Coaching Connections with Marcus Alvarado

On Season 2 Episode 3, Valerie Huizar joined the show. She is an assistant coach at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She is a San Antonio native and we have a great conversation about her journey, the importance of containing the momentum of the Women's NCAA tourney and promoting the women's game, and much much more!!!

On Season 2 Episode 2, State Championship Coach Noe Cantu was on the show. We discussed the journey to a state title, handling adversity, and so much more!!!

On the very first Episode of Season 2, I had the distinct pleasure to speak to Coach Chuck Martin, Assist Coach at South Carolina!!! Chuck has had an amazing journey though the profession. We discussed everything from coaching though the pandemic to working with legendary coaches like Frank Martin and John Calipari. I am extremely grateful for his time and powerful insight!!!

ALAN STEIN JR!!!! Alan is a professional keynote speaker and the author of the amazing book “Raise You Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best.” On Episode 42 I had a chance to sit and speak with Alan. We discussed an array of topics such as leading through the global pandemic, traits of successful people, the importance of taking care of yourself and leading a healthy lifestyle, why the GREAT ONES put on so much emphasis on the basics, and much much more!!! I am grateful for Alan’s time and the immense amount of knowledge he dropped on this episode. Enjoy!!!

On Episode 41, I had a chance to sit and speak with Coach Mike Balado, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Arkansas State University. We had an amazing conversation speaking about his childhood, family, his journey, working through this new normal, working under a hall of fame coach like Rick Pitino, his love for wrestling, and much much more!!! You absolutely do not want to miss this episode. Also, do yourself a favor and youtube Mike Balado and Memphis Wrestling and it will not disappoint!!!

On Episode 40 I had a chance to sit and talk to Coach Cavin Leonard of John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas and Coach Lucas Ramirez of Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.

On episode 39 I had a chance to sit and talk to two outstanding men in the profession. Coach McHone and Coach Molina have been in the profession for several years and are definitely well respected veterans in the game. Coach McHone is the head boys coach at Boerne High School and Coach Molina is the head boys coach at Harlingen South. Both coaches have a strong pedigree when it comes to coaching basketball. Coach McHone’s father coached at the high major division I level at places like Florida State, as well as spending many years coaching with the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Molina’s father has over 500 wins in Texas High School basketball and is in the Texas Coaching Hall of Fame. We had a great conversation that you do not want to miss. A lot of gems in this episode for younger coaches. Be sure to watch and SHARE!!!

On Episode 38, I had a chance to sit and speak with Andre Owens, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Sam Houston State University. Coach Owens spent some time as a head coach, played collegiately at The University of Texas at San Antonio, played professionally in Germany and Turkey, and has had a journey full of valuable life lesson which he passes along to his athletes. He also names his top 3 basketball movies of all time, his all time starting five, and his starting 5 comprised of current NBA players. Enjoy!!!

On Episode 37, I had a chance to sit and speak with an outstanding young coach in the profession, Coach Tommy Strine, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Chicago State University. Coach Strine was named to the Under Armour 30 Under 30, he is a committee member in the Coaches4Change organization, host of the Think Tank podcast series under the Rising Coaches Umbrella, host of Scouting Report U, and just one of the most generous and giving person in the profession. We a great conversation you do not want to miss. Enjoy!!!

Coaching Connections: Episode 36 - Antonio Daniels On Episode 36 I had a chance to sit with a 13-year NBA veteran, former #4 draft pick in the NBA Draft, NBA Champion, and now Color Analyst for the New Orleans Pelicans for Fox Sports, Mr. Antonio Daniels. Our conversation covered his childhood, major influences in his life which included his mother and brother. We also discussed coaches that have had powerful influences in his life, his favorite basketball memories, what it means to utilize his platform to speak on important social issues, what makes great coaches great, and much much more! This is an episode you do not want to miss. Enjoy!!!

