This is the podcast where you will hear real basketball coaching conversations. Whether you are a new or experienced coach at any level of basketball these coaching conversations will give you practical ideas to stimulate your coaching and make what you do even better. A member of the Armchair Media Network.
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Listeners of The Basketball Podcast that love the show mention:The Basketball Podcast is a must-listen for any basketball enthusiast or coach. Hosted by Chris Oliver, this podcast offers a variety of conversations with some of the best minds in sports. The discussions are raw and open, allowing listeners to have their minds opened to many different things regarding hoops. Whether you're driving or just looking to learn more about the game, this podcast is an excellent choice.
One of the best aspects of The Basketball Podcast is the wide range of topics covered. From technical and tactical discussions to insights into different systems and coaching methods, there is something for everyone in every episode. The guests on the show are highly knowledgeable and come from varied backgrounds, providing a diverse array of perspectives on the game. This podcast truly speeds up the learning curve for coaches and helps guide their quest in building the best basketball experience for their players.
While there are plenty of positive aspects to The Basketball Podcast, it's important to note that occasionally the sound quality can be subpar during "Office Hours" segments. However, this issue is minor and doesn't detract from the overall value of the content. Despite this small drawback, Coach Oliver does an excellent job in delivering informative and insightful episodes consistently.
In conclusion, The Basketball Podcast is a top-notch resource for anyone interested in basketball, especially coaches. Coach Oliver has created a platform that offers dense information for coaches at all levels. Each episode is filled with insights on strategy, technique, and tactics from highly successful coaches from around the world. With its practical information and thought-provoking discussions, this podcast should be at the top of every basketball coach's playlist.
In this week's coaching conversation, South Florida head coach Jose Fernandez joins the Basketball Podcast.to share insights on zone offense, relationships and practice.Fernandez has carved out a 25-year head coaching career at South Florida with multiple accolades. He is the program's all-time winningest coach, has claimed American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors twice in 2018 and 2021, and has led the Bulls to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and secured four Conference Championships, including two Conference Tournament Championships (2020-21 & 2024-25) and two Regular Season Titles (2020-21 & 2022-23). Fernandez's influence extends beyond his program, as he is set to become the WBCA President from 2025-27. His coaching has produced nine WNBA Draft Picks and Signees, and twenty-four of his former players are competing professionally worldwide.Fernandez has also demonstrated success against top-tier competition, with twenty wins against top 25-ranked teams. He has also achieved considerable consistency, with fourteen straight nineteen-win seasons and twelve twenty-win seasons. During the 2024-25 season, he recorded his 485th career victory. Under his leadership, South Florida won the 2008-09 WNIT Championship, defeating the Kansas Jayhawks.Throughout his career, Fernandez has recruited and coached over forty all-conference players, two Associated Press Honorable Mention All-Americans, three members of the USF Athletics Hall of Fame, two AAC Players of the Year, two AAC Newcomers of the Year, four AAC Freshmen of the Year, one AAC Defensive Player of the Year, one AAC Most Improved Player, and seven WNBA draft picks. His contributions to the sport were further recognized with his induction into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay's Hall of Fame on June 8, 2022.This year Fernandez will return to USA Basketball for his second assistant coaching stint with USA Basketball as an assistant for the 2025 Women's U19 National Team. He previously served in the role for the 2024 Women's U18 National Team and was also a court coach at the 2018 USA Women's U18 National Team Trials.
In this week's coaching conversation, CIA Bella Vista College Prep Brandon Rosenthal joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on career management and high school coaching.Rosenthal brings a wealth of experience to his coaching career, encompassing six years of professional experience, nine years at the collegiate level, and one year in high school. In his inaugural year as head coach at CIA Bella Vista College Prep, Rosenthal revitalized the basketball program, transforming it into a championship contender, and was named the 2024-25 EYBL Scholastic Coach of the Year. Bella Vista College Prep competes in the EYBL Scholastic Conference, widely recognized as one of the most competitive leagues in high school basketball. Prior to Rosenthal's arrival, the program had struggled, holding a one-and-eleven conference record. Under his leadership, the team achieved a remarkable turnaround, finishing with a nine-and-two record in conference play. This success earned them the title of regular season co-champions and an invitation to Chipotle Nationals in his debut season, spanning from 2024 to 2025.During the 2024-25 season, CIA Bella Vista College Prep achieved a twenty-and-four overall regular season record. The team reached rankings as high as number two by MaxPreps, number four by Slam, and number five by ESPN. Notably, the team secured the most top ten wins and the most top twenty-five wins of any team in the nation, and played what was considered the toughest schedule in the country. The program received an invitation to the 2025 Chipotle Nationals. Additionally, the team became the first from Arizona in forty-two years to win the Beach Ball Classic. Rosenthal also oversees an academy of seventy boys and girls, which has produced two All-Americans.Brandon Rosenthal's extensive assistant coaching experience includes roles at various levels. He served as an Assistant Coach for the Santa Cruz Warriors (2023-2024), where he contributed to the team's G-League Franchise of the Year title, Winter Showcase Semi-Finals appearance, and G-League Playoffs Quarter-Finals appearance, while also seeing five players called up to the NBA. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Coach, Director of Scouting & Player Development at Arizona State University (2019-2023), supporting the team in various capacities and contributing to a 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance. His experience also includes positions as Video/Player Development Coordinator for the Phoenix Suns (2017-2019), Assistant Coach for the Northern Arizona Suns (2016-2017), Video Assistant for the Houston Rockets (2015-2016), and Interim Assistant Coach/Director of Basketball Operations at Santa Clara University (2012-2015), where he was part of the 2013 CBI National Championship team.
