A Unit 1 Hoop Source Briefing on The Athletic’s Deep Dive Into the Future of College Basketball Economics Unit 1 Hoop Source – College Basketball + Athletics Over the years of covering players, coaches, and programs from across the country, I’ve tried to stay grounded in more than just game film and box scores. I’ve…
Category: College Basketball
“UNLV Men’s Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Josh Pastner’s Team Building From the Ground Up”
Las Vegas, NV — I recently had the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the new-look UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team under first-year head coach Josh Pastner, and while it’s far too early for sweeping evaluations, one thing is already clear: there’s a new energy inside the Mendenhall Center. Pastner, known for his sideline…
“2025-26 Stony Brook Basketball Preview: New-Look Seawolves Ready to Make Noise in the CAA”
Entering his seventh season at the helm, Geno Ford has firmly established himself as the architect of Stony Brook’s competitive resurgence. Coming off a contract extension through 2025–26, Ford brings a winning pedigree—back‑to‑back MAC regular-season titles at Kent State, CAA upset runs, and a reputation for developing sharpshooters and gritty guards. His core philosophy—“get better throughout the season…
“2025–26 Season Preview: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Reload with Patty Mills, Big Transfers, and Island Swagger”
For nearly a decade, Eran Ganot has stood as the steady hand behind the University of Hawai‘i men’s basketball program—a leader who’s brought accountability, defense, and Pacific pride to the hardwood. Since taking over in 2015, Ganot has guided the Rainbow Warriors to multiple 20-win seasons, a 2016 NCAA Tournament win, and a standard rooted in discipline…
“Youngstown State Basketball Reloaded: Horizon League’s Mid-Major Sleeper in 2025-26
While most of the college basketball world keeps its lens fixed on high-major headlines, we’re spinning the spotlight toward a program that’s been quietly building something special in the Midwest. Welcome to Around the Country in Two Minutes, where Unit One Hoop Source highlights the programs that matter—even when no one else is watching. This time,…
“UNC Wilmington Basketball 2025-26: CAA Title Contender Built Through the Transfer Portal”
Let’s take a closer look at a team that earned respect last season—the UNC Wilmington Seahawks. They made a legitimate run to an NCAA Tournament bid and stood toe-to-toe with a top-tier Texas Tech squad, dragging them down to the wire. That wasn’t luck—this was a team built to compete. Now, as we head into a brand-new season, don’t be…
“2025–26 HBCU Basketball Preview: Norfolk State and Jackson State Set to Dominate”
Under the stadium lights, two HBCU programs—Norfolk State and Jackson State—are weaving their own stories of grit, glory, and grind. These aren’t fairytale rebuilds—they’re methodical, blueprint-driven revivals led by proven coaching and elite talent. As Joe Lunardi’s bracketology page flirts with First Four projections, the real action starts this fall. 🟢 Norfolk State Spartans (MEAC) 📍 Norfolk, VA Head…
Pop Pop Isaacs Scouting Report: What Texas A&M Is Getting in the High-Scoring Guard
From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the frenetic arenas of Big 12 basketball and now to SEC country, Pop Pop Isaacs has always carried a torch for high-percentage scoring and aggressive play. Coronado High’s four-star standout arrived with swagger, but when injuries hit, many wondered: does the gear shift stay the same? As he steps…
Texas A&M’s 11-Man Roster Overhaul: Bucky McMillan’s Wild Transfer Portal Reset for 2025–26
You can’t rebuild an empire without tearing a few walls down first. And when Texas A&M handed over the keys to rising star Bucky McMillan this offseason, he didn’t just renovate—he brought a bulldozer. The Aggies of 2025–26 will share a gym with last year’s squad, but that’s about it. Gone are the cornerstones of…
76 Teams in March Madness? Why NCAA Tournament Expansion Could Hurt the Game
As of today, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors is expected to vote on a proposal that could change the shape of March Madness forever—an expansion from 68 to 76 teams. At face value, this move might sound like a win for inclusivity, more opportunities, and growing the game. But if you listen closely—beyond the…
George Mason Basketball 2025–26 Preview: The Mid-Major Power Nobody Should Overlook
When most casual fans talk college hoops, the conversation rarely drifts beyond the usual suspects—blue bloods from the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, and other Power Four conferences who dominate highlight reels and ESPN airtime. But true basketball minds know better. The game is deeper than just the TV darlings. And if you’re paying close attention…
Preseason Preview: No. 5 Louisville Cardinals — Transfer Power, Elite Backcourt, and Big ACC Ambitions
This is the final chapter of our Unit 1 Hoop Source Top 5 Preseason Preview, and the story finds its climax in Louisville—ranked No. 5. Head Coach Pat Kelsey has orchestrated a roster rebuild that feels like a crafted comeback, blending firepower, depth, and character. The Cardinals are no longer waiting in the wings—they’re primed to soar. 🔄 Transfer Portal…
“Faris Mucharbach: 6’11 JUCO Sleeper with International Upside You Should Be Tracking in 2025”
At 6-foot-11, with a developing frame and a skill set still taking shape, Faris Mucharbach is far from a finished product—but don’t let that fool you. This 19-year-old, who recently suited up for Jordan’s national team during the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, is quietly emerging as a raw but intriguing international prospect with serious long-term potential. Born July…
Dedan Thomas Jr. Scouting Report: What Makes LSU’s New PG a Game-Changer in the SEC
I’ve been tracking Dedan Thomas Jr. for over five years—long before the national headlines and transfer portal buzz—back when he was a smooth, cerebral point guard showcasing his poise, polish, and natural feel for the game at Schofield Middle School, Dream Vision, and Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada. I intentionally held back from doing…
Preseason Preview: No. 4 Michigan Wolverines — Lendeborg, Cadeau, and the Nation’s Best Transfer Portal Class
There’s no mistaking it — what’s building in Ann Arbor isn’t just a program on the rise. It’s a contender. Coming into the 2025–26 season, the Michigan Wolverines aren’t relying on just hype or history. They’ve built something tangible. Something dangerous. With a roster reshaped by one of the most impressive transfer portal hauls in…
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