Coaching Connections: Episode 35 - Mercedes Jorge I had the chance to sit and speak with Coach Mercedes Jorge! She is the Director of Basketball Operations for Presbyterian College. We had a great conversation and she gave a lot of valuable insight for young coaches trying to get into the college ranks. We spoke about her childhood, playing career, coaching journey thus far, impactful moments in her career, and why the Spurs are her favorite NBA team!!! Enjoy!!!

Coaching Connections: Episode 34 - Robert Bell & Joseph Fabian Today I had the pleasure of speaking to two friends of mine, Robert Bell & Joseph Fabian!!! Both coaches recently acquired their first head coaching job and I couldn’t more happy for the both of them!!! Coach Bell won a State Championship in high school at Fox Tech, and was the All-Time leading scorer in San Antonio history for a bit. He also spent time as an assistant coach at the school I currently work at, but under a different Head Coach many years ago!!! Bell is now the head boys coach at Clemens HS!!! Coach Fabian has been my lead assistant the last couple of years and someone I consider a great friend!!! He just got his first head boys basketball coaching job at Yorktown HS!!! I’m definitely going to miss the daily interaction with my friend, but I’m super excited to watch him do great things running his own program!!! Enjoy!!!

Coaching Connections: Episode 33 - Mike Lopez On episode 33 I had a chance to catch up with Mike Lopez, Head Coach/Athletic Director at Sunnybrook in San Antonio, Texas. Coach Lopez also is the host of the Creative Coaching Podcast, and recently just released his Player’s First Podcast, both of which are found on Apple Podcasts. We discussed his shows, his coaching journey, childhood, some impactful moments in his career, and some important childhood memories related to family and the game of basketball. I hope you enjoy!!!

On episode 32 I had the opportunity to speak with two innovative and positive men in the coaching profession. Coach Marvin Walker and Coach Michael Herrera shared their coaching experiences, their childhood journey, some impactful moments in their career, some important discussions involving the racial climate in our country, and much more!!! I appreciate their time and powerful and positive insight! Enjoy!

On Episode 31 I sat with Coach Dominique Richardson, Head Coach at West Oso HS in Texas, and Matthew Sandoval, Head Coach at Hayes HS in Texas. We discussed their childhood, their coaching journey, Richardson's success coaching on a Navajo Reservation in Newcomb, New Mexico and the tough decision to move back home to Texas, impactful moments in their careers, and much much more. Enjoy!!!

On Episode 30 I had a chance to sit and speak to two amazing women in our profession, Coach Corrales and Coach Torru. Coach Triva Corrales from Judson High School happens to be a state champion coach, but she is an even better person! Coach Torru once coached under Coach Corrales and is now the head coach at Clemens High School. Coach Torru is the All-Time scoring leader at the University of the Incarnate Word and in the UIW Hall of Fame. Torru also refers to Corrales as the CHEAT CODE on the basketball court due to her amazing ability to always give her teams an opportunity to win any game. We had a great conversation and that I know you will enjoy!!!

Coaching Connections - Episode 29 - Dodi Sulaica & Vanessa Villarreal by Marcus Alvarado

On this episode I sat and spoke to Mr. Justin Johnson. Justin is not a coach, he is not a college or professional athlete, he works for Facebook. Justin, did however, play basketball in high school. He credits much of his professional success to the lessons he learned from his high school coaches. Justin has a very interesting life and has experienced a lot of success. This is a unique perspective and an important message for our young athletes to hear. Not everyone is destined for professional sports, but what they learn going through an athletic program can be high beneficial throughout their lives. This is definitely a fun episode you do not want to miss. Enjoy!!!

On this episode I had the opportunity to sit and speak with Dave Klatsky, an assistant coach at Colgate University, and Mike Jordan who has been recently hired as an assistant coach at Drexel University. Both of these coaches have played a vital role in the recent success at Colgate University. They both played at Penn alongside the head coach at Colgate, Matt Langel. We spoke on the strong bond of the coaching staff and how that has helped them build this successful program. We also got to speak about their childhood, their professional journey, and much much more!!!

