CBB Central

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A pair of college basketball writers and fans who met through the all-powerful world that is college basketball Twitter, Kevin and Brad have established the best show for the 365-day-a-year hoops fan. The show focuses on analyzing the game at a high level and breaking down the biggest news in the college basketball world. Kevin's work can be found on Twitter at @CBB_Central and online on his website CBBCentral.com. Brad can be found on Twitter at @BradCav2. For advertising opportunities on this show, or any of the other shows on our network, contact us at: advertise@underdogsportsnetwork.com

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    • Jul 10, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 31m AVG DURATION
    • 218 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from CBB Central

    Final Pod and Bad Gets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 82:25


    This is it! The final episode of the CBB Central podcast is here. Fittingly, Brad and Kevin go out with one of the things they've become known for over the years. BAD GETS! The boys break down some of their least favorite moves of portal season, including big names like Skyy Clark and Tarris Reed as well as lower-profile moves that could hurt high-majors come November. Plus, we reminisce on some of the history of the pod, our best and worst takes, and talk about a few late-breaking roster moves including UCF's combustible group.

    Coleman Hawkins, Arthur Kaluma and the NBA Draft

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 73:06


    On this week's episode of the podcast, Brad and Kevin break down what's left in the transfer portal with Arthur Kaluma leading the way, Coleman Hawkins' commitment to Kansas State and how that roster fits together and give our belated thoughts on the Dan Hurley Lakers saga. Then, they recap their preseason prop bets, which were once again incredibly competitive and a fun walk down memory lane. Plus, Brad logs his NBA draft opinions ahead of next week's draft, the first time it's a two-day event in the event's history.

    Draft Decisions Finalized

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 75:12


    The guys continue to wind down the pod, this time breaking down all the major draft decisions at the NCAA's deadline Wednesday. In all, it was a successful deadline for college hoops, with the majority of the star power like Alex Karaban, Mark Sears and Caleb Love all headed back to college for one more year. With that, the guys break down where things stand in the early top 25 race, which teams look the best and which teams might be in trouble. Plus, thoughts on the surge of international talent headed to the sport.

    Portaling SZN

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 83:54


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin catch you up on the latest happenings in the transfer portal with the portal set to close shortly. The main aim of this show is to take stock of where each high-major team stands: Who's roster is coming along well, whose is in trouble and who we don't need to panic about just yet. Plus, some notes on the biggest commitments of the last two weeks and look ahead to some key decisions to come from the biggest names in the portal and draft processes.

    Offseason SZN

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 71:51


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin begin portal discussions with the season officially in the rearview mirror. They give their takes on UConn locking up a second straight national championship, the seismic move for John Calipari to take Arkansas and the trickle-down from there, including Mark Pope to Kentucky and where BYU might turn from here. Plus, the guys dive into the portal, breaking down teams losing a lot, gaining early and some ideal fits for some of the biggest names in the sport.

    And Then There Were Four

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 88:08


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin break down the second weekend of the NCAA tournament and pivot to previewing the Final Four. They analyze how rare NC State's miracle run to becoming one of the last four teams standing and whether they have any chance against Purdue, Alabama's breakthrough, UConn's dominance, plus the direction for the teams that missed the cut like Duke and Arizona. Then, they break down the latest coaching carousel news and notes, including Pat Kelsey to Louisville and Steve Lutz taking the Oklahoma State job.

    First Weekend Plus Carousel Takeaways

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 93:00


    On this week's episode of the CBB Central podcast, Brad and Kevin break down the electric first weekend of the NCAA tournament and look ahead to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. They give their thoughts on John Calipari's disaster at Kentucky, the disappointment at Auburn, and an otherwise-chalky weekend of results. They then look ahead, break down their favorite matchups of the second weekend and who might advance to Phoenix. Plus, thoughts on a very active coaching carousel, sparked by Dusty May picking Michigan and Darian DeVries landing at West Virginia.

    Selection Committee Fail

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 111:05


    The final week before Selection Sunday is finally here! Brad and Kevin break down the latest from the first wave of conference tournaments and set the stage for what's left to happen, including thoughts on Indiana State's precarious bubble picture, whether Texas AM or Villanova deserve a spot in the field, other teams that could wreak havoc on the bubble picture, plus North Carolina beating Duke and Kentucky upsetting Tennessee on the road. They also get into some carousel and portal talk, as per usual.

