The Monarchists Basketball Show

🏀 **3-0. Three wins. Three different ways. And Coach Mike Jones LOVES this ODU Basketball team.**Old Dominion is off to its first 3-0 start since the 2015-16 season, and the Monarchs are giving fans plenty of reasons to believe!On this week's episode of **The Monarchists Basketball Show**, Aaron and Mike sit down with ODU Men's Basketball Head Coach Mike Jones to break down the Monarchs' unbeaten start, Jared Turner's unforgettable performance against Bucknell, the development of Zacch Wiggins, and what makes this year's roster different.After a 61-49 win over Western Michigan, a victory over Regent, and an explosive 82-62 road win at Bucknell, Coach Jones shares why this team can win in different ways and why he believes its best basketball is still ahead.🔥 **ON THIS EPISODE:**🏀 **Jared Turner is ON FIRE!** Eight three-pointers against Bucknell, plus major improvements in rebounding and defense.🏀 **Zacch Wiggins' evolution.** From his 25-point performance against Western Michigan to becoming a more complete, efficient player.🏀 **The Bucknell explosion.** How ODU overcame the 1-3-1 zone and erupted for 56 second-half points.🏀 **Depth that makes a difference.** How Jotham Nweke, Kylan Howze, Zamoku Weluche-Ume, and others are transforming the Monarchs' frontcourt.🏀 **The Holiman-Thurmon combination.** Why Adante' Holiman and Khoi Thurmon give ODU two experienced, complementary point guards.🏀 **Coach Jones' winning formula.** The five major benchmarks he uses to evaluate his team, including defensive scoring limits, rebounding, three-point shooting, and closing out games.🏀 **Honoring Mario Mullen.** A heartfelt conversation about Coach Jones' former teammate and the special moment shared with Mario's son, Chase.🏀 **Why ODU schedules non-Division I opponents.** Coach Jones explains the realities and challenges of building a competitive non-conference schedule.⚔️ **THE BATTLE OF NORFOLK!** Coach previews Wednesday's rivalry showdown at Norfolk State and explains why the Monarchs must be prepared for a physical fight inside Echols Hall.📅 **UPCOMING ODU BASKETBALL GAMES**🔹 Wednesday, November 11 — at Norfolk State | 7 PM ET🔹 Saturday, November 14 — vs. Longwood | 4 PM ET | Chartway Arena**MONARCH NATION, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!**What has impressed you most about this 3-0 start? Jared Turner's shooting? The toughness on defense? The depth? Or something else?👇 Drop your thoughts and predictions for Norfolk State in the comments!🔔 **SUBSCRIBE TO THE MONARCHISTS!**Subscribe to our YouTube channel, hit the notification bell, and join us for more exclusive ODU interviews, basketball analysis, football coverage, and everything Monarch Nation.🌐 **FOLLOW THE MONARCHISTS**Website: https://odumonarchists.comX: @ODUMonarchistsFacebook: @ODUMonarchistsInstagram: @ODUMonarchists💙 **SUPPORT ODU ATHLETICS**This episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation (ODAF). Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition, and in life. Become a member today!⏱️ **CHAPTERS**00:00 – ODAF Introduction & Welcome00:35 – ODU's 3-0 Start and Explosive Scoring Runs01:15 – Jared Turner's Incredible Shooting Streak03:30 – Responding to Adversity Against Western Michigan05:15 – Jared Turner's Defensive and Rebounding Development07:05 – Zacch Wiggins: Efficient, Unselfish and Explosive08:45 – Building a Deeper, More Athletic ODU Roster11:05 – Remembering Mario Mullen: A Special Tribute14:05 – Coach Jones Explains the Non-Conference Schedule18:25 – Breaking Down Bucknell's 1-3-1 Zone and ODU's 56-Point Half21:15 – Adante' Holiman and Khoi Thurmon: Two Different Weapons24:50 – Rebounding, Bench Production and Frontcourt Depth27:35 – Kylan Howze's Potential and Offensive Development29:50 – Ball Movement, Assists and Offensive Versatility33:00 – Defensive Shot Charts and ODU's Physical Identity36:10 – Coach Jones Reveals His Five Winning Benchmarks39:40 – Protecting the Paint and Improving Every Game44:05 – Norfolk State Preview: A Rivalry Built on Toughness50:55 – Coach Jones' Message to Monarch Nation#ODUBasketball #MonarchNation #SunBeltBasketball