Coaching Connections: Episode 26 - Jason Ludwig Jason Ludwig grew up in East Los Angeles and is currently an assistant coach for Santa Clara University. We discussed his childhood, his coaching journey which includes some time at UCLA and two trips to the Final Four, the Young Coaches Social he co-founded, the Latino Association of Basketball Coaches that he also co-founded, his JL Hoops camps he hosts back in the neighborhood he grew up in, and much much more!!! Jason is an outstanding person who loves the game of basketball and is always finding ways to connect people. I appreciate his time and it was a great conversation! Enjoy!!!

On this player edition I had a chance to talk to a friend of mine, Mr. Orlando Mendez-Valdez. He is a hero in the Latino basketball community in San Antonio. We talked about his childhood growing up on the Westside of San Antonio, his journey through his basketball career, what it means to give back through his camp, how amazing his experience has been with the Mexican National Team, the obstacles he has had to overcome in his playing career, family and coaches that have influenced his life, why he has so much love for Manu Ginobili, and much much more!!!! I truly had an amazing time hosting this episode. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!! Enjoy!!!

On Episode 24, I had a chance to talk to two friends of mine. Coach Norris has been in the profession for over 30 years, and is now coaching at Dripping Springs High School in Dripping Springs, Texas. Coach Phillips is currently coaching at John Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas. Coach Norris also served as a mentor for Coach Phillips during their time together at San Marcos when Norris was the boys coach and Phillips was a first time head coach on the girls side. We also talked about their childhood, coaching journeys, the importance of having difficult conversations especially in regards to the current state of our country, the importance of having a mentor in the coaching progression, impactful moments in their careers, and much much more. I hope you enjoy this episode just as much as I did!!! Enjoy!!!

Player Edition: On episode 23, I had a chance to catch up to two San Antonio legends!!! Both Chris Ross and Ben Uzoh played their high school ball in San Antonio. Chris Ross played his high school ball at John Jay and won a state championship off of a half court buzzer beater that was nominated and almost won an ESPY. He was a Division 1 level quarterback, but went and played Division 1 basketball at Marshall instead. He is having an amazing championship career in the Philippines. Ben Uzoh played his high school ball at Warren High School and played his college ball at Tulsa. He spent his first two years as a pro in the NBA with the Nets and the Raptors, then 2 more years in the G-League. He has played over seas, but his most memorable experience is representing the Nigerian National Team at the 2016 Olympics. Not only is Ben an Olympian, his team qualified again for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which would make him a two-time Olympian, but the pandemic has put a pause on those games. Both of these point guards are considering the idea that one they they could possibly get into coaching after their playing days are over. Chris Ross has options after he retires to possibly coach in the Philippines and Ben Uzoh has already had a stint with the Chicago Bulls G-League affiliate as an assistant coach on the team. We had a great conversation talking their childhood, when they fell in love with the game, influences in their lives, giving back to the younger generations, utilizing their platforms to speak on the injustices we are witnessing here in the states, top 5 NBA players of all time, favorite shoe line (Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, or Penny), and much much more!!! I had a blast and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do!!!

On episode 22 I had to honor to speak with a couple of coaches who have never met each other but share the same passion for the kids they coach and for the game of basketball. Trovocie just completed his second year as the head coach of Centennial HS in Burleson, Texas. Herb Jackson recently announced his retirement after a 36 year career, 31 of which have been at Burbank HS in San Antonio, Texas. There is a ton of insight from the perspectives of a young head coach and a veteran head coach. We spoke about their childhood, their coaching journeys, impactful moments in their careers, All-Time NBA starting 5, how to maintain their fitness throughout the day to day grind of the coach’s life, and much more. Coach Jackson leaves an amazing legacy behind in the Burbank and San Antonio basketball communities and I am honored to have him join us on the show today! Original Air Date: June 28, 2020 via YouTube