    Champ Week Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 70:26


    The final week before Selection Sunday is finally here! Brad and Kevin break down the latest from the first wave of conference tournaments and set the stage for what's left to happen, including thoughts on Indiana State's precarious bubble picture, whether Texas AM or Villanova deserve a spot in the field, other teams that could wreak havoc on the bubble picture, plus North Carolina beating Duke and Kentucky upsetting Tennessee on the road. They also get into some carousel and portal talk, as per usual.

    Champ Week Begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 70:26


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin get you ready for conference tournament week as March officially gets underway. The guys break down Tennessee's big week and why the Volunteers are a legitimate threat to win it all, why Auburn hasn't been able to break through yet, why we need to get Virginia out of the NCAA tournament picture, whether the six-bid Mountain West is on life support and much more. Plus, notes from what Kevin is hearing about the latest in the coaching carousel.

    Last Pod Before March

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 105:37


    The pod returns after missing last week with Brad out of town! The guys have plenty to get to, including whether the Mountain West's dream of six bids is realistic, who is emerging and who is fading in the Big East's bubble conversation, Wake Forest finally breaking through in the ACC and Virginia really struggling offensively. Plus, Brad finally gets his thoughts on G League Ignite's looming demise off his chest and some thoughts on the emerging coaching carousel, where Ohio State is the latest to be involved in a major job search.

    College Hoops Takes Center Stage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 87:15


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin break down the latest in college basketball with football season officially in the rearview mirror. Kevin blasts the ACC after a disappointing Monday showdown between Duke and Wake Forest. Brad commiserates a brutal Providence loss over the weekend, and the guys break down whether a four-big Big East is actually a possibility. Plus, thoughts on what would happen if Kentucky actually parted ways with John Calipari and which names might get mentioned to replace him.

    Holtmann's Hot Seat

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 87:04


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin break down a monster weekend of college basketball that featured four top-10 vs top-10 teams in the span of 24 hours. They hit on UConn's monster win over Saint John's, Purdue continuing to prove its worth, Alabama asserting itself as an SEC contender yet again under Nate Oats and South Carolina's rapid ascent. Plus, thoughts on scheduling, with the Big 12's bottom set to sneak into the Big Dance. And, after another devastating loss, is the end near at Ohio State for Chris Holtmann?

    A Weekend in Friartown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 89:33


    It's the last CBB Central pod of January, and the guys have plenty to get into. Brad and Kevin were both in Providence over the weekend for Ed Cooley's return, and they both set the scene of an unforgettable afternoon of basketball that saw Providence escape with a much needed win. Then, they dish on Villanova's recent struggles and whether they'll go dancing, the impressive job Kyle Smith has done at Washington State, Arizona's third bad loss in a month, and whether Texas Tech is a real contender in the crowded Big 12 conference title race.

    Shannon's Return and a Life Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 104:48


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, the guys recap a busy week. On the floor, they touch on Terrence Shannon's return to the floor, Michigan State's underwhelming wins, and who might emerge as a threat to the league's top four. They also break down the debacle at DePaul, which somehow gets worse by the week, whether there's reason for concern with Arizona, Dalton Knecht's monster week for Tennessee and much more. Plus, Kevin gives an update on things at Sports Illustrated and his plans moving forward.

    Conference Check-Ins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 86:46


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin do their weekly conference check-ins to break down the latest in the wild world of college basketball. In the Big East, the story remains Seton Hall, as the Pirates surge into conference title contention with yet another big win. The guys talk concern level with Miami and Virginia after rough weeks and take stock of the ACC's tournament hopes as a whole, identify a sleeper to make a push in the Big Ten, and wonder about the Pac-12's postseason viability. You won't want to miss this one.

    Big East Shakeups

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 108:20


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin get into the latest around the major conference races in college basketball. They start in the Big East, where Providence lost Bryce Hopkins for the year with a torn ACL, Seton Hall surged to two more big wins, Marquette raised some concerns and St. John's rolled on the road at Villanova. They then get into the Big Ten race, with Michigan slumping and Michigan State dropping one at Northwestern after they had appeared to turn the corner. Plus, thoughts on the Pac-12's bid situation, who could get left behind in the Big 12 and more.

