Jon Cremins excited for how local talent can build Georgia State program

Dukes & Bell11mApril 8, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Dukes & Bell, host Mike Bell welcomes John Cremins, the newly hired head coach of Georgia State men's basketball, as he takes the reins of a program with a rich history and growing potential. Cremins shares his excitement about returning to Atlanta, his deep roots in the city's basketball culture, and his vision for transforming Georgia State into a competitive force. He emphasizes building a team around 'five-star people' — players with character, toughness, and passion — and plans to implement a fast-paced, aggressive style of play inspired by his time at Vanderbilt. The conversation also touches on the evolving college basketball landscape, particularly the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, which Cremins sees as a powerful tool to quickly elevate the program. The hosts express enthusiasm for supporting the new coach and highlight the unique opportunity Georgia State presents as a 'diamond in the rough.' Later, the discussion shifts to NFL offseason developments, focusing on the Falcons' sudden need to replace retiring offensive lineman Caleb McGarry, with analysis on potential draft strategies and the rarity of impactful trades for linemen unless they perfectly fit a specific offensive system.

Key Takeaways
1

Georgia State basketball is poised for a resurgence under new head coach John Cremins, who emphasizes recruiting 'five-star people' with character and competitive fire.

2

Cremins plans to implement a fast-paced, aggressive playing style at Georgia State, mirroring his successful tenure at Vanderbilt.

3

The transfer portal and NIL have created unprecedented opportunities to quickly rebuild programs, allowing Georgia State to compete for championships immediately.

4

The Falcons' offseason has become more complex with the retirement of veteran offensive lineman Caleb McGarry, making offensive line depth a top draft priority.

5

Trading for experienced linemen is rare unless they perfectly fit the team's offensive scheme, as seen in the 2015 Andrew Levitre trade.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Welcome to the Panther Party: Dukes & Bell Live in Augusta

The episode opens with a lively intro from Mike Bell and Carl at Twin Peaks in Augusta, setting the scene for the Masters weekend and introducing the day's guest, John Cremins, the new head coach of Georgia State men's basketball.

2:00
3 min

John Cremins: From Atlanta Roots to Georgia State Head Coach

I was actually with my uncle at the time when I got the call, so that was pretty cool. Wow. It's an amazing place. Can't wait to – I'm back home with my family, so it's really special.

Highlight
5:00
4 min

Building a Culture: The 'Five-Star People' Philosophy

I look for – I call them five-star people. That's important, bringing the right people in here that are about the right things and want to elevate this program alongside myself and our staff.

Highlight
8:30
3 min

The New Era: Fast-Paced Play and the Portal Revolution

We're going to be fast-paced. We're going to be aggressive. We're going to play fearless. On defense, we're going to make you play left-handed, take you out of your offense. So everything we do, we're going to err on the side of aggression.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
We're going to be fast-paced. We're going to be aggressive. We're going to play fearless. On defense, we're going to make you play left-handed, take you out of your offense. So everything we do, we're going to err on the side of aggression.
John Cremins5:05
Viral: 90.0
I was actually with my uncle at the time when I got the call, so that was pretty cool. Wow. It's an amazing place. Can't wait to – I'm back home with my family, so it's really special.
John Cremins0:43
Viral: 85.0
I look for – I call them five-star people. That's important, bringing the right people in here that are about the right things and want to elevate this program alongside myself and our staff.
John Cremins3:22
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

Mike BellCarl

Guest

John Cremins
Topics Discussed
College Basketball Coaching Transition90%Transfer Portal and NIL Impact85%Program Building and Culture80%Atlanta Basketball Culture75%NFL Draft Strategy70%Offensive Line Depth and Roster Management70%Aggressive Basketball Style65%Recruiting Philosophy60%
People & Brands

John Cremins

person

15xPositive

Georgia State University

organization

12xPositive

Atlanta Falcons

organization

10xNeutral

Caleb McGarry

person

8xNeutral

Vanderbilt University

organization

6xPositive

Bobby Cremins

person

5xPositive

Storm Norton

person

3xPositive

Bill Callahan

person

2xNeutral

Mark Byington

person

2xPositive

James Madison University

organization

2xPositive

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