SoCon Fast Break

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SoCon Fast Break is the essential podcast that defines SoCon basketball. Get game breakdowns, including previews for matchups and keys to victory, along with detailed recaps while granting insider access through exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and analysts. Hosted by former college basketball assistant coaches Richmond Weaver and Darren Angell, there's no content void, no surface-level chatter—just the in-depth coverage and insight you need.

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57 episodes
Updated Today

Episodes57

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Today · 20 min
NCAA Eligibility Injunction: How the Latest Court Ruling Impacts SoCon Rosters
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
July 27 · 59 min
Summer Tour Edition: "Give You Everything We Got" with Western Carolina's Tim Craft
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
July 22 · 59 min
Summer Tour Edition: The "Live It" Mindset with Samford's Lennie Acuff
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
July 16 · 1 hr 1 min
Summer Tour Edition: Ryan Ridder Building a Standard of Belief at Mercer
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
July 13 · 40 min
Summer Tour Edition: Jerod Haase's "Give, Grit, and Gratitude" Blueprint at UNCG
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
July 6 · 1 hr 1 min
Summer Tour Edition: Why Andrew Wilson "Runs To Hard" at VMI
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" culture TJ Johnson on cadet life: Box springs, "Hay Downs," mandatory boxing, and performing under pressure Roster breakdown — Retaining all-conference stars, an international recruiting haul, and five-hour coaching whirlwind memories Learning from legends — How mentors Bobby Cremins and Leonard Hamilton shaped Coach Wilson's bench philosophy Presented by Ingles Markets
June 29 · 50 min
Summer Tour Edition: Brooks Savage and ETSU's Master Plan
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 culture Maki Johnson on his growth, faith, and leadership role as a senior Roster breakdown — portal additions, depth, and team culture The emotional toll of ETSU's Asheville tournament run and what's next Presented by Ingles Markets
May 1 · 51 min
Rocco Miller + March Madness EXPANSION: A Cash Grab or More Access?
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
April 24 · 42 min
Roster EXODUS: The Changing Face of the SoCon
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
April 17 · 40 min
The FUTURE of Mid-Majors & NCAA Tournament Expansion with Vince Wolfram
The NCAA Tournament is often called the "perfect" sports event, but is the push for expansion about to break what makes March magical? In this Insider Edition, we're joined by Vince Wolfram of The Field of 68 and The College Sports Company to go deep into the "steam" picking up behind tournament expansion. In This Episode: The Expansion Debate: Exploring whether moving beyond 68 teams is inevitable and if it truly offers more "access" or just more "play-in" hurdles for mid-majors. The SoCon 2-Bid Dream: Why the current metric system makes it nearly impossible for the Southern Conference to earn multiple bids without expansion. The Business of "Units": A breakdown of the roughly $2 million payout per unit and why some conferences are strategizing for the "opening round" just to secure the bag. Eye Test vs. Analytics: A look at teams like Miami (OH) that won 31 straight games but were still forced into a play-in scenario. The "Play-In" Narrative: Discussing why the "half-priced games" in Dayton shouldn't be viewed as the "Dollar Tree" version of the tournament. Storytelling in March: How national media brings the stories of mid-major stars to life and why those narratives are the heartbeat of the tournament. Presented by Ingles Markets
April 10 · 44 min
The DILEMMA: Mid-Majors & The Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has officially entered a state of chaos. Richmond and Darren Angell break down the "boots on the ground" reality from the Final Four and the NABC convention in Indy. With 69 players from the Southern Conference already in the portal, the league is facing a total roster reset. We dive into the staggering new market rates for talent—where point guards are reportedly commanding $3M to $4M—and discuss the widening talent gap that threatens the future of the Mid-majors. In This Episode: The Price of Admission: Why it now takes a $14M–$16M commitment to assemble a national championship-caliber roster. The SoCon Roster Exodus: Analyzing the 69 players leaving the league and what it means for program culture. The Great Debate: Is the Southern Conference’s intra-conference transfer rule an archaic barrier or a necessary tool for competitive balance?. Transactional vs. Transformational: How coaches are navigating "renting" players for a single year versus building lifelong mentorships. Recruiting Over: The harsh reality of roster management and why "resetting" a roster is easier now than ever before. Presented by Ingles Markets