On Episode 21 I had a chance to speak to two of my friends. Both of these men are phenomenal people and were outstanding coaches in their careers. They have coached at many places, but they spent time working together at Southwest High School in San Antonio, Texas. Bill was the girls head coach, and Ryan was the boys head coach but have since moved into the wonderful field of school administration. We talked about their coaching journeys, the influences in their lives, impactful moments in their careers, most memorable moments coaching the game, and much much more. You do not want to miss this amazing episode between two amazing human beings. Enjoy!!! Original Air Date: June 25, 2020 via YouTube

What a fun episode!!! Coach Taplin and Coach Nowlin both received news they got their very first HEAD COACHING JOB about a week prior to recording this episode!!! I am extremely happy for them! Coach Taplin is now the head boys basketball coach at Lee HS in San Antonio and Coach Nowlin is now the head boys coach at Seguin HS in Seguin, TX. They shared stories about their long journeys as assistant coaches, pushing through some adversity throughout their careers, and showing extreme gratitude for their opportunity to run their own programs. We also discussed their time working together at Olive Garden as teenagers, the return of the NBA, best point guards in NBA history, and best shooter of all-time. This is a great episode you do not want to miss, especially for young assistant coaches looking for their opportunity!!! Original Air Date: June 12, 2020

On this episode I had a chance to speak with two coaches from the Hill Country in the great stat of Texas. Stan Leech was a long time coach in Boerne ISD, and is now the current Athletic Director for the district. Coach Leech has over 800 wins under his belt as a head coach!!! Brian young has been coaching over 30 years and spent 24 of those years at Kerrville Tivy as their head coach. He literally retired a week prior the recording of this episode. Coach Leech and Coach Young have coached head to head 49 times!!! They are extreme competitors and developed an amazing rivalry between Boerne and Kerville. Through this rivalry they developed a phenomenal bond and are currently the best of friends. They share so many stories about their rivalry and their careers in this episode. Enjoy!!! Original Air Date: June 11, 2020

On this episode I got a chance to have a great conversation with Ian Mahinmi of the Washington Wizards. Ian is absolutely one of the best people you will ever come across on this planet. He is a very humble, genuine, and caring person. We had a chance to sit and talk about his childhood, how his parents served as amazing inspirations, his passion for giving back, coaches along his journey that have made profound impacts in his life, and so much more. I had an absolute blast talking to Ian and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do!!! Original Air Date: May 31, 2020 via YouTube

Coach Lou Torres is now retired, but spent several years serving the basketball community in the San Antonio area and had an amazing career. Coach John Valenzuela is having a great career of his own and has been in the profession well over 20 years. He is currently at San Antonio Christian. These two powerful leaders give great insight into their childhood, careers, inspirations, and tell so many great basketball stories. Coach Torres and Coach Valenzuela speak on when Torres lead a San Antonio team to a national championship that featured Shaquille O'Neal and Bo Outlaw. Coach Val talks about his experience being an assistant coach with the college Team USA and coaching them in China. With these stories and so many more great stories, this is definitely an episode you can not miss. Original Air Date: May 30, 2020 via YouTube

Coach Cuevas and Coach Zaragoza both live on the outskirts of Los Angeles, California. Coach Cuevas has been coaching for 30 years, and is currently the head boys coach at Charter Oak. Coach "Zee" has served as Coach Cuevas' assistant as well as spending some time in the professional leagues in Mexico as an assistant coach. We had a great time talking about life and hoops. It does not matter if you are from Texas, or California, or anywhere else in the world, basketball is basketball and the game brings people together. I hope you enjoy this episode!!! Also, check out Robert Zaragoza's Shoot the Rock podcast on all podcast platforms. He does a great job promoting latino hoops. Much love Coach Z!!! Original Air Date: May 27, 2020

