The Monarchists Basketball Show is back!

Coach Mike Jones joins Mike and Aaron to break down the Old Dominion University Men’s Basketball program as the season tips off. Coach Jones shares insights from the Costa Rica trip, talks about the team’s depth and personality, reveals what he learned from the exhibition vs. Hampton, and previews the upcoming matchup with Miami (OH).

He dives into the development of Scottie Hubbard and Zacch Wiggins, the team’s scoring potential, defensive growth, and what makes ODU’s depth their “superpower.” Plus, he discusses leadership in the locker room, the fan experience, the challenging but intentional road schedule, and why this season feels special for Monarch Nation.

🏀 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride.

📖 Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Welcome Back to The Monarchists Basketball Show

01:00 – Coach Jones on Goals for Camp and Building Team Chemistry

02:00 – What the Costa Rica Trip Taught the Team

03:00 – The Value of Personality and Team Bonding

04:00 – Scottie Hubbard’s Transformation and Hard Work

05:00 – Freshman Standout Zacch Wiggins Impresses Early

06:00 – Depth is ODU’s “Superpower”

07:00 – Building Trust Through Practice and Game Situations

10:00 – Takeaways from the Exhibition vs. Hampton

12:00 – Learning Moments, Metrics, and Why the Exhibition Was Valuable

15:00 – Offensive Firepower and Style of Play This Season

17:00 – Defensive Identity and Game Plan Versatility

18:00 – Scouting Miami (OH) and the MAC Challenge

20:00 – A Tough Road Environment and What to Expect from Miami

22:00 – Rotations, Injuries, and Building Chemistry

24:00 – The Excitement Around ODU’s Depth and Talent

25:00 – Playing Small Ball and Creating Mismatches

27:00 – Shooting, Rebounding, and Offensive Confidence

28:00 – Players to Watch: KC Shaw, LJ Thomas, Drew McKenna, and More

30:00 – The Road Schedule and Preparing for the Sun Belt

32:00 – Fan Accessibility and Intentional Scheduling

33:00 – How NIL and Revenue Sharing Impact Scheduling

34:00 – Building Momentum from Last Season

35:00 – Leadership in the Locker Room

37:00 – Team Personalities, Energy, and Culture

38:00 – Meet the Monarchs Night and Fan Connection

40:00 – Making ODU Basketball Events More Accessible

42:00 – Will There Be a Basketball Breakfast This Year?

43:00 – Looking Ahead: Selection Sunday Dreams

44:00 – New Dining Hall, Future Plans, and Coach’s Vision

45:00 – Closing Thoughts: Excitement for the Season & Go Monarchs!

CB, Coach Finwood and Gary are joined by Brandon Pond and Ryne Moore to catch you up on all things ODU Baseball. We've got stadium construction updates, recruiting information and more!

Welcome back to In the Lion’s Den! 🦁

In this episode, the fellas sit down with Head Coach Tennant McVea to talk about the Monarchs’ late-season push, defensive improvements, key matchups against ranked opponents, and what lies ahead in the fight for the Sun Belt Tournament.

Coach McVea opens up about locker room conversations that sparked the team’s turnaround, the tactical adjustments that stabilized their defense, and the leadership of ODU’s senior class. Plus, in a fun twist, the guys dive into soccer lingo for fans learning the game — from “brace” to “parking the bus.”

💙⚽ Don’t miss it — great insights, humor, and energy from Coach McVea as the Monarchs make their postseason push!

📺 Watch on ESPN+ this Friday as ODU faces JMU, and catch Senior Night next Tuesday at the ODU Soccer Complex vs. Kentucky!