In this week's coaching conversation, Mount St Mary's head coach Donny Lind joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on exceeding expectations.Donny Lind just completed his first season as the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Mount St. Mary's University. In his debut season (2024-2025), Lind orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Mountaineers. Picked 11th out of 13 teams in the MAAC preseason poll, Lind guided the team to a 23-13 overall record and a 12-8 mark in conference play, finishing tied for fourth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.The season was highlighted by a run through the MAAC Tournament, where the Mountaineers secured victories over Marist, Merrimack, and ultimately Iona in the championship game. This MAAC Tournament title marked the university's first championship in any sport since becoming a full MAAC member and earned them an automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Tournament.In the NCAA Tournament, the #16-seeded Mountaineers achieved the program's third-ever NCAA Tournament win with an 83-72 First Four victory over #16 seed American. Their inspiring tournament journey concluded in the First Round against #1 seed Duke.Donny Lind's impressive first year at the helm has garnered him recognition as a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, which honors the top first-time head coach in Division I college basketball. The team's 23 wins represent the highest win total for the program as a Division I institution and the most wins in a season for Mount St. Mary's since the 1986-87 season. Notably, his First Four victory also gave him the most wins for a first-year head coach in the Mount's history, surpassing the legendary Jim Phelan's first-year record.Before taking the head coaching position at Mount St. Mary's, Lind built a strong foundation as an assistant coach at several programs:VCU (Video Coordinator, 2010-2013): Lind began his post-graduate career at VCU, contributing through film analysis, analytics, and assisting with player development under Shaka Smart.Mount St. Mary's (Assistant Coach, 2013-2016): In his first stint at Mount St. Mary's, Lind served as the recruiting coordinator and helped assemble what is considered the winningest class in school history. The team won the NEC Tournament and reached the NCAA Tournament during his time. The Mountaineers consistently led the NEC in key offensive categories during his tenure.Radford University (Assistant Coach, 2016-2021): Working under Mike Jones, Lind was part of a staff that led Radford to back-to-back Big South regular-season titles (2018-19, 2019-20) and the 2017-18 Big South Tournament title, resulting in the program's first NCAA Tournament win in the First Four. He was recognized as a Top 50 Impactful Low Major Coach in Division I.UNC Greensboro (Assistant Coach, 2021-2024): Lind continued his successful assistant coaching career at UNC Greensboro, again under Mike Jones. The Spartans earned a #2 seed in the SoCon during his tenure.Donny Lind's return to Mount St. Mary's has already proven to be a significant success, marked by a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament victory in his very first season as a head coach. His ability to connect with players and implement an effective coaching strategy has clearly resonated with the team, setting a promising trajectory for the program's future.
In this week's coaching conversation, Northern Colorado head coach Steve Smiley joined the Basketball Podcast to share insights on the "over ourself" philosophy and grading success.Steve Smiley has established himself as a formidable head coach at Northern Colorado, leading the Bears with a strong overall record of 89–71 (.556) in NCAA competition. His leadership was instrumental in securing the Big Sky regular season championship in 2025, a testament to his ability to develop winning teams and foster a competitive culture.Smiley's success hasn't gone unnoticed—his efforts were recognized in 2024 when he was named Big Sky Co-Coach of the Year. He also owns the second highest winning percentage in Northern Colorado's Division I era, equaling Jeff Linder for the most postseason wins with six, who he succeeded in March 2020.Smiley's experience in the Big Sky goes beyond his four years at UNC as he was an assistant coach at Weber State from 2014-16. Before Weber State, Smiley spent six years as the head coach and Athletic Director at Sheridan College.In the six years with Sheridan College, Smiley posted a 153-43 overall record and led Sheridan to four North Sub-Region 9 titles and two runner-up finishes. Smiley was twice named the North Region Coach of the Year. During his time at Sheridan, Smiley had 21 players sign to play NCAA Division I basketball and 38 players moved on to play at four-year colleges.Prior to his stint at Sheridan, Smiley spent two seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota where he collaborated with the winningest coach in NCAA history, Don Meyer. During his time at NSU, the Wolves posted a 50-12 record. Smiley was also the assistant head coach at Black Hills State University during the 2005-06 season. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M International during the 2004-05 campaign.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon shares insights on his all in culture philosophy.Since his hiring in 2022, Pedon has steadily improved the program, culminating in a significant 22-14 record and a CBI Championship title in the 2024-25 season, marking a notable step forward for Illinois State basketball.. In his first season as head coach of the Redbirds, ISU finished the season 11-21 while setting a new program record for free throw percentage with .793 (was .775 from the 2001-02 season). His second season saw a four-win improvement, and the team had its highest assist-to-turnover ratio for the season since the 2016-17 season, and freshman Johnny Kinziger earned a spot on the All-Freshman and All-Bench teams during the year.Before taking the helm at Illinois State, Pedon built a strong foundation as an assistant coach at several institutions, including Miami (OH) from 2005 to 2010, Butler University from 2010 to 2013, Providence College from 2013 to 2017, and most recently at Ohio State University from 2017 to 2022. His extensive coaching background—spanning multiple conferences and styles of play—has shaped his approach to modern player development and competitive team strategy.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Yale head coach James Jones joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on Yale's basketball culture and success.Jones is Yale's all-time winning coach and the longest tenured coach in the Ivy League. He has led Yale to seven Ivy League titles, three Ivy League Tournament championships and five NCAA tournament appearances.Jones has an impressive career record of 418-319 (.567). His championship pedigree includes seven Ivy League regular season titles (2002, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2025) and four Ivy League tournament championships (2019, 2022, 2024, 2025). He has been at the helm for the two NCAA Tournament victories in school history - upsets of Baylor in 2016 and Auburn in 2024. He has guided Yale to multiple postseason appearances, compiling a 2-5 record in NCAA Division I Tournament play, a 1-2 mark in the NIT, and a 4-2 record in the CIT.His coaching excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Hugh Durham Award in 2016 and the Ben Jobe Award in 2019. Jones has also been named Ivy League Coach of the Year four times (2015, 2016, 2020, 2023), cementing his status as one of the conference's most accomplished