Rick Pitino joins Jon Rothstein to discuss his success at Madison Square Garden, expectations for St. John's this season, and what it will take for the Red Storm to reach the Final Four. Pitino shares his candid assessment of a roster still learning how to play together, breaks down key players including Quinn Ellis, Ruben Prey and Tounde Yessoufou, and reflects on recent NCAA Tournament disappointments. Plus, his thoughts on Duke, Kentucky, a potential 76-team NCAA Tournament, the importance of Mike Repole to St. John's basketball, and why he still loves coaching.

Jon Rothstein gives 5 bold predictions for the upcoming college basketball season. Can Tom Izzo bring the Spartans back to the Final Four? Will the SEC reign supreme again?

Plus, conversation about new-look Georgetown looking to compete with head coach Ed Cooley and why Rothstein is high on USC heading into this college basketball season.

(0:00) - Intro
(1:30) - Bold Prediction 1: Michigan State
(7:35) - Bold Prediction 2: USC
(13:50) - Bold Prediction 3: SEC
(21:10) - Bold Prediction 4: Georgetown
(27:57) - Bold Prediction 5: New Mexico

Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland joins Jon Rothstein to reflect on his coaching journey, the Red Raiders' recent success, and the challenges of building a winning program in today's college basketball landscape. McCasland discusses handling adversity, learning from disappointment, JT Toppin's status, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding NCAA eligibility.

Looking ahead, McCasland breaks down Texas Tech's 2026-27 roster, its challenging schedule, and the biggest keys to making another deep NCAA Tournament run.

(0:00) Grant McCasland

(0:30) First Memory

(1:50) Early Success

(4:20) Handling Struggles

(6:52) Experiencing Disappointment

(9:20) JT Toppin

(12:05) Eligibility Questions

(16:54) NCAA Landscape

(19:56) 2026-27 Roster

(22:04) NCAA Tournament

(23:54) Strength of Schedule

(26:58) Biggest Keys

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