    New Years Hoops

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2024 86:57


    Happy New Year! On this week's episode of CBB Central, the guys break down all that's new in college basketball. They start on the Big Ten, where Illinois has looked good so far after losing Terrence Shannon indefinitely, Michigan State appears to be finding its stride, and a bottom is forming as Michigan flounders and Maryland struggles to turn things around. They also touch on the struggles in Southern California for UCLA and USC, whether there's reason for concern at Arizona after three losses in five games, and if that league is trending towards another year with few NCAA tournament bids. Plus, how Wake Forest keeps emerging as the ACC's sleeper team.

    Pre-Christmas Madness

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 84:23


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, the guys wrap up recent nonconference results before Christmas, including last Saturday's loaded slate. They break down a chaotic few days in the Big East, including Seton Hall taking down UConn and Providence knocking off Marquette, as well as Duke and Michigan State's wins over Baylor. Plus, thoughts on the Big Ten's middle and who could emerge, how Arizona looks in the Pac-12, UCLA's woes and much more. Plus, a look ahead to early conference action and which teams are in the best positions to surprise.

    College Basketball Saturdays Are Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 98:36


    The pod returns after a one-week hiatus to discuss all the latest college basketball happenings. First, they get into the situation at Michigan, where the rumor mill exploded Sunday night after an incident involving Juwan Howard. The guys sort out what's real, what's not and what's next in Ann Arbor. They then get into the games of last week and get to some big-picture takes, like the low-key strength of the Pac-12, the fizzling middle of the Big Ten and whether double-digit bids are in store for the Big 12. Plus, they preview next week's slate, headlined by Purdue vs. Arizona.

    Feast Week Thoughts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 114:45


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin come with their best Feast Week takes after a week of watching basketball and eating food. The guys go tournament by tournament to break down everything you need to know, from the big stuff like the all-time loaded Maui Invitational and Villanova ripping through Battle 4 Atlantis to smaller events with big headlines, like Oklahoma's impressive run in San Diego, UConn re-establishing its national title candidacy, and FAU dominating at Disney World.

    Early Recap and Maui Invitational Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 99:40


    The pod returns to break down the first nine days of the college hoops season! We waited until after Champions Classic to deliver you some takes for the first time this season, given the frantic early schedule for the sport. You'll be glad we did. The boys break down the two matchups in Chicago, plus other key early games like Michigan routing Saint John's, Arizona winning on the road at Duke and Providence and Tennessee each handing Wisconsin early-season losses. Plus, it's time to preview Feast Week, with the guys giving their thoughts on the Maui Invitational, Battle 4 Atlantis and more.

    Prop Bets and Preseason Overreactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 115:07


    It's our final preview pod before the start of the season! Known as our prop bets show, the guys put down on paper some predictions for the season, everything from some controversial leading scorer choices to rotations to KenPom finishes, we bet on it all. But before that, plenty to get into from the exhibition world. The guys pile on Louisville for its second straight year losing to a D2 school, then break down the big action from Illinois beating Kansas, Tennessee's offense showing out against Michigan State and Arkansas taking down Purdue in overtime.

    Big East Preview 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 113:04


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin wrap up their conference previews with their breakdown of the Big East for the 2024 season. The league looks loaded at the top, headlined by four potential title contenders in UConn, Marquette, Creighton and Villanova. The guys break down each of those four teams and what could make them stand out in this crowded championship race. Plus, why Kevin is higher than Brad on St. John's, Brad's optimistic take on Providence, injury concerns at Xavier, and what expectations should be for Ed Cooley's first season at Georgetown.

    Big Ten Preview 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 105:47


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin continue their conference previews with their takes on the Big Ten for the upcoming season. Big picture, they touch on whether the league's March struggles will end, including an interesting thought on the style of play the league has migrated towards with recent recruiting moves. Then, they go team-by-team, breaking down Purdue's chances of repeating, Michigan State's hopes of catching them, important years ahead at Wisconsin and Illinois, and whether Northwestern can make it consecutive trips to the Big Dance.