coaches. Five assistant coaches who worked under Jones went on to become head coaches - Rob Senderoff (Kent State), Isaiah Cavaco (Oberlin), Mark Sembrowich (Academy of Arts University), Mark Gilbride (Clarkson) and Ted Hotaling (New Haven).Jones has enjoyed remarkable success against major conference opponents. In 2008-09, Yale knocked off Oregon State, the school's first win ever over a Pac-12 opponent. The Bulldogs also beat Cal in the Pac-12 China Game in Shanghai in 2018. In addition, Jones has enjoyed victories over schools from the ACC (Miami, Clemson twice, Boston College), Big 12 (Baylor) Big East (Rutgers), Big Ten (Penn State) Atlantic 10 (Rhode Island), WCC (Santa Clara) during his tenure.Jones has gained experience with USA Basketball in his time at Yale as well. He served as an assistant coach for the United States team that captured the gold medal at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup for men in Riga, Latvia. He also was as an assistant coach to Villanova's Jay Wright for the 2007 USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Team, helping tutor Georgetown's Roy Hibbert, Michigan State's Drew Neitzel and Indiana's D.J. White. In 2006, Jones was selected by the USA Basketball Men's Collegiate Committee, chaired by Syracuse's Jim Boeheim, as a court coach for the 2006 USA Men's U18 National Team Trials.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, New York Liberty Director of Player Development and Unrivaled Laces head coach Andrew Wade joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on coaching lessons from Unrivaled 3-on-3.Andrew Wade is currently the Director of Player Development for the New York Liberty, the reigning WNBA champions. In 2024, Wade took on the role of head coach for the Laces in Unrivaled, the professional 3-on-3 women's basketball league.The team finished the regular season standings in third place.In 2019, Wade joined the Washington Wizards' G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, as a video coordinator. His role expanded to include player development responsibilities with the Washington Mystics, where he served as a player development assistant coach. During his tenure, he was instrumental in implementing "vitamins," a practice routine focusing on intentional skill development.Wade's journey in basketball began at the Catholic University of America, where he played collegiate basketball. His passion for the game led him to establish Prism Basketball, a consulting firm aimed at simplifying basketball analytics for teams and players. He also contributed as a sports blogger, analyzing NBA strategies and trades.If you have not had the opportunity yet be sure to check Coach Wade's excellent masterclass excerpt presentation available on our Basketball Immersion YouTube channel called “Using Video for Basketball Teaching Success with Andrew Wade.” The full video is available on demand to all members of our community inside the membership portal.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Fairleigh Dickinson head coach Stephanie Gaitley joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on FDU's success, the wheel of defense and captains.Stephanie Gaitley is one of the most accomplished figures in NCAA Division I history. With an impressive career record of 684-393 (.635), Coach Gaitley ranks as the 12th winningest active head coach in Division I basketball. Her legacy includes 20 postseason bids, 11 WNIT appearances, and nine NCAA tournament appearances, showcasing her ability to lead teams to success at the highest levels.Under Coach Gaitley's leadership, Fairleigh Dickinson Knights have experienced an incredible transformation during her first two years with the team. In her inaugural season (2023–24), the Knights finished 14–17 overall, with a strong 11–5 Northeast Conference record, landing them in 3rd place. The following season (2024–25) marked a historic leap, as the team finished with an outstanding 29–4 record, an undefeated 16–0 conference run, and a berth in the NCAA First Round—a testament to her ability to elevate programs to new heights.Prior to joining FDU, Coach Gaitley also led programs at Fordham (2011-2022), Richmond (1985–1991), Saint Joseph's (1991–2001), Long Island (2002–2008), and Monmouth (2008–2011), further solidifying her reputation as one of the most successful and versatile head coaches in women's basketball.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Houston Christian University head coach Craig Doty joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on adapting to change.Doty arrived at Houston Christian University as a three-time national champion head coach and three-time national coach of the year, with 12 years of head college coaching experience and a 259-126 career record which includes a 31-10 mark in postseason play.Doty spent six seasons as head men's basketball coach at Emporia State University in Kansas. Known as a program-builder, Doty improved the Emporia State program from an inherited 9-19 record (4-15 MIAA) to a 23-9 record (15-7 MIAA) in 2022-23. In each of his final three seasons at ESU, Doty's teams appeared in the NABC Division II national polls while being ranked in the top 25 for six weeks in 2022-23 and as high as #15 in 2023-24.Prior to his arrival in Emporia, Doty led Graceland University to national prominence. In just two seasons at Graceland, Doty's program had a 49-22 record and won the 2018 NAIA Division I National Championship in the school's first trip to the national tournament. Along the way Doty earned NAIA National Coach of the Year and the 2018 Don Meyer Award. Upon winning the 2018 national championship, Doty had led his teams to the National Championship game four out of the previous five seasons.Doty began his head coaching career as the head men's basketball coach at Rock Valley College. In his four years he built a national powerhouse. When Doty took over the program in 2012, Rock Valley was ranked last in Region IV preseason poll. Over the next four years, Doty would lead the Golden Eagles to four consecutive national tournaments including three straight national title games. Rock Valley was crowned National Champions in 2014 and in 2016, the first and second national championships in the 50-year program history.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on a championship season. Sandy Brondello is a two-time WNBA Champion head coach, and holds an overall regular season record of 244-164 (.598) over her 12 combined seasons at the helm of the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and San Antonio Silver Stars - making her the sixth-winningest coach in WNBA history.In 2014, Brondello was named the WNBA Coach of the Year after she led Phoenix to a WNBA regular season-record 29 wins and capped the season with a WNBA Championship. In 2023, Brondello led the Liberty to the Commissioner's Cup Championship and first WNBA Finals appearance since 2002. Brondello made history in 2024 after leading the New York Liberty to its first WNBA Championship in franchise history and the city's first professional basketball championship since 1973.A 20-year veteran of the WNBA coaching ranks, Brondello has been affiliated with the league for 25 of its 28 seasons, including her time as a player. A proven winner internationally and in the WNBA, her 20 total years as an assistant coach and head coach have featured 17 playoff appearances, highlighted by a perfect 12-for-12 in postseason berths as a head coach.Brondello also became the coach of the Australian Women's national team, the Opals in 2017.At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Australian team won the bronze medal, the team's first Olympic medal since a bronze in 2012.