Coach Chatman is the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Steele High School and Coach Hastings is the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Wagner High School in San Antonio, Texas. Both coaches have had a tremendous amount of success in their careers and do an amazing job running their programs. On this episode we talked about adjusting to COVID, childhood, influences in their lives, The Last Dance, the greatest shooter of all time, and much much more!!! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!!! Original Air Date: May 23, 2020 via YouTube

Coach Art Gonzales is an amazing person and had an outstanding career as a coach and assistant Athletic Director in San Antonio. His is now retired and heading the San Antonio Area Association of Basketball Coaches and is doing a great job of growing the profession. His son, Mike Gonzales, is currently an assistant coach at San Antonio Veterans Memorial, but spent some time as a head coach in Laredo, Texas prior to moving back home. We had an amazing time talking about life, coaching, and hoops. Coach Art Gonzales had a chance to coach Mike in high school, and Mike talks about being able to lean on his father throughout his career and how fortunate he is to have that relationship with his father. It was a great conversation and I hope you enjoy!!! Original Air Date: May 23, 2020 via YouTube

Charlie Boggess is the All-Time wins leader in the greater San Antonio area with 915 career wins. He has since retired, but was convinced out of retirement to be an assistant coach for one of his former assistants. He was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Joe Fabian, from the great basketball state of Indiana. He has resided near the border of Indiana and Illinois, just south of Lake Michigan. Coach Fabian had a hall of fame career of his own. He was born and raised in East Chicago and had a 44 year career at East Chicago Roosevelt & East Chicago Central High Schools. These two coaches have never met, but basketball bonds people. This is an episode you do not want to miss. There is almost 80 years of experience between the two, and an unlimited amount of great basketball stories that include losses in the Texas and Indiana State Semi-Finals in triple and quadruple overtime, Larry Bird, The Hoosiers Gym, and so much more. We only got to scratch the surface. We could literally have a 10 part series to recall all of the amazing stories! Take the time to sit and watch, you will not be disappointed!!! Original Air Date: May 22, 2020 via YouTube

Coaching Connections: Episode 13 - Joe Fabian & Charlie Boggess Charlie Boggess is the All-Time wins leader in the greater San Antonio area with 915 career wins. He has since retired, but was convinced out of retirement to be an assistant coach for one of his former assistants. He was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Joe Fabian, from the great basketball state of Indiana. He has resided near the border of Indiana and Illinois, just south of Lake Michigan. Coach Fabian had a hall of fame career of his own. He was born and raised in East Chicago and had a 44 year career at East Chicago Roosevelt & East Chicago Central High Schools. These two coaches have never met, but basketball bonds people. This is an episode you do not want to miss. There is almost 80 years of experience between the two, and an unlimited amount of great basketball stories that include losses in the Texas and Indiana State Semi-Finals in triple and quadruple overtime, Larry Bird, The Hoosiers Gym, and so much more. We only got to scratch the surface. We could literally have a 10 part series to recall all of the amazing stories! Take the time to sit and watch, you will not be disappointed!!! Original Air Date: May 22, 2020 via YouTube

Coaching Connections: Episode 11 - Brad Lacey & Bryan Penna Brad Lacey is the head boys basketball coach at Churchill HS in San Antonio, Texas, and Bryan Penna leads the Boys program at Somerset HS in Somerset, TX. Both guys have been in the profession over 20 years and have great insight. I hope you enjoy this episode!!! Chase Shannon also stopped by to film a segment for the local news sports show during this episode. I appreciate the love! Original Air Date: May 20, 2020 via YouTube

Coaching Connections: Episode 10 - Steve Sylestine & Ray Carroll WOW!!! How lucky was I to be able to have a conversation with Steve Sylestine & Ray Carroll. With almost 70 years of combined experience, they have so much to offer. This was an amazing conversation that you don’t want to miss!!! Original Air Date: May 11, 2020 via YouTube

