braxton Key joins to talk about transferring from Alabama, making an immediate impact at Virginia, learning the offense and defense, and his relationship with Coach Tony Bennett. Plus, Andy breaks down UCLA's coaching search and runs through potential candidates for the job. via Knit

Tennessee is a consistent Top 5 team, and coach Rick Barnes tells Andy what's changed since their early loss to Kansas. He breaks down strengths and weaknesses and speaks to the big contributions from Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield. And NC State is one of the surprise teams of the country, but not to head coach Kevin Keatts. He explains what's working, his schedule strategy, and why he refuses to compare NC State to Duke and Carolina. Plus, Andy breaks down the UCLA Bruins coaching change and who might be in line to take over the struggling program on a permanent basis. via Knit

Old Dominion Head Coach Jeff Jones shares his battle with prostate cancer, and explains why he and his family felt it was important to make his diagnosis public. Jeff also speaks to his current prognosis, and how basketball is helping his daily fight. And he weighs in on ODU's NCAA Tournament hopes, the talent they face in their conference, and B.J. Stith! Then Purdue's Carsen Edwards joins to talk about the improvements he needs to make in his own game, Purdue's tournament goals, and what it means to be a possible Player Of The Year candidate. Plus, Andy's Team and Player Of The Week! via Knit

Gonzaga is missing Killian Tillie, and he gives Andy an update on his injury recovery and expected return. He also talks about what happened during warm ups at the Florida State game, and his hopes for a Final Four appearance this season. Then University of Nevada head coach Eric Musselman weighs in on his team's Top 5 status, what vets like the Martin Twins and Jordan Caroline bring to the line-up, and the results they're seeing from Tre'Shawn Thurman. He also speaks to his coaching philosophy and strategy to get back to the NCAA tournament. via Knit

Andy breaks down his current Power 36 rankings, and explains why Kansas is not his number 1. Also, Vanderbilt just lost one of the best point guards in the country in Darius Garland due a knee injury. Coach Bryce Drew explains how the team's adjusting to the loss, and what Vanderbilt's doing to support Darius and his family. Coach Drew then sheds some light on what Darius' future may hold be it a return to Vanderbilt or a potential draft move. And South Dakota's Mike Daum, one of the best scorers in the country, talks about South Dakota State's season and bid for an NCCA tournament slot. And finally, Reid Travis from Kentucky weighs in on adapting to his new program and team after transferring from Stanford, and how he hopes playing for Kentucky will improve his NBA draft chances. via Knit

Buffalo Bulls Head Coach Nate Oats speaks to his team's recent trip to Belfast, and their quest for a bid to the NCAA Tournament. He talks about what it's like being a regular, consistent contender, and the expectations placed on the team. Then "Big East Player Of The Week" Shamorie Ponds from St. John's checks in about their recent Rutgers win, being a contender for "Big East Player Of The Year," and why he's looking forward to taking on Duke! Andy also breaks down his Power 36 and the big movers and shakers of the week. via Knit

Texas Tech Head Coach Chris Beard checks in on his team's big win over Nebraska, their surprising (or not so surprising) start to the season, taking on Duke, and the Big 12's non-conference play overall. He also breakdowns his returners including Jarret Culver and Brandone Francis. Arizona State Head Coach Bobby Hurley shares thoughts on his team's strengths and weaknesses, the Pac12 non-conference play so far, mindfulness and zen, and why the Pac12 is a perfect fit for him as a coach. And North Carolina's Luke Maye explains why he's impressed with the freshman on his team, and what it means to be a First Team All American. via Knit

It's Thanksgiving week, and University of Tennessee Sports Information Director, Tom Satkowiak says he has so much for which he's grateful, including the liver he received on October 18th. Tom speaks about the disease that led to his recent liver transplant, the journey to Nashville to undergo surgery, and the subsequent recovery that already has him back at work and traveling with the Vols! And co-SEC Player of the Year, Grant Williams, from the Volunteers talks about Tom Satkowiak and what he means to the Tennessee student athletes and fans. He also offers insight into the team's strengths and weaknesses, and goals for the season. Then Pepperdine Head Coach Lorenzo Romar checks in to offer thanks that the students, faculty, and staff at Pepperdine are all safe in light of the fires in Malibu. He updates the status of campus, the team, and the Malibu community. And finally, Andy is joined by Mike DeCourcy from The Sporting News and Big 10 Network to discuss the national scene in college bas

Andy's Power 36 is out and there is a new #1! Andy breaks down the movers and shakers and his reasoning behind the new lineup. Andy also welcomes ESPN College Basketball analyst Fran Faschilla to recap the first week of the season, and preview this week's upcoming games, including the 2K Classic... which is where Syracuse's Tyus Battle will be playing! They're taking on Yukon at the Garden and Tyus explains what the rivalry and this tournament mean for Syracuse. He also shares an update on how Coach Jim Boeheim's son, Buddy, is fitting into the system and culture at Syracuse. And Marquette head coach Steve Wojciechowski checks in to preview his team's upcoming appearance at the Gavitt Games and why they're looking forward to taking on Indiana! via Knit

Kansas head coach Bill Self returns and explains why he's feeling nervous going into the season-opening Champions Classic (and it has nothing to do with Kansas' preseason #1 ranking). Bill's got an update on Silvio de Sousa, analysis of his four freshmen, and a few thoughts on what he perceives to be his team's biggest weakness this early in the season. Missouri's Counzo Martin joins to share an update on Jontay Porter's season-ending injury, and how Mizzou plans to fill those minutes. He's also talking about the importance of the Champions Classic opening the basketball season, and why he thinks this year may be one the best basketball seasons ever in the history of the SEC. And finally, ESPN College Basketball analyst Seth Greenberg breaks down the two marquee Champions Classic matchups, previews next week's Armed Forces Classic between Arkansas and Texas, and speaks to how Gonzaga plans to handle Killian Tillie and the injury which has him sidelined for up to 8 weeks

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski is looking forward to his team's marquee opening against Kentucky, and breaks down his roster of players including Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish, Tre Jones, and Marques Bolden. And Virginia head coach Tony Bennett speaks to the development of Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome, what De'Andre Hunter brings to the team, and why he's excited about Alabama transfer Braxton Key's eligibility. Tony also reflects on last year's disappointing and surprising loss to UMBC at the NCAA Tournament, and what he hopes the team and coaching staff (himself included) learned from it. via Knit