Sports Business Secrets

In today's episode we are joined by Coach Tyler Gatlin after a quick 4 and a half year break from the pod!

Today's a big one.When I started this show, I had no clue what I was doing — no team, no sponsors, no fancy equipment. Just a pair of headphones and a commitment to show up.Fast forward 5 years… We just crossed 100,000 total downloads.Along the way, we've hit 118 countries, brought on hundreds of guests, and continue to build a growing community around the world.In this episode, I'm reflecting on the journey, sharing a few fun stats and as always giving a glimpse into what's coming next for Sports Business Secrets.Thank you for being part of it.

Today I share a quick overview of South Korea for those curious to learn more about the country — and then dive into the pro league - The KBL (Korean Basketball League).I break down the league structure, import rules, style of play, salary ranges and why it continues to be an attractive place to build a pro career.

In this episode, I break down the current pro landscape — from current league structures and roster rules to import limits and why the B.League has become a magnet for global talent. Plus, a quick teaser on B.LEAGUE PREMIER, Japan's bold vision to reimagine the future of hoops.

The college landscape is chaos right now — but this episode isn't just for college athletes. If you're navigating decisions, dealing with agents, or chasing the next opportunity, this is for you.In this quick hitter, I share the blunt truth about the portal, the power of communication, and why your long-term reputation matters more than a short-term bag.Act like a pro. Zoom out. Keep it real.

Back on the road in Tokyo. Quick thoughts from Japan on what's new with Roy, a few player updates from the KTA fam, and why this breather overseas is much needed. Let's get into it!

College sports are entering a new era.Today, Judge Claudia Wilken reviews a proposed $2.8 billion settlement that could redefine how college athletes are supported and compensated.This episode breaks down the major lawsuits leading up to today — O'Bannon, Alston, and House — and explains what the settlement could mean for current players, schools, and the future of the NCAA model.

Today I talk about two staff roles I believe every modern college basketball program needs — and why ignoring them could cost teams more than they think.One of these roles is already trending — everyone's talking about it, and most programs are trying to fill it.The other? It's the secret weapon of the future — a role that forward-thinking programs will use to create a real edge.From managing NIL and building athlete support systems to scouting untapped talent and expanding University brand reach globally, these are the two roles for building a modern college basketball staff that could thrive in the new era.

Welcome back to Sports Business Secrets – Season 5 is officially here!Today I share a life and business update, including what's been going on behind the scenes during the launch of Roy. I talk about what the podcast is all about, the categories I cover (from college hoops to NIL to the international pro game), and preview what's coming this month. Whether you're new or tuning in from one of the 119 countries around the world – much love. Let's get back to it.

Today's guest is Darren Heitner, one of the most respected and influential voices in college sports, sports business, and the ever-evolving NIL landscape. Darren wears many hats—he's an attorney, author, college professor, and founder of Heitner Legal, which he established in 2014. Over the years, Darren has worked with some of the biggest names in sports, guiding them through pivotal moments and major deals. Beyond his legal expertise, Darren has been a driving force in shaping the dialogue and policies surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness. Not only has he guided athletes and universities in groundbreaking NIL deals; he's also a leading advocate for reform and a trusted source for decoding the complexities of this transformative era in college athletics. Whether through his advocacy, teaching, or legal practice, Darren continues to leave an enduring mark on the industry, paving the way for athletes, institutions, and fans alike to navigate this exciting new chapter. Today we talked about: Getting involved in the business early with a unique internship The infamous New Year's resolution that started it all The difference between an agent and a manager What prompted the launch of Heitner Legal Some of the services that he provides An update on the current NIL landscape Some common misconceptions & the need for education Brief overview of the House v NCAA Settlement What the future of college sports might look like... and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! www.kevintarca.com

Back at it after a few months of focus... here to finish the year strong as we approach 100,000 listens! what I've been working on Roy updates KTA clients what's next...

