SoCon Fast Break
SoCon Fast Break is the essential podcast that defines SoCon basketball. It provides game breakdowns, including previews for matchups and keys to victory, along with detailed recaps. The show grants insider access through exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and analysts. Hosted by former college basketball assistant coaches Richmond Weaver and Darren Angell, it offers in-depth coverage and insight.
Episodes
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 car
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
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 op
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
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
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 q
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 Kentuck
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
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
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 reflec
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 reboundsAlex Wi
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
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
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 of
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 Ri
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 E
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 despit
SoCon Tournament Friday Games Preview: Upset Alerts in Asheville?
The Road to Asheville has officially reached its destination! Richmond and Darren Angell look at the opening round of the SoCon Tournament, focusing on the tactical matchups that will define Friday night at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center. In this episode:The Roundhouse Hex is Broken: How The Citadel’s physical, gutty identity led to their first win in Chattanooga since 2012 and what that means for t
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 fo
It's March! Why No One is Safe + Power Rankings
March is here, and "the madness begins" in the Southern Conference. With the regular season officially wrapped, the bracket is set for Asheville, and the parity in the league has never been higher. In this episode:The Regular Season Recap: How ETSU clinched the title but is entering the tournament on back-to-back losses.The Asheville Bracket: A look at the opening matchups, including Chattanooga v
Who Grabs the Final Top-6 Seed? | SoCon Season Finale
The regular season comes to an end, and the seating scenarios are enough to give any fan a headache! While ETSU has already clinched the outright title, the battle for the Top 6 is wide open. In this episode: ETSU at Mercer: The newly crowned champions take their #1 scoring defense into Macon to face the league's top-scoring offense. We discuss the "Barocco Okogie factor" and whether Mercer’s star
Must-Win in the Scenic City: UNCG Spartans at Chattanooga Mocs Preview
It's a Thursday night matchup in the Scenic City as the UNCG Spartans head to "The Roundhouse" to take on the red-hot Chattanooga Mocs. With the Southern Conference standings tightening, this is a "must-win" situation for a Spartan team trying to snap a two-game slide and secure a top-six finish.In this episode:The First Matchup: A look back at the January 1st season opener where UNCG took a 77-72
Wednesday Preview: Solving the ETSU Puzzle + Mercer’s Survival Guide at WCU
Wednesday night in the Southern Conference is a powder keg with implications all over the standings. On today’s episode, we break down two massive matchups that will define the race for the #2 seed and the crucial first-round byes in Asheville.In this episode:The #1 Seed Response: How ETSU will handle the "mountaintop" after clinching their first regular season title since 2019-20.The "Back-Breake
Player Edition: Jadin Booth's Journey of the Nation’s #1 Three-Point Shooter
Samford’s Jadin Booth is officially the most dangerous threat from deep in college basketball. In this special Player Edition of SoCon Fast Break, we sit down with the man known as "Jadin Buckets" to go beyond the stat sheet and explore the incredible journey that led him to the top of the national rankings.Jadin opens up about his unique path through the transfer portal and how a devastating knee
SoCon Edition: ETSU Clinches The #1 Seed + Standings Chaos
The #1 seed is officially set, but the pathway to Asheville remains a total mystery. We look at ETSU's dominant run to the top of the Southern Conference and discuss whether anyone can catch them in the tournament.In this episode:The Clinch: How ETSU secured the top seed with a massive road win and some help from Furman.The "Gold Standard": Why health and consistency made the Bucs the best team in
ETSU Clinches #1? + Samford’s Streak & Separation Saturday Preview
It is Separation Saturday in the Southern Conference, and the stakes couldn't be higher as we head into the final stretch before Asheville! ETSU is on the verge of clinching the regular-season title and the #1 seed—we walk through their path to the top. Plus, the Samford Bulldogs are the hottest team in the league, looking for their 7th straight win as they visit Mercer.In this episode:ETSU at UNC
ETSU vs Furman: The OT Rematch + UNCG at WCU Previews
Will Furman avenge their 15-point collapse, or can ETSU bounce back in this OT thriller rematch? We’re breaking down the keys to the game, the impact of Asa Thomas and Charles Johnston, and our official prediction. Plus, a massive road test for UNCG at Western Carolina.Highlights:The Rematch: Can Furman finish the job this time against the Bucs?The X-Factors: Why Asa Thomas and Charles Johnston ar
SoCon Edition: STREAKS Continue—Who Can Stop Samford or UNCG?