April 3 · 35 min
SoCon Season Rewind: The KenPom Lie, Freshman Phenoms + Coaching Changes
Richmond and Darren put a bow on the 2025-26 Southern Conference basketball season. From Furman’s run as a 6-seed in Asheville to the shocking coaching changes at UNCG, we analyze why the SoCon remains one of the most talented leagues in the country—regardless of what the national metrics say. In This Episode: The Seeding Struggle: Why the conference’s lowest KenPom ranking since 2015 doesn't reflect the actual talent on the floor. The "Reset": How a week off helped Bob Richey's Paladins reboot for a championship run and a competitive showing against UConn. Transfer Portal Be Damned: A deep dive into an elite freshman class, headlined by Alex Wilkins, that proved high school recruiting is still alive and well in the SoCon. National Stat Leaders: Breaking down how Jadin Booth, Baraka Okojie, and Justin Neely topped the national charts in major categories. Coaching Carousel: Reaction to the "shocking" news out of UNCG regarding Mike Jones and the arrival of Jerod Haase. The New Member: Welcoming Tobin Anderson and Tennessee Tech to the league for the upcoming season. Presented by Ingles Markets
March 21 · 22 min
Furman BATTLES UConn to the End | NCAA Tournement Recap
A 15-seed bid for an upset fell just short, but Furman made the Southern Conference proud in a physical battle against the Huskies. Richmond and Darren break down the key runs and the standout performers from a wild night in Philly. In This Episode: First Half Resilience: How Furman weathered a 6-0 UConn start. Tarris Reed Jr.: The historic individual performance with 31 points and 27 rebounds Alex Wilkins: Welcome to the big stage, young fella The X-Factor: Why Alex Karaban was the stabilizer UConn needed. The Closing Minute: A look at the late-game offensive rebounds that killed the momentum. Presented by Ingles Markets
March 20 · 37 min
From Furman to Greece with Mike Bothwell | Legends Edition
The heart and soul of the 2022-2023 "Better Together" squad. Mike Bothwell joins the show just hours before the Furman Paladins take on the UConn Huskies in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Mike doesn't hold back, revealing the "tough love" text messages he sent this year's team during their mid-season slump, his memories of scoring 18 straight points at Samford, and the emotional reality of watching JP Pegues' shot 500 times in the upset over Virginia. In This Episode: The "Tough Love" Texts: Why Mike told the current team he was turning off their games in the second half. Upsetting UConn: Mike breaks down why Furman's 6'11" bigs and "House Money" mentality are the ultimate equalizers. The Virginia Bench Speech: Mike reflects on fouling out and leading the team to an upset while sitting next to Bob Richey. Pro Life in Greece: The "no excuses" reality of international basketball and the transition to the professional ranks. Three Peas in a Pod: Mike’s future in media and his take on the Cavs' James Harden trade. Presented by Ingles Markets
March 17 · 45 min
Furman vs UConn Tournament Preview: Can the Paladins UPSET the Huskies?
Are the Furman Paladins poised for another "One Shining Moment" in Philadelphia? After tearing through the SoCon Tournament, the Paladins have secured a 15-seed and a date with the 2-seed UConn Huskies. But don't let the seeding fool you—this isn't your average 15-seed matchup. Inside This Episode: The "Blender" Offense: How Furman must defend UConn’s relentless screening and cutting actions. Alex Wilkins vs. The Huskies: Predicting UConn’s defensive strategy to "top lock" the SoCon’s most dangerous engine. Size on Size: Why the frontcourt battle between Cooper Bowser and UConn’s elite rim protection is "strength on strength." Philly Magic: Recalling Furman’s history of knocking off defending champs in the City of Brotherly Love. Let the Madness begin! Presented by Ingles Markets
March 14 · 31 min
Jalen Slawson on Furman’s Winning Culture + Journey to the NBA | Legends Edition
Richmond and Darren are joined by former Furman Basketball star and current Indiana Pacers forward, Jalen Slawson. Jalen reflects on his journey from breaking Furman’s 43-year SoCon title drought to making his mark in the NBA. In this episode: The NBA Transition: What life is like playing for Rick Carlisle and the grind of the G League. Betting on Yourself: Why Jalen turned down lucrative overseas offers to pursue his NBA dream. The "Riverboat Gambler": Insights into Bob Richey’s leadership and why Jalen chose to stay at Furman despite the transfer portal. A Magical Legacy: Behind-the-scenes stories from the Emmy-nominated documentary Better Together and that historic upset over Virginia. Paladin Pride: Jalen’s reaction to Furman winning another Southern Conference championship and how the current squad matches up for the tournament. Can the Paladins win another game in the NCAA tournament? Presented by Ingles Markets