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more ODU sports talk from The Monarchists Podcast.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU

00:25 – Welcome back: Catching up with Coach Tennant McVea

01:00 – Coastal Carolina win sparks momentum

02:00 – Fixing the defense: Honest talks and tactical tweaks

04:00 – On the road at South Carolina: Lessons from a 1–1 draw

05:30 – Competing in the stacked Sun Belt Conference

07:00 – The gap between ODU and Top 25 programs

08:00 – Playing ranked teams: Marshall and West Virginia battles

09:30 – Tactical patience and defensive discipline

11:00 – Creating chances but needing the finishing touch

12:00 – Looking ahead: Huge week with JMU and Kentucky

13:00 – Scouting JMU and preparing for a rivalry matchup

15:00 – Staying composed under pressure and chasing consistency

17:00 – Senior Night spotlight: The leadership core of the team

19:00 – Reflecting on player growth and the ODU soccer culture

20:00 – Soccer vocabulary lesson: Brace, percentages & “parking the bus”

25:00 – Trends in soccer and football tactics

27:00 – Game-day energy and community support

29:00 – Why ODU soccer games are family-friendly fun

30:00 – Coach’s message to Monarch Nation

31:00 – Closing thoughts – “Go Monarchs!”

Monarch Nation — it’s another Victory Sunday!

Old Dominion takes down App State 24–21, and Mike, Aaron, and special guest Scott Jackson (ODU alum, radio host, and TV voice of ODU Football & Basketball on ESPN+) break down every moment of the win — the highs, the frustrations, and what it means for the season ahead.

Then, the crew looks ahead to ODU’s road trip to Monroe to take on ULM, discuss what needs to improve, and share their score predictions. Plus, Fade Gary returns with his Week 10 Sun Belt picks, and we’ve got updates on Toys for Tots, Afterglow watch parties, and more.

🎙️ Be a Monarchist. Join the Pride: https://www.prideofodu.com

📘 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro | Presented by The Pride of ODU

01:00 – Victory Sunday: ODU beats App State 24–21

02:00 – First Impressions & Key Takeaways

04:00 – Defense Steps Up Early

06:00 – Offensive Highlights: Gladding, Thomas & Brown

08:00 – The Running Game Struggles

11:00 – Colton’s Heavy Workload & QB Durability

13:00 – Special Teams Woes (and a Fake Punt)

16:00 – Kicking Troubles & Ricky’s Frustrations

18:00 – Return Game Redemption for Devin Roche

20:00 – Big Plays: Hargrove, Thomas & A.R. Shine

23:00 – Defensive Standouts & Red Zone Stops

26:00 – Depth on Display: Young Guys Stepping Up

28:00 – Player Shoutouts: Giles, Gibson, Williams

30:00 – Homecoming Highlights: Saldiveri & Taylor Heinicke

31:00 – Mascot Showdown: Big Blue vs Yosef

32:00 – Fade Gary’s Week 10 Sun Belt Picks

35:00 – Breaking News: Brian Kelly Fired from LSU?!

37:00 – ULM Preview Begins

39:00 – Road Game Challenges: Travel & Tiny Locker Rooms

41:00 – Fixing Red Zone Offense

44:00 – ULM Scouting Report & Key Players

49:00 – Defensive Strategy: Pressure the QB

52:00 – ODU’s Focus: Clean, Disciplined Football

55:00 – Offensive Matchups: ODU WRs vs ULM Secondary

56:00 – Afterglow Watch Party & Fan Giveaways

59:00 – Toys for Tots Drive Announcement

01:01:00 – Final Predictions & Score Picks

01:04:00 – Closing Thoughts | Go Monarchs!

The fellas are joined by ODU Football Alum and ODU Sports Hall of Famer Jonathan Plisco to discuss the second half debacle up in Harrisonburg and to preview the 2025 Homecoming Game against App State.

We also recap the sold-out ODU fan bus trip to Harrisonburg — full of laughs, Monarch pride, and plans for future basketball trips! Whether you’re a die-hard ODU fan or just love college football, this episode is full of real talk, fun stories, and insider insight.

It was a wild one in Huntington. The Monarchists break down Old Dominion’s 48–24 loss to Marshall — the mistakes, the missed opportunities, and what the film really shows — before turning the page to Hate Week against JMU. Can ODU bounce back on the road in Harrisonburg and make a statement in the Sun Belt? Mike and Aaron dig in with honest takes, stats, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Special thanks to Brandon Johnson State Farm for sponsoring this episode!

👉 BrandonJohnsonAgency.com

🎧 Subscribe for weekly ODU football talk, game previews, and real Monarch Nation energy!