In this week's coaching conversation, mindset and mental performance coach Lindsey Wilson joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss belief as a skill.Lindsey Wilson is a mindset and mental performance coach best known as The Sports Hypnotist™. With a professional basketball career spanning close to a decade, Lindsey took her knowledge of the mental game to work with collegiate athletes, professional athletes from Olympians and players in the NFL and WNBA, all the way to youth athletes. She is the founder of Positive Performance™ and The Mindset Coach Academy™ where she helps aspiring mental performance coaches start their dream business and impact lives. She's also the author of the upcoming book Think Like an Athlete which teaches the critical and undertrained skill of belief and how to build it to be successful on the playing field and off. Lindsey's exposure to mental performance came at age 16 and completely changed her perspective on how to navigate physical training with her mental barriers. She also learned the power of belief and importance of consistently training it to achieve the highest goals. Despite a successful career, she did fall short of her ultimate athletic goals but is using that experience and message to create and surpass her professional goals! Her mission is to teach mental performance tools so that coaches can have a massive impact on athletes' performance, enjoyment of competing and life.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Hernando Planells shares lessons from Hollywood sets and global coaching. With over two decades of experience spanning professional and collegiate basketball, as well as film and TV, Hernando Planells is a dynamic coach, film and tv sports coordinator, and leadership consultant. As the Technical Director of the NBA Basketball School in Dubai, he combines his passion for basketball with a mission to inspire the next generation of athletes across the UAE.Hernando's coaching career includes:Duke University (Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach): Led the team to an ACC Championship, two Elite Eights, and six NCAA Tournament appearances. Recruited, coached and developed 11 future WNBA players, including Las Vegas Aces and Team USA guard Chelsea Gray, while maintaining a 100% graduation rate.Maine Red Claws (NBA G-League): Worked with the Boston Celtics affiliate alongside current Celtics Assistant GM Austin Ainge, developing players such as 12-year NBA veteran Avery Bradley and Mario West.International Coaching: Served as the Head Coach for the Ryukyu Golden Kings in Japan and the University of the East in the Philippines, as well as the head coach for the New Zealand Junior National Team.William Jessup University (Head Women's Basketball Coach): Guided the team to their first GSAC championship, earning Coach of the Year honors and an NAIA national tournament appearance.University of Illinois and UNLV: Gained valuable experience under former NBA Assistant Coach Bill Bayno.Beyond coaching, Hernando has made significant contributions to film and TV as a part owner and sports coordinator/choreographer for Game Changing Films on major projects like 'Coach Carter,' 'The Longest Yard,' 'Swagger', 'The Crossover,' and the newly released “Running Point' starring Kate Hudson on Netflix. ”bringing authentic basketball action to the screen. He is also the founder of Be Contagious Leadership a consulting company dedicated to empowering teams and organizations through courage, communication, and connection.A proud father, Hernando's son Preston Planells, who is in his first year as the assistant women's basketball coach at New Mexico State, and Gabrielle Planells, is a senior theatre student at Chico State University. Driven by a passion for storytelling, leadership, and basketball, Hernando's goal is to empower athletes both on and off the court.
Exploring the real impact of Basketball Immersion on elite youth coaching with a coach who has completely transformed his approach to the game. Klein Collins High School head coach Scott Harmatuk discusses his journey since joining Basketball Immersion—how shifting away from traditional drills and embracing game-based learning has reshaped his coaching philosophy. Learn how these changes have elevated his players' enjoyment of practice and games, while also improving their decision-making, skill development, and overall basketball IQ, leading to noticeable growth in both individual and team performance.Beyond Scott's personal evolution, this episode is packed with insights for all youth coaches looking to modernize their approach. What are the biggest challenges when making the shift? What are the most impactful takeaways that any coach—regardless of level—can apply? And ultimately, what does it take to develop players who truly understand the game?Coach Harmatuk, born and raised in Spring, TX, played basketball at Fordham University from 1996-2000. He went on to play professionally for the Brooklyn Kings (USBL) and REYNOSA UAT (Mexico-LNBP). After retiring, he began his coaching career at Spring Woods HS, followed by Nimitz HS with mentor Randy Gilmer. In 2008, he became the head coach at Klein Collins HS, where he remains today.Since joining Basketball Immersion in 2020, Coach Harmatuk has led his team to 3 district titles and earned Coach of the Year honors 3 times. Known as a "player's coach," he builds strong relationships with his players through respect and honesty.If you're a coach who wants to maximize your players' potential while making practices more engaging, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Let's get started!