"I love this team." - Coach Mike JonesThe 2026–27 ODU Men's Basketball season is almost here, and Head Coach Mike Jones joins Aaron and Mike for Season 5, Episode 2 of The Monarchists Basketball Show!Following exhibitions against VCU and Virginia State, Coach Jones gives Monarch Nation an inside look at a team he's excited about. From a revamped defensive philosophy to an emphasis on physicality, leadership, and playing with pace, he explains what makes this group different and why he's optimistic about the season ahead.We also discuss the impact of new assistant coaches Jim Molinari and Orlando Vandross, the development of Zacch Wiggins, the leadership of Adante' Holiman and Bubu Benjamin, an injury update on Lucio Martini, and the challenge of establishing a rotation with so much depth.Plus, Coach shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes details about how his staff evaluates personalities, teaches toughness, and prepares players to sacrifice for the good of the team.The regular season tips off Monday, November 2, when ODU hosts Western Michigan at Chartway Arena in the MAC–Sun Belt Challenge.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Team Expectations02:00 – New Assistant Coaches and Their Impact07:00 – Installing ODU's New Defensive System09:05 – Lessons Learned Against VCU11:50 – Virginia State Exhibition and ODU Connections13:30 – The Identity of This ODU Team16:45 – Coaching, Communication and Building Culture21:20 – Teaching Toughness and Finishing Through Contact24:25 – Lucio Martini Injury Update28:05 – The Development of Zacch Wiggins31:05 – Adante' Holiman's Leadership and Scoring34:10 – Why ODU Recruited Bubu Benjamin37:50 – Playing Rotation, Depth and Emerging Guards42:20 – Playing Time, Shot Attempts and Sacrifice45:45 – Preparing for Western Michigan48:30 – The Importance of ODU's Student Managers54:45 – Building a Schedule to Win the Sun BeltSupport The Monarchists!👍 Like this video if you're ready for ODU Basketball!💬 Comment below: What excites you most about this year's Monarchs?🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show, player interviews, or our coverage throughout the season.Follow The Monarchists:🌐 Website: https://odumonarchists.comX: @ODUMonarchistsFacebook: @ODUMonarchistsInstagram: @ODUMonarchistsThis episode is presented by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Support ODU student-athletes and help build champions in the classroom, in competition, and in life.#ODUBasketball #ODU #Monarchs #SunBelt

Old Dominion Basketball is back.Head Coach Mike Jones joins The Monarchists Basketball Show for the first offseason episode to break down everything Monarch fans need to know before the 2026-27 season.Coach Jones goes player-by-player through the entire transfer portal class, discusses every freshman, explains why Old Dominion intentionally built a longer, more athletic roster, and details how the coaching staff attacked the team's biggest weakness from last season.We also discuss:🏀 Every transfer addition and how each fits the roster🏀 Freshman recruiting class🏀 Defensive philosophy changes🏀 Why wingspan matters as much as height🏀 New assistant coaches Orlando Vandross and Jim Molinari🏀 Professional basketball opportunities for Jordan Battle, KC Shaw, Cal and others🏀 LJ Thomas' impressive business success after ODU🏀 NCAA rule changes🏀 Five-in-Five eligibility rule🏀 2026-27 schedule news🏀 Western Michigan season opener🏀 Richmond exhibition update🏀 Norfolk State rivalry🏀 Golf tournament details🏀 NBA offseason discussionIf you're an Old Dominion Basketball fan, this is one episode you don't want to miss.Subscribe for exclusive ODU Basketball coverage all season long.👍 Like the video💬 Tell us which newcomer you're most excited to watch.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss another Monarchs Basketball Show.#ODU #ODUBasketball #Monarchs #SunBelt #CollegeBasketball #TransferPortalChapters00:00 Intro1:05 NBA Finals thoughts4:00 ODU seniors turning pro7:20 LJ Thomas' incredible business success10:00 Breaking down every transfer addition10:25 Bubu Benjamin11:45 Jotham Nweke12:55 Adante' Holiman14:20 Khoi Thurman15:35 Kylan Howze16:55 Lucio Martini18:10 Zamoku Weluche-Ume19:45 Why wingspan matters more than height22:15 New assistant coaches24:45 Building a better defense26:00 Freshman class26:20 Theo Gerges27:10 CJ Lyons28:15 CJ Harper29:45 Ahmad Caver's endorsement31:15 NCAA rule changes37:20 Should college basketball switch to quarters?39:55 Five-in-Five eligibility explained44:55 Western Michigan season opener announced45:50 ODU Basketball Golf Tournament51:00 NBA offseason moves (Jalen Brown, Paul George, and more)57:20 Richmond exhibition teaser59:10 2026-27 schedule overview1:01:00 Final thoughts