With only two weeks until the Southern Conference Tournament descends on Asheville, the race for the top seed is reaching a fever pitch. Samford and UNCG have officially shown they're the hottest teams right now, but can they keep it up before the bracket is set?In This Episode:The Big Two: Analyzing Samford’s 5-game tear and UNCG’s relentless 4-game win streak.Player Spotlights: How Jadin Booth’s
Who Stays Hot? | Samford-ETSU & UNCG-Wofford Previews
Three of the hottest teams in the Southern Conference are on a collision course this Saturday, and something has to give. With Samford and ETSU both riding four-game winning streaks into their showdown, and UNCG looking to extend its own streak against second-place Wofford.In This Episode:[00:44] Wofford vs. UNCG: Can the Spartans make it four in a row, or will the Terriers play spoiler?[09:18] Sa
SoCon Edition: FEB-FRENZY in the SoCon!
Football is officially in the books, which means the road to Asheville is heating up! In this episode of SoCon Fast Break, we dive into the mid-February madness where the "baked-in" identities of teams are being tested by injuries, upsets, and some seriously head-scratching performances. In this episode:The Power Shift: Are ETSU and Wofford turning this into a two-horse race? We discuss their cons
SoCon Edition: Second-Half SURGE
We have officially crossed the ten-game mark of the Southern Conference slate! With the 18-game journey to Asheville more than halfway complete, the standings are beginning to harden. This week, we analyze the "Second-Half Surge" and whether anyone can crack ETSU's defensive shell as the hunt for the top seed intensifies.In this Episode:Contenders Separate: We're starting to see clear separation o
SoCon Edition: WINTER STORM Hoops!
Not even a winter storm could slow things down in the Southern Conference!We discuss the "Winter Storm 2026" scheduling shakeup and a week of basketball that defied the odds. From a historic comeback in Charleston to a superstar performance in Spartanburg, the SoCon is starting to see some separation at the top of the standings.In this Episode:The 0.5% Miracle: A dive into The Citadel’s legendary
Coach Edition: Ryan Ridder | Mercer Head Coach
In this "Coach Edition" of SoCon Fast Break, we sit down with Mercer head coach Ryan Ridder to discuss the Bears' explosive start to the conference season. Coach Ridder shares how his team transitioned from a defensive-focused group in the summer to becoming the most efficient, high-octane offense in the Southern Conference today.In this episode:The Offensive Explosion: Insights into the "mind-bog
SoCon Edition: Career Nights + Road Wins!
A third of the way through the conference slate, the SoCon is reaching a fever pitch, with elite individual performances and a wild week in which road teams dominated, winning 8 of 10 games. In this episode:Nationally Dominant: A deep dive into Armani Mighty’s historic week for Mercer, including a 25-rebound performance against VMI—the most in college basketball since 2023. Team of the Week: Why t
Coach Edition: Kevin Giltner | Wofford Head Coach
What does it feel like to get the "dream job" call just days before the season begins? We’re joined by Wofford Head Coach Kevin Giltner to pull back the curtain on his "whirlwind" return to Spartanburg and the Terriers' impressive 3-1 start to Southern Conference play.In this exclusive Coach Edition of SoCon Fast Break, Giltner shares:The Sudden Call: His "I'm in" moment and the emotional reality
SoCon Edition: FIRST Wins + Streaks Snapped
The Southern Conference hierarchy is beginning to take shape. This week was defined by breakthroughs, defensive masterclasses, and an offensive explosion in Macon that has the rest of the league on high alert.In this episode:The Streak is Over: Analysis of The Citadel’s emotional overtime win against Western Carolina, snapping a 37-game losing streak against Division I opponents and the "electric"
SoCon Edition: Week One LEADERS
After just two games of conference play, the standings are already providing surprises, from winless starts for preseason contenders to dominant defensive statements.In this episode:The Power Rankings Shift: Why ETSU claims the #1 spot with their elite defensive efficiency.National Recognition: Nils Machowski’s historic week for Wofford, earning him Lou Henson National Player of the Week honors af
