SoCon Fast Break

In the early weeks of SoCon non-conference action, we analyze the early risers, surprise starts across the league, and dive into the SoCon/ASUN Challenge.

In This Episode:

• Wofford Miracle: How new coach Kevin Giltner stabilized the Terriers for a competitive start, despite the coaching chaos.
• Star Performers: TJ Johnson (VMI) is a top scorer in the nation. Jadin Booth and Keaton Norris (Samford) form one of the league's most explosive backcourts.
• The Struggle: Why Furman and Chattanooga are off to uncharacteristic slow starts, and which Mid-Major teams like Mercer are making the leap.
• Ingles Exclusive: Melissa Leavell (Ingles Markets) discusses the Ingles SoCon Tournament partnership and fan engagement.

Who will continue to rise?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The Chattanooga Mocs are the preseason favorite after their historic 29-win season and NIT Championship. Coach Dan Earl must replace an entire All-SoCon backcourt.

In This Episode:

• The Challenge: Replacing over 2,000 points (Huff/Bonham) and translating a fully overhauled roster into championship success, as voted by the Preseason Coaches Poll.
• The New Core: Colin Mohalland ("The Big Maple") is the new frontcourt leader after his NIT breakout.
• Backcourt Reload: Analyzing the high-impact transfers like Jakari Johnson and Billy Smith that fit Coach Earl's efficient, motion-based system.
• Prediction: We set the floor at No. 2 or No. 3 seed and project the ceiling to be SoCon Regular Season and Tournament Champions, making them a dangerous NCAA Tournament opponent.

How will the Mocs respond as the hunted?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The Furman Paladins are fueled by the sting of their SoCon Championship loss. Coach Bob Richey is rebuilding the backcourt by leaning on the potential best frontcourt in the league.

In This Episode:

• The Overhaul: Furman replaces 54% of its scoring (PJay Smith & Nick Anderson), relying on Richey's mastery of player development and the "work while you wait" culture.
• Frontcourt Power: Cooper Bowser (DPOY candidate) and Charles Johnston anchor the interior, creating a powerful inside-out offense.
• Freshman Star: Meet Alex Wilkins, the freshman floor general with the "it factor" who is set to be a star in the Southern Conference.
• Prediction: We discuss why the floor is a No. 3 seed and the ceiling is SoCon Champions and an NCAA Tournament threat. Plus, the impact of the new Timmons Arena.

Will last year's loss in the SoCon title game provide fuel for the Paladins?

Presented by Ingles Markets

"Bucky Ball" is done! Samford brought in Hall of Fame Coach Lennie Acuff to lead a massive roster overhaul and challenge for the SoCon title immediately.

In This Episode:

• Coaching Shift: Acuff replaces Bucky McMillan, bringing a disciplined, Princeton-style offense to Homewood and relying on his extensive Alabama ties.
• The New Core: Analyzing the explosive impact expected from Jadin Booth (DII All-American shooter) and Dylan Faulkner (Preseason All-SoCon forward/Acuff transfer).
• System Integration: Can Acuff quickly mesh his new players and shift the team's tempo to maintain the elite offensive efficiency the program is known for?
• Prediction: We set the floor at 5th and the ceiling at contending for the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the SoCon standings, thanks to Acuff's winning pedigree.

How quickly can Samford be a contender?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The ETSU Buccaneers are facing a massive void after losing SoCon Player of the Year, Quimari Peterson. Coach Brook Savage brought in 10 transfers to uphold the defensive culture.

In This Episode:

• The Challenge: Replacing the team's top four scorers and maintaining defensive identity while finding offensive efficiency.
• Targeted Reload: Analyzing the key impact transfers like floor general Jaylen Smith (Preseason All-SoCon), elite volume shooter Milton Matthews III, Brian Taylor II, and Cam Morris III.
• The Culture: Why the Freedom Hall atmosphere and a travel-friendly schedule give this new roster a chance to contend immediately.
• Prediction: We set the floor at 7th and the ceiling at contending for the No. 1 or No. 2 seed going into the SoCon Tournament in Asheville.

How quickly can ETSU gel?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The UNCG Spartans face a massive roster rebuild after losing their top three scorers. Head Coach Mike Jones must maintain his elite defense while solving the biggest question: offense.

