We’re continuing the conversation on the latest episode of my podcast, “Courtside With Coach J-Ride,” “Alex Steen Wins Eligibility Case, LSU Preview!” With major developments in college basketball eligibility and LSU finally being able to introduce Will Wade’s roster, there’s plenty to discuss heading into the Tigers’ exhibition matchup against Florida State. I break down how the latest eligibility rulings and the addition of three players could change the dynamic for LSU as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Today, catch me on the call as the analyst for LSU vs. Florida State on the ACC Network! Tune in Saturday, October 24, at 1:00 PM ET on ACC Network Extra (ACCNX) / ESPN+ as the LSU Tigers take on the Florida State Seminoles at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Don’t miss out! Tune in to the latest episode on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartMedia Podcasts. Grab your front-row seat courtside! Watch the episode here: youtu.be/OxtwRUwwm-4 #CourtsideWithCoachJRide #CollegeBasketball #LSUTigers #FloridaStateBasketball #FSU #SECBasketball #ACCBasketball #CollegeHoops #SportsBroadcasting #BasketballAnalysis

For this week’s #FridayHoops, a new episode of my podcast, "Courtside With Coach J-Ride," is live! In this episode, "Alex Steen Wins Eligibility Case, LSU Preview," my co-host Ira Schoffel of Warchant.com and I break down Alex Steen’s eligibility case, preview LSU, and discuss how Steen’s ability to run the floor creates matchup problems for opposing defenses. We dive into how his relentless transition game forces defenders to get back quickly, opens up rebounding opportunities, and creates scoring chances at the rim for himself and his teammates - but most importantly will clear space for Marcis Ponder for a trailing dunk. Don’t miss out! Tune in on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartMedia Podcasts. Grab your front-row seat courtside! Watch the episode here: youtu.be/OxtwRUwwm-4 #FridayHoops #CourtsideWithCoachJRide #CollegeBasketball #FloridaStateBasketball #FSUBasketball #LSUBasketball #AlexSteen #NCAABasketball #BasketballAnalysis #CollegeHoops #CourtsideWithCoachJRide

For this week’s #ThursdayTipOff, I'm revisiting a memorable week in Birmingham filled with SEC basketball, familiar faces, and plenty of hoops talk! From SEC Media Day, featuring SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, to the Ballin’ in Boutwell matchup between Florida State and Auburn, it was a great day celebrating the game from every angle. Always great reconnecting with familiar faces, including former colleague Dickie Nutt, now an assistant coach at Missouri, and Marquis Daniels, a former Auburn player who went on to play more than a decade in the NBA. The game is bigger than what happens between the lines. It’s about the people, the preparation, and the basketball IQ that shape it all. Follow me for expert breakdowns, X’s & O’s, game IQ insights, and insider hoops analysis you won’t get anywhere else. Visit jacobridenhour.com to learn more. #ThursdayTipOff #CollegeBasketball #SECBasketball #SEC #BasketballIQ #BasketballAnalysis #BasketballCoaching #SportsMedia #AuburnBasketball #FloridaStateBasketball #JacobRidenhour #CourtsideWithCoachJRide

For today’s #MondayMatchup, we’re continuing the conversation on the latest episode of my podcast, “Courtside With Coach J-Ride,” “A Look at the BRAND NEW FSU Men’s Basketball Squad!” My co-host, Ira Schoffel of Warchant.com, and I break down the new-look Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball team and discuss the players making an impact on the court. In this clip, we talk about Shon Abaev’s impressive passing ability, court vision, and defensive instincts. His ability to anticipate passing lanes, disrupt the opposing offense, and create opportunities for his teammates shows how much he can bring to the game. We also discuss how his playmaking at the point helped FSU find its rhythm against Auburn. Grab your front-row seat courtside and catch the full episode here: youtu.be/pJDb1FU1uPg Don’t miss out! Tune in on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartMedia Podcasts. #MondayMatchup #CourtsideWithCoachJR ide #FloridaStateBasketball #FSUBasketball #FSU #ShonAbaev #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #SeminolesBasketball #BasketballAnalysis #BasketballPodcast #CoachJRide

For today's #FridayHoops, a new episode of my podcast, "Courtside With Coach J-Ride," is live! In this episode, "A Look at the BRAND NEW FSU Men's Basketball Squad," my co-host Ira Schoffel of Warchant.com and I break down Florida State’s preseason exhibition matchup against Auburn University, including FSU’s dominance on the boards, second-chance opportunities, and the impressive rebounding ability and physical presence of newcomer Marcis Ponder. We discuss why his relentless approach to rebounding could make him a major force for the Seminoles this season! Don’t miss out! Tune in on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Media Podcasts. Grab your front-row seat courtside! Watch the episode here: youtu.be/pJDb1FU1uPg #FridayHoops #CourtsideWithCoachJRide #FloridaStateBasketball #FSUBasketball #FSU #CollegeBasketball #AuburnBasketball #ACC #NCAABasketball #BasketballAnalysis