00:00 – Sponsored by Brandon Johnson State Farm

00:30 – Moment of silence for ODU’s playoff hopes 😅

01:30 – Recapping the trip to Huntington

03:00 – Early red zone failure sets the tone

05:00 – Turnovers, muffed punts, and communication breakdowns

08:00 – Offensive struggles and missed opportunities

10:00 – O-line grades and what actually went right

12:00 – How turnovers flipped the game

15:00 – Giving credit to Marshall and their fans

17:00 – The “Thundering Herd” sandwich & the shoe curse

19:00 – Who’s really to blame: players or coaches?

21:00 – “Fade Gary” betting segment (ULM, Maryland, Ole Miss)

24:00 – Transitioning to JMU week — rivalry energy

25:00 – What’s still on the table for ODU this season

27:00 – Keys to beating JMU: start fast, finish stronger

29:00 – Breaking down JMU’s slow starts and second-half dominance

33:00 – Matchup talk: ODU offense vs JMU defense

36:00 – The run/pass balance and what needs to click

38:00 – Lessons from last year’s 35–32 shootout

41:00 – ODU fan travel and homecoming preview

43:00 – Injuries and “next man up” mentality

45:00 – Why this game defines ODU’s season

48:00 – Watch party info: Afterglow in Norfolk

50:00 – Belief, response, and how fans can show up

52:00 – Predictions, passion, and “Go Monarchs!” rally cry

Monarch Nation, it’s Victory Sunday! ODU absolutely crushed Coastal Carolina 47–7, and the crew is fired up. Mike and Aaron are joined by Garrick (“The Duke of Discipline”) and Justice from G5 Hive to break down the dominating performance, standout players, and the growing excitement surrounding Old Dominion Football. From Colton’s leadership to the O-line’s dominance and the defense’s complete lockdown, this is a team firing on all cylinders.

The gang also looks ahead to the big road trip to Huntington for the Monarchs’ matchup with Marshall — the history, the matchups, and the keys to keeping the winning streak alive. Plus, “Fade Gary” returns with betting picks, some hilarious mid-field dance moments, and plenty of laughs along the way.

👉 Subscribe now and join the Pride! New episodes every week covering ODU Football, Basketball, and more.

Follow us on social media: @ODUMonarchists

Presented by Afterglow Beer Co.

Sponsored by Brandon Johnson State Farm 👉 https://brandonjohnsonagency.com/

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Sponsored by Brandon Johnson State Farm

00:40 – Victory Sunday: ODU crushes Coastal Carolina

03:15 – The importance of fan support & filling the stadium

05:00 – Offensive domination & balanced attack

07:00 – Big plays and young standouts

08:00 – Offensive balance and stats breakdown

09:00 – Defensive power: sacks, tackles, and turnovers

11:00 – Linebacker depth & “Next Man Up” mentality

12:00 – Coaching, development, and team culture

14:00 – Postgame press conference takeaways

15:00 – Ricky Rahne’s comments on national recognition

17:00 – Funny sidetrack: Aaron’s shoes and ODU basketball

19:00 – The fun energy across all ODU sports

20:00 – Coastal’s coach Tim Beck’s meltdown & “Feeding the Monster”

22:00 – Defensive domination: fewest yards allowed in ODU history

24:00 – The Big Three receivers: AR, Jacory, Tre

26:00 – Offensive rankings: top players in the Sun Belt

27:00 – Shoutout to “Fairweather Fans” doubters

28:00 – Fade Gary betting picks for Week 7

30:00 – Monarchs head to Marshall – trip preview

33:00 – Shoutout to Brandon Johnson State Farm

34:00 – Podcast origins & road trip stories

36:00 – Marshall preview: key matchups and stats

37:00 – Defensive strategy: pressure on the QB

38:00 – Secondary strength & Coach Rebstock praise

40:00 – Marshall’s defensive weaknesses

42:00 – Offensive line matchups and analysis

44:00 – Scouting report: Marshall’s schedule and QB

47:00 – Betting lines & Monarchs covering spreads

49:00 – Are we finding out who ODU really is?

52:00 – Enjoying the ride & appreciating the moment

55:00 – Transfer portal talk & future outlook

56:00 – “Join the Pride” – fan passion and energy growing

57:00 – Howitzer talk and fan traditions

01:00:00 – ODU community support and sponsors

01:03:00 – Predictions: ODU vs Marshall

01:05:00 – JMU game stakes & Sun Belt Championship implications

01:06:00 – Watch party at Afterglow & fan callouts

01:07:00 – Closing thoughts – Enjoy the ride & Go Monarchs!

