Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball faces a setback as star big man David Mirkovic undergoes foot surgery, casting uncertainty over their high expectations for the upcoming NCAA season. With no clear timetable for Mirkovic’s return, can coach Brad Underwood and the Illini’s veteran-heavy roster maintain their projected top 5 status in the preseason rankings?

The conversation focused on the impact of Mirkovic’s injury, Jeff Goodman’s reported 6-8 week recovery timeline, and which players must step up during his absence—including Tomislav Ivicic, Andrej Stojaković, and promising newcomers like Stefan Vaaks. The discussion explored key matchups against Duke, UConn, and Texas Tech, as well as potential lineup adjustments and the importance of Illini freshmen filling the void. Are the Illini still Final Four contenders without their centerpiece? This episode breaks down the season’s outlook and the adaptability of Illinois Basketball as the countdown to opening night begins.

PHOTO CREDIT: Maria Lysaker - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Auburn Tigers look to resurrect Owen Freeman’s dominance as a Big Ten Freshman of the Year—can he lead a breakout campaign in the SEC under Coach Steven Pearl? Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down Freeman’s journey from Iowa to Creighton and now Auburn, examining how his recovery from injuries and role in Auburn’s frontcourt could shape the Tigers’ season. Key discussion points highlight Brandon Garrison’s new opportunity with Alabama and Nate Oats' system, plus strategic questions around frontcourt rotations and scoring depth.

The episode spotlights more senior breakout candidates across the SEC, Big East, and Big 12, including Jayden Ross’ emergence with UConn and Drayton Jones’ chance to anchor Butler’s offense. Transfers like Taison Chatman and Andrija Grbovic could shake up Utah and Oklahoma State lineups. With insights on roster battles, player roles, and potential impacts on the college basketball landscape, this is your go-to breakdown for senior standouts primed for a big leap.

PHOTO CREDIT: Steve Roberts - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Arizona Wildcats land Clemson transfer RJ Godfrey, reshaping their frontcourt and igniting Final Four buzz. Can Tommy Lloyd’s newest addition push Arizona into the nation’s top tier? Andy Patton and Leif Thulin dissect how Godfrey’s physicality and versatility fit with returners Mo Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, evaluating the Wildcats’ Big 12 title hopes and the team’s evolving roster construction.

Meanwhile, Indiana Hoosiers welcome back Sam Alexis following the eligibility ruling chaos, instantly boosting their frontcourt depth behind Aidan Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu. Jacob Goins explains why Alexis’ return is a game-changer for Indiana’s Big Ten ambitions, plus insights from the Hoosiers’ Peru trip at the FISU Games. The episode also tackles NCAA transfer rule controversies, unexpected scholarship chess moves, and which incoming transfers might swing the season’s balance of power. Are college basketball’s new player-movement rules a blessing or a ticking time bomb?

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Judge Sweeney’s Colorado injunction shakes up college basketball as the entire Class of 2022 earns a 5th year of eligibility—yet transfer chaos and legal battles leave players and coaches scrambling. Will LSU, Texas Tech, and other top programs actually be able to fill roster spots, or are schools and athletes stuck in limbo as NCAA rules and state court rulings collide?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down the confusion around transfer portal regulations, NIL implications, and what this means for high-profile players like RJ Godfrey and Donovan Dent. They highlight the different legal outcomes in Colorado, Tennessee, and Ohio, the risks for international players, and why coaches are making tough decisions about roster spots. Is the NCAA’s battle against lawsuits only making things worse? Get the latest analysis on how these eligibility rulings could ignite a wild finish to the offseason.

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Texas A&M eyes an SEC breakout as Mackenzie Mgbako’s return to full health could unlock the Aggies’ high-octane Bucky Ball system. Is this the year Mgbako delivers on his top-10 pedigree? Hosts Andy Patton and Isaac Schade spotlight SEC, ACC, & best of the rest junior breakout candidates—including Kentucky’s Kam Williams, Pitt’s Jalil Bethea, and Stanford’s Austin Maurer—sharing why these under-the-radar players might dominate the college basketball landscape.

Moving beyond the Power 5 -  Sir Mohammed at Penn and Blake Harper at VCU are primed for breakouts. Key topics include injury comebacks, player roles under new coaches, and depth chart competition affecting high-potential juniors. Can these programs ride breakout seasons to conference glory? Get sharp insights and bold predictions as the countdown to tip-off heats up.

