Why are some of North Carolina’s top basketball players choosing to leave the state? And when it comes to college recruitment, is playing at the highest possible level always the right decision?

On this episode of Buckets & Banter, Coach George Marshall and Jeff Bendel dive into both questions and much more.

🏆 Celebrations — We kick things off by highlighting some people, moments, and accomplishments worth celebrating.

🏀 Why Do Top Players Leave NC? — North Carolina has long been one of the country’s premier basketball states, but talented players are increasingly willing to leave home in search of different opportunities. We discuss why it happens and what it means for players, programs, and high school basketball in NC.

🎓 Choose the Right Level! — D1 gets most of the attention, but the best opportunity isn't always the biggest name. We discuss why recruits and their families should focus on finding the right fit—whether that's D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO, or another path—and how choosing the right level can positively impact a player's recruitment and college experience.

📣 Sound Off! — George and Jeff close the episode with their final thoughts and messages for the basketball world.

Join the conversation: Why do you think top players leave North Carolina? And would you rather sit at a higher level or PLAY at the right level?

📲 Follow the hosts on X (Twitter): Coach George Marshall — @CoachGWM2 Jeff Bendel — @JeffreyBendel_

🎙️ Subscribe to Buckets & Banter wherever you listen to podcasts, and catch the full video episodes on YouTube.

New episodes every Monday.

#BucketsAndBanter #BasketballRecruiting #HighSchoolBasketball

Will Dusty May achieve the same success in the NBA as he did in college? Plus...NBA storylines from a great season, and the upcoming draft, as well as provide some advice for high school prospects.

Intro - 0:00

Dusty May - 2:46

NBA Storylines - 12:25

The Draft - 32:45

Final Thoughts - 50:02

Also...follow up on Twitter: @CoachGWM2 @JeffreyBendel_

#DustyMay #nba #nbadraft2026 #michigan #nbafinals #charlottehornets #traeyoung #highschoolbasketball #nil #basketball #podcast #basketballpodcast #nbapodcasts #michiganbasketball #collegebasketball #basketballnews #basketballcommunity #sportspodcast #hoopculture #basketballcontent

0:00 - Intro

2:10 - Commit Congrats!

7:35 - G League to College

16:10 - Putting you ON GAME (Best Fast Food Orders)

38:00 - Camp Culture

54:00 - Jeff's SOUND OFF

55:45 - The Downfall of James Franklin at Penn State