For this week’s #WednesdayMatchup we’re headed to Birmingham for a heavyweight ACC vs. SEC matchup! The Florida State Seminoles take on the Auburn Tigers in the third annual Ballin’ in Boutwell, a preseason exhibition featuring two programs looking to build momentum ahead of the new season. There’s plenty to watch in this one: Auburn’s revamped roster and imposing frontline, Florida State’s new-look frontcourt featuring an explosive, physical presence in the paint, and a fascinating point guard battle between Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford and Florida State’s Anthony Robinson III. With both teams led by second-year head coaches looking to take the next step, this matchup offers an exciting early look at how these programs are shaping up for the season. Catch me tonight as the analyst on the Seminole Sports Network courtside for Florida State vs. Auburn! Tip-off is at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT on Wednesday, October 14. Let’s break down the matchups, the X’s and O’s, and the players who could make the difference. Follow me for more breakdowns on X’s & O’s, basketball IQ, player development, coaching, and real basketball insights you won’t find in the box score. Visit jacobridenhour.com for more. #BasketballWednesday #FloridaStateBasketball #AuburnBasketball #BallinInBoutwell #CollegeBasketball #ACC #SEC #BasketballAnalyst #SportsBroadcasting #NCAABasketball #JacobRidenhour

For today’s #MondayHoops, another memory from my recent trip to Spain. This trip was about more than the miles traveled. From riding my motorcycle all the way from the USA to Spain to exploring new places with my wife, it was an unforgettable experience filled with incredible sights, meaningful moments, and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the game of basketball along the way. Seeing basketball courts in different parts of the world is always a great reminder of how sports bring people together across cultures and communities. No matter where you are, the game has a way of connecting people through competition, teamwork, and a shared love for basketball. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve always believed that there is something to learn from every experience, both on and off the court. This trip gave me plenty of memories to look back on and another reminder that the lessons we carry from the game extend far beyond the sidelines. Follow me for expert breakdowns, X’s & O’s, game IQ insights, and insider hoops analysis you won’t get anywhere else. Visit my website at jacobridenhour.com to learn more. #MondayHoops #JacobRidenhour #CollegeBasketball #BasketballCoach #BasketballIQ #XsAndOs #NCAABasketball #ACCBasketball #SECBasketball #BasketballLife #SportsLeadership #JacobRidenhour

For today’s #WisdomFromTheBenchFriday, we’re talking about one of the most important tools a coach has at their disposal: the timeout. A timeout isn’t just about stopping momentum. It’s about creating a plan for what comes next. Great coaches use those moments to reset their team, make adjustments, communicate clearly, and put their players in the best position to execute the next play. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve learned that the best timeouts aren’t always about drawing up something complicated. Sometimes, it’s about getting your team focused, making the right adjustment, and giving them a clear plan for what comes next. Follow me for more breakdowns on X’s & O’s, basketball IQ, player development, coaching, and real basketball insights you won’t find in the box score. Visit jacobridenhour.com for more. #WisdomFromTheBench #Basketball #BasketballCoach #BasketballCoaching #Coaching #BasketballIQ #BasketballStrategy #XsAndOs #PlayerDevelopment #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #CoachLife #BasketballTraining #Leadership #JacobRidenhour

For today’s #MondayHoops, another memory from my recent trip to Spain. Sometimes, you find the perfect crossover between two sports when you least expect it. This photo, taken just outside the Cruz de Ferro on the Camino de Santiago across Spain, capturing a combined space shared with two of the world's most popular sports: soccer and basketball.  Maybe their popularity lies in some similarities - team work, attacking offensively, balance and spacing. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’m always looking at the game through a basketball lens, but I also love the unexpected places and experiences that remind us why sports connect people across cultures, countries, and generations. You never know where you’ll find your next basketball lesson — sometimes, it’s where two sports come together in the most unexpected way. Follow me for expert breakdowns, X’s & O’s, game IQ insights, and insider hoops analysis you won’t get anywhere else. Visit my website at jacobridenhour.com to learn more. #MondayHoops #Basketball #BasketballCoach #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #BasketballIQ #GameIQ #BasketballTraining #Coaching #SportsAnalysis #XsAndOs #CaminoDeSantiago #Spain #SportsTravel #JacobRidenhour

