One of the many things we all love about college basketball is its unusual cast of colorful characters. Oftentimes that means players and coaches, but there are other colorful personalities that come across our screens (and AirPods) that enhance our enjoyment of the sport. Think Dick Vitale, Bill Raftery and of course, Red Panda.

Today at Hoops HQ, we’ve got a must-read story about another charismatic supernova, John Fanta. If you’re a big college hoops fan (and if you’re reading this, you probably are), then there’s a good chance you are familiar with Fanta’s work, both on television, online and on social media. He might not look or sound like most of the folks you see on TV, but nobody works harder or loves the game more. There’s a reason his star is on the rise. We sent out staff writer Alex Squadron to spend a day with Fanta as he prepared to call a game at Madison Square Garden. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading that story as much as Alex enjoyed spending time with John.

Beyond that, we’ve got the usual fare of stellar content, including my (correct) men’s top 25 rankings as well as the top 25 women’s rankings from Eden Laase. Also, be sure to keep checking this space in the coming days because we’ve got more roster additions to announce. (Bracketology, anyone?) For college hoops enthusiasts like us, this is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. The season is getting hot and Hoops HQ is ready to crank.

Have a great Monday everyone, and thanks as always for your support of Hoops HQ. –Seth

John Fanta Has All the Fun

By Alex Squadron

At 29 years old, John Fanta is one of the preeminent faces in the college basketball media, a modern-day Everyman who seems like he is everywhere. He commentates games for FOX, NBC and CBS Sports Network, writes columns for Foxsports.com, does video breakdowns and interviews for the Big East, hosts podcasts for The Field of 68 and constantly engages with his fast-growing fan base on social media. The clips he posts of himself walking through airport terminals and arena hallways as he dispenses opinions on all things hoop are widely consumed by his insatiable audience.

His rants about his hometown Cleveland Browns are epic. When a Cincinnati fan dared to suggest during a Twitter Spaces chat that Fanta was biased towards Xavier, his hilarious outburst boomeranged around the internet. Fanta does not look or sound like anyone else in his industry, but that is what is fueling his success. His genuine excitement about the things he covers is both relatable and contagious. He makes it fun, but he also makes you care.

Between the Lines

🏀 North Carolina is in jeopardy of missing the Tournament for the second time in three years, and Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis is feeling the heat.

🏀 Utah State’s rookie head coach is its fifth in the last eight years — and while turnover is constant, so is winning. After a beating Air Force on Saturday, the Aggies are 18-2 and eyeing another invitation to go dancing.

🏀 All-Access with the No. 1 team in the country: UCLA head coach Cori Close offered Hoops HQ exclusive access to her team's practice and locker room. It's a rare glimpse and a stirring read.

Iowa State @ Arizona: Grab a coffee and settle in, it's going to be a late one if you're on the East Coast. The 17-2 Cyclones visit Tucson to take on an Arizona squad that has recovered nicely from a disappointing start to the season. The Wildcats have won nine of their last 10 with their only loss coming to a really good Texas Tech team on the road, but they have yet to face a Big 12 opponent as tough as Iowa State. Priority number one for Tommy Lloyd's team? Slowing down the red-hot Curtis Jones. 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.