    SEC Preview 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 99:25


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin continue their conference preview series with the SEC. No league has embraced the transfer portal more than the SEC, leading to tons of newcomers but plenty of rosters that look loaded on paper. The guys break down Tennessee's elite defense, whether Kentucky's guards can help turn things around in Lexington, new-look rosters at Alabama and Arkansas, whether Florida's elite portal class moves the needle enough, and if a run-it-back TAMU Aggies squad breaks through.

    Mid-Major Preview 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 93:53


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin provide their preview of all things mid-major for the 2023-24 season. They go most in-depth with their previews of the American, Mountain West, Atlantic 10 and WCC, with thoughts on the FAU vs. Memphis battle, whether the Mountain West is on track for 3-4 more NCAA tournament bids, if there's a team that can break through in a crowded A-10 race and whether Gonzaga will stay among the nation's elite. Plus, one-bid teams to watch, including an Ivy League squad that has the potential to match Princeton's Sweet 16 run from last season.

    2024 Pac-12 Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 101:52


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin preview the Pac-12 for the 2023-24 season. That means insight and analysis on all 12 teams in the league for the final time in its current form. The guys break down whether UCLA's big bet on international talent will pay off, if Caleb Love can rejuvenate his career at Arizona, how USC's star-studded backcourt matches up with the rest of college basketball, and whether bubble teams like Oregon and Colorado can break through. Plus, assessing the hot seat in a league that could have plenty of coaching turnover this spring.

    2024 Big 12 Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 95:31


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin continue their conference previews with their breakdown of the Big 12. That means analysis and insight on every team in the league, including what the rotation will look like, which key newcomers will shine and which coaches will find themselves on the hot seat come March. The guys break down whether Kansas is a deserving No. 1, give their thoughts on a unique Texas roster, and are divided on whether Houston looks the part of a top-10 team. Plus, a sleeper from Kevin that could put together a surprise breakthrough year.

    Previewing the ACC

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 102:35


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin do their deep dive into the ACC ahead of the new season. First, they dish on the news of a potential Fox-run NIT competitor and Zach Freemantle's injury for Xavier. Then, it's on to the ACC, where we give you a rotation preview and outlook for every single team in the league as well as standings projections and more. Can Duke break through and win it all? Will North Carolina bounce back? Where does Miami stand after its Final Four run? And what's next for Louisville? All that and more as conference preview season begins.

    Bold Predictions and Kentucky's Big Man Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 93:18


    We've got bold predictions ready for the 2023-24 college basketball season. Brad and Kevin dish on who could be this year's surprise team (Brad likes a team in the SEC), the first-year coach with a chance to make waves, a midseason firing to watch, and a few surprises who could stack huge scoring numbers. Plus, notes on the horrible first week schedule and how to fix it, Providence's late big man swap because of Will McNair's departure and what Kentucky will do if it can't get Zvonimir Ivisic into school for fall semester.

    Now or Never Guys

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 66:56


    On this week's episode of the podcast, Brad and Kevin break down some late-breaking news in college basketball as preview season approaches. They dish on Louisville's disaster with Trentyn Flowers, Pittsburgh losing Dior Johnson and the outlook league-wide for the ACC long-term. They also break down the bizarre Marcus Adams saga, as the top-75 recruit departs a second school this summer, and hit on a few international and late high school additions at Seton Hall and Michigan. Plus, Brad's "Now or Never" players for the 2023-24 season.

    Realignment Madness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 73:16


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin break down the latest news in conference realignment and its impact on college basketball. They discuss how a 16-team Big 12 could dilute what was the best conference in college basketball, whether or not that's a good thing for teams in the league, the impact for the Pac-12 leftovers, and what the Big East should do when its TV deal is up. Plus, they go over some observations from preview content, including the challenges of building a top-100 players list in a world with lacking star power outside of the center position.

    The Portal Hall of Fame

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 112:48


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, the guys dish on some late roster moves before naming their transfer portal Hall of Fame. Kentucky added Zvonimir Ivisic to pick up a stretch big providing insurance for their injuries up front, and UCLA landed Berke Buyuktuncel and Aday Mara after months of rumors gives the Bruins a major talent injection as the calendar turns to August. Then, the guys start naming some legendary portal names from over the years, from the most impactful ever like Nigel Williams-Goss to some major failures and some frequent movers. It's a trip down memory lane you won't want to miss.