For today’s #FlashbackFridayHoops, another memory from my recent trip to Spain. This time, it’s a little different. A motorcycle, a basketball court, and the beautiful surroundings of Lugo, Spain. Two things I’ve always loved—riding and basketball—coming together in one unforgettable moment. There’s something about being on a motorcycle that reminds me of basketball: the freedom to explore, the need to stay alert, and the importance of knowing when to make your next move. Whether I’m on the road or on the court, I’ve always enjoyed the journey as much as the destination. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve spent decades studying the game, developing players, and understanding the details that can make the difference between a good team and a great one. Follow me for expert breakdowns, X’s & O’s, game IQ insights, and insider hoops analysis you won’t get anywhere else. Visit my website at jacobridenhour.com to learn more. #FridayHoops #Basketball #BasketballCoach #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #BasketballIQ #BasketballAnalysis #XsAndOs #GameIQ #CoachingBasketball #BasketballTraining #SportsLeadership #Spain #LugoSpain #MotorcycleLife

For today’s #WisdomFromTheBenchWednesday, I’m taking the game outside the arena and back to one of its simplest forms: a basketball, a hoop, and the love of the game. During my recent trip to Spain, I found myself on a basketball court in Riocorvo, Cantabria, and it reminded me of something I’ve always believed: you don’t need a packed gym, a scoreboard, or a championship on the line to learn something from basketball. The game teaches you everywhere you find it. Every court has a lesson. Every shot gives you an opportunity to improve. And every time you step onto the floor, you have a chance to compete, stay disciplined, and enjoy the game. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve learned that some of the most important lessons in basketball—and in life—come from simply showing up, putting in the work, and staying ready for your next opportunity. That’s the wisdom from the bench. Follow me for more breakdowns on X’s & O’s, basketball IQ, player development, coaching, and real basketball insights you won’t find in the box score. Visit jacobridenhour.com for more. #WisdomFromTheBench #BasketballCoach #BasketballIQ  #BasketballTraining #NCAABasketball #CollegeBasketball #BasketballMindset #BasketballCulture #XsAndOs #SportsLeadership #SpainBasketball #JacobRidenhour

For today’s #MondayHoops, these pictures brought back a story—and a reminder of the people and experiences that stay with you long after the final buzzer. I just got home from my most recent trip to Spain, and while I was there, I found myself reflecting on this photo and the story behind it. Sometimes being back in a place brings certain memories right back to you. Solomon Alabi will always have a special place in my heart. Alabi played his college basketball at Florida State, where he was a two-time ACC All-Defensive Team selection as a freshman and sophomore. He was selected 50th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2010 NBA Draft and went on to play two seasons in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors. But these photos tell a story that goes beyond basketball. The first photo captures a unique story from a previous team trip to Spain, when Solomon had a crazy situation with his visa and getting everything worked out so he could make the trip. Being back in Spain recently had me thinking about that experience again—and about all the things that happen behind the scenes to make a basketball trip, a season, or a career possible. That’s one of the things I love most about basketball. The box score tells you what happened on the court. It doesn’t tell you everything that happened to get the players and coaches there. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve learned that some of the most valuable lessons in this game happen far beyond the X’s and O’s. Follow me for more breakdowns on X’s & O’s, basketball IQ, player development, coaching, and real coaching insights you won’t get in the box scores. And visit my website at jacobridenhour.com for more. #MondayHoops #JacobRidenhour #Basketball #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #BasketballCoach #Coaching #BasketballIQ #BasketballCulture #XandOs #PlayerDevelopment #SportsCoaching #FloridaStateBasketball #FSUBasketball #ACCBasketball #SECBasketball #NBA #SolomonAlabi #TorontoRaptors #BasketballLife

For today’s #WisdomFromTheBenchWednesday, let’s talk about the power of the extra pass. Great offense isn’t always about making the biggest or flashiest play. Sometimes, the best decision is recognizing when one more pass can create an even better opportunity. Moving the ball, trusting your teammates, and making the defense work can turn a good shot into a great one. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve seen firsthand how unselfish play, court awareness, and making the right read can make all the difference. The extra pass is more than a basketball decision—it’s a mindset built on trust, discipline, and understanding the game. Follow me for more breakdowns on X’s & O’s, basketball IQ, and real coaching insights you won’t get in box scores—and visit my website at jacobridenhour.com for more. #Basketball #BasketballIQ #BasketballCoach #Coaching #BasketballTraining #XAndOs #BasketballStrategy #NCAABasketball #CollegeBasketball #WisdomFromTheBench #JacobRidenhour