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Harvard-Westlake head coach David Rebibo joins the Basketball Podcast to share Harvard-Westlake's championship formula.David Rebibo has transformed Harvard-Westlake into a national powerhouse and established himself as one of the premier coaches in California basketball.Under Coach Rebibo's guidance, Harvard-Westlake has become synonymous with excellence, capturing multiple CIF championships, including three state titles (2016, 2023, 2024) and sectional championships (2012, 2017, 2023). His program's dominance in the highly competitive Mission League - winning 7 titles in the last decade - speaks to the sustainable culture of success he's built.Beyond his 400+ career wins, Rebibo's impact on the game extends nationally through his work with USA Basketball, where he's helped develop some of America's top young talent. His coaching acumen has been widely recognized, earning CIF Coach of the Year honors multiple times (2016, 2017, 2024) and being named State Coach of the Year in 2020.Before Harvard-Westlake, Rebibo served as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at the University of San Francisco, where he helped guide the program to its best WCC finish in 20 years and an NIT berth. His head coaching journey began at El Camino Real High School (2007-13), where he built a powerhouse program that consistently competed for City Section championships.Rebibo's success at multiple levels - from rebuilding El Camino Real to his collegiate experience at USF to creating a national power at Harvard-Westlake - demonstrates his ability to develop talent and build sustainable winning programs at every stop in his career.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, NBA Player Development manager Cherokee Parks joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on athletes transitioning, communication and self-discovery.After retiring from playing, Parks transitioned into significant roles within NBA infrastructure. He became a pivotal figure in NBA Player Development, working directly in the league office to create programs, strategies, and developmental pathways for emerging players.His work in the NBA office focused on:Designing player transition and development programsCreating educational initiatives for rookiesDeveloping strategies to support player growth beyond on-court performanceBridging communication between players, teams, and league managementParks' role in basketball operations leveraged his playing experience and administrative expertise to shape the next generation of basketball professionals. He remains connected to the game through various advisory and developmental roles.Parks played college basketball at Duke University under coach Mike Krzyzewski and won the 1992 national title during his freshman year. During his collegiate tenure from 1990-1994, Parks was a critical component of Duke's basketball success.Drafted 11th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Parks played for nine seasons for multiple NBA franchises including the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, sports performance coach John Bloom joins The Basketball Podcast to discuss strength in numbers.John Bloom has worked as a sports performance coach at Abilene Christian University, Weber State, Texas Tech, and Oral Roberts before founding Elevated Athlete Development LLC. John's mission is to provide holistic development for athletes while creating platforms for coaches to learn, connect, and build.At Oral Roberts University, he served as the Director of the Sports Performance Department and Head of Men's Basketball. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball at Texas Tech University. John also contributed as the Director of Sports Performance for Men's and Women's Basketball at Weber State University. His journey began at Abilene Christian University, where he was the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, responsible for Women's Basketball, Indoor/Beach Volleyball, and Men's Golf, while also assisting with Men's Basketball, Football, and Tennis.Bloom's book, "Strength In Numbers: An Encyclopedia of Authentic Coaching Wisdom", uncovers career-defining insights from over 100 elite coaches across all levels, from high school to professional sports. Strength In Numbers is your essential guide to building a successful, impactful coaching career.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, performance psychologist Dr. Alex Auerbach joins The Basketball Podcast to share ideas on how to perform at your best.Dr. Alex Auerbach has spent his career exploring how high performers, from athletes to business leaders, deliver superlative results and make meaningful progress toward achieving their full potential. Called to Greatness unveils the secrets he's discovered about how to perform at your best when it matters most. Auerbach is a licensed counseling and sport psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and board-certified coach working in professional sports. He has worked with elite teams and performers from a range of domains, including the NBA and NFL, Olympians, Army Special Forces, Fortune 5 Companies, and Venture-Backed Startups.Dr. Auerbach earned his doctoral degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in sport and performance psychology from the University of North Texas. He received a Master's in Business Administration from Salve Regina University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Arizona. Dr. Auerbach is a member of the American Psychological Association's Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology) and Division 17 (Counseling Psychology), as well as the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Dr. Auerbach is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, a Licensed Psychologist, and a member of the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Seton Hall Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Angelo Gingerelli joins The Basketball Podcast to discuss how to compete, thrive and win in College athletics.Gingerelli is the author of The Next Four Years: Compete, Win & Thrive in College Athletics that provides a comprehensive look at the transition from high school to college athletics, offering student-athletes an essential blueprint to compete, win and thrive at the next level. Over the years he has helped thousands of student-athletes compete at the highest level of Division 1 athletics.As the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Seton Hall University since 2005 he regularly works with hundreds of men & women each year from a variety of sports and has been a key factor in the Pirates' success in the extremely competitive Big East Conference. He has held similar positions at Virginia Tech, North Carolina State and the Pittsburgh Pirates as well as training numerous elite high school athletes each year.In addition to his duties in the weight room, Gingerelli is an adjunct professor (SHU's 2024 Adjunct Professor of the Year), winner of Seton Hall's prestigious Most Valuable Pirate Award (2011), published author, frequent podcast guest, state/regional conference presenter and has served as the New Jersey State Director of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).Gingerelli also co-authored with Richard Boergers the book, Finish Strong: Resistance Training for Endurance Athletes.