Advertise on podcast: SoCon Fast Break

The 2026-27 Southern Conference basketball preseason coaches poll is here, and the predictions raise one burning question: did the league's head coaches get it right? Furman claims the preseason top spot, but looming eligibility questions could flip the script. Meanwhile, VMI boasts the preseason Player of the Year and the league's top returning scorer, yet finds itself slotted all the way down at ninth. Add in Tennessee Tech making its Southern Conference debut in the middle of the pack, and the stage is set for serious drama. Richmond Weaver and Darren Angell return to break down the biggest surprises, snubs, and what these preseason rankings truly signal heading into the season. In This Episode: Furman at No. 1 & The Eligibility Factor — Why the Paladins were picked to repeat at the top and how eligibility uncertainties could shift the standings.Complete Poll Breakdown — Sizing up the 2026-27 rankings from top to bottom, including UNCG's transfer portal overhaul.The VMI Conundrum — Breaking down Rickey Bradley Jr.'s Preseason Player of the Year nod and why the Keydets were projected ninth despite elite firepower.Tennessee Tech's SoCon Arrival — How the Golden Eagles fit into the middle tier of the conference in their inaugural campaign.Preseason All-SoCon & Parity — Examining the All-SoCon selections, potential snubs, and how wide open the race to Asheville will be. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour marches into Charleston, SC! The Citadel Head Coach Ed Conroy and junior guard Keynan Davis break down the remarkable turnaround in Charleston, building a culture of toughness, and why the Bulldogs' best basketball is still ahead. Coach Conroy opens up about navigating the transfer portal, serving as the caretaker of McAlister Fieldhouse, inverting the offense in the modern Southern Conference, and why college athletics is alive and well. In This Episode: "We're Just Getting Started" — Coach Conroy details the turnaround from zero league wins to contention and setting a standard of relentless competition.The Caretaker of McAlister Fieldhouse — Coaching journey lessons, handling adversity and tough losses, and defending the true value of college athletics.Keynan Davis on the Two-Man Weave — Adjusting from Chicago to military school culture, playing for the flag across the chest, and the story behind wearing No. 22.Modernizing Bulldog Basketball — Adapting offensive philosophy, inverting the floor, and "trading four years for forty" in recruiting.2026 Bulldog Preview — Adding size, physicality, and defensive edge to stay longer in Asheville come March. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour heads to Cookeville, TN! Tennessee Tech Head Coach Tobin Anderson and forward De'Ante Green break down the Golden Eagles' arrival in the Southern Conference, the high-pressure playing style coming with them, and the chip on their shoulder heading into the new season. Coach Anderson opens up about the historic March Madness run over Purdue, navigating an unexpected coaching change, embracing the history in Cookeville, and instilling a relentless press-and-pace identity. Plus, De'Ante Green joins Richmond for the Two-Man Weave segment to discuss battling back from an Achilles injury, returning closer to family, and the personal meaning behind his tattoos. In This Episode: Toughness, Press & Pace — Coach Anderson breaks down the aggressive, uptempo brand of basketball Tennessee Tech brings into the Southern Conference.The Journey & The March Madness Magic — Reflecting on the historic 16-over-1 upset of Purdue, the path to Cookeville, and turning unexpected coaching changes into fuel.De'Ante Green on the Two-Man Weave — Overcoming a torn Achilles, beating the odds, playing closer to his Asheville roots, and the story behind his ink.Building the Golden Eagle Foundation — Honoring program history, establishing non-negotiable culture standards, and why Cookeville feels like home.A New Threat in the SoCon — What to expect from Tennessee Tech as they look to make an immediate statement across the league. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour rolls into the Scenic City! Chattanooga Head Coach Dan Earl and sophomore sharpshooter Tate Darner break down how the Mocs are rebuilding from the ground up after an injury-riddled season and navigating the wild landscape of modern college basketball. Coach Earl opens up about managing transfer portal chaos, lessons learned from his Big Ten playing days and military school coaching roots, offensive philosophy, and why last season's adversity laid the foundation for the future. In This Episode: Overcoming the Injury Reset — Coach Earl breaks down last season's setback and how Chattanooga is retooling its roster with size, athleticism, and shooting bigs.Tate Darner on the Two-Man Weave — Breaking the Mocs' freshman 3-point record (53 made), growing up in a basketball family, and the nightly grind of the SoCon.Coaching Philosophy & Roots — Lessons from Penn State, VMI, and Navy, balancing tough love with encouragement, and the "Jake Stevens Standard" in recruiting.The Reality of Mid-Major Hoops — Navigating the transfer portal era, the thin margin between NIT euphoria and season devastation, and why McKenzie Arena remains special.2026 Moc Preview — Playing style, pace and space, non-conference scheduling, and preparing for the SoCon Tournament in Asheville. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour stops in Spartanburg, SC! Wofford Head Coach Kevin Giltner shares the unique culture, roster identity, and fit-first philosophy defining Terrier basketball heading into the new season. Coach Giltner reflects on his homecoming to Spartanburg, the enduring influence of Mike Young, navigating modern offseason realities, and why Wofford is building a bigger, deeper, and more athletic roster in 2026. Plus, Luke Flynn joins Richmond for the two-man weave segment to talk student section energy in "The Boneyard," gameday superstitions, and the ultimate GOAT debate. In This Episode: "Know What Wins at Wofford" — Coach Giltner breaks down why fit beats pure star ratings and what makes Spartanburg a unique college basketball home.The Wofford Homecoming & Leadership Evolution — Transitioning into the head coaching seat, the daily influence of Mike Young, and making Year One fun.Luke Flynn in the two-man weave — Off-court superstitions, fuel from "The Boneyard" student section, and taking a side on the LeBron debate.Portal Realities & Roster Standards — Setting high expectations, managing roster movement, and maintaining program standards.2026 Terrier Preview — Inside the blueprint for a bigger, more athletic, and deeper Wofford squad ready to contend in the SoCon. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour rolls into Greenville, SC! Furman Head Coach Bob Richey and sophomore Cole Bowser break down the "adapt, never abandon" philosophy driving Paladin basketball and what it takes to defend a championship culture. Coach Richey opens up about building a program brick by brick, staying process-driven in a microwave society, the transformation of Timmons Arena, and why deep care and high standards go hand-in-hand. Plus, Cole Bowser joins Richmond for the two-Man Weave segment to share what it felt like winning the SoCon title as a sixth seed, playing alongside his brother, and why this squad still carries a massive chip on its shoulder. In This Episode: "Adapt, Never Abandon" — Coach Richey breaks down Furman's foundational philosophy and system shifts in modern college basketball.Building Brick by Brick — Process over pressure, transforming Timmons Arena, and creating win-win player development models.Cole Bowser on the Two-Man Weave — Choosing Furman, the surreal experience of winning the SoCon Championship, and playing alongside his brother.Deep Care & High Standards — Managing leadership after tough moments, handling transfer portal dynamics, and building a team culture that endures.2026 Paladin Roster & Season Outlook — Avoiding complacency, defensive identity, pace, and keeping the "Why Not Us?" mentality alive. Presented by Ingles Markets

The latest NCAA eligibility ruling could reshape Southern Conference basketball rosters. A federal court injunction issued by Judge Charlotte Sweeney has granted affected Division I athletes from the 2022 recruiting class an additional fifth year of eligibility—leaving the NCAA preparing for an appeal and coaches scrambling to react. Richmond and Darren break down the high-stakes legal fallout, the logic behind the injunction, state-level lawsuits, and the complex roster and NIL decisions now facing mid-major programs. Did the NCAA create unnecessary chaos by omitting the 2022–23 recruiting class from its new eligibility model? In This Episode: The Five-for-Five Rule & The 2022 Class — Breaking down Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s ruling and why the 2022–23 recruiting class was uniquely left out.Potential Appeal Outcomes — Examining what happens next, why injunctions are difficult to overturn, and the NCAA’s argument regarding high school recruiting.State vs. Federal Court Battles — Analyzing parallel lawsuits in Ohio and North Carolina and how court systems are altering college athletics.Coaching Chaos & Roster Management — The immediate fallout for mid-major programs navigating late transfer portal shifts, budget constraints, and NIL decisions.What Happens Next — Looking ahead at potential solutions, roster limits, and the future of NCAA governance. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour heads into the mountains of Cullowhee, NC! Western Carolina Head Coach Tim Craft and sophomore Samuel Dada break down the culture, work ethic, and relentless commitment driving the Catamounts into the upcoming season. Coach Craft opens up about his personal coaching evolution—from starting as a Florida baseball manager to navigating the modern transfer portal era—and finding deeper purpose off the court through foster care and adoption advocacy. In This Episode: "We're Going To Give You Everything We Got" — Coach Craft outlines the non-negotiable standard for Catamount basketball and leading by example.Navigating the Modern Portal Era — Reframing player movement, balancing high school recruiting, and maximizing player impact.Faith, Perspective & Leadership Evolution — Lessons from morning routines, handling high-stakes pressure, and processing SoCon Tournament heartbreak.2026 Catamount Preview — What to expect from WCU’s physical style, defensive emphasis, and analytical approach in a tough SoCon landscape.Off-Court Purpose — Coach Craft's passion and commitment to foster care and adoption advocacy. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour rolls into Birmingham! Samford Head Coach Lennie Acuff and junior guard Cade Norris break down the relentless mindset driving the Bulldogs' program and their vision for the 2026 season. Coach Acuff holds nothing back — from why recruiting "living it" players beats "liking it" talent, to the ultimate burden of leadership when disappointing players you care about. In This Episode: "You Have To LIVE It" — Coach Acuff breaks down the fundamental difference between players who like basketball and those who live it.Overloading the Locker Room with Character — Cultivating winning habits, team identity, and fundamentals that travel on the road.Cade Norris on Family & the Portal — Navigating being coached by his brother Keaton, competitive family rivalries, and his commitment to Samford.The Reality of Modern Leadership — The danger of "the meeting after the meeting" for staff alignment and the hardest choices in coaching.Built to Last — Managing summer workout loads to avoid burnout, off-court chemistry, and the ultimate pressure of the SoCon Tournament. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles Fast Break Summer Tour rolls into Macon! Mercer Head Coach Ryan Ridder and junior guard Brady Shoulders discuss the Bears' plan for the 2026 season. Coach Ridder holds nothing back — from what shaped his faith to the trial by fire of taking over his first program at just 28 years old. Plus, Brady Shoulders opens up about his off-court bond with his teammates, his absolute obsession with bringing a championship banner to Macon, and why he chose to remain loyal to Coach Ridder's culture rather than walk away in the transfer portal. In This Episode: You Either Believe or You Don't — Coach Ridder opens up about navigating the devastating loss of his brother and how it solidified his faith."Tough, Together, Unselfish" — Breaking down the core program pillars established at Daytona State in 2013.Earning the Right to Coach Hard — Why the modern player relationship requires transparency, gym hours, and real investment before raising your voice.Brady Shoulders on the Portal — Why the grass isn't always greener and his relentless drive to hang a SoCon banner.Roster & Staff Blueprint — Navigating a brand-new roster and rebuilding a coaching staff after six offseason defections. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles SoCon Fast Break Summer Tour rolls into Greensboro! UNCG Head Coach Jerod Haase and transfer guard RJ Greer sit down to discuss the Spartans' blueprint for the 2026 season. Coach Haase holds nothing back—from the deep self-reflection that led him back to the sidelines after two years away to his "old school" refusal to let college hoops become purely transactional. Plus, RJ Greer opens up about making his commitment from a golf course, growing up as a coach's son in France, and the high-IQ family legacy he's bringing to the Southern Conference. In This Episode: The Two-Year Reflection: Coach Haase on overcoming his initial apprehension about returning to a radically changed college basketball landscape."Give, Grit, and Gratitude": Breaking down the three core cultural pillars built uniquely for this UNCG squad.RJ Greer on Family Legacy: Growing up as a baseline flag-kid in France, battling his dad in middle school hoops, and playing for an "Audience of One".The Floor Burns Backstory: How a Kansas business major self-published a senior-season diary and went on to sell 40,000 copies across the state.Human Intelligence vs. Analytics: Marrying advanced data with old-school gut instinct to scout the transfer portal.Roster Breakdown: Highlighting local floor-general Dionte Neal’s historic passing and the tactical spacing built around him. Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles Fast Break Summer Tour rolls into Lexington! VMI Head Coach Andrew Wilson and senior guard TJ Johnson discuss the Keydets' plan for the 2026 season. Coach Wilson holds nothing back — from the brutal reality of navigating last season's devastating injury wave to how he handled an emotional, late-night phone call involving the SEC. Plus, TJ Johnson opens up about the unique demands of cadet life, his deep-rooted faith, and why he chose to remain loyal to Coach Wilson's culture rather than walk away in the transfer portal. In This Episode: Andrew Wilson's late-night portal shocker: The 11:45 PM phone call from an SEC head coach"We run toward hard" — Breaking down VMI’s unique military landscape and the "Rat Line" cultureTJ Johnson on cadet life: Box springs, "Hay Downs," mandatory boxing, and performing under pressureRoster breakdown — Retaining all-conference stars, an international recruiting haul, and five-hour coaching whirlwind memoriesLearning from legends — How mentors Bobby Cremins and Leonard Hamilton shaped Coach Wilson's bench philosophy Presented by Ingles Markets

The 2026 Ingles Fast Break Summer Tour kicks off in Johnson City! ETSU Head Coach Brooks Savage and senior guard Maki Johnson discuss the Bucs' plan for the 2026 season. Coach Savage holds nothing back — from his brutal offseason self-critique to the "Illusion of Choice" mentality borrowed from Nick Saban. Plus, Maki Johnson opens up about his maturation, his faith, and why he's all-in on carrying Coach Savage's culture to the new roster. In This Episode: Brooks Savage's offseason self-critique: "I felt like I failed"The Nick Saban "Illusion of Choice" philosophy and how it shapes ETSU's cultureMaki Johnson on his growth, faith, and leadership role as a seniorRoster breakdown — portal additions, depth, and team cultureThe emotional toll of ETSU's Asheville tournament run and what's next Presented by Ingles Markets

The NCAA is on the precipice of expanding the tournament to 76 teams. Is this a win for "access," or a defeatist move that waters down the greatest event in sports?. Richmond and Darren are joined by bracketologist Rocco Miller (Bracketeer.org/Field of 68) to peel back the curtain on the business and basketball implications of the 76-team proposal. In This Episode: The 76-Team Math: Why automatic qualifiers and mid-majors might be the biggest losers in the new format. The Commissioner’s Statement: Breaking down Dr. Michael Cross’s controversial support for expansion. Financial Units: How the "slices of the pie" change when you add more games. The Transfer Portal Chaos: Why the current April 7th opening is "gutting" rosters and why we need a week of breathing room. Presented by Ingles Markets

Richmond and Darren dive into the "transfer portal chaos" currently reshaping the Southern Conference. With the portal officially closed, the league is grappling with a staggering 78 players entering the transfer market, including all 12 players from the All-SoCon first, second, and third teams who still had eligibility. In This Episode: The High-Major Jump: Analysis of Alex Wilkins’ move to Kentucky, Cooper Bowser’s fit at Arkansas, and Dylan Faulkner joining the Clemson Tigers.Eligibility Shakeup: What Charlie Baker’s proposed 5-year eligibility rule and the elimination of redshirts could mean for the future of the game.Major Wins in Lexington: Why TJ Johnson and Ricky Bradley Jr. returning to VMI is the biggest "Season of Hope" story in the conference.The Legacy Choice: Why some players, like Baraka Okojie, are navigating the portal and what "grass isn't always greener" looks like in 2026. Presented by Ingles Markets