[41] 2025-26 College Basketball Preview

Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth are back to preview the 2025-26 college basketball season, diving deep into IU's transformed roster under first-year coach Darian DeVries and analyzing the landscape of college hoops in the NIL era. Even with football still riding high in Bloomington, it's time to turn attention to the hardwood.Segment 1: The Big Money ConversationThe hosts discuss the seismic shifts in recruiting and compensation:Cignetti's $3 million raise and IU football's impact on the athletic departmentOhio State reportedly paying Anthony Thompson $3+ million while their head coach makes $2.5 millionWhy IU's "whiff" on Thompson was actually smart strategyThe psychology of the hot seat driving desperate roster decisionsSegment 2: Indiana Basketball Deep Dive - The DeVries SystemBob and Mike break down what makes DeVries' approach fundamentally different:Offensive EvolutionPick-and-roll revolution with multiple skilled ball handlers creating unpredictabilityScreener deception making the screener a weapon againThe passing upgrade: Two players with 30%+ assist rates (first time in 15 years)Conceptual principles vs. rigid sets from the past decadeThe Defense QuestionWest Virginia's top-20 defense proves DeVries can scheme effectivelyTucker DeVries as a "free safety" goading turnoversWhy size concerns about IU's bigs might be overblownRoster ConstructionExperience over elite talent: The sweet spot model in actionTeam chemistry from players who've already played togetherTranslatable skills from mid-majors to high-majorsSegment 3: Big Ten and National LandscapePurdue: Highest floor in the country but ceiling questions remain with Braden Smith's penetration limitationsHouston: Kelvin Sampson's shocking three five-star haul after landing just two in 17 yearsMichigan: Portal royalty additions but can Elliot Cadeau finally live up to his potential?Kentucky & Louisville: Pope's spending spree vs. Pat Kelsey's three-point shooting arsenal that could set recordsIllinois: "The Belgrade of the Corn Belt" with multiple Balkan players including both Visic brothersIowa & Minnesota: The Battle of the Drake Boys - seven former Drake players split between IU and Iowa as the Big Ten moves away from traditional Painter/Izzo/Bo Ryan modelsSegment 4: The Clarity Problem - NIL Era QuestionsBig schools now poaching from each other (70% to 30% flip in three years)The $12-15 million championship roster questionSweet spot vs. superstar models after Florida's unconventional title runEconomic limits forcing strategic choices even at major programsBob and Mike promise more Moneyball conversations about roster construction, an upcoming chat with author William Murphy about IU basketball history, and continued analysis as DeVries' system meets Big Ten competition.On the mics: Bob Moats and Mike WiemuthThis episode brought to you by the Back Home Network. Check out all BHN content on YouTube and backhomenetwork.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.