Today's guest is Yannie Chan, Women's Basketball player at Iona University! Yannie was was born and raised in Hong Kong, and was the first ever local girls basketball player in the history of Hong Kong to come the United States to play in the NCAA!   She started her college career at Emmanuel College where she won the Player of the Year in 2023. This year she made the transfer to Iona University will she will be gearing up for her first year in Division 1 basketball! She was a member of the national team this year, representing her country with pride at the Asian Games. She is not only a remarkable player on the court, but she brings just as much passion and enthusiasm to projects off the court, like creating content & giving back to the community. And today we get to hear more about Yannie's extraordinary story! Today we talked about: Growing up in Hong Kong and how she fell in love with basketball How different the youth basketball landscape is at home versus the USA When she first knew she had the skill set to play at a high level The process of reaching out to schools & getting her first opportunity Some of the challenges she faced when first arriving at Emmanuel Who she is OFF the court (content creation & community service) Battling through her injury to make sure she's ready The transition to Division 1 and expectations for the season Her goal to play at the next level and future career aspirations and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/blog

Today's guest is Dejan Kamenjaševic, Co-Founder & GM of Dubai Basketball Club! Dejan's journey began in Bosnia, where a defining moment in his early years brought a sudden change to his life. When the war broke out, he and his family relocated to Spain, where he continued pursuing his passion for basketball -- a sport that became a cornerstone in his life and would shape his future for many years to come. From playing professionally to coaching, and now leading teams from both the bench AND the boardroom, Dejan has made a significant impact across multiple countries. As he embarks on this new chapter with Dubai Basketball Club, he's set to shape the future of basketball in the UAE and beyond. And today we get to hear all about this groundbreaking project! Today we talked about: Growing up in Bosnia & where his basketball love started Fleeing with his family to Spain when the war broke out The challenges of starting his life in a new environment Making the decision to hang up his shoes The challenges of finding a new identity The sacrifices that went un-noticed behind the scenes His mentors who gave him his first opportunities in coaching The importance of relationships and how he builds trust The move to the UAE even when most thought he was crazy Building his new basketball academy from scratch The constant misconceptions about living in Dubai All about Dubai Basketball Club and his new role How they built the roster & the players they signed The opportunity to join the Adriatic League this season The power sports has to eliminate borders + unite people and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Part one covered how athletes could leverage tech to level up ON the court. Today we dive into how athletes could leverage tech to level up OFF the court! Personal branding, networking, personal growth, etc. https://www.kevintarca.com/

Today's guest is Cale Johnston, Founder & CEO of Roy! Cale grew up in Iowa, a state deeply embedded in Big Ten culture, which ignited his passion for college sports. He carried this enthusiasm into his own athletic career, eventually earning a scholarship to play football at the collegiate level. After graduation he transitioned seamlessly into the business world and hasn't looked back. During his early years in banking, Cale identified a significant market gap and launched a fintech firm that delivered innovative solutions to financial institutions. His company was acquired in 2021, and after a few years of transitioning out and contemplating his next move, Cale rediscovered his passion for college sports, which sparked the vision for his latest venture, Roy, Inc. Today we talked about: Growing up playing sports in Big 10 country His journey of playing football at the collegiate level Falling into the fintech industry right out of school Starting, scaling and selling his own fintech firm The search to find fulfillment after the acquisition The current landscape of college sports & collectives All about Roy and the problems we're solving How Roy changes the recruiting landscape NIL projected value vs true market value Why the current collective system is not sustainable Go-To-Market strategy & working with collectives What fans can expect from the exclusive content The three different workflows in Roy And much more! https://www.kevintarca.com/blog https://joinroy.com/

Sports + Technology. What a great combination. Here are several ways that athletes could utilize technology to level up!