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, former St. Joseph's head coach Phil Martelli joins The Basketball Podcast to share ideas on better coaching for growth and development.Phil Martelli is a seasoned college basketball coaching veteran, renowned for his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. Over his illustrious 24-year tenure at Saint Joseph's University, Martelli built a powerhouse basketball program that left an indelible mark on the college basketball landscape.During his time at Saint Joseph's, Martelli amassed an impressive 444 career wins, ranking him second all-time in the program's history. Under his guidance, the Hawks secured seven Atlantic 10 regular season or divisional titles and claimed four Atlantic 10 Tournament championships. Martelli's teams made 16 postseason appearances, with eight NCAA tournament berths and eight NIT selections. His tenure was highlighted by two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances in 1997 and 2004, and the school's third Elite Eight appearance in 2004.Martelli's coaching prowess earned him numerous accolades, including the 2004 National Coach of the year, four Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honors in 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005. He was also named USBWA District Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2004 and received Philadelphia Big 5 Coach of the Year honors four times. Throughout his career, Martelli mentored several notable players who went on to successful professional careers, including NBA players Jameer Nelson (2004), Delonte West (2004), and DeAndre' Bembry (2016).Martelli most recently served as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan, supporting former head coach Juwan Howard in all aspects of the program. At Michigan, Martelli served as both associate head coach and interim head coach at various times.Phil Martelli's legacy extends beyond his impressive coaching record and accolades. His ability to connect with players, instill a winning mindset, and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball has solidified his reputation as one of the game's most respected and influential coaches. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to developing well-rounded athletes continue to inspire those within the basketball community.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, NBA Skills coach and Columbus High School head coach Andrew Moran shares ideas on coaching EYBL, high school and training players.Andrew Moran is a highly successful EYBL and high school coach, an NBA Skills Coach, an International clinician, and the Miami Hoop School Founder. He has won an unprecedented three-straight EYBL Championships with Nightrydas Elite in the U15, U16, and U17 divisions. At the high school level, he has won four state championships including three in a row at Columbus High School, and one at Miami Christian High School.Founded in 2012 by Moran, the Miami Hoop School has grown to become the authority on basketball elite skill development and certification in South Florida. His experience serves him well, as he works with players at the NBA, international, collegiate, and high school levels. Andrew has trained NBA players such as Tim Hardaway Jr, Tyler Herro, James Johnson, James Wiseman, Cole Anthony, and many more.Andrew travels around the Globe training athletes of all levels and because he is fluent in Spanish he has been granted many opportunities to train in places like Argentina, many different cities in Spain (Canary Islands, Huelva, Vinaros, Barcelona, Tenerife, Las Palmas), Panama, Chile, and Puerto Rico to name a few. MHS also hosts international groups and clients who come to Miami, Florida just to train with MHS. Clients from Japan, Israel, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Russia, the Caribbean, Ecuador, China, France, and Dubai have all come to train with the best.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, former NBA player and NBA/WNBA head coach Derek Fisher joins The Basketball Podcast to share lessons from a champion.Fisher played in the NBA for 18 seasons and won five NBA championships with the Lakers. Fisher, often considered one of the greatest role players of all time, was part of a three-peat Los Angeles Lakers championship squad with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal from 2000-02 and then again with Bryant and Pau Gasol in 2009 and 2010.Fisher coached the New York Knicks from 2014-2016 and the WNBA Sparks from 2019-2022.NBA Coaching CareerNew York Knicks: Fisher was hired as the head coach of the New York Knicks in 2014 by then-president Phil Jackson. Despite facing challenges, he brought a wealth of NBA experience to the sidelines, emphasizing teamwork and resilience. His tenure with the Knicks was marked by a focus on player development and fostering a competitive environment.WNBA Coaching CareerLos Angeles Sparks: In 2019, Fisher took on the role of head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through the competitive landscape of the WNBA.Crespi Carmelite High School (2023–Present)On August 7, 2023, Fisher embraced a new challenge by becoming the head basketball coach at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California. This role allows him to impart his extensive basketball knowledge and leadership experience to young athletes, fostering the next generation of talent.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Blair Academy head coach Joe Mantegna shares his insights on teaching the game and radical transparency.Since arriving at Blair in 1999, Mantegna has transformed the school into a national prep basketball powerhouse. Under his leadership, Blair boasts an impressive record of 464-159, securing 16 Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) titles and 21 trips to the NJ prep “A” state finals, with state championships in 2009, 2011, 2014, 2019, and 2024.Blair's program has produced six NBA players, including Luol Deng '03 and Charlie Villanueva '03, who both played in the 2003 McDonald's All-American Game. Additionally, nine Blair alums have participated in the NCAA Final Four, with three winning National Championships. Over 80 players have moved on to Division I rosters, while ten have played professionally overseas. Many former players also coach at the NBA, NCAA, and prep school levels.Before Blair, Coach Mantegna was an assistant coach at four colleges, including Boston University and Lehigh University. His extensive coaching experience also includes international success. In 2023, he helped lead the South Sudan Men's National Team to three wins at the World Cup in Manila, a historic achievement for African basketball, qualifying them for the 2024 Paris Olympics. At the Olympics, South Sudan became the second African nation to ever win a basketball game.Mantegna's international coaching accolades include guiding the USA team at the 2022 NIKE Hoop Summit to victory and assisting South Sudan to a fifth-place finish at the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket. He also played a key role in South Sudan's qualification for the 2023 FIBA World Championships in Asia. Additionally, Mantegna served as the defensive coordinator for the U.S.-Select U-18 team at the Albert Schweitzer Games in Germany in 2014 and 2016, later becoming the head coach in 2018.
