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

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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?

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

UConn Huskies claim the top spot as the most dominant men’s college basketball program of the past decade, with multiple national championships and unrivaled postseason success. Did perennial contenders like Kansas Jayhawks, Purdue Boilermakers, and Michigan Wolverines do enough to rival UConn's supremacy, or does the Huskies' tournament performance outshine even the blue bloods? Villanova Wildcats, Duke Blue Devils, North Carolina Tar Heels, Houston Cougars, and Gonzaga Bulldogs also earn their places, but some surprise omissions—like Kentucky Wildcats and Virginia Cavaliers—spark debate.

Isaac Schade and Andy Patton examine each program’s case, weighing NCAA tournament runs, Final Four appearances, conference dominance, and the consistent excellence of coaches like Matt Painter, Bill Self, Mark Few, Kelvin Sampson, and Tom Izzo. From high seeds to March Madness heartbreaks, the conversation spotlights what separates the decade’s true powerhouses from the rest. Has your favorite team maintained its elite status—or fallen behind?

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jalen Brunson’s NBA Finals MVP sparks fresh debate: can smaller, offensive-minded guards like Darius Acuff Jr. become true centerpieces for NBA contenders? Andy Patton and Isaac Schade examine how Brunson’s rise, the New York Knicks’ roster strategy, and shifting league trends could reshape perceptions of “non-prototypical” draft prospects. Are teams finally ready to build around star talents who defy traditional molds?

The conversation spotlights rising stars including Ebuka Okorie, Mikel Brown, Cam Boozer, and Braden Smith, questioning whether front offices are overlooking proven winners in favor of raw athleticism and size. Villanova surges back with a statement commitment from 7’3" Luigi Suigo, hinting at a Big East resurgence. Plus, insight on how shifting international eligibility rules impact the NBA Draft landscape and why college basketball’s talent pool has never been stronger.

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Arizona faces a demanding Big 12 schedule as Tommy Lloyd’s squad aims to defend its conference title. Challenging home-and-away matchups against Arizona State, BYU, and Houston await the Wildcats, while their young backcourt led by Caleb Holt and Derek Dixon is tested by tough road-only games at Iowa State and Texas Tech. Can Arizona’s returning core rise above a brutal slate to stay atop the standings?

Isaac Schade and Andy Patton break down the entire Big 12 schedule matrix, spotlighting key matchups for powerhouses like Houston and Kansas, and evaluating Texas Tech’s fortunes amid J.T. Toppin’s injury uncertainty. The conversation turns to new head coaches—including Randy Bennett at Arizona State—and which programs are poised for a breakthrough. Plus, the hosts debate NCAA Tournament selection committee changes, questioning whether athletic directors and commissioners should hold all the power as the field expands.

Photo Credit: Bob Donnan - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Power Five transfers set to become breakout stars at mid-major programs—who will shine the brightest in college basketball’s new landscape?

Andy Patton spotlights six high-upside transfers, including Dylan Darling’s move from St. John’s to Grand Canyon and Blake Harper landing at VCU from Creighton. The episode breaks down Jizzle James’ surprising transfer to Charlotte, All Wright's fresh start at LMU, and injury-tested talents like Brandin Cummings (Pitt to Memphis) and Rytis Petraitis (Cal to New Mexico) could shift the balance of power in the Mountain West, A10, and AAC. Listener favorites like Memphis, New Mexico, and Grand Canyon take center stage as mid-majors stacking D1 talent look to disrupt the traditional hierarchy.

Find out which programs could emerge as NCAA Tournament threats, how key returners like Jake Hall at New Mexico change the outlook, and whether these transfers can lead their new squads to at-large contention.

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duke, Michigan, and Arizona emerge as college basketball’s programs to watch for the next decade—will John Scheyer, Dusty May, and Tommy Lloyd build dynasties? Isaac Schade ranks the top five men’s basketball programs poised for sustained success, weighing in on coaching talent, recruiting prowess, and potential pitfalls for blue bloods like Kansas and North Carolina. Surprising omits and up-and-coming contenders like Miami and Virginia spark questions about ACC dominance and the future Big Ten landscape.

Which players will define March Madness next season? Isaac Schade breaks down his top international and domestic players to build around, spotlighting stars like Andrej Stojakovic, Flory Bidunga, Alex Condon, Jeremy Fears, Tyler Tanner, and Tommy Haugh. Get expert insights on the impact of transfers, the rise of international talent, and which team leaders can deliver in clutch moments. Will your favorite program make the cut?

Photo Credit: Russell Lansford - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.