College basketball’s last decade has been dominated by elite talent—but which players truly defined the era? Andy Patton and Isaac Schade count down the top 10 NCAA men’s hoops stars since 2016-17, spotlighting legends like Zach Edey, Luka Garza, Jalen Brunson, and dynamic one-and-done standout Zion Williamson. Who earns the #1 spot, and what set these stars apart on the national stage?

The debate heats up as the hosts weigh the merits of sustained excellence versus single-season impact, including key moments like Kyle Guy’s clutch free throws for Virginia and Cassius Winston’s leadership at Michigan State. Expect deep dives on Oscar Tshiebwe’s rebounding dominance at Kentucky, Janai Broome’s trailblazing transfer from Morehead State to Auburn, and the emergence of Purdue’s Braden Smith as the NCAA’s all-time assist leader. Who got snubbed, and which program produced the most top-tier talent? Tune in for the definitive college basketball player ranking of the past decade.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bob Donnan - Imagn Images

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NCAA’s crackdown on international pros sparks debate as top programs, including LSU and St. John’s, continue to add experienced European and global talent. Are 24-year-old standouts like Boris Tisma and Yam Madar shifting the balance of college basketball? Andy Patton examines whether coaches are ignoring new eligibility guidelines—or simply betting that the NCAA won’t enforce them this season.

The episode ranks the 10 best returning international players, spotlighting talents like Ivan Kharchenkov (Arizona), Mo Krivas (Arizona), David Mirkovic (Illinois), and Massamba Diop (Gonzaga). Key talking points include how transfer moves and age-based rules impact team strategies, why international big men are dominating, and which programs stand to gain most from this influx. Is the NCAA ready for another wave of legal showdowns, or will college basketball rosters grow even more global next year?

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Ohio State Buckeyes get a major offseason boost as five-star combo guard L.J. Smith reclassifies and joins Jake Diebler’s squad early. How does Smith’s arrival—alongside top returner John Mobley and Cal transfer Justin Pippen—reshape Ohio State’s Big Ten outlook and national ranking potential?

Isaac Schade spotlights the newly electrified Buckeyes backcourt, examines key additions like Anthony Thompson and Andrej Jelavic, and evaluates their chances to break into the Top 25. The episode also celebrates college basketball’s resurgence in the NBA Draft, with nearly the entire first round projected to be NCAA talent. Plus, Isaac Schade shares personal reflections on four years of Locked On College Basketball and the show’s special ten-year network anniversary. Can Ohio State parlay its talented roster into a Big Ten title run?

PHOTO CREDIT: Adam Cairns - Imagn Images

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