Awesome to welcome legendary Canadian college basketball coach and current Senior Director Sr. Director of Basketball CEBLJoe Raso is Senior Director of Basketball Operations for the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). He leads the league's player procurement program both domestically and internationally, oversees the CEBL Draft, directs team and player compliance issues, supervises officiating, and plays a key role in the CEBL's relationships with FIBA, Canada Basketball, other basketball organizations, and player agents.As a college coach, Raso is the all-time winningest coach in McMaster University history and one of the most successful coaches in Canadian University Sports history, with a record of 389 wins against only 155 losses (a .715 winning percentage) over 18 seasons, including 17 seasons with 20 or more wins. Raso's basketball resume includes four OUA titles, 12 CIS National Championship tournament appearances resulting in four Silver medals, and six OUA Coach of the Year awards. He has produced five All Canadian players and two National Player of the Year winners while leading McMaster.Raso has been a national and international consultant, clinician, committee member, speaker, and basketball analyst for the past 25 years. A former National team assistant coach, he has coached in World Championships and Olympic qualifiers, working with some of Canada's greatest players, including NBA two-time Most Valuable Player and Hall of Fame inductee Steve Nash. He has also served as Head Scout with the Canadian Men's National team and is an advance scout with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, and Denver Nuggets.Raso has been instrumental in developing basketball at the grassroots level in Canada and has served in various roles, including Technical Director with the World International Children's Games, where his Hamilton teams won international Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. As a high school teacher for 32 years, he coached St. Mary's high school in Hamilton to an OFSAA championship in 1991 and represented Canada at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, NIKE Academy Director Sam Jones joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on mindset, coaching adaptability and embracing growth.Jones has served as the Nike Camp Director and is presently engaged in various initiatives aimed at the development of coaches and players in support of the EYBLBefore joining Nike, Jones served as an assistant coach at Colorado State for two seasons. He also spent two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the role of player development coordinator. Prior to these positions, he was part of the coaching staff for the Cleveland Charge in the NBA G-League for three seasons from 2016 to 2019, concluding his tenure there as the associate head coach.Jones started his coaching career in The Netherlands, working with Den Bosch Eiffel Towers for three years as an assistant coach before taking over as head coach of Den Bosch SPM Shoeters (club changed names). With SPM Shoeters, he led his team to the Dutch Basketball League and NBB Cup crowns in 2014-15 and Dutch Basketball Supercup title in 2015-16. He also spent his final three years in the Netherlands as the associate head coach with the Dutch Men's National Team.Prior to coaching, Jones played 10 seasons in Europe, including playing in the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Spain and Cyprus. During his time playing, he won two titles with Den Bosch Eiffel Towers and appeared in multiple All-Star games.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Sharman White joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights into high school coaching - culture, strategies, and success.Overall, in 24 seasons as a high school head coach, White has compiled a 522-122 (.810) record. Sharman has been a staple at USA Basketball since 2014 having been a part of 5 gold medal teams including 3 as head coach. White recently completed his sixth season as head boys basketball coach as well as the associate director of athletics at Pace Academy. As the head coach at Pace Academy, White recently picked up his 500th victory and has won six straight state championships. Prior to Pace Academy, White was an assistant coach at Georgia State University for two seasons (2016-18), where he helped the team to a 44-24 record, including a 24-11 campaign and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017-18. Before Georgia State, White was a high school coach for 20 seasons (1996-16). Eleven of those seasons (2005-16) were as the boys head coach and athletic director at Miller Grove High School in Lithonia, Georgia. At Miller Grove, White compiled a 268-60 record, including six-straight state championships.The 2014 USA Today All-USA Coach of the Year, White guided Miller Grove to the 2009-2012 Georgia Class 4A titles and the 2013 and 2014 Georgia Class 5A championships. His final season at Miller Grove in 2015-16 was one of his most impressive, as his team finished 31-3 and earned a bid to the Dick's National's tournament. He was named the 2016 National High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He was recognized by the Atlanta Tip-Off Club and Georgia Sports Writers Association as the 2013 Georgia Coach of the Year, as the 2013 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Class 5A Coach of the Year, the Georgia Class 4A Coach of the Year three times (2010-12) and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Class 4A Coach of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2012.White has also been head coach of the McDonald's All American Game and head coach of the Nike Hoop Summit USA team. Sharman has been a staple at USA Basketball since 2014. While being selected as an assistant coach with USA Basketball, White helped capture a Gold Medal for USA Basketball at the 2015 and 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championships. In March of 2021, White was named the Head Coach for the Nike Hoop Summit Team. In the summer of 2021 White took the command as the Head Coach for the USA Basketball Junior National Team U16 team and led them to a Gold Medal victory over Argentina in Xalapa, Mexico.In the summer of 2022, White led the USA Basketball U17 team to a FIBA World Cup Championship and Gold Medal in Malaga, Spain. The following summer, Whitesteered the USA Basketball Junior National Team U16 group to a gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 Qualifier Tournament. This past summer, White helped the USA secure their seventh consecutive FIBA World Cup Championship with a gold medal performance in Istanbul, Turkey. It gave the USAB Junior National Team a record of 51-0 in the FIBA World Cup competitions.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Chris Oliver shares his thoughts in the latest basketball knowledge brain dump.Chris Oliver is the founder of Basketball Immersion, a leading resource for basketball coaches and players worldwide. Since 2014, Chris has been dedicated to sharing his passion for the game through innovative coaching methods, immersive videos, and insightful podcasts.With a decade of experience in educating coaches, Chris Oliver has established himself as a trusted authority in youth basketball development. As a consultant for the NBA's youth basketball development programs, Chris Oliver works to shape the future of the game. He is also involved with the renowned Sierra Canyon basketball program, further solidifying his commitment to nurturing young talent.Through Basketball Immersion, Chris Oliver provides coaches with the tools and knowledge to enhance their teams' performance. His engaging content, including the popular Basketball Immersion podcast and in-depth video analysis, has resonated with coaches from grassroots to elite levels.Chris's mission is to empower coaches, players, and basketball communities globally, fostering a deeper understanding and love for the game. Join the Basketball Immersion community to tap into Chris's expertise and transform your coaching and playing experience.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Jack Van Deventer joins The Basketball Podcast to discuss the current state of basketball analytics.Jack Van Deventer is the founder and CEO of Basketball Science, a consulting firm based in North Carolina. With a distinguished 45-year career as a statistician, professor, and data scientist, Jack retired as the Lead Data Scientist of a Fortune 40 company to embark on his basketball analytics venture.Jack's academic journey includes his role as a professor of Business Statistics at Boise State University and later as a professor of Management Information Systems at Washington State University, where he earned teaching awards at both institutions. His expertise lies in simplifying complex information into actionable insights, a skill he seamlessly translated into the realm of basketball analytics.Fifteen years ago, Jack began advancing basketball analytics when his daughter, Amy, started playing junior high basketball. Collaborating with fellow data scientists, Jack realized that commonly-used basketball statistics were lagging by about 25 years. He then focused on developing improved metrics and shared his findings with Amy's high school coach, leading her team to a State Championship. Later, Amy's D-II college coach utilized Jack's stats to win the conference championship and advance to D-II March Madness, defeating more talented teams in the process.As Jack's analytics reached higher-level basketball programs, their success continued to grow. Today, Basketball Science is dedicated to providing better insights to teams that strive to win, consistently pushing the boundaries of basketball analytics.