PHOTO CREDIT: Maria Lysaker - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Wayfair

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Southwest Maui Invitational matchups promise a deeper field as Arizona and BYU headline the bracket, aiming to restore excitement missing from last season. Isaac Schade breaks down marquee first-round games like Providence vs. VCU and explores how programs such as Clemson, Colorado State, and Ole Miss hope to make their mark in this storied college basketball event. Will Arizona claim yet another Maui crown, or can a sleeper team break through?

Schade shifts focus to the newly released SEC basketball schedule, spotlighting fierce showdowns like Kentucky at Florida, Alabama vs. Auburn, and the cross-state battle between Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Plus, the rapidly growing trend of jersey patches takes center stage: Ohio State’s $17 million partnership with Chase and Notre Dame’s record-setting SoFi deal dwarf the Big 12-Monster Energy agreement, raising questions about the future of sponsorships and financial arms races across college athletics.

PHOTO CREDIT: Denis Poroy - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Wayfair

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

St. John’s Red Storm look primed for a Big East shakeup as juniors Ruben Prey and Ian Jackson headline breakout picks. Prey’s sharpshooting and expanded role following Donnie Freeman’s injury could transform the frontcourt, while Jackson’s scoring prowess and improved defense might unlock Coach Rick Pitino’s high-octane backcourt alongside Quinn Ellis and Tounde Yessoufou. Can this revamped lineup push St. John’s into the Big East elite?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade spotlight Julius Halaifonua’s potential to anchor Oklahoma State’s interior in the Big 12 and examine Mercy Miller’s chance to shine in Houston’s retooled backcourt. The conversation also features breakout candidates like Indiana’s Darren Harris and Purdue’s Daniel Jacobsen, plus rapid-fire honorable mentions across Butler, Marquette, and Michigan State. Who emerges as the surprise stars of college basketball’s junior class?

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Wayfair

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Purdue Basketball reloads after massive roster turnover, with the guard room eyeing Big Ten dominance yet again. Freshman Luke Ertel’s intensity and CJ Cox’s scoring surge spark optimism, while Daniel Jacobsen’s development and the uncertain frontcourt rotation pose key questions. Can Matt Painter’s new-look Boilermakers exceed expectations in a so-called “building block year”?

Andy Patton and Nick Arvin break down Purdue’s Canadian exhibition tour, highlight Omer Mayer’s path at point guard, and debate Caden Pierce’s fit at power forward. Plus, the episodes explores Keyshawn Hall’s wild search for a fifth school, and UNLV’s Josh Pastner’s eyebrow-raising $10 million plea for a program “owner.” From lineup battles to the new economics of college hoops, get the insider analysis on what could define the upcoming college basketball season.

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Wayfair

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Texas Tech Red Raiders could shake up the Big 12 with a surprise frontcourt addition as Jamichael Stillwell eyes a last-minute move from UCF—possibly flipping the conference balance if granted a coveted fifth year of eligibility. Will Stillwell’s controversial switch to a conference rival elevate the Red Raiders despite uncertainty around JT Toppin’s return and Darrion Williams’ potential boomerang back to Lubbock?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade break down Texas Tech’s retooled roster, early-season challenges, and the high-stakes Duke showdown at Madison Square Garden on Amazon Prime. Plus: Miami Hurricanes go all-in with a non-conference basketball schedule stacked against Florida, TCU, Texas, Alabama, and potential marquee matchups with Baylor, Gonzaga, and Creighton. Does second-year coach Jai Lucas have the firepower for an ACC breakthrough, or will new lineups falter against proven high-major squads?

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI

The Game

Wayfair

Indeed

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big 12 contenders Iowa State and Kansas are betting big on rising sophomores to fuel their upcoming seasons. Can Jamarion Bateman step up to fill the Cyclones’ three-point shooting void left by Milan Momcilovic, and will Paul Mbiya anchor the Jayhawks’ frontcourt amidst roster uncertainty?

Andy Patton and Isaac Schade spotlight top sophomore breakout candidates across the Big 12, SEC, and ACC, including Davion Hannah’s new role at South Carolina and London Jemison’s potential leap at Alabama. The hosts debate the developmental paths of promising players like Jake Wilkins at Cal and Jaden Toombs at SMU, while also naming sleeper picks, transfer impacts, and “close but no cigar” breakout hopefuls. With insights on roster shifts, development trends, and Power 5 storylines, this episode sets the stage for college basketball’s next wave of stars.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Le - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!

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/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Gametime

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.