#ODUFootball #OldDominion #TheMonarchistsPodcast #GoMonarchs #SunBeltFootball #ODU #CollegeFootball #ODUvsMarshall #BrandonJohnsonAgency

Monarch Nation! In this episode of In the Lion’s Den, Mike and Aaron sit down with ODU Men’s Soccer Head Coach Tennant McVea for an in-depth conversation about the season’s highs and lows. From tough road trips and last-minute heartbreaks to leadership, discipline, and building momentum at home — Coach McVea keeps it real about where the program stands and where it’s headed.

⚽ Topics include:

- Lessons learned from September matches

- Mental lapses, execution, and finishing strong

- Road struggles vs. Lehigh, Georgia Southern, and Georgia State

- Reflections on officiating and discipline

- The importance of leadership and role players

- What to expect against Coastal Carolina at The Den

If you’re a Monarch fan, this is a can’t-miss episode full of insight and fire. Grab your Hudson Blue and let’s get ready for Friday night, 7PM!

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of In the Lion’s Den!

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro: NIL Collective & Welcome Back

01:00 – Setting the Tone vs. VCU

02:00 – Mental Lapses & Execution Challenges

05:00 – Road Games: Lehigh & Georgia Southern

07:00 – Defensive Inconsistencies & Lessons Learned

10:00 – Georgia Southern Red Card Controversy

13:00 – Big Win at William & Mary

15:00 – Shot Creation vs. Finishing Ruthlessly

17:00 – Rollercoaster Results & Coming Home

19:00 – Discipline, Standards & Locker Room Message

20:00 – Emerging Leaders & Team Culture

23:00 – Lessons from ODU Legends & Leadership Stories

25:00 – No Egos Allowed: Building the Right Team

27:00 – Ownership, Accountability & Program Direction

28:00 – Scouting Coastal Carolina

29:30 – Closing: Call to Monarch Nation

Hall of Fame coach and Old Dominion Women’s Basketball legend Wendy Larry joins The Monarchists Podcast for a deep dive into her playing days, 27-year coaching career, and legacy with the Monarchs. From building a family-centered culture to recruiting internationally, battling Pat Summitt, and leading ODU to 17 straight conference championships, Coach Larry shares powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and love for the game. She also opens up about life after basketball, her thoughts on today’s NIL/transfer portal era, and her continued bond with former players.

Whether you’re a die-hard Monarch fan or simply love the history of women’s basketball, this conversation is packed with inspiration and history.

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Monarchs content!

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Welcome Coach Wendy Larry

01:00 – Choosing Old Dominion over William & Mary

04:00 – Early playing days & first women’s scholarships

06:00 – Mentors and transition into coaching

08:00 – Building culture & family at ODU

10:00 – Recruiting strategy & international players

14:00 – Coaching philosophy & leadership style

16:00 – Turning the program around after Year 1

17:30 – Memorable teams & big wins (Delaware & Elite Eight runs)

19:00 – Defending 17 straight championships

20:00 – Evolution of women’s basketball & transfer portal

21:00 – Players who embodied the program’s DNA

24:00 – Season planning & development approach

25:00 – Loudest arenas & best atmospheres

27:00 – Memories from The Fieldhouse

29:00 – Practice standards & Final Four story

33:00 – Rivalry & friendship with Pat Summitt

34:00 – How the women’s game has changed

36:00 – Scheduling games before the internet

38:00 – NIL and today’s challenges in college hoops

40:00 – Relationship with ODU since retirement

41:00 – Lessons players carried with them

42:00 – Life after coaching: grandkids, dogs, and staying connected

44:00 – Message to Monarch Nation

46:00 – Closing & farewell

In this episode of The Monarchists, the fellas are joined by Justice of the G5 Hive to preview Old Dominion’s upcoming matchup against “that school from Lynchburg.” They dive into their strengths, weaknesses, and recent performances, while also discussing ODU’s bye week, Sun Belt action, and what the Monarchs need to do to secure a win. Expect plenty of insights, game analysis, and the usual banter that makes Monarch Nation feel right at home.