B12MD: Commissioner Brett Yormark on “progress over perfection” and the professionalization of college sports

How much does it really cost to build a winning college basketball team in 2026-27? With roster values ranging from $5 million to more than $25 million, college basketball's NIL arms race is changing the sport. The Eye on College Basketball crew breaks down the financial landscape of college hoops, examining NIL spending tiers, the growing gap between programs, and what it takes to assemble a roster capable of competing for a national championship. Which programs have the resources to compete with the biggest spenders? Can teams with smaller budgets still make a deep NCAA Tournament run? And how much does money really matter when it comes to winning in March? From multimillion-dollar rosters to the changing economics of recruiting and the transfer portal, we're breaking down the cost of competing in college basketball in 2026-27.

Gary Parrish catches up with Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Joseph "JoJo" Tugler at Big 12 Media Days. Sampson discusses how he rebuilt Houston into one of college basketball's premier programs, while Tugler reflects on his growth, defensive identity, and entering his fourth season with the Cougars.

Gary Parrish sits down with Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his impressive first five years leading the Wildcats, what it was like being courted by North Carolina, and how he secured the resources needed to keep Arizona competing at the highest level. Lloyd opens up about the realities of fundraising in college basketball, his philosophy of “hold me accountable, but don’t hold me back,” and the future of the program. Plus, a look at Arizona's talented roster featuring five-star freshmen Caleb Holt and Cameron Holmes, the importance of marquee non-conference matchups, the Maui Invitational, and the current state of college basketball.

Oklahoma State head coach Steve Lutz joins Gary Parrish at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his coaching journey, the expectations surrounding the Cowboys, and what it takes to compete in one of college basketball's toughest conferences. Lutz reflects on becoming a Division I head coach at 46, the financial investment required to build an NCAA Tournament-caliber roster, and Oklahoma State's commitment to developing young talent. Plus, he breaks down the Cowboys' freshman class, his up-tempo playing style, and whether Oklahoma State has what it takes to reach the NCAA Tournament this season.

Kansas State head coach Casey Alexander joins Gary Parrish at Big 12 Media Days to discuss his move from Belmont to Manhattan and the challenge of rebuilding the Wildcats in his first season. Alexander reflects on his decision to leave Belmont, the realities of constructing a roster from scratch in today's college basketball landscape, and how NIL resources impact his ability to compete in the Big 12. Plus, he breaks down Kansas State's roster, the challenges of re-establishing the program, and what success would look like in year one.