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by Back Home Network
X's and Joe's, part of the Back Home Network, is a podcast that lets you eavesdrop on an ongoing, 25-year conversation between two friends and Indiana University grads who have an unusual passion for exploring the formula for winning in today’s modern college basketball.Hosted by Bob Moats (cbobmoats) and Mike Wiemuth (iu-in-philly), this show examines trends in recruiting, metrics, strategy, and coaching -- with an emphasis on debunking myths and challenging popular assumptions.And while Bob and Mike's rooting interests may lie with the Hoosiers, this show takes an expansive view of the college basketball landscape beyond just Bloomington. In other words, it's a show for ALL serious college hoops fans who truly appreciate the nuances of the sport.
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- 3 weeks ago1h 28m
[65] The Culture Show - Part One
With the sports calendar finally about to wake back up, Bob and Mike use one last stretch of the offseason to talk about some of the things they spend plenty of time discussing when the microphones aren’t usually rolling: movies, music, books, and culture. Using their personal top-10 lists as jumping-off points, they wander through favorites, disagreements, old memories, and plenty of the tangents you’d expect when these two get going. Along the way:The pre-football temperature check: Why IU’s newfound place in the college football hierarchy has changed the way other fan bases—and particularly Notre Dame fans—seem to view the Hoosiers. Movies: Bob and Mike compare their favorite films, with everything from Lawrence of Arabia and Casablanca to Dr. Strangelove, The Godfather, Goodfellas, Airplane! and Monty Python opening the door to a much broader conversation about great filmmaking. The directors behind them: Stanley Kubrick and David Lean lead into a discussion of what separates truly great directors—and why certain movies keep revealing something new decades later. Music: The guys turn their attention to favorite songs and performers, which naturally means revisiting some longstanding Bob-and-Mike debates about musical eras and what actually holds up.Books: Their reading lists provide another excuse to bounce between history, fiction, politics, culture, and the works that have stuck with them over the years.The lists behind the lists: Neither Bob nor Mike pretends these rankings are permanent. The fun is less about settling a definitive top 10 than figuring out why certain things have stayed with them—and what their choices say about their tastes.And because it’s Xs and Joes, even an episode devoted to culture can veer from classic cinema to 1990s politics to Willie Nelson before somehow finding its way back toward basketball. It’s a different kind of episode: less decoding the winning formula in college basketball and more getting the conversations Bob and Mike would probably be having anyway.
- Aug 11, 20261h 26m
[64] IU Basketball After Peru — What We Learned
Indiana’s summer trip to Peru is in the books, which means Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth finally have some actual basketball to dissect. But how much can you really learn from summer exhibitions against overmatched competition? As usual, the answer is somewhere between “nothing” and “everything.”Bob and Mike dig beneath the scores and individual stat lines to focus on the things that might actually carry over once the games start counting:What IU’s trip revealed about Darren DeVries’ preferred style of play and the versatility of this rebuilt roster.The offensive concepts that stood out—and why having more players who can both shoot and attack could change the equation.Encouraging early signs from Prince Alexander-Moody, Vaughn Karvala, and Indiana’s young players.How Sam Alexis’ return changes the rotation math and gives DeVries significantly more flexibility up front.The intriguing possibilities created by Aiden Sherrell, Trent Sisley, and IU’s collection of very different frontcourt pieces.Why roster depth could become especially valuable on nights when Indiana’s perimeter shooters aren’t connecting.What Indiana’s October exhibitions against Butler, North Carolina, and Western Kentucky might tell us that Peru couldn’t.Plus, Bob and Mike detour into the latest IU-vs.-SEC football discourse before closing with a tribute to beloved Indiana television personality Janie Hodge.Xs and Joes is presented by Homefield Apparel.
