We’re stepping into a new chapter for Southwest Baptist basketball, and it starts with a familiar face coming home. Tomas Brock is taking over as head coach of the Bearcats, returning to Bolivar after an 11-year run at Columbia College. In this episode, we talk with Brock about what went into that decision, balancing timing, family, and the opportunity to build something new at a place that already means a lot to him.

Jump into the conversation with Tomas Brock on the Staring Line up here:

But this isn’t a slow build, it’s immediate pressure. We get into what it really looks like to take over a program in today’s game, from navigating the transfer portal to putting together a roster that fits not just athletically, but academically and culturally. It highlights how much the job has changed, especially at the Division II level, where depth, size, and retention all play a major role in long-term success.

There’s also a personal side to this story that makes it different. Brock opens up about the influence of his father, longtime coach Skip Brock, and how that guidance still shapes his approach today. And yes, there’s the added dynamic of potentially coaching against his brother in the GLVC, something that brings a whole new layer to competition and family.

As this program resets, there’s a clear focus on more than just wins. It’s about rebuilding identity, reconnecting with the community, and bringing energy back to SBU basketball, including the return of rivalries like Drury. This is a fresh start, but one rooted in experience, relationships, and a vision for where the program can go next.