    Breakout Players

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 86:34


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, the guys analyze their picks for the breakout stars of the 2023–2024 college basketball season. There are some obvious ones, like Donovan Clingan at UConn and Kylan Boswell at Arizona, but the guys also get into the weeds to break down some sleepers with the talent and opportunity to make a major impact this season. Plus, they dish on the horrible news regarding Bronny James, the loss of Teafale Lenard at Memphis, the latest for West Virginia's roster and more.

    The Bad Gets Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 90:27


    The college basketball offseason has reached its halfway point, but there are still moves to break down. The guys hit on Memphis landing Jahvon Quinerly and its impact on the Tigers in 2023, plus how Chris Ledlum fits into the picture at St. John's and how good we expect SJU to be in Rick Pitino's first season at the helm of the program. Then, they go through their "bad gets", an annual tradition breaking down the transfer portal moves we didn't actually like this spring, including some fairly high-profile additions at major programs.

    Home From Peach Jam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 68:52


    On this week's episode of CBB Central, Brad and Kevin dish on some college hoops odds and ends as the transfer portal dries up. They discuss an entertaining weekend at the EYBL Peach Jam, analyzing the explosion of Cooper Flagg, the excitement surrounding 2025 and 2026 talent like Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes. Next up is the latest on a bizarre saga at West Virginia, where Bob Huggins seems to believe he's still the coach? Meanwhile, players keep departing, leaving the Mountaineers with just nine scholarship players. Plus, a couple other commitments to touch on, including whether Paul Mulcahy makes Washington a tournament team and how the Ithiel Horton addition helps Rodney Terry and Texas.

    West Virginia Has Its Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 83:53


    We wrap up June with more player and coaching movement to discuss! First, the guys dish on the resolution at West Virginia, where Josh Eilert will step in as interim head coach for the 2023-24 season. Is this the right move? Can what's left of this roster make an NCAA tournament push? And if not, was it worth not just biting the bullet now? Next up are some major portal names, with Jordan Brown coming off the board to Memphis, Jahvon Quinerly and Ithiel Horton looming, and more. Plus, the guys register some NBA draft takes, including what happened to Cam Whitmore, some late picks we liked, and where some of our favorite college stars are ending up.

    Draft Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 94:18


    It's NBA Draft week! So much talk at the top is about Victor Wembanyama, but there's truly not that much debate about how good a player he'll be. The guys do register their opinions on the Scoot Henderson vs. Brandon Miller debate, give their thoughts on guards like Kobe Bufkin and Anthony Black, debate how high to take the Thompson twins and dish on some big risers like O-Max Prosper and Brandin Podziemski. Plus, they lead off the top of the show breaking down the Bob Huggins news and where West Virginia might turn next.

    The Boys Are Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 108:40


    After a hiatus for Brad's wedding, the boys are back with a loaded episode catching up on all the latest roster movement! They break down the fits for Arthur Kaluma at Kansas State, Grant Nelson at Alabama, Olivier Nkamhoua to Michigan, Cam Spencer to UConn and Zyon Pullin to Florida, as well as hit on some smaller roster moves at the margins that could have an impact on the 2023-2024 college basketball season. Plus, St. John's makes yet another splash by adding Simeon Wilcher, a top recruit in the 2023 class.

    Draft Deadline Approaches

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 93:57


    The draft decision deadline is less than a week away, and rosters are getting closer to being set every day. The guys break down the biggest moves of the last week, including Caleb Love's decommitment from Michigan, Cam Spencer's late departure at Rutgers, Alabama left depleted up front with Charles Bediako off to the NBA, Villanova solidifying its frontcourt with Lance Ware and more. Then, they preview the looming draft decisions that will shape the 2023-24 season as players make their final choices of whether to stay or go.

    Combine Week Begins

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 121:02


    The portal is beginning to slow down, but the CBB Central podcast isn't. The guys have plenty to break down after some big commitments and the festivities at NBA Draft Combine week get underway. They dish on Mackenzie Mgbako's commitment to Indiana, what it means for the Hoosiers and the Big Ten race, and where it leaves Kansas after the Jayhawks lost two frontcourt pieces to the portal in the last week. Plus, the guys break down Rick Pitino's first roster at St. John's, Syracuse getting its center, and which guys stood out at the G League Elite Camp.

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