- Jul 20, 20261h 33m
[63] IU Basketball Fan Expectations (with Chad Schwartzkopf)
As the offseason rolls on, Bob and Mike are joined by Hoosier Morning After host Chad Schwartzkopf for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with soccer and the World Cup before diving into the ever-present question surrounding Indiana basketball: what should fans realistically expect from Darren DeVries and this new era of IU hoops?The discussion explores the balance between optimism and caution, how football's success has changed the atmosphere around Bloomington, and which signs fans should be watching for as another highly anticipated season approaches.Meet Chad Schwartzkopf: The Hoosier Morning After host shares his IU roots, the story behind his daily podcast, and why staying connected to Bloomington still matters from North Carolina.From the Pitch to the Hardwood: A lively detour into the World Cup, soccer culture, and how the global game continues to grow among IU fans and families.Defining Success in Year Two: What should fans be looking for beyond wins and losses? The crew discusses the measurable signs that Indiana may finally be building something sustainable.Roster Construction Under the Microscope: How much better does this team fit Darren DeVries' vision, and which additions have quietly changed the outlook heading into the season?Summer Takeaways (Without Overreacting): The guys debate what can—and can't—be learned from offseason games, player development, and early glimpses of IU's newcomers.The Football Effect: Has Curt Cignetti's success changed expectations for Indiana basketball, or has it simply bought the program some breathing room?Patience vs. Pressure: The conversation closes with an examination of IU's unique fan base, the desire for continuity, and whether the path back to national relevance looks different in 2026 than it did a decade ago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Jul 8, 20261h 15m
[62] The Twilight of the NCAA (with Galen Clavio)
In this episode of Xs and Joes, Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth welcome Galen Clavio for a wide-ranging discussion about the NCAA's uncertain future. From tournament expansion to NIL, governance, and amateurism, the conversation explores some of the biggest questions facing college athletics—and why there may not be easy answers.Catching Up on the SummerBefore diving into the main topic, the guys touch on a few offseason storylines.Updates on IU football and basketball as summer rolls alongWhat to watch for in the coming weeksA few thoughts on where the Back Home Network is headed this fallIs the NCAA Still Built for Today's Game?The heart of the episode centers on a simple but fascinating question: what exactly is the NCAA supposed to be in 2026?Why the organization's original mission looks very different todayA look back at how college athletics arrived at this momentWhether the NCAA can still govern the modern landscapeAn entertaining historical comparison you probably won't see comingTournament Expansion and the Bigger PictureThe recent talk of expanding the NCAA Tournament sparks one of the episode's most interesting conversations.Is expansion solving the right problem?What questions should be asked before adding more teams?How expansion fits into the NCAA's larger challengesA spirited debate that goes beyond simple "for" or "against" argumentsWhere Does College Sports Go From Here?The discussion closes by looking ahead.How NIL and the transfer portal continue changing the coaching professionWhether college sports needs an entirely new governance modelWhat today's environment means for coaches, schools, and fansA few predictions about where things could be headed next See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Jun 23, 20261h 25m
[61] Where Have All the Character Coaches Gone?
Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth are joined by Scott Caulfield for a fun and thought-provoking discussion about the evolution of college basketball coaching. Looking back at some of the sport's most memorable personalities, the guys explore why coaching icons once loomed so large over the game—and why today's coaches often feel very different.The Golden Age of Coaching PersonalitiesThe conversation begins with a trip down memory lane as Bob, Mike, and Scott revisit some of the unforgettable characters who once dominated college basketball.Why coaches like Bob Knight, Jim Valvano, John Thompson, Jerry Tarkanian, Lou Carnesecca, and Rollie Massimino became household namesThe quirks, stories, and larger-than-life personalities that made coaches stars in their own rightHow many of these coaches became synonymous with their programs and even their conferencesWhich legendary coaches would make the best dinner companionsAlong the way, the guys share plenty of stories, laughs, and memories from college basketball's colorful past.Why Today's Coaches Feel DifferentThe discussion then turns to the modern game and why today's coaches often seem more corporate, measured, and interchangeable.Topics include:The "nerdification" and professionalization of coachingHow media scrutiny, social media, and 24/7 coverage have changed coaching behaviorWhy modern coaches often look more like executives than old-school basketball lifersThe impact of shorter coaching tenures and increased job movementThe group also debates whether the sport has simply changed—or whether we've lost something valuable along the way.NIL, Realignment, and the New Coaching RealityAs the conversation evolves, Bob, Mike, and Scott examine how NIL, the transfer portal, and the changing economics of college sports have fundamentally altered the coaching profession.Why college coaching may now be more difficult than NBA coachingHow roster management and fundraising have reshaped the head coach's jobWhether today's coaches are being hired primarily to win games rather than build programs and young menWhy the modern environment may discourage the kind of eccentric personalities that once thrived in the sportThe guys also discuss Dusty May's departure for the NBA and what it says about the future of college basketball coaching.Is There Room for Characters to Return?The episode closes with a fascinating discussion about whether coaching personalities could eventually make a comeback.Could larger support staffs and general managers eventually free coaches to simply coach again? Or has college basketball permanently moved into a more corporate era?It's a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, nostalgia, and where the sport may be headed next.Bottom line: This episode is equal parts basketball history, cultural analysis, and old-school storytelling as Bob, Mike, and Scott explore why college basketball once felt full of unforgettable characters—and whether those days are truly gone for good.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Jun 2, 20261h 19m
[60] Indy 500 Weekend, Curt Cignetti, and the State of College Sports
The show opens with a look back at an unforgettable Indy 500 and some thoughts on why events like that become part of Indiana's identity.• Why this year's race was one of the most memorable in recent years• Curt Cignetti's comments on the future of college athletics• The growing pressure on college sports to figure out NIL and governanceIs Indiana's Roster Actually Better?This is where the basketball discussion really gets rolling.• Why the guys think IU largely accomplished what it needed to in the portal• The additions that could have the biggest impact next season• How Marcus Burton changes the equation offensively• What makes this roster feel different from recent IU teamsThere's also a deeper conversation about spacing, shot creation, offensive rebounding, and why this team may have more answers when games get tight.How Much Should Fans Trust the Hype?Preseason rankings are starting to appear, and Indiana is showing up in some interesting places.• What the early projections are saying about IU• Why portal rankings are harder to evaluate than recruiting rankings• The gap between talent on paper and actual results• What a successful first full season under Darian DeVries would really look likeBottom line:The roster looks better. The projections are encouraging. But as the guys discuss throughout the episode, the real question isn't whether Indiana won the offseason—it's whether all of these pieces can come together once the games start.This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Apr 24, 20261h 44m
[58] Why Are IU Fans So Angry?
