Dan gets his Man: HoopsHD interviews McDonald’s All-American Eric Reibe

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Jon Teitel

If you want to win an NCAA title then you usually need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 2 championship teams from 1979-2020 did not have such a player (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn), and while UConn won a title in 2023 without 1 they added McDonald’s All-American Stephon Castle before winning a 2nd title in 2024. The rosters for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game were announced last month after selecting the 24 best players in the nation from a list of several hundred nominees. If you do not think these guys can make an immediate impact in the fall, just ask Coach Jon Scheyer how he likes having 2024 honoree Cooper Flagg at Duke! Unlike most years when 1 school stands out as the big winner with the most All-Americans, there are 2 different programs tied for the lead with 3 each (Duke/UConn) and 3 players who have not yet committed to a college. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Eric Reibe about being named a McDonald’s All-American and whether he is “a Dan Hurley guy”.

You were born/raised in Germany: how big is basketball in your native land? Basketball is the 2nd biggest sport behind soccer, and has definitely grown bigger over the years.

How well do you know any of the other German players who are having good college basketball careers in America (Michael Rataj at Oregon State/Christoph Tilly at Santa Clara/etc.)? I know Michael pretty well because we were teammates in Germany for 1 year. Christian Anderson (who is at Texas Tech) and I have played together on the German national team for several years. Additionally, the father of Christoph Tilly’s college teammate Jake Ensminger was my coach in Germany for a couple of years.

You received offers from several great schools including Indiana/Kansas/Oregon but signed with UConn last October: what was the biggest factor in your decision? There were several factors but a big part was the UConn culture. I built a great relationship with the entire coaching staff and Coach Hurley does a great job of preparing his guys. When I went up there for my visit and met the players, I decided that I wanted to be part of that group.

Your high school coach Bruce Kelley said that you think of yourself as “a Dan Hurley guy”: do you agree, and what does that mean? I do agree with that. I am relentless and spend a lot of time in the gym working out hard every day. I am a perfectionist so even if I have a really good game I am very critical of myself.

Coach Hurley’s team is currently 18-9: how far do you think they will go in March? I think they will have a great run in March. They have had some adversity this season but I think that will only end up helping them next month.

Samson Johnson will graduate in a few months, but Tarris Reed Jr. is expected to return: have you ever played alongside a teammate who is 6’10”/260 pounds? I have played with a big guy like that before in Germany.

Last month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It means a lot to me. I have only been in America for 2 years so to go from “unranked European kid” to All-American shows that all my hard work has paid off. It is a great feeling…but I just have to keep getting better.

You are part of a great recruiting class that includes Jacob Furphy as well as 2 of your fellow McDonald’s All-Americans (Darius Adams/Braylon Mullins): how well do you know your future teammates? Braylon and I have a good relationship and have played at camps together. I know Darius from several different camps, and last April I was at a tournament in Germany where I played against Jacob.

You are left-handed: how much of an advantage is that on the court (if any)? I think it gives me some more versatility. I write with my right hand so I am ambidextrous and can use both hands on the court.

You are listed at 7’: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? It depends on the matchup I have. I will play more on the perimeter if I am being defended by a big guy, but if I am facing a smaller guy then I will try to play down in the post.

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Hoops HD Daily Rundown – Tuesday, Feb 25th

Posted on February 25, 2025 by David Griggs

NEWS, NOTES, AND LINKS:

For our latest HOOPS HD REPORT Video Podcast – CLICK HERE

-For the HOOPS HD TEAM SHEETS, which are the most detailed ones on the entire internet that we know of – CLICK HERE

-For the HOOPS HD SURVIVAL BOARD, which outlines who is a lock, who still has work to do, and who needs to win the auto-bid – CLICK HERE

NOTE: We have one possible regular season elimination today as a Buffalo loss (at Central Michigan) combined with a Western Michigan win (home vs Ohio) will eliminate the Bulls from qualifying for the MAC Tournament.

