Marching To Madness

In Episode 781 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back College of Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey, who has helped the talented Cougars trek to a 6-1 record. This includes their first win in school history of the Charleston Classic. Topics of discussion include: Winning the Charleston Classic and then moving forward Charleston’s three-point game on offense The play of leading scorer Reyne Smith How Ryan Larson translates from the top assist-man to a three-point shooter … And much more!!!

In Episode 780 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back Charlotte 49ers head coach Ron Sanchez, who posts one of the better defensive units in the nation as Charlotte holds opponents to 39.5 percent from the floor (81st/CBB) and 55.0 points per game (11th/CBB). Topics of discussion include: The process of winning a pair of tournament games and getting to the finals in the Myrtle Beach Classic The solid defensive structure that Coach Sanchez uses with his teams Brice Williams’ versatile play Aly Khalifa and Igor Milicic, Jr., in the post Coach Sanchez on the potential of additions to the NCAA Tournament … And much more!!!

In Episode 779 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton as the Cowboys are 3-2 and they just picked up a win over DePaul. The two losses are by one point and in overtime as this is a team that will battle with it’s defense and a solid rotation this season. Topics of discussion include: Avery Anderson’s ability on both ends of the floor The overall talents of John Michael Wright Kalib Boone and Moussa Cisse in the post The Big 12’s presence on the national level … And much more!!!

In Episode 778 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back Missouri head coach Dennis Gates, who enters his first season as the Tigers head coach. Coach Gates moves over from Cleveland State where he rebuilt the Vikings into a 20-win squad last season as they won two Horizon League regular season championships in his three seasons and won the tournament in ’20-21 to place the Vikings in the NCAA Tournament. Topics of discussion include: The offensive abilities of D’Moi Hodge and Noah Carter Key abilities that Isiaih Mosley brings to the floor Kobe Brown joining Carter in the post Coach Gates’ offensive philosophy and ways to execute … And much more!!!

In Episode 777 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back Towson Tigers head coach Pat Skerry, who once again has a program picked at or around the top of the challenging Colonial Athletic Association. Topics of discussion include: The shooting ability of Nicolas Timberlake Cameron Holden and Charles Thompson as dynamic contributors The Tigers’ trademark defense The challenge and depth of teams in the CAA … And much more!!!

In Episode 774 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back South Florida head coach Brian Gregory, who brought in a group of new players in South Carolina transfer Keyshawn Bryant, former Memphis Tiger Tyler Harris, and Selton Miguel who came over from Kansas State Topics of discussion include: Their defensive characteristics as a team The impact of Bryant, Harris, and Miguel Russel Tchewa’s inside presence Coach Gregory’s philosophy on NCAA Tournament expansion ….. And much more!

In Episode 775 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg. Coach Greenberg was a builder of programs inside of the game as he took Long Beach State, South Florida, and Virginia Tech and gave them the opportunities to be able to be a challenger once again inside of their leagues. Topics of discussion include: The Texas Longhorns’ win over Gonzaga The challenges in the Big 12 Who can supplant Duke and North Carolina in the ACC? The depth of the SEC … And much more!!!

In Episode 774 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back Stephen F. Austin head coach Kyle Keller. As the Lumberjacks moved into the WAC from the Southland a year ago, they picked up the regular season championship in the WAC. SFA currently is known for it’s sticky defense plus shot blockers in the middle. Topics of discussion include: Nana Antwi-Boasiako and Sadaidriene Hall on the boxes Backcourt scoring for Latrell Jossell and Jaylin Jackson-Posey on the perimeter Playmaking from Roti Ware and AJ Cajuste Coach Keller’s analysis of the competitive toughness in the WAC … And much more!

In Episode 773 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes Samford head coach Bucky McMillan, who turned the Bulldogs forward in his second season at Samford. They finished 21-11 which equated to a 65.6 percent winning which was the program’s best since it joined the SoCon. Topics of discussion include: McMillan’s philosophy on some basketball ideas and thoughts Ques Glover and Bubba Parham in Samford’s backcourt Jaden Campbell’s strengths on both ends of the floor How depth will be key to this season … And much more!