For today’s #FlashbackFridayHoops, let’s go back to one of those Friday feelings you never forget — winning your school’s FIRST ACC Championship. During my time at Florida State University, I had the privilege of being part of a historic championship moment for the Seminoles.   There’s something special about being part of history. The hard work, preparation, sacrifice and belief all come together when you finally get to celebrate a championship that had never been won before. And even former ACC Commissioner John Swofford was feeling it! You can see the smile on his face as we celebrated the moment. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve experienced firsthand what it takes to build championship teams — from preparation and player development to leadership, culture and execution when the pressure is at its highest. Follow me for expert breakdowns, X’s & O’s, game IQ insights, and insider hoops analysis you won’t get anywhere else. Visit my website at jacobridenhour.com to learn more. #FlashbackFriday #FlashbackFridayHoops #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #ACC #ACCBasketball #ACCChampionship #ChampionshipBasketball #FloridaStateBasketball #FSUBasketball #BasketballCoach #BasketballIQ #BasketballAnalysis #XsAndOs #BasketballLeadership #ChampionshipMindset #MarchMadness #JacobRidenhour #JohnSwofford

For today’s #WisdomFromTheBenchWednesday, let’s talk about why basketball coaches call timeout and what those moments can tell you about the game. A timeout isn’t simply about stopping the clock. Sometimes the defense needs adjustments, a matchup needs changing, or the coach needs to stop the momentum before it completely shifts the game. Great coaches constantly read what is happening on the court. They recognize when something isn’t working, when the opponent has found an advantage, and when their team needs a reset. The ability to make those adjustments in the moment can be the difference between staying in control and letting the game get away from you. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I understand that coaching is about more than having a great game plan. It’s about seeing the game as it unfolds and having the confidence to make the right adjustment at the right time. Follow me for more breakdowns on X’s & O’s, basketball IQ, and real coaching insights you won’t get in box scores—and visit my website at jacobridenhour.com for more. #BasketballCoach #BasketballCoaching #BasketballIQ #BasketballStrategy #XsAndOs #BasketballDefense #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #CoachingTips #BasketballLeadership #JacobRidenhour #WisdomFromTheBench

For today’s #WisdomFromTheBenchMonday, let’s talk about what makes great defense work. Good defense isn’t five players guarding five players. It’s five players protecting five players. Great defensive teams communicate, help, rotate, close out under control, and trust that the next teammate will be there when they step up to help. It’s about staying connected, taking away easy opportunities, contesting every shot, and making the offense work for every possession. The best defenders understand that defense is more than an individual matchup—it’s a team commitment. When one player gets beat, the other four don’t point fingers. They react, rotate, and cover for each other. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I know that championships are built on that kind of defensive discipline, toughness, communication, and unselfishness. Follow me for more breakdowns on X’s & O’s, basketball IQ, and real coaching insights you won’t get in box scores—and visit my website at jacobridenhour.com for more. #WisdomFromTheBench #BasketballDefense #DefensiveBasketball #BasketballIQ #BasketballCoach #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #Coaching #XsAndOs #BasketballStrategy #TeamDefense #JacobRidenhour

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For today’s #FlashbackFridayHoops, here’s a moment that has always stayed with me. During my time at Florida State University, I had the opportunity to be part of some special NCAA Tournament moments—including this one with Phil Cofer, our senior leader who carried us to the Elite Eight. Everyone loves celebrating the feeling of quieting your critics. This was one of those moments—celebrating a good day’s work in the NCAA Tournament after knocking off the University of Missouri Tigers and Michael Porter Jr., the Xavier Musketeers and Trevon Bluiett, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Rui Hachimura before ultimately falling to the Michigan Wolverines and Jordan Poole. As a former ACC and SEC Championship-winning NCAA basketball coach, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the final score. It’s about preparation, belief, leadership, and having the right people around you when the lights are brightest. Follow me for expert breakdowns, X’s & O’s, game IQ insights, and insider hoops analysis you won’t get anywhere else. Visit my website at jacobridenhour.com to learn more. #FlashbackFriday #CollegeBasketball #NCAABasketball #JacobRidenhour #FloridaStateBasketball #MissouriTigers #MichaelPorterJr #XavierMusketeers #TrevonBluiett #GonzagaBulldogs #RuiHachimura #MichiganWolverines #JordanPoole #BasketballAnalysis #XsAndOs #EliteEight #ACCBasketball #SECBasketball #MarchMadnessMemories