SoCon Edition: CLEAN Slate, New STAKES with Ben Vander Wal
Conference play in the Southern Conference is officially here, and the quest for Asheville begins now! In This Episode:Conference Tip-Off: We preview the opening slate of games, including the 106th season of SoCon basketball, tipping off with ETSU at The Citadel.Surprise Standings: Discussing Wofford’s unexpected rise under Kevin Gilder and the challenging non-conference schedules of teams like We
Non-Con Edition: MID-TERM Grades
MID-TERM GRADES: Final exams are over and conference play is just two weeks away! We transition from observations to definitive trends handing out official mid-term grades for all 10 teams!In This Episode:ETSU Buccaneers (Grade: A-): Brook Savage has the Bucs (8-3) at the top of the class with a NET of 100 and elite defensive metrics.Mercer Bears (Grade: A): The surprise of the league. Ryan Ridder
Non-Con Edition: TOP TEN Storylines + NET Rankings
We break down the SoCon's Top 10 Storylines, separating early trends from final conclusions as the league will turn their attention to conference play soon!In This Episode:SoCon Frontrunners: ETSU's defensive dominance and Mercer's high-scoring backcourt (led by Baraka Okojie) are signaling championship trajectories.Freshman Phenom: Why Alex Wilkins (Furman) is playing like a seasoned star and Kev
Non-Con Edition: Triple-Double, Fast Starts + Freshman ASCENT
We examine the SoCon's most surprising early-season moments! In This Episode:Triple-Double History: Celebrating Brian Taylor II's rare historic feat for ETSU as the Bucs look like the team to beat (6-1).Freshman ASCENT: Why Alex Wilkins (Furman) and Brian Sumpter (Wofford) are leading the charge for freshman talent in the league.Top Performers: Breaking down Baraka Okojie's stat-stu
Non-Con Edition: Feast Week + ROCCO MILLER with Mid-Major Storylines!
Time to talk Feast Week and the state of the SoCon with national analyst Rocco Miller (Bracketeer.org)!In This Episode:Mid-Major Crisis: Rocco details how NCAA Tournament expansion and biased NET rankings hurt quality SoCon teams like Furman from getting at-large bids and valuable Quad 1/2 games.SoCon Standouts: Wofford's surprising start under Kevin Giltner. TJ Johnson (VMI) leads in scoring. Jad
Non-Con Edition: EARLY RISERS + SoCon/ASUN Challenge
In the early weeks of SoCon non-conference action, we analyze the early risers, surprise starts across the league, and dive into the SoCon/ASUN Challenge.In This Episode:Wofford Miracle: How new coach Kevin Giltner stabilized the Terriers for a competitive start, despite the coaching chaos.Star Performers: TJ Johnson (VMI) is a top scorer in the nation. Jadin Booth and Keaton Norris (Samford) form
CHATTANOOGA Basketball Preview: How Will The Mocs & Dan Earl Maintain Championship Status?
The Chattanooga Mocs are the preseason favorite after their historic 29-win season and NIT Championship. Coach Dan Earl must replace an entire All-SoCon backcourt.In This Episode:The Challenge: Replacing over 2,000 points (Huff/Bonham) and translating a fully overhauled roster into championship success, as voted by the Preseason Coaches Poll.The New Core: Colin Mohalland ("The Big Maple") is the n
FURMAN Basketball Preview: Can Bob Richey's Frontcourt Mesh With A New Backcourt?
The Furman Paladins are fueled by the sting of their SoCon Championship loss. Coach Bob Richey is rebuilding the backcourt by leaning on the potential best frontcourt in the league.In This Episode:The Overhaul: Furman replaces 54% of its scoring (PJay Smith & Nick Anderson), relying on Richey's mastery of player development and the "work while you wait" culture.Frontcourt Power: Cooper Bowser
SAMFORD Basketball Preview: The Acuff Era Begins & Will The Bulldogs Be Contenders?
"Bucky Ball" is done! Samford brought in Hall of Fame Coach Lennie Acuff to lead a massive roster overhaul and challenge for the SoCon title immediately.In This Episode:Coaching Shift: Acuff replaces Bucky McMillan, bringing a disciplined, Princeton-style offense to Homewood and relying on his extensive Alabama ties.The New Core: Analyzing the explosive impact expected from Jadin Booth (DII All-Am
ETSU Basketball Preview: How Can Brooks Savage Rebuild After Losing The SoCon POY?