Coaching Connections: Episode 9 Jaime Boswell & Brandon Bourg Outstanding men and amazing coaches!!! What a great conversation we had!!! We touched on everything from their coaching journeys, to the best game they’ve ever been a part of, to the importance of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, to the best player they have ever seen play live or coached against, and much much more!!!! You don’t want to miss it! Original Air Date: May 7, 2020 via YouTube

I had an opportunity to talk to two guys who not only know about winning, but more importantly know about working with and molding the lives of young men. David President of Shadow Creek HS & Jarvin Hall of Harlan HS touched on their recent seasons, their journeys in the profession, Dream Team or Redeem Team, and much much more!!! There are so many take aways for young coaches on their journey in this episode. This is definitely one you don’t want to miss! Original Air Date: May 6, 2020 via YouTube

Chris Adamek & Eric De Los Santos “Rivalries & Friendships” I had a chance to talk to two coaches I have had the pleasure of going to battle with several times in so many epic rivalry games in the McCollum / Harlandale Frontier Classic. Through that rivalry we developed friendships just as all of the players have throughout the years. Definitely one of the greatest rivalries in TEXAS!!! You won’t want to miss this episode!!! Original episode aired May 3, 2020 via YouTube.

Basketball has given these two coaches the opportunity to travel the world. The experience and perspective the game has provided them is priceless. On this episode, Coach Luke Mackay and Coach Clifton Ellis talk about their journey. We discuss impactful moments in their career, a final four experience, a new job, working through adversity, how to develop mentally tough players, coaching current NBA players when they were in high school/college, and much more! I hope you enjoy! Original Episode aired May 1, 2020 via YouTube.

On this episode we have an amazing conversation with Coach Perez and Coach Hubbard. We talked about Covid-19 lockdown hobbies, building better young people through athletics, starting their coaching careers at the middle school level and working their way up to the varsity level, The Last Dance documentary, and much much more!!!! Episode originally aired on April 29, 2020 via YouTube.

On this episode I got a chance to talk to a great friend of mine, Reggie Ollendieck and a young man I consider family, Mr. Jordan Burns!!! I owe Coach Ollendieck a lot in my career and I’m grateful for our friendship. Jordan Burns has done some amazing things in his career at Colgate University. This episode is highly beneficial to coaches and players alike!!! We sit and talk about their relationship early on in Jordan’s high school career. There were some rough patches as well as great moments that all developed into a beautiful player/coach relationship that goes much deeper then basketball. There is so much to learn from these two, both from the perspective of a young player and from a coaches perspective! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!!! Original episode aired on April 25, 2020.

‪On this episode we visit with Coach Joseph Martinez of Lanier HS and Coach Rudy Bernal of Antonian. Bernal also spent 30+ years running the Lanier basketball program during his Hall of Fame career! Coach Martinez played for Bernal (Lanier ‘02) and was his assistant for 6 years before taking over the program. I had a great time catching up with these 2 outstanding coaches! Episode originally aired on April 24, 2020 via YouTube.

I had a chance to sit down and catch up with 2 amazing coaches. Coach Art Vela and Coach Andrew Brewer run outstanding programs! We had an absolute blast!!! We had an opportunity to touch on distance learning during Covid, the Michael Jordan docu series, impactful moments in their careers, memorable battles between the two coaches, childhood influences, and so much more! They provided so much insight into the life and purpose of a coach! I really appreciate you taking the time to sit an watch and I hope you enjoy!!! Thank you again to Coach Vela and Coach Brewer!!! Episode originally aired on April 22, 2020 via YouTube.

On this episode of Coaching Connections, we sit down with Coach Rodney Clark and Coach Marc Gardner and get to know these guys a little bit. Both led their team to the Texas High School State Basketball Tournament this season but the state championships were cancelled due to the COVID Pandemic. Both of these coaches do a great job running their programs, both are outstanding coaches and good men! Hope you enjoy! Originally Aired on April 18, 2020 via YouTube.