In This Episode:

• Elite Defense, Missing Offense: UNCG's defense was 15th nationally (65 PPG allowed), but they lost their top perimeter threats.
• The Rebuild: Mike Jones relies heavily on the Transfer Portal for tough, defensive-minded players.
• New Faces: Highlighting Donald Whitehead Jr. (DII POY) as the expected new floor general, and analyzing efficient transfers like Valentino Pinedo (60% FG).
• Strategic Move: We discuss the importance of playing more games at the intimate Fleming Gymnasium for a louder home-court advantage.
• Prediction: We set the floor at 6th and the ceiling at 3rd place in the SoCon standings.

Can the Spartans break the curse in Asheville?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The VMI Keydets have the most returning production in the SoCon! We analyze the pressure on Rickey Bradley Jr. (the SoCon’s first VMI Preseason POY) to lead the Keydets to the top tier.

In This Episode:

• The Turnaround: Coach Andrew Wilson achieved an 11-game improvement despite having the bottom 25th defense and a brutal 10-game losing streak.
• Core & X-Factor: Rickey Bradley Jr.'s scoring load. Can TJ Johnson solidify his role as the crucial secondary scorer?
• Challenges: Replacing Auggie Kiaudulias' rebounding and facing the toughest opening conference schedule (Samford, Chattanooga, ETSU, Furman).
• Prediction: We set the floor at 6th and the ceiling at 4th place in the SoCon standings, which would secure a vital first-round bye in Asheville.

How high can Rickey Bradley, Jr. take VMI?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The Mercer Bears are undergoing a massive roster overhaul in Year 2 under Coach Ryan Ridder! We look at a team poised to defy expectations with new talent from the transfer portal.

In This Episode:

• The Overhaul: Mercer replaces 72 PPG, losing 7 of 8 top scorers. We analyze why last year's fast tempo combined with poor defense made a brutal finish.
• X-Factors: Baraka Okojie (Memphis/George Mason transfer) is the high-potential guard who could be a major defensive disruptor and playmaker.
• New Foundation: Sophomore Captain Brady Shoulders provides the core, supported by transfers like 6'10" big man Armani Mighty (Size/Rim Protection) and veteran Zaire Williams.
• Prediction: We set the floor at 9th and the ceiling at 5th or 6th place in the Southern Conference, potentially making Mercer a major SoCon Tournament spoiler in Asheville!

Can Ryan Ridder and the Bears defy expectations?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The Catamounts could be poised for a big leap here in the 2025-26 season! We analyze Coach Tim Craft's strategic roster moves and the return of star Marcus Kell.

In This Episode:

• SoCon Breakout Star: Why Marcus Kell is earning Preseason All-SoCon buzz and is primed for a huge season.
• The Problem/Solution: Breaking down WCU's struggles with efficiency (3P% & defense) and how transfers like Julien Soumaro and Tidjiane Dioumassi will improve ball handling and shooting.
• Key Additions: The impact of 7-footer Abdulai Kabba (rim protection) and explosive wings.
• Prediction: We set the floor and ceiling, and explain why the Catamounts will be a dangerous spoiler in the SoCon Tournament in Asheville.

How high can WCU jump this season?

Presented by Ingles Markets

The SoCon champions are in Crisis Mode! Wofford is reeling from an unprecedented offseason of coaching upheaval and roster loss.

We break down the SoCon Tournament winners' chaos and analyze the massive challenge facing new head coach and alum, Kevin Giltner.

In This Episode:

• Coaching & Roster Crisis: The abrupt departure of Dwight Perry, the last-minute hiring of Kevin Giltner, and the loss of five starters.
• Mike Young's Influence: Can Giltner instantly implement the winning Wofford basketball culture and motion offense?
• Transfer Portal Talent: Analyzing the impact of key newcomers like Aleandro Paratt (6'10" big man), Nils Mahowski (UCF), and Rick Sterling to rebuild the team.
• Prediction: We set the floor and ceiling for the Terriers in the hyper-competitive Southern Conference. Can Wofford be a spoiler and finish as high as 6th?

Will Coach Giltner save their season?

Presented by Ingles Markets