The ETSU Buccaneers are facing a massive void after losing SoCon Player of the Year, Quimari Peterson. Coach Brook Savage brought in 10 transfers to uphold the defensive culture.In This Episode:The Challenge: Replacing the team's top four scorers and maintaining defensive identity while finding offensive efficiency.Targeted Reload: Analyzing the key impact transfers like floor general Jaylen Smith
UNCG Basketball Preview: Can The Spartans Increase Offense Without Sacrificing Defense?
The UNCG Spartans face a massive roster rebuild after losing their top three scorers. Head Coach Mike Jones must maintain his elite defense while solving the biggest question: offense.In This Episode:Elite Defense, Missing Offense: UNCG's defense was 15th nationally (65 PPG allowed), but they lost their top perimeter threats. The Rebuild: Mike Jones relies heavily on the Transfer Portal for tough,
VMI Basketball Preview: Can Preseason POY Rickey Bradley, Jr. Carry The Keydets?
The VMI Keydets have the most returning production in the SoCon! We analyze the pressure on Rickey Bradley Jr. (the SoCon’s first VMI Preseason POY) to lead the Keydets to the top tier.In This Episode:The Turnaround: Coach Andrew Wilson achieved an 11-game improvement despite having the bottom 25th defense and a brutal 10-game losing streak.Core & X-Factor: Rickey Bradley Jr.'s scoring load. C
MERCER Basketball Preview: Can Ryan Ridder's New Look Roster Defy Expectations?
The Mercer Bears are undergoing a massive roster overhaul in Year 2 under Coach Ryan Ridder! We look at a team poised to defy expectations with new talent from the transfer portal.In This Episode:The Overhaul: Mercer replaces 72 PPG, losing 7 of 8 top scorers. We analyze why last year's fast tempo combined with poor defense made a brutal finish.X-Factors: Baraka Okojie (Memphis/George Mason transf
WESTERN CAROLINA Basketball Preview: What can be the jump in Tim Craft's 2nd year?
The Catamounts could be poised for a big leap here in the 2025-26 season! We analyze Coach Tim Craft's strategic roster moves and the return of star Marcus Kell.In This Episode:SoCon Breakout Star: Why Marcus Kell is earning Preseason All-SoCon buzz and is primed for a huge season.The Problem/Solution: Breaking down WCU's struggles with efficiency (3P% & defense) and how transfers like Julien
WOFFORD Basketball Preview: Can Kevin Giltner Save Wofford's Season?
The SoCon champions are in Crisis Mode! Wofford is reeling from an unprecedented offseason of coaching upheaval and roster loss.We break down the SoCon Tournament winners' chaos and analyze the massive challenge facing new head coach and alum, Kevin Giltner.In This Episode:Coaching & Roster Crisis: The abrupt departure of Dwight Perry, the last-minute hiring of Kevin Giltner, and the loss of f
THE CITADEL Basketball Preview: Can Ed Conroy's New Roster Get a SoCon Win?
After a brutal winless conference slate last season, can Coach Ed Conroy and a new roster finally find success in the highly competitive Southern Conference?We break down what went wrong for The Citadel last year (poor 3-Point Percentage and Free Throw Percentage were major issues) and look the changes through the transfer portal with key veterans returning.In This Episode:Roster Overhaul: Targete
SOCON SEASON PREVIEW with Dean Keener: Favorites, Wildcards, & Rebuilds
The most in-depth SoCon Basketball Season Preview is here! Join "Mr. SoCon" Dean Keener to break down the Southern Conference men's basketball season. We analyze the SoCon Championship race, the impact of transfer portal pickups, and coaching changes for Samford and Wofford.In This Episode:SoCon Favorites: Why Furman, Chattanooga, and Samford are the top contenders and the key players to watch.Mas
Introducing SoCon Fast Break - Defining Southern Conference Basketball!
Join Richmond Weaver and Darren Angell as they launch SoCon Fast Break, your new go-to podcast for everything Southern Conference Basketball! New episodes are released each week throughout the entire season with previews, recaps, and insider access via conversations with players, coaches, and college basketball analysts!Subscribe or Follow now so you never miss a minute of the action, all the way
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