In this "Coach Edition" of SoCon Fast Break, we sit down with Mercer head coach Ryan Ridder to discuss the Bears' explosive start to the conference season. Coach Ridder shares how his team transitioned from a defensive-focused group in the summer to becoming the most efficient, high-octane offense in the Southern Conference today.

In this episode:

The Offensive Explosion: Insights into the "mind-boggling" numbers Mercer is putting up and the development of Baraka Okojie and Armani Mighty.Building a Program: Coach Ridder shares his blueprint for quick turnarounds and his non-negotiable core values: toughness, unselfishness, and being a great teammate.A Family Affair: The impact of working alongside his brother, assistant coach Reed Ridder, and growing up in a legendary coaching family.The "Aerospace" Advantage: Does an Aerospace Studies degree from Embry-Riddle actually help with offensive efficiency?.Recruiting for Fit: How the staff identified the specific pieces—shooting, IQ, and toughness—needed to compete at the top of the SoCon.Life Beyond the Court: Coach talks about his transition to the Blackstone grill, his golf game, and the importance of being present with his wife and three daughters

What's the ceiling for Mercer this year?

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Erscheinungs­datum: 20.1.2026, 10:00:00