Monarch Nation, this was a must-listen episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show.Head Coach Mike Jones joins Aaron and Mike for a deep, honest breakdown of the week that was—what went wrong against ULM, how the team responded against Ohio, and why the next three games inside Chartway Arena will define the stretch run.Coach Jones takes you inside:- The emotional hangover from the road trip- A powerful 6:00 AM practice that reset the culture- Zacch Wiggins’ growth as a true freshman- Cal’s impact when he stays out of foul trouble- LJ’s clutch, ice-cold finish- The goaltending no-call everyone’s still talking about- Scouting Marshall and Georgia State- Game-day preparation during doubleheaders- What he learned from this season so far- Ronnie Valentine’s jersey retirement on Valentine’s Day- Why these final home games matter more than everPlus:🎙️ A special message about The Mane Event w/ Coach Mike Jones at Afterglow Brewing on Thursday, 2/19 at 6PM and a plug for our upcoming episode with ODU Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Clarisse Machanguana, Mozambique flood relief, and a rallying call for Monarch Nation.Go Fund Me: Rebuilding Clarisse's Home After Mozambique Floods https://gofund.me/00e5a6e74The Mane Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6K2q3pGu/Buckle up. This one has everything. Go Monarchs!⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro & ODAF Message00:45 – ULM Recap: “We Didn’t Answer the Call”01:55 – Mental Hangover from Texas State02:35 – Ohio Win & Late Rebounding Surge03:55 – Chartway Crowd Energy Impact05:00 – The Goaltending No-Call Breakdown 😬07:45 – The 6:00 AM Reset Practice10:05 – Zacch Wiggins’ First Home Start11:25 – Freshman Development & Work Ethic12:35 – Finishing Through Contact & Physical Growth13:45 – Cal’s Impact When Out of Foul Trouble16:05 – The “Pass of the Year” Moment17:30 – LJ’s Crunch-Time Takeover19:50 – 16-of-18 From the Line & Only 6 Turnovers20:55 – ODAF Mid-Roll22:30 – Marshall Preview & Doubleheader Setup24:10 – Game-Day Prep Changes Explained25:20 – The Mitch Advantage (24/7 Access)26:55 – Spurs Practice Facility Experience28:15 – Ronnie Valentine Jersey Retirement ❤️29:45 – Georgia State Preview31:10 – Louisiana Game Reminder (President’s Day)31:55 – Senior Day Discussion33:40 – Conference Scheduling Frustrations35:05 – The Mane Event at Afterglow Announcement36:45 – Baseball Season & Clarisse Machanguana Tease 🌍38:20 – Coach Jones’ Message to Monarch Nation39:55 – Go Monarchs

The Monarchists Basketball Show is back with Head Coach Mike Jones as Old Dominion wraps up a critical road trip and turns the page toward two huge home games at Chartway Arena.We break down the heartbreaker at Georgia Southern, the gritty win at App State, and what Coach Jones learned about his team’s growth, toughness, and maturity along the way. The conversation highlights Jordan Battle’s electric performance, Jared Turner’s confidence and development, and what it truly means to learn how to win in Sun Belt play.Looking ahead, Coach Jones previews:- A massive Wednesday night matchup vs. Troy- A Saturday showdown vs. Louisiana- The jersey retirement of ODU legend Ronnie Valentine- Why alumni weekends, tradition, and fan support matter more than everThis episode is all about growth, belief, and momentum as the Monarchs fight for positioning and prepare for the stretch run toward Pensacola.🎧 Presented by The Pride of ODU👉 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU00:30 – Road trip recap & growth since last episode01:20 – Georgia Southern heartbreak breakdown02:50 – Free throws, officiating & attacking the rim04:45 – Practice focus & late-game pressure06:05 – Boone, App State & rivalry mentality07:10 – Jordan Battle’s big night & infectious energy09:00 – A “maturity win” and learning how to close games10:30 – Jared Turner’s development & confidence12:30 – What the team learned from the road trip14:00 – Troy preview: shooting, defense & adjustments16:10 – Handling multiple defensive looks18:10 – Louisiana preview & defensive challenges20:30 – Ronnie Valentine jersey retirement meaning22:10 – Alumni weekend & Monarch tradition24:15 – What fans should see now vs early season26:15 – February urgency & Sun Belt positioning27:30 – Final thoughts & Here Come The Monarchs

