Episode 44 | Behind the Scenes at Duke

Steve Layman visits with national college basketball analyst, founder of Bracketeer, and Field of 68 & Basket Under Review contributor Rocco Miller. The pair discuss the upcoming college basketball season, top headlines, and an overview of the past, present, and future of Belmont Basketball. Miller shares first-hand insight on Belmont's remarkable 2025-26 MVC championship campaign, and looks ahead to the Bruins under Evan Bradds' leadership. Layman and Miller also delve into top-priority, mission-critical issues facing college basketball - from the Protect College Sports Act, pay-for-play, transfer portal, and the future of the NCAA Tournament. Miller also shares perspective on matters of greatest urgency for the Missouri Valley Conference, including national exposure through media rights' partnerships - such as Belmont's partnership with Basket Under Review, ESPN broadcasts, and men's and women's basketball success to optimize at-large bid opportunities and seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Layman and Miller also preview top teams and players heading into the season.

In this bonus episode, Steve Layman goes behind the scenes for extended coverage of Belmont men's basketball's historic trip to Duke and Cameron Indoor Stadium. Layman visits with hall of fame Coach Rick Byrd, who shares his pride in the growth and evolution of current Belmont head coach Evan Bradds and provides stories from his two times coaching against Mike Krzyzewski - each game decided by one point. Layman then chats with Basket Under Review correspondent Brian Rauf for a look at the new season-long partnership between Belmont and Basket Under Review for extended coverage of the program. Plus Rauf's perspective from Tobacco Road, and how the college basketball season shapes up. Layman connects with Belmont MSA grad and ACC Network producer Will Black, who reflects upon his formative years at Belmont, contributing to Belmont's award-winning ESPN productions, and life now leading Duke's broadcasts for ACC Network and ESPN. Black also credits Belmont Assistant Athletic Director Christian Sadler for his mentorship and personal investment as a student. The conversation then shifts to Duke play-by-play broadcaster David Shumate, who shares insight on Bradds' vast impact on Duke men's basketball during the 2025-26 season. His work with Cameron Boozer and his exponential rise as a respected coach in the industry. Shumate also provides his thoughts on former Belmont and current Duke forward Drew Scharnowski, and how Jon Scheyer holds Bradds and Belmont in high regard. The podcast comes full circle with Layman's pregame conversation with Bradds as well as Bradds' postgame comments from the historic Duke media center. Proudly presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee.

Steve Layman visits with national college basketball correspondent Joey Dwyer. The pair discuss the upcoming, season-long partnership between Belmont Basketball and Basket Under Review, and how fans will be afforded an inside look at Evan Bradds' and Bart Brooks' respective programs. Dwyer shared about his meteoric rise as a college basketball reporter, from a young fan of Notre Dame basketball to a respected voice in the game. Layman and Dwyer discuss the historic 2025-26 Belmont men's basketball campaign which yielded a Missouri Valley Conference championship and expectations for the 2026-27 season . Dwyer offers perspective on his long-form conversations with Coach Bradds, Jack Smiley, and Eoin Dillon, among others, and how Belmont has set itself apart in college basketball behind sustained excellence. Dwyer compares and contrasts Evan Bradds and Casey Alexander, and portends big things for several of Belmont's returning players and newcomers. Layman and Dwyer also take a broader look at the national college basketball landscape, top storylines, and intriguing teams.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont assistant athletic director for video operations Christian Sadler. The pair discuss upbringing in middle Tennessee, the influence his faith and family have on this daily life, and how Belmont has grown exponentially as a university and athletic program. Price shares about his early days as a Belmont undergraduate student interested in helping with the Bruins' live event productions and growing into his present role as a leader within the industry. Layman and Sadler discuss how new technology and the rise of streaming and video on demand have revolutionized access to live sports. Sadler also expresses gratitude to Belmont athletic department leaders such as Mike Strickland, Scott Corley, Dr. Rich Tiner, and Rick Bengtson for being instrumental in his professional growth and development. Sadler shares about personal pride in seeing successes of Belmont graduates such as Paris Lawson, Madison Hock, Emily Proud, Will Black, and Jacob Lutz in the industry, and how his love of Belmont continues to manifest itself in the SOUL framework. Layman and Sadler also exchange some of their favorite Belmont broadcasts and moments.