In Episode 772 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes Drake head coach Darian DeVries, who currently is 97-40 at Drake in entering his fifth year as the Bulldogs’ boss. Drake won it’s last game over talented Wofford, 80-72, behind 17 points from Sardarr Calhoun. Topics of discussion include: Calhoun’s talent as it translates to the Drake attack How Tucker DeVries’ game will improve in his sophomore season DJ Wilkins’ talent as a defensive stopper How Coach DeVries and his staff use different statistics in evaluating games

In Episode 771 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes San Francisco head coach Chris Gerlufsen, who enters his first season as the head coach of the Dons. San Francisco has one of the nation’s most electric players in guard Khalil Shabazz. Topics of discussion include: The dynamics of Khalil Shabazz, who enters his fifth season Washington State transfer Tyrell Roberts and his three-ball The addition of guard Marcus Williams Solid depth as a characteristic of the team

In Episode 770 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes San Jose State head coach Tim Miles, whose Spartans took a 63-48 win in their season opener against Georgia Southern. Topics of discussion include: The presence of 6-6 point guard Omari Moore Alvaro Cardenas joining Moore in the backcourt The addition of six freshmen and their abilities Discussing which analytics are important for Coach Miles and his staff

In Episode 769 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back  Stanford head coach Jerod Haase, who begins his seventh season in Palo Alto. Haase discusses Stanford’s 88-78 win over Pacific on Monday evening and players who should be keys in the upcoming season. Topics of discussion include: Davidson transfer Michael Jones’ 31 points in the victory against Pacific The consistent play of Maxime Reynaud in the same victory The potential of Harrison Ingram in his sophomore season A veteran presence on the Cardinal’s front line

In Episode 768 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes Pepperdine head coach Lorenzo Romar, who enters the fifth season of his second term as head coach of the Waves. Coach Romar opened his coaching career as a head coach at Pepperdine from 1996-99. This season’s team will be building off of last season as his team has a viable sophomore class. Topics of discussion include: The opening win over Rice on Monday Talented scorers in Maxwell Lewis and Houston Mallette Mike MItchell, Jr., as a consistent point guard The implementation of depth in making the rotation

In Episode 767 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay, who will pick up his 200th win at Liberty with his next ‘W’. McKay discusses Darius McGhee, who returns for his fifth season. Topics of discussion include: How McGhee is a stellar part of the Liberty program Four returning starters without Keegan Murray The Flames’ three-point prowess of a year ago Thoughts on NCAA Tournament expansion … And much more!

In Episode 766 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes UNC Greensboro head coach Mike Jones as the Spartans will be one of the favorites in the Southern Conference this season behind a solid defense and the return of five starters. Coach Jones added solid transfers including former VCU Ram Mikel Brown-Jones, who played in 29 games and shot 55.3 percent from the field. Topics of discussion include: How defense is a vital part of the Spartans’ game plans Bas Leyte as the leading returning scorer The leadership and basketball skills of twins Kobe and Keyshawn Langley Coach Jones’ point of view on the potential expansion of the NCAA Tournament Much more!

In Episode 765 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes Colorado State head coach Niko Medved as he led the Rams to a 14-4 record inside of the Mountain West as they won 11 in a row to start the season which earned them a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The 6-seed was the highest for CSU in the school’s history. Topics of discussion include: David Roddy as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies The loss of Isaiah Stevens due to injury The improvement of John Tonje’s game The role of Taviontae Jackson Much more!

In Episode 764 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back Wofford head coach Jay McAuley who leads the Terriers after a season where they allowed only 27.7 defensive rebounds per game which led the nation. Wofford returns leading scorer B.J. Mack, who netted 16.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Topics of discussion include: Mack’s versatility inside the Terriers’ game plans on both ends of the floor The return of Messiah Jones from an Achilles injury Additions of transfers in Kyle Filewitch and Carson McCorkle Wofford’s attacks on the offensive and defensive ends with this team … And much more!

In Episode 761 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes Florida Atlantic head coach Dusty May, who has led the Owls to four consecutive winning seasons in his four years at FAU. May also led FAU to a tie for second in the CUSA East last season. the Owls are one of the best offensive teams in college basketball as they averaged 74.1 points and made 8.8 threes and shot 35.2 percent from behind the three-point arc in 2021-22. Topics of discussion include: How to build on returning eight of the nine top leading scorers Alija Martin and Michael Forrest and their influences on offense Competition at the point guard position Coach May’s philosophy of the three-point offense … And much more.

In Episode 762 of “Marching to Madness,” Ken Cross welcomes back Belmont head coach Casey Alexander, who has posted a 77-19 mark in three seasons as the Bruins’ head coach. Topics of discussion include: The challenge of the Missouri Valley Conference The return of leading scorer Ben Sheppard The addition of freshman Ja’Kobi Gillespie Potential NCAA Tournament Expansion … And much more.