Old Dominion Basketball Head Coach Mike Jones joins The Monarchists Basketball Show to break down a pivotal Sun Belt road trip, highlight standout performances, and dive deep into what it will take for the Monarchs to stay in the thick of the conference race.Coach Jones walks us through:-The defensive tone-setting win at Coastal Carolina-Robert Davis Jr.’s bounce-back performance and leadership-The heartbreaking finish at James Madison and late-game execution-What discipline really means in tight Sun Belt games-How injuries impact the frontcourt and rebounding-Preparing for major road tests at Georgia Southern and App State-Why every single possession matters in this leagueThis episode is a must-listen for Monarch Nation as ODU battles through one of the toughest stretches of conference play.🦁 Join the Pride of ODU 👉 https://theprideofodu.com/pages/memberships🎧 Subscribe for weekly ODU Athletics coverage👍 Like, comment, and share with Monarch Nation⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU01:00 – Defensive mindset & fast start vs Coastal02:10 – Why road trips shape Sun Belt standings03:00 – Robert Davis Jr.’s impact beyond scoring05:00 – Creating energy in tough road environments06:40 – Quick turnarounds & second-time matchups08:30 – Dominant first half vs JMU10:00 – Life in the paint without key bigs12:00 – Robert Davis Jr. injury update13:00 – Film sessions, ball movement & rebounding15:00 – Discipline becoming a team identity17:20 – Coach Jones on Mark Cline’s influence19:00 – Late-game execution & timeout strategy23:00 – Breaking down Georgia Southern matchup26:00 – What to expect at App State28:00 – Coach Jones’ message to Monarch Nation

Old Dominion Basketball Head Coach Mike Jones joins The Monarchists Basketball Show for an honest, in-depth conversation about where the Monarchs stand as Sun Belt play heats up. Coach Jones breaks down the challenges of a tough non-conference schedule, early-game struggles, offensive flow, defensive execution, rebounding analytics, lineup decisions, and the leadership emerging inside the locker room. He also previews a massive matchup with Georgia Southern and addresses fan questions head-on — from slow starts to young player development to Sun Belt scheduling frustrations. Despite the bumps, one thing is clear: everything the Monarchs want to accomplish is still right in front of them. 🎙️ Real talk. Real insight. Real Monarch basketball. 👇 Get involved, drop your thoughts in the comments, and Go Monarchs. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The Pride of ODU & Show Intro 01:00 – Season reflection since Villanova 02:15 – Non-conference scheduling & roster health 03:40 – JMU win, Coastal & App State lessons 05:10 – Slow starts & early-game focus issues 07:40 – Defensive execution & rebounding fundamentals 10:00 – Offensive flow & ball movement concerns 13:00 – Injuries, rotations & continuity challenges 15:10 – Analytics: box-outs, crashing & idle possessions 18:45 – “I’m gonna get mine” offense discussed 20:40 – Leadership emerging on the roster 24:00 – Young players, rotations & Zacch Wiggins 30:00 – Special teams in basketball & execution lapses 33:10 – What Coach wants to see in the next 3 games 36:00 – Georgia Southern scouting report 40:10 – Sun Belt scheduling frustrations 42:40 – Message to Monarch Nation & closing thoughts