In this episode of Xs and Joes, Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth dig into a topic many Indiana fans can feel but struggle to explain: why so much frustration around IU basketball now feels deeper than just wins and losses. Using recent reactions, historical context, and a few memorable pop-culture references, they explore how decades of unmet expectations have shaped the current mood around the program.Why IU Fans Are So AngryThe conversation starts with the obvious question—and goes well beyond the surface.Why this frustration feels more like exhaustion than outrageHow years of near-misses, resets, and false starts compound over timeThe difference between a disappointed fan base and a burned-out oneWhy anger often shows up when expectations still existThe Weight of Three DecadesIndiana’s history matters—but so does everything since.The guys look at how few truly memorable seasons IU has had in the modern era, and why long stretches of mediocrity hit differently at a program with this much tradition.How optimism slowly erodesWhy “just be patient” lands differently now than it once didDusty May, Braden Smith, and the Ones That Got AwayRecent tournament storylines reopened old wounds.The episode explores why certain names trigger such strong reactions from IU fans—and why those reactions are often about more than one player or one coach.Can Darian DeVries Change the Mood?There’s real momentum from the portal haul, but skepticism remains.Why this offseason has created genuine intrigueWhat still has to happen before fans fully buy inHow year two could shift the entire tone around the programThis Isn’t Just an Indiana ProblemIU may be unique in some ways—but not in this one.The discussion branches into Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, Nebraska, and other fan bases dealing with the same collision of history, money, and modern expectations.Bottom line: This episode is about more than fan anger. It’s about what happens when a proud program goes too long without giving people a reason to believe—and what it will take to earn that belief back.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Mar 27, 20261h 1m
[56] 2026 NCAA Bracket with Andy Bottoms
In this episode of Xs and Joes, Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth are joined by Andy Bottoms to unpack the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket, the selection process, and what it all reveals about where college basketball is headed next. Bracketology Reality CheckThe guys open with Andy reflecting on another Selection Sunday—and why even strong bracket projections can still “grade out” poorly.Why bracketology success doesn’t always match leaderboard resultsThe surprising disconnect between predictive accuracy and final rankingsA tongue-in-cheek case for “re-scoring” brackets based on tournament outcomesEarly hints that this year’s committee may have valued things differently than expectedCommittee Philosophy & ProcessA deeper dive into how the selection committee actually operates—and where subjectivity still sneaks in.Whether the committee truly follows a strict process or has hidden preferencesWhere bias might show up (and where it likely doesn’t)Why controversial matchups are usually dictated by rules—not conspiracyThe one area of the bracket where human judgment still matters mostWhat the Committee Really Values NowThis is where things get interesting—and where Andy outlines a subtle but important shift.The growing importance of “wins above bubble” in getting selectedWhy seeding may now lean more on predictive metrics like KenPomCase studies that highlight the tension between results and efficiencyA key question: Are quality wins losing influence in favor of efficiency metrics?Mid-Majors, Scheduling, and the System ProblemA fascinating conversation about the structural challenges facing non–power conference teams.The scheduling paradox: no one wants to play you… but you’re punished if you don’tWhy some programs embrace tough non-conference games—and others avoid themHow newer metrics may actually help mid-majors get a fair shotThe hidden tradeoffs every program faces when building a scheduleTournament Takeaways (So Far)After the first weekend, the bracket has been relatively calm—but that might be a feature, not a bug.Why there were fewer shocking upsets than usualThe one result that did stand out—and why it happenedHow style-of-play mismatches can still flip gamesA bigger-picture insight about how the tournament may be evolvingThe Future of BracketologyThe episode closes with a thought-provoking look ahead.Could bracketology eventually become fully algorithm-driven?What we’d gain in accuracy—and lose in dramaThe tension between data-driven decisions and human nuanceWhy the future might shift the drama from Selection Sunday to the games themselvesBottom line:This episode isn’t just about this bracket—it’s about how the entire system is evolving. And whether we’re ready for a world where the madness is a little less mysterious… and a lot more calculated.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
About X's and Joe's
X's and Joe's, part of the Back Home Network, is a podcast that lets you eavesdrop on an ongoing, 25-year conversation between two friends and Indiana University grads who have an unusual passion for exploring the formula for winning in today’s modern college basketball.Hosted by Bob Moats (cbobmoats) and Mike Wiemuth (iu-in-philly), this show examines trends in recruiting, metrics, strategy, and coaching -- with an emphasis on debunking myths and challenging popular assumptions.And while Bob and Mike's rooting interests may lie with the Hoosiers, this show takes an expansive view of the college basketball landscape beyond just Bloomington. In other words, it's a show for ALL serious college hoops fans who truly appreciate the nuances of the sport.
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