Steve Layman visits with former Belmont men's basketball assistant coach and current Athletic Director of The Baylor School Mark Price. The pair discuss wide ranging topics, from Price hosting one of the top prep football players in the nation, to his love of the outdoors. Price shares about The Baylor School's unique experience in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup Champion Spain as their training base camp. From strict security guidelines to ensuring facility specifications met the standard of the Spanish federation, Price details the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being up-close with Spain during their World Cup championship run. Price also shares about his transition from coaching to exclusively athletic administration, and how lessons from and friendship with Hall of Fame head coach Rick Byrd have shaped his daily approach. Price and Layman also share stories on new Belmont men's basketball head coach Evan Bradds, from his unique recruitment, to going from a wing player to the most efficient post scorer in college basketball, to his rise within the NBA and college coaching community. Price also tells stories of Belmont legend Craig Bradshaw and his memories from mission trips to Africa, Haiti, and South Dakota.

Steve Layman visits with former Belmont All-MVC catcher Brenna Brume for a wide-ranging conversation on her playing career and overall Belmont experience. The pair discuss Blume's experiences on the Betty Wiseman Sports Evangelism mission trips, including the most recent trip to Poland. Blume shares about her heart for service and how playing the catcher position lends itself to thinking about and caring about others. Blume reflects on playing for Belmont head coach Laura Matthews, Matthews' leadership style and running a "players-first program" where total athlete wellness is central to the mission. The catcher also shares about being behind the plate for two of the top pitchers in college softball - Belmont legend Maya Johnson and Texas Tech All-American NiJaree Canady, who Blume caught during their club softball careers. Blume retells funny stories from her softball career, including moments on the team bus and her memorable final out in Belmont's 2026 NCAA Tournament victory over Southeastern Louisiana. She concludes by opening up about her genuine love for Belmont University and all it offers student-athletes.

Steve Layman visits with Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger for a wide-ranging panel discussion in front of a live audience on the Belmont University campus. The pair discuss Burger's life journey from a decorated prep athlete and All-American at Missouri State to becoming the 11th overall selection in the 2017 MLB Entry Draft. Burger shares how his faith and his family have helped shape him, and helped him navigate seasons of adversity. Burger opens up about the blessings of being a husband and father, and balancing life as a professional athlete. Burger also provides insight to Belmont athletes on personal wellness and mental health, showing vulnerability and optimism through his own journey. Layman concludes by asking Burger about his hopes for the season, a breakdown of the state of Major League Baseball, and things he enjoys in his free time.

Steve Layman visits with the 11th men's basketball head coach in Belmont history, Evan Bradds. The pair discuss a circuitous and providential route to the sidelines, from the love and support of his family in rural Ohio to a record-setting playing career at Belmont. Bradds shares how a pre-draft workout with the Indiana Pacers changed the trajectory of his career and life, and how is passion for basketball manifests itself in coaching. Bradds open up about influences from Rick Byrd, Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla, WIll Hardy, and Jon Scheyer, to his appreciations for Casey Alexander's program stewardship. Bradds details his commitment to the Belmont program, and how his experience developing top NBA players like Gordon Hayward, Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, and presumptive lottery pick Cameron Boozer will benefit present and future Belmont players. Layman concludes by asking Bradds about his short-term plan for roster construction, offseason program, and culture building, with discussion of his similarities and differences to Byrd and Alexander.

Steve Layman visits with Boston Globe sports editor emeritus and Main Street Nashville reporter Joe Sullivan and Belmont associate athletic director and basketball color analyst Greg Sage to discuss the Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball season and preview the conference tournament. The trio discuss Belmont's regular season conference championship, NCAA-leading effective field goal percentage, balance, depth, teamwork, and coaching, and recap the conference regular season standings. Layman, Sullivan, and Sage also discuss all-conference awards, the voting process, and Belmont players under consideration. They conclude by sharing thoughts on overall conference depth as the No. 9 conference nationally.

Steve Layman visits with Belmont men's basketball assistant coach Luke Smith. The pair discuss Belmont's strong start to the season, including impressive undefeated pre-Christmas record away from home by a combined margin of 150 points, team chemistry and connectedness on defense, and placement in national college basketball metrics. Smith shares his unique and circuitous route from Knoxville Catholic, to Sewanee, then emerging as an Academic All-American at Belmont, and eventually coaching. Layman sparks conversation on some of the great players in Belmont history, and how players like Grayson Murphy and Nick Muszynski would stack up past, present, and future. Smith also shares about finding purpose and life calling at Belmont, his friendships with teammates, and what it is like to be on head coach Casey Alexander's staff. Smith opens up about being the son of a coach, ways to unwind outside of basketball, and favorite vacation destinations.