-For our latest Bracket Projections – CLICK HERE

-Houston was able to avenge their only conference loss last night and remain unbeaten in true road games as they knocked off Texas Tech 69-61. I believe Texas Tech was without two regular starters. In the first match-up they were without a key player and their head coach for most of the game. Perhaps if the two meet in a rubber match in the Big 12 Tournament they’ll finally be at full strength for a whole game.

-Michigan survived a rock fight against Nebraska, but got a really nice 49-46 road win against a Nebraska team that’s trying to hold onto the bubble for dear life.

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HIGHLIGHTED GAMES:

-DUKE AT MIAMI FL (ACC). Even though this is a road game it still won’t amount to much more than a buy game level win for Duke.

-FLORIDA AT GEORGIA (SEC). It’s a rivalry game and Georgia has been tough to beat at home this year. It’s one they could sure use because they are right on the bubble. Florida is in the hunt for a #1 seed and Georgia is trying to cling to the bubble for dear life.

-PROVIDENCE AT MARQUETTE (Big East). Marquette is coming off a somewhat poor showing at Villanova and is looking to bounce back at home against Providence. This should be a hold-serve type of game for them.

-BAYLOR AT CINCINNATI (Big 12). This is an important game for Baylor. They have not been good on the road this year, and while Cincinnati is not inside the bubble, this win would still make Baylor’s resume look a lot better since they’ll be beating a team on the road that at least has a pulse.

-VCU AT RICHMOND (Atlantic 10). It’s a rivalry game and it’s one that VCU should win, but at the same time is not exactly the easiest task in the world to accomplish. As critical as I’ve been of the VCU Rams, largely due to their weak OOC schedule, I’m starting to agree with everyone that says they have a path to landing inside the bubble. Having said that, they need to run the table to do it and avoid an early loss in the A10 Tournament.

-IOWA STATE AT OKLAHOMA STATE (Big 12). Iowa State is a solid protected seed and should be able to hold serve on the road tonight.

-TENNESSEE AT LSU (SEC). Tennessee is one of six teams that is fighting it out for a 1-seed, and they should be able to go on the road and beat an LSU team that tonight that’s nowhere near the field. This game is some rare low hanging fruit in the SEC.

-MISSISSIPPI STATE AT ALABAMA (SEC). Alabama just ended a two game skid with an impressive win over Kentucky and is still very much within reach of a #1 seed. Mississippi State has a great profile as well and could end up as a protected seed. A win tonight would go a long way toward helping them get that, but it’s easier said than done. They are also looking to bounce back from a loss to Oklahoma.

-WASHINGTON AT WISCONSIN (Big Ten). The Badgers shouldn’t have too much trouble at home tonight against a Washington Team that’s in a battle just to make the Big Ten Tournament.

-SOUTH CAROLINA AT MISSOURI (SEC). This is a rare and somewhat easy conference game for Mizzou. They have been amazingly good at home and should hold serve tonight.

-LOUISVILLE AT VIRGINIA TECH (ACC). This should be another conference road win for the Cardinals and they are very easily positioned to land in the top half of the bracket so long as they continue to hold serve for the rest of the year.

-TCU AT WEST VIRGINIA (Big 12). West Virginia still seems to be straddling the bubble. They need to show they can still win at a high level after sustaining some of the key injuries that they’ve had. A loss at home to a team that’s outside the field would not be good.

-COLORADO STATE AT AIR FORCE (Mountain West, Front Range). We at Hoops HD LOVE the Front Range!!

-IOWA AT ILLINOIS (Big Ten). Illinois is a complete mess right now and is coming off an absolute blowout against Duke over the weekend. They need a “get right game” and while beating Iowa at home won’t move the needle as far as their paper goes, it should at least help them get some of their confidence back.

-NEW MEXICO AT SAN DIEGO STATE (Mountain West). Both teams appear to be inside the bubble and both have a path to landing in the top half of the bracket. This is a good resume-building opportunity for both of them, and it should be a fun game. It usually is when these two get together!