March 12 · 36 min
SoCon Tournament Recap + Furman's 15-Point Championship Statement
The Furman Paladins Claim the 2026 SoCon Championship! After 1,099 days since their last celebration, the No. 6 seed Furman Paladins returned to the top of the mountain, dismantling top-seeded ETSU 76–61 in a championship performance that was never in doubt. Richmond and Darren take you through the entire journey at the Harrah's Cherokee Center—from the opening-round thrillers to the moment Bob Richey’s squad dominated the final 40 minutes to cut down the nets. In This Episode: 1,099 Days Later: Furman’s return to SoCon glory and Bob Richey’s coaching masterclass. Friday Night Drama: The Citadel’s program-defining win and Shola Adebisi’s clutch performance. The 24-Rebound Game: Justin Neely’s "unheard of" effort against Wofford. Freshman Phenoms: K.J. Younger’s 29-point breakout and Alex Wilkins’ rise to stardom. The 17-Point Deficits: How Western Carolina and ETSU battled back in the quarterfinals. Statistical Turnaround: How Furman flipped the script on their season-long shooting struggles. Championship Breakdown: Bowser’s double-double and the defensive intensity that stifled the Buccaneers. Selection Sunday Prep: Breaking down the seeding, the "eye test," and why Furman is a dangerous out in the Big Dance. Can Furman win a game in the NCAA tournament? Presented by Ingles Markets
March 11 · 17 min
Player Edition: Tom House and Furman Storm Asheville for the SoCon Title
In this Player Edition of SoCon Fast Break, Richmond and Darren get the inside story from Furman guard Tom House as the Paladins found their rhythm at the perfect moment to cut down the nets in Asheville. Tom was the ultimate catalyst for the Paladins, dropping 20 points off the bench in a gritty quarterfinal win over Samford and following it up with 13 points in the championship victory against ETSU. In This Episode: The Mental Reset: How a late-season 19-point loss to Western Carolina served as the "reset" the team needed. Redemption Arc: The motivation of seeing last year’s seniors fall short and the determination to not let that happen again. Strength in Depth: How navigating mid-season injuries to key players like Cooper Bowser and Alex Wilkins eventually built a deeper, more resilient rotation. Frontcourt Dominance: The impact of the Bowser brothers and Cooper’s unstoppable low-post performance in the final. The "House Spot": Why Tom feels most dangerous on the right wing in transition. Can the Paladins win a game in the NCAA Tournament? Presented by Ingles Markets
March 6 · 17 min
SoCon Tournament Saturday Preview: Samford vs. Furman + WCU vs. Mercer
Richmond and Darren Angell look at the high-stakes Saturday evening sessions of the 2026 Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships in Asheville. As the tournament heat intensifies, it's a clash between the league's most efficient offenses and the hottest teams entering the weekend. In this episode: Samford vs. Furman (6 p.m.): We discuss why Samford is considered the "scariest" team in the league despite Furman’s regular-season sweep. The Norris Brothers & Jaden Booth: We analyze the impact of the newly named SoCon Player of the Year and why the Norris brothers are the ultimate X-factor for the Bulldogs. Perimeter Battle: A look at Samford’s league-leading three-point shooting against Furman’s elite perimeter defense. The Health Factor: We explore how the return of Eisa Thomas and Cooper Bowser changes the dynamic for the Paladins. Western Carolina vs. Mercer (Nightcap): A breakdown of the 4 vs. 5 seed matchup featuring Defensive Player of the Year Armani Mighty and the "machine" Talon Pettway. Living at the Stripe: Why Baraka Okojie’s ability to draw fouls makes Mercer’s offense so dangerous, with 23% of their points coming from the free-throw line. Which team survives? Presented by Ingles Markets
March 5 · 18 min
Jadin Booth's Sweep + The 2026 SoCon Superlatives Reaction
The votes are in and the hardware has been handed out! The Southern Conference has officially announced the 2026 Men’s Basketball awards, and it was a historic day for Samford’s Jadin Booth, aka Jadin Buckets! In this episode: The Jadin Buckets Era: Reacting to Jadin Booth sweeping the top individual honors and leading the nation in three-pointers. Defensive Dominance: Breaking down the co-winners for Defensive Player of the Year, Cam Morris III and Armani Mighty. Freshman Impact: Why Alex Wilkins’ Second-Team selection cements him as a premier talent despite the lack of a "Freshman of the Year" award. Coach of the Year: Brooke Savage’s consistent leadership at ETSU and the remarkable turnarounds at Wofford and Mercer. Who got snubbed? Presented by Ingles Markets