As the calendar creeps ever closer to February (and the wonderful month that follows), our Hoops HQ roster continues to grow stronger. Today we’re unveiling our latest addition from the transfer portal in veteran journalist Eric Prisbell.

Eric is an award-winning writer who has spent nearly two full decades working for prestigious outlets like The Washington Post, USA Today, Sports Business Journal and On3. I’ve known Eric for a long time and benefited greatly from reading his work, particularly his coverage of the legal and business issues behind all the dramatic changes happening in college sports. Eric has a large network of contacts from around the industry and possesses a great knack for distilling complicated subjects into easily understood prose. He has done that as he  explains the ramifications of the recent federal ruling on Title IX. There are more great hits to come from Eric in the coming weeks and months.

Eric’s addition comes on the heels of the one we announced earlier this week in Krysten Peek, who is one of the foremost experts on the NBA draft. And speaking of heels, our ACC insider Brett Friedlander has an honest and unmerciful look at the current state of North Carolina coach Hubert Davis, who could miss out on the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three seasons. Be sure to give that a read.

We’ve also got my usual picks against the spread, a deep dive on Utah State from Jamal Murphy and plenty other stories to get you set for the weekend.

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to get into my Commanders onesie. The Big Game is only about 28 hours away. Let’s goooooo! —Seth

A Federal Ruling on Title IX Was Supposed to Provide Answers for College Sports. It Only Raised More Questions.

By Eric Prisbell

As college athletics moves toward a potential landscape-shifting new financial model — in which schools for the first time can share their revenue with athletes — the unmistakable elephant in the room remains the 53-year-old federal law known as Title IX.

If the landmark House v. NCAA settlement is approved in the coming months, schools that opt in to the new model can share up to $20.5 million annually with athletes, with more than 75 percent of the dollars expected to fill the pockets of football and men’s basketball players. But no consensus exists among legal experts over how Title IX — which stipulates that schools that receive federal money must provide male and female athletes with equal treatment and benefits — would apply in a revenue-sharing world.

Between the Lines

🏀 Wisconsin has a many decades-long reputation of playing slow-paced, methodical basketball. This year? They look like a Paul Westhead team. Seth Davis explores the Badgers' offensive explosion revolution.

🏀 Arkansas topped Georgia on Wednesday night, notching their first SEC win. The Hogs got a monkey off their back, but with Boogie Flag — arguably their best player — newly injured and out for the remainder of the season, can they keep it up?

🏀 There are turnarounds and then there's what Louisville has done this year. Our ACC columnist explores the Cardinals incredible season, the California schools' travel woes and frustration at Pitt.

GIFT READ: HHQ'S TOP STORY OF THE WEEK

We've removed the paywall on this one. Enjoy.

Opposing Coaches on John Calipari and Arkansas: "Outdated." "None of Their Pieces Fit."

The former Duke All-American and 14-year NBA veteran opens up on his alcohol addiction. And his passion to help others.

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No. 6 Tennessee @ No. 1 Auburn: Surprise! Another SEC battle headlines a great Saturday slate. Auburn star Johni Broome, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, will be a game-time decision. Whether he plays or not, the Volunteers will have their hands full trying to contain the Tigers in The Jungle. Chaz Lanier appears to have found his shot again, which is huge for Rick Barnes' team. 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.