Today's guest is Michael Visenberg, Scout & Basketball Database Manager at ProInsight, a leading company in grassroots basketball scouting. Michael grew up in Toronto, Canada where he began projecting future NBA All-Star lineups and participating in mock drafts from a young age. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field, he plays a crucial role in identifying and evaluating emerging basketball talent. He has covered the top events around the world including the Nike Hoop Summit, Adidas Global Nations, the Nike Global Challenge, the Les Schwab Invitational, Border League and many others. Michael is a basketball scout, a sports writer, a prospect analyzer, a draft guru and I'm sure we could come up with many more labels by the end of this episode! Today we talked about: When he first started falling in love with the NBA His first NBA Draft analysis that opened the door for business His scouting workflow and how he organizes his notes Weighing analytics & measurements versus the eye test How many games he watches before he has a good feel Defining athleticism and what "being athletic" really means What BAM Testing is & why they use it in pre-draft combines How deep NBA teams really dive for player intel Which stats & movements he uses to analyze defense His reaction to the 2024 NBA Draft (some sleepers) and much more Thanks for tuning in! https://www.kevintarca.com/blog https://www.kreationtalent.com/

It was a long 10 days on the road... Here's a little recap of NBA Summer League and what's on the agenda for the week...

Today's guest is Jared Grasso, newly appointed National Post Grad Coach and Head of Development at the Knox School. Coach Grasso grew up on the sidelines of basketball courts everywhere, watching his Father coach at the high school, collegiate and pro levels. He quickly outgrew the sidelines and developed into quite the player himself earning a McDonald's All-American nomination when he was at St. Anthony's HS. He chose Quinnipiac University to play his collegiate ball, where he was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2014. After a brief opportunity at the next level in Italy, it was inevitable that he would return to the sidelines and get into coaching. He's had stops at Hofstra, Hartford, Quinnipiac, Fordham, Iona and Bryant before accepting the new role at the Knox School this spring. Today we talked about: Growing up living, eating and breathing basketball with his Father The opportunity to play at the infamous ABCD Camp His roles and responsibilities as a young assistant coach How he learned to balance his job with his family Questions he was asked during the coaching interview process How he turned a struggling Division 1 program into an NCAA birth How he adapted to NIL and how it's changed college forever The mental side of coaching that the public doesn't see Searching for purpose after being at "the top of the mountain" All about the Knox School and his new role The youth development landscape in the USA The characteristics is takes to get to the next level and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Happy July... here's exactly what I've been up to and what's on the agenda this month. https://www.kevintarca.com/ https://www.kreationtalent.com/

Today's guest is Travis Murphy, CEO of Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment! Travis spent the first part of his career working in and with governments around world for more than two decades. He's served as a sports executive, an American diplomat, the Chief of Staff for a member of Congress and a few additional roles in between. After his experience in government, he decided to use his skill set to connect government with sports and entertainment! Travis was the Senior Director of International Government Affairs for the NBA for the majority of the past decade, overseeing the league's relationship with the Departments of State, Homeland Security and other government institutions. Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment was born in 2022 where Travis resides as CEO. They provide consulting services to elite athletes, sports leagues, and entertainers around the globe. Today we talked about: growing up in Kansas loving baseball but playing all sports his first job as the news director of a radio station how journalism opened up a door to government and politics joining the foreign service and working with Americans abroad what it means to be a diplomat and projects he worked on around the globe working with the Sports Diplomacy Division at the Department of State joining the NBA in 2016 and focusing on internationalization of the game how the NBA Academy program opened pathways for international athletes the process of international athletes getting their visas the mission behind Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment the rules and challenges for international athletes and NIL the future of the intersection of sports, entertainment and government and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/blog

Today's guest is Noel Hightower, Player Development Coach for the Golden State Warriors & Assistant Coach for the G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors! Noel is originally from Easton, PA where he grew up as a multi-sport standout athlete in high school. He then took his talents to Chestnut Hill College where he played basketball as well as a few years of track and field. Soon after graduation he began his coaching career at Lehigh University, where he obtained a masters degree in educational leadership. After several seasons in Bethlehem he was given an opportunity to take his coaching talents to the NBA. His first stop was with the Indiana Pacers where he found himself learning just as much as he was teaching! Noel is currently in a player development coaching role with the Golden State Warriors in addition to being an assistant coach for their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. He's a coach, a leader, a best selling author… and someone who I consider a great friend! Today we talked about: Growing up being a multi-sport athlete  His college recruiting process & why he chose Chestnut Hill How he got his first job in the coaching world His roles & responsibilities as a college Director of Basketball Operations What made him want to leave college and jump to the NBA side The sacrifices that he had to make when leaving a stable job for a dream job His roles & responsibilities when he joined the Pacers His roles & responsibilities for the Warriors Which characteristics separate NBA players from others Some basic offensive principles they teach at the NBA level and much more  https://www.kevintarca.com/blog

Today I give 25 minutes of free game on the pathway to becoming a pro. My thoughts are not the only way to do it. My thoughts might not even be the "correct way" to do it. But it's worked for many so hopefully it helps you out one way or another. educate yourself understand the agent business model how to approach the agent selection process a brief overview of basketball abroad start preparing for retirement now! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Today's guest is Sean Doherty, Head Coach of Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT! Coach Doherty is a Worcester, Mass native and has been around the game for several decades! After high school he played collegiately at Worcester State College before jumping directly into coaching. He spent time as an assistant at his alma mater under fellow podcast guest (and my college Head Coach), Tom Moore. He soon after became an Assistant on staff at Division II powerhouse, Assumption. Next up was a successful run at Holy Cross and a brief stop at Western Kentucky before taking over the program at Division III, Salem State. After his run at Salem State he reunited with Coach Moore at Quinnipiac University, which is where our relationship began! He is entering year 8 at Hamden Hall this fall. Today we talked about: Growing up being a multi-sport athlete  A powerful conversation with a referee after a summer game His recruiting experience and collegiate career Starting the JV program at his alma mater The major differences between D1, D2 & D3 hoops Necessary skill sets & characteristics to play at a high level His 3 NCAA Tournament appearances at Holy Cross How accountability was the cornerstone of a teams' success How he handles discussions with parents and much more  Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

That school paid how much money?? Wait, that kid went back in the portal? That school doesn't even have a collective? Questions that are uttered on the daily... Today I went on a little rant about the changing landscape in college sports. Now approaching three years from the day NIL became a reality, you would think that we would have this situation figured out. It's quite the opposite. I feel like today is more chaotic then ever before. https://www.kevintarca.com/

PUMPED to officially welcome Ballogy to the Sports Business Secrets family! Ballogy is a mobile app created by coaches for coaches. It is a digital command center for coaches that makes it easy for you to evaluate, manage and track the skill development for your team. In today's episode I break down what Ballogy is, who its for, and why I think it's a no-brainer tool for coaches at all levels. https://www.ballogy.com/ For 20% off USE CODE: partners20off

Today's guest is Jordan Green, Chief Experience Officer at Ballogy! Jordan is a former collegiate and pro athlete who is a remarkable example of how you can turn your skill set and passion into a life long career after the ball stops bouncing! He was a three year start at Texas A&M University, played for the San Antonio Spurs G-League affiliate for 3 years and then spent one year playing professionally in France. He had a short stint working with Ernst & Young in between his playing years, and after hanging up the shoes (for real the second time), he stepped into a big role with Ballogy, a software company that is transforming the way athletes prepare for their sports. Today we talked about: When he first started getting serious about basketball Getting state ranked early and what it really meant His recruiting process and why he chose Texas A&M How he built relationships the moment he got to college Preparing for a job in something other than sports His first job at Ernst & Young and what his role was The moment he realized he missed the game The rollercoaster of emotions during G-League tryouts A quick stint playing professionally in France How he got involved in Ballogy & all about the company The important aspects of modern player development His entrepreneurial project – “The Whole Athlete” and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.ballogy.com/ https://thewholeathletejournal.com/ https://www.kevintarca.com/

Should you work for free? What value does it bring? What does it really mean when someone says, "I love this so much that I would do it for free"? All great questions. Tune in to hear my answers.

Have you ever spent 8 hours in a mall? I have. And I came home with not a single shopping purchase. Another cool high school championship event, some takeaways about the NBA and youth prospects & KTA client who clinched a playoff spot abroad. Have a day!

Today's guest is Duncan Lloyd, President of DML Ltd. Duncan is a graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, who went on to get his Law Degree though Temple University's Beasley School of Law. He practiced law in various capacities, from technology based transactions to intellectual property rights cases. He also spent some time defending the city of Philadelphia in discrimination lawsuits. Duncan has been involved in the athlete representation business for 15 years. He is currently licensed as an NBPA, FIBA and NCAA agent. He has clients who play in the NBA and has placed players in many countries around the world. He currently runs his own agency and today we are going to learn more about his journey! Today we talked about…. His college experience studying contract & international law Being in Philly when Fran Dunphy was running the show How going to law school can benefit the role of an agent His first few years as an agent & what he learned A breakdown of the 3 main agent licenses (NBPA, FIBA, NCAA) All about his current company, DML, Ltd. The importance of transparency and loyalty A breakdown of what goes into the pre-draft process What FIBA needs to improve (spoiler alert... it's a lot) and much more   Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Happy Thursday from Atlantic City! Today I've got some KTA updates, thoughts on recruiting, latest topics of interest in the world of sports business and some exciting international basketball news! Thanks for tuning in!

Put yourself in an environment where you are valued. That doesn't mean stop chasing the top tier. That means, again, put yourself in an environment where you are valued.

Today's guest is Darren Angell, Assistant to the Head Coach at Furman University! Darren is the first ever “run it back episode” on Sports Business Secrets. Which is awesome for a few reasons. First, it means I've been bringing on experts in the industry for a long time. Second, and more importantly, he has pivoted to a different role in the sports business world so we get to learn a new perspective! Darren played basketball at Mercyhurst University before getting his law degree from the University of Kansas. He spent many years practicing law as an attorney in Chicago, during which time he simultaneously represented professional basketball players as a licensed sports agent. He had a change of heart in 2021 to get back into the coaching world, and after a giant leap of faith and found himself on staff at Indiana State University. Fast forward to today he is in his second year with Furman University with a role that I like to refer to as, “the most important job in modern college basketball.” Today we talked about…. leaving law and jumping back into college sports his first role as a director of basketball operations the opportunity to join coach Richey's staff at Furman the extraordinary NCAA Tournament win in 2023 his role as the “chief of staff” and what that entails why coaching staffs need to manage the business side NIL updates and how Furman is navigating that space What fundraising means for college basketball The challenges of building a culture in today's landscape What the future college landscape looks like and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/ https://kreationtalent.com/

This is my fourth time to Belgrade. Some things have definitely changed since I was here last, but there are also a few things that have remained constant! Here is a little recap of the trip and a breakdown of the Serbian basketball market from my perspective.

Today's guest is Clay Mallory, Founder & CEO of New Era Athlete! A San Francisco, California native, Clay has been involved with the basketball industry in different capacities for nearly a decade. From volunteer video coordinator positions to high school coaching to player representation to college coaching to scouting and pretty much everything else in between. He earned his masters in Sport Management at the University of San Francisco, he's currently the west coast scout and director of business development for One Motive Sports, and he is a bit more than a year into his newest endeavor, New Era Athlete! Today we talked about: Transitioning from playing into coaching & managing roles Early sports industry career experience His current role with One Motive Sports The birth of New Era Athlete & its purpose The NIL money differences – collective vs true How many followers you need to get paid Summer camps and merchandising strategy How the portal fits into the NIL environment How colleges should leverage NIL moving forward And much more Appreciate you tuning in! Tap in to the links below for more: https://www.kevintarca.com/ https://www.kreationtalent.com/about

Since day 1 of the podcast I've made an effort to give you a front row seat to everything I do. Today I dive into what "a day in the life" looks like when I'm outside the country and how I choose the location!

Today's guest is Miles Schmidt-Scheuber, basketball broadcaster & writer! Miles grew up in Boston but always had a calling for his German roots. After studying at Emerson College, he decided to jump across the pond and establish his career in the German market. From creating the first ever weekly basketball program on German radio to broadcasting Bundesliga games to post-game interviews with some of the best basketball players in the country, Miles has pioneered quite the life journey. Today we talked about: Growing up in the states but having German roots Choosing Emerson to study media & arts communication The decision to move to Germany & his first broadcast A breakdown of broadcasting vs play-by-play announcing How intricately he prepares for every single game Germany's recent talent development success Overcoming his cancer diagnosis! His upcoming book, “The Real Deal” and much more  Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!

Today's guest is world renowned speaker, author and performance expert, Alan Stein, Jr.! Alan is a former collegiate basketball player who has turned his passion for the game into a lifelong career. After graduating from Elon University, he co-founded his own high performance training service that focused on youth athletes. Since then, he has trained some of the most elite athletes on the planet, including Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant (and many others). Alan now focuses his time helping individuals and organizations maximize their performance. He is a speaker, a coach, an author, a consultant, a husband and a father! Today we talked about: the journey he took to play collegiately a quote from Jay Bilas that stuck with him  what “unseen hours” really means which skills translate from sports to the real world intrinsic competition vs extrinsic competition his views on personal and professional social media things that all leaders do extremely well his “whiteboard memory” mental model and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Welcome back!! Can't believe we're already kicking off season 4. Today I share a little bit about the podcast for our new listeners and reflect on how far we've come.

Today's guest is Zac Ikuma, the General Manager of the Tokushima Gambarous, an expansion team in the Japanese B3 League! He is in his first season managing a professional basketball club after various roles in the sports industry. He has an extremely unique background for a GM, which is why I believe he will continue to thrive in this role! Zac has done everything from TV production to on field reporting to stage acting to NFL commentary to professional baseball interpreter and much more in between. Before arriving in Tokushima, Zac spent the last 4 years as the Official Correspondent for the Washington Wizards. Today we talked about: Growing up in a bilingual family How he got his first professional opportunity How his acting career helps him in business His time spent with the Washington Wizards A breakdown of the Japanese pro leagues All about Tokushima and his expansion team How the ownership group supports the vision GM responsibilities (and common misconceptions) Team culture -- how they are building winning habits Pros & cons of being relegated or promoted Goals for Tokushima this season and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

If you want hear me babble for 20 minutes about the state of professional basketball abroad, this one is for you! It's definitely an exciting time to be involved in pro sports, but there are still many things that need to be improved. Whether it's team financials, gatekeeping or accountability, most topics today revolve around transparency (or lack there of). Appreciate you tuning in!

Today's guest is Joe Moore, fellow New Jersey native, former NCAA Lacrosse National Champion & current Chief Strategy Officer at Centercourt Sports Academy!   After playing collegiately at Syracuse University, Joe wanted to continue playing at the next level. He had a short stint as a pro, but at that point he had already realized his potential off the field and was well on his way to success in the business world.      Today we talked about: Growing up playing multiple sports The post grad path before going to college His recruitment process and choosing Syracuse Winning a National Championship as a freshman The importance of leveraging your passions Trying to find an identity outside of lacrosse All about Centercourt and their mission His entrepreneurial mindset & culture at work His leadership techniques & daily routines and much more    Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Todays guest is ⁠Goran Sasic, Executive Director of the Euroleague Head Coaches Board! This is a long episode but one you will keep you engaged the entire time! Today we talked about: How Berlin helped form his love for basketball Moving to Belgrade to pursue coaching Advanced statistics (and his analogy that will make you LOL) Why the "moneyball" principle is less valuable in Europe The evolution of scouting and what the future looks like The Euroleague Basketball Institute Masters Program How he implemented the Euroleague's scouting server What basketball means to Serbian people How I lost hearing in one ear on my trip to Belgrade His phone call to the government on Christmas Eve The formation of the Euroleague Head Coaches Board The upcoming ECHB Academy & Coaches Congress and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com https://www.kreationtalent.com

Not every basketball competition in Europe is the same... Here's a little free game for ya. Today I discuss what the FIBA Europe Cup is. If you want to see this broken down visually, check out my online courses, I just added it in a BONUS module. https://kreationtalent.thinkific.com/courses/agent

College hoops off to a wild start, KTA clients heating up in international competitions, new podcast roundtables & more! 7 weeks until the new year... here's whats on deck this month...

Todays guest is Skye Ettin, Assistant MBB Coach at UC Santa Barbara. Skye grew up in Princeton, NJ, where we first met as opponents in high school! He then played collegiately at The College of New Jersey where he was a three-year captain. After graduating he joined the staff at Princeton University as the Director of Basketball Operations but didn't take long for him to be named an assistant coach, a role he has filled the previous 6 seasons! He's garnered many accolades over that time span, including being named an NABC 30 under 30 honoree and one of the 50 most impactful mid major assistants in the country by Silver Waves Media. He capped off the Princeton chapter with an unbelievable run to the Sweet 16 in the 2023 NCAA tournament. Skye is now in his first season as an Assistant Coach at UC Santa Barbara. Today we talked about…. Growing up in Princeton, NJ The recruiting path and early adversity The differences between d3 and d1 players Why his coaching perspective started in college His career at TCNJ and the transition after The Sweet Sixteen Run with Princeton His new chapter at UC Santa Barbara The importance of an international roster Where you should play if you want to be seen How to build relationships in the industry and much more Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Today is a huge milestone celebration -- 500 episodes! No publishing company. No financial backing. No team of editors. No fancy equipment. No sponsorships (yet…) Just a pair of headphones... and a lot of thoughts. I appreciate all the support so far, here's to the next 500!

Today's guest is one of my best friends, Evann Baker, who is currently an Assistant Coach at UMBC!   Evann is originally from Washington D.C. where he quickly became one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. He was named D.C.'s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006 at Archbishop Carroll and went on to play collegiately at Quinnipiac University.   He's coached at many levels before joining UMBC, including the grassroots level with Team Takeover, being a grad assistant at Penn State and the video coordinator at Akron.   Today Evann shares the journey throughout his playing days and then dives into his current role at UMBC and what's in store for the upcoming season.   Today we talked about: Growing up in DC with his mother and 5 brothers His high school experience at Archbishop Carroll Some early setbacks that he had to overcome Battling through his career ending injury The transition to becoming a full time coach His coaching stops at Penn State & Akron How he ended up as an Assistant at UMBC The culture they are building & season expectations and much more    Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy! https://www.kevintarca.com/

Here are some KTA client updates and a few things on the winter agenda.

Today's guest is Nik Caner-Medley, former professional basketball player who is embracing the new chapter in his life as an entrepreneur! Arguably one of the best prospects to ever come from Maine, Nik took home many awards, including being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2002 after averaging 36.5 points during his senior season.He went on to play 4 years at Maryland, finishing as one of five players ever to tally over 1500pts, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 steals, 100 3's & 50 blocked shots. Nik went undrafted in the 2006 NBA draft and eventually signed with the Detroit Pistons as a free agent. After an injury before his rookie season started he had the opportunity to help a team in Germany make a playoff push in 2007. Despite his hesitation, he went for it and it became the true start to his historically successful career abroad. And that's just a small piece of his background. I'm just as excited to share with you who Nik is OFF the court and what he's been up to since retirement. Today we also talked about: growing up in Maine his routine and work ethic playing hoops as a kid when he realized that he could play at the next level his AAU opportunity from the Pump Brothers the chip on his shoulder from being unranked the college recruiting process and why he chose Maryland winning an ACC Championship in 2006 signing with the Pistons after going undrafted his mindset when he found out he was going to Germany differences between USA and European playing styles advice for players who aspire to play at the pro level his transition into retirement and much more! Appreciate you tuning in. Hope you enjoy!