Vincent is the Program Manager of the Sports & Society Program of the Aspen Institute with responsibility for driving Project Play's school sport and coaching portfolios.Vincent extensive international research and professional experience in youth sports coaching, coach development and long-term athlete development, his current work at the institute focuses on improving youth experiences in sports, including prioritizing athlete health and safety, bolstering coach training, strengthening national coaching policy and reimagining models of school sports.Minjares holds a Ph.D. in Coaching & Pedagogy from AUT University (Auckland, NZ), an M.A. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley, within the Cultural Studies of Sport and Education (CSSE) program, and a B.A. in Economics from Claremont McKenna College. His research interests emphasize sports, coaching, education and human development, with published research in the areas of youth sports reform, college athletes, sports coaching and coach development. His dissertation examined the development of coaching practices in high school basketball that facilitate athlete learning.Professionally, Vincent has held diverse learning and development roles in sport across the United States and New Zealand. Vincent began as a basketball skills trainer in Southern California. Following graduate study in Berkeley, Vincent served the Athletic Study Centre (ASC) as Director of Academic Development, a role responsible for the design and delivery of academic support services for student-athletes in an NCAA Division I sport setting. In addition, Vincent served as a member of the Chancellor's task force on Academics and Athletics as well as a Special Advisor to Intercollegiate Athletics. In New Zealand, Vincent served as the Development Officer for North Harbour Basketball Association, a regional sport organization and the country's largest basketball club. In this role, Vincent also served Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) as a Regional Coach Developer, Special Advisor (Wellbeing and Transition) and a member of the Coach Leadership Group.Vincent brings extensive experience as a coach and player. Vincent played NCAA Div. III basketball for Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Claremont, CA) and attended Damien High School (La Verne, CA) where he became a three-year varsity letterman. Vincent first coached high school and junior college basketball in Southern California before returning to coaching in New Zealand at the club, high school, national representative and international representative levels.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, New York University head coach Dave Klatsky joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on program philosophy and in-game coaching.Dave Klatsky was appointed head coach of the New York University men's basketball program in May 2022 and has quickly made an impact. In his second season (2023-24), he guided the Violets to a stellar 21-6 record, capturing the University Athletic Association (UAA) Co-Championship—their first conference title in 30 years—and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.Under Klatsky's leadership, NYU excelled nationally, finishing seventh in three-point shooting percentage (39.02%) and 19th in assist/turnover ratio (1.43). Star player Spencer Freedman thrived in Klatsky's system, earning D3hoops.com National Player of the Year, UAA Player of the Year, NABC Third Team All-American, and First Team All-Metropolitan honors.His remarkable debut year earned him numerous accolades, including UAA Coaching Staff of the Year and D3hoops.com Region 4 Coach of the Year, solidifying his place as one of the top coaches in Division III basketball.At Colgate, under three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year Matt Langel, Klatsky had numerous responsibilities including scouting, practice and game planning, recruiting and analyzing advanced statistics. He was the primary recruiter of four All-League selections and two Defensive Players of the Year while directing Colgate's Elite Prospect Camp.Prior to Colgate, Klatsky served as an assistant coach at Stevens Institute of Technology from 2007-11. While there, he played a key role in all facets of the program, helping guide the Ducks to their first-ever ECAC Metro Championships (2008, '11).After graduating from Penn, Klatsky worked as an equity analyst and trader in Manhattan and Jersey City, NJ. He is also the creator of StatChat, a podcast centered around how different programs utilize advanced statistics, and mentored a Colgate student in developing the startup company ShotQuality which measures the expected value of all shots attempted.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Fordham University women's basketball head coach Bridgette Mitchell joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on their 3 C's: Commit, Care, Connect.Bridgette Mitchell took over as the head coach of the Fordham women's basketball program on April 7, 2021. With a rich background in both playing and coaching, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Rams.Mitchell comes to Fordham following two seasons as the head coach at Northeastern from 2021-23, where her teams consistently outperformed expectations. Picked to finish eighth in the 2022-23 preseason poll, Mitchell promptly led the Huskies to a share of their first-ever CAA regular season title with a 13-5 league mark, including a program-record nine straight victories, as part of a 19-12 overall