Monarch Nation, we’re back with another episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show featuring Old Dominion Head Coach Mike Jones!In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Coach Jones opens up about the team’s growth since the early-season road trip — and the fellas don’t hold back. We ask Coach some tough, honest questions about the struggles, lapses, and inconsistencies the Monarchs have shown so far this season, including what’s behind the offensive stagnation, defensive breakdowns, and difficulty maintaining momentum on the road.Coach breaks down the lessons learned from four challenging road losses (Miami (OH), George Washington, Xavier, Drexel) and the positives gained from strong home performances against Randolph, Norfolk State, and Morgan State. He also explains how he’s balancing a roster full of former “go-to guys,” the importance of trust, and why becoming a more connected team is the key to unlocking their true potential.You’ll also get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at ODU’s analytics system — from deflections to punctures to multi-side possessions — and how the coaching staff uses real-time data to guide decision-making.The episode wraps with a preview of massive upcoming road matchups vs Villanova, William & Mary, Richmond, and George Mason… plus a powerful message to Monarch Nation about staying locked in as this team gears up for Sun Belt play.Whether you’re looking for Xs and Os, honest discussions about growing pains, or pure ODU hoops passion… this episode delivers . . . despite problematic hotel internet towards the end.Go Monarchs!⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the Monarchists Basketball Show00:32 – Coach Jones on Team Growth Since Miami (OH)02:00 – Why Offense Sometimes Stalls & Breaking Old Habits03:15 – Defensive Struggles: Technique, Trust & Fixing Blow-By Drives05:20 – Inconsistency & Learning to Play Connected07:10 – The Miami (OH) First Half & What “Good ODU Basketball” Looks Like08:00 – Electric Atmosphere vs Norfolk State & Newcomer Reactions09:00 – Home vs. Road: Fixing Runs & Stopping Momentum Swings10:40 – Identifying a Leader When Things Go Wrong11:00 – Zacch Wiggins’ Maturity & Freshman Impact12:00 – Defensive Technique Deep Dive: Turning Hips vs Stepping Out14:00 – What High School/AAU Doesn’t Always Teach Defensively15:50 – Xavier Breakdown: Length, Matchups & Missed Responses17:00 – Timeout Philosophy & Preparing for Sun Belt Crunch Time19:00 – ODU’s Analytics System (Deflections, Punctures, Shot Clock Zones)24:00 – Internet Chaos & Pepper the Dog’s Cameo26:00 – Closing Thoughts from Mike & Aaron28:20 – Final Message from Coach Jones30:00 – Why Monarch Nation’s Support Matters

The Monarchists Basketball Show is back!Coach Mike Jones joins Mike and Aaron to break down the Old Dominion University Men’s Basketball program as the season tips off. Coach Jones shares insights from the Costa Rica trip, talks about the team’s depth and personality, reveals what he learned from the exhibition vs. Hampton, and previews the upcoming matchup with Miami (OH).He dives into the development of Scottie Hubbard and Zacch Wiggins, the team’s scoring potential, defensive growth, and what makes ODU’s depth their “superpower.” Plus, he discusses leadership in the locker room, the fan experience, the challenging but intentional road schedule, and why this season feels special for Monarch Nation.🏀 Be a Monarchist. Join The Pride.📖 Chapters00:00 – Intro & Welcome Back to The Monarchists Basketball Show01:00 – Coach Jones on Goals for Camp and Building Team Chemistry02:00 – What the Costa Rica Trip Taught the Team03:00 – The Value of Personality and Team Bonding04:00 – Scottie Hubbard’s Transformation and Hard Work05:00 – Freshman Standout Zacch Wiggins Impresses Early06:00 – Depth is ODU’s “Superpower”07:00 – Building Trust Through Practice and Game Situations10:00 – Takeaways from the Exhibition vs. Hampton12:00 – Learning Moments, Metrics, and Why the Exhibition Was Valuable15:00 – Offensive Firepower and Style of Play This Season17:00 – Defensive Identity and Game Plan Versatility18:00 – Scouting Miami (OH) and the MAC Challenge20:00 – A Tough Road Environment and What to Expect from Miami22:00 – Rotations, Injuries, and Building Chemistry24:00 – The Excitement Around ODU’s Depth and Talent25:00 – Playing Small Ball and Creating Mismatches27:00 – Shooting, Rebounding, and Offensive Confidence28:00 – Players to Watch: KC Shaw, LJ Thomas, Drew McKenna, and More30:00 – The Road Schedule and Preparing for the Sun Belt32:00 – Fan Accessibility and Intentional Scheduling33:00 – How NIL and Revenue Sharing Impact Scheduling34:00 – Building Momentum from Last Season35:00 – Leadership in the Locker Room37:00 – Team Personalities, Energy, and Culture38:00 – Meet the Monarchs Night and Fan Connection40:00 – Making ODU Basketball Events More Accessible42:00 – Will There Be a Basketball Breakfast This Year?43:00 – Looking Ahead: Selection Sunday Dreams44:00 – New Dining Hall, Future Plans, and Coach’s Vision45:00 – Closing Thoughts: Excitement for the Season & Go Monarchs!

Mike talks with Mike Jones, Head Coach of Old Dominion Men's Basketball, to talk about their recent road trip, this week's trip to the peach state, the adversity they've faced, the lessons learned and a lot more.