-GONZAGA AT SANTA CLARA (West Coast). Gonzaga is coming off a home loss to rival Saint Mary’s, and while they still look like a tournament team they have had a disappointing season. This also will not be an easy road game to win. Santa Clara has looked like a tournament caliber team throughout the year, and while they don’t have the overall resume to get them there, they are certainly capable of winning this one at home tonight.

UTR WATCH:

-Akron @ Ball State (MAC) – Akron has a two game lead with just four games to go. They’re also looking to bounce back from their first conference loss of the year

-James Madison @ UL Monroe (Sun Belt) – amidst all the carnage in the SBC, James Madison is now sitting alone in 1st place and can clinch at least a share of the conference title with a win tonight

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The Hoops HD Report – Feb 24th

Posted on February 24, 2025 by David Griggs

Chad is joined by a full panel tonight, and we begin once again in the SEC. Auburn’s resume is so impressive that they may be a win or two away from having a #1 seed locked up. Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee are also right there, and Texas A&M is also high in the rankings. Arkansas, Texas, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Georgia are all hovering around the bubble and have big games coming up. Houston has been dominant in the Big 12 and could also play their way all the way up to the #1 line if they win out. In the Big Ten, Michigan State had a huge week, and Indiana is starting to play their way into the picture. Saint John’s is cruising through the Big East, Saint Mary’s has clinched the West Coast and Gonzaga continues to digress, and the Mountain West has three teams who appear to be inside the bubble. We discuss all that, and more!

And, for all you radio lovers, below is an audio only version of the show…

Posted in Hoops HD Report, Podcasts, Videocasts | 1 Comment

Hoops HD Daily Rundown – Monday, Feb 24th

Posted on February 24, 2025 by David Griggs

For our latest HOOPS HD BRACKET RUNDOWN where we reveal our staff bracket line by line and discuss each team as we go – CLICK HERE

SURVIVAL BOARD UPDATE:

-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE @ PRARIE VIEW (SWAC). Mississippi Valley State will be eliminated with a loss.

-ATLANTIC SUN – If Central Arkansas wins at North Alabama or West Georgia loses at home to Queens, Central Arkansas will get the last spot in the ASun Tournament

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NEWS AND NOTES:

-Indiana, who hasn’t looked good for much of the year, is suddenly starting to look good, and their profile is starting to look stronger, and it suddenly looks like they actually have a path to making the NCAA Tournament. They handled Purdue yesterday 73-58 after totally dominating the second half.

-Xavier continued their recent trend of a somewhat slow start, a fantastic 20 minutes in between, and an awful final 10 minutes where they managed to hang on for dear life in a win over Seton Hall. The Musketeers nearly blew a 21-point lead completely and avoided what would have been a fatal wound to their bubble chances. They now have a week to rest before an extremely pivotal home matchup with Creighton.

-UCLA held off Ohio State 69-61, and Ohio State continues to put together one of the most scattershot profiles that you’ll ever see. There are definitely reasons to select them, but there are a lot of reasons to leave them out as well.

-Drake needed overtime, which came after a foul on a last second shot, but they picked up a big road win against rivals Northern Iowa 64-58. If they the Bulldogs can win out until the conference tournament I think the committee should (and will) take them whether they win it or not. (Note from Stalica – I would strongly advise not losing their Arch Madness opener, but I otherwise concur with Griggs.)

HIGHLIGHTED GAMES:

-NORTH CAROLINA AT FLORIDA STATE (ACC). North Carolina is so far away from the bubble that their only hope is to probably win out and beat Duke in the process, and even then they may still have some work to do in the ACC Tournament.

-MICHIGAN AT NEBRASKA (Big Ten). Michigan is looking like a solid protected seed and Nebraska is squarely on the bubble. This is another chance for the Huskers to add a notable win to their resume and help get them closer to the NCAA Tournament. Michigan is trying to earn a protected seed and bounce from a loss to rival Michigan State.

-HOUSTON AT TEXAS TECH (Big 12). Houston is unbeaten in true road games and still has a chance at ending up as a #1 seed. This is probably the toughest remaining game they will play until the NCAA Tournament, and it would be a huge win for the top of their resume. As for Texas Tech, they won the first meeting between these two, and completing the sweep would be a big deal.

-KANSAS AT COLORADO (Big 12). Kansas has been so poor on the road that any road win would help make their resume look a little better.

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Hoops HD Bracket Rundown – Feb 23rd

Posted on February 23, 2025 by David Griggs

A full Hoops HD panel have all submitted their own individual seedlists. They were then cross country scored by Chad to form a master seedlist, and it is revealed to the panel Selection Sunday style team by team and line by line. They discuss, assess, and debate each team as they are revealed. See who the #1 seeds are, who the rest of the protected seeds are, who is on the bubble, and who just missed it.

Below is the final bracket, but don’t look at it until you’ve watched the show!!

And, for all you radio lovers, below is an audio only version of the show…

Posted in Bracket Rundown, Bracketology, Podcasts, Videocasts | 1 Comment

Bracketology 2025: March Madness Predictions (Version 8.0)

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Jon Teitel

For today’s Hoops HD Daily Rundown – CLICK HERE

We are only 3 weeks away from Selection Sunday as we begin to make our NCAA tourney predictions. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel correctly picked 67 of the 68 teams that made the 2024 tourney: 62 of his 67 were within 1 spot of their actual seed and 41 were right on the money. He will spend the upcoming weeks predicting which 68 teams will hear their names called on March 16th. See below for his list of who would make the cut if they picked the field today and if you agree or disagree then feel free to tweet us. To see how he stacks up with other websites (ranked 7th out of 179 bracket veterans over the past 5 years), check out: www.bracketmatrix.com

SEED: TEAM (CONFERENCE)
1: Auburn (SEC)
1: Duke (ACC)
1: Florida (SEC)
1: Alabama (SEC)

2: Houston (Big 12)
2: Tennessee (SEC)
2: Wisconsin (Big 10)
2: Texas A&M (SEC)

3: Iowa State (Big 12)
3: Purdue (Big 10)
3: Kentucky (SEC)
3: Arizona (Big 12)

4: Michigan (Big 10)
4: Michigan State (Big 10)
4: Texas Tech (Big 12)
4: St. John’s (Big East)

5: Missouri (SEC)
5: Marquette (Big East)
5: Maryland (Big 10)
5: Mississippi State (SEC)

6: Mississippi (SEC)
6: Kansas (Big 12)
6: UCLA (Big 10)
6: Clemson (ACC)

7: Louisville (ACC)
7: St. Mary’s (WCC)
7: Illinois (Big 10)
7: Oregon (Big 10)

8: Memphis (AAC)
8: Creighton (Big East)
8: Connecticut (Big East)
8: Utah State (MWC)

9: Gonzaga (WCC)
9: New Mexico (MWC)
9: BYU (Big 12)
9: Baylor (Big 12)

10: West Virginia (Big 12)
10: Nebraska (Big 10)
10: Vanderbilt (SEC)
10: Oklahoma (SEC)

11: San Diego State (MWC)
11: Texas (Big 12)
11: Ohio State (Big 10)
11: Wake Forest (ACC)
11: Arkansas (SEC)
11: Drake (MVC)

12: VCU (A-10)
12: UC San Diego (Big West)
12: McNeese (Southland)
12: Yale (Ivy)

13: Akron (MAC)
13: High Point (Big South)
13: James Madison (Sun Belt)
13: Lipscomb (Atlantic Sun)

14: Jacksonville State (C-USA)
14: Chattanooga (SoCon)
14: Utah Valley (WAC)
14: Towson (CAA)

15: Northern Colorado (Big Sky)
15: Cleveland State (Horizon)
15: Central Connecticut (NEC)
15: Norfolk State (MEAC)

16: Bryant (America East)
16: Omaha (Summit)
16: Southeast Missouri (OVC)
16: Southern (SWAC)
16: American (Patriot)
16: Quinnipiac (MAAC)

1ST 4 OUT
George Mason (A-10)
Georgia (SEC)
North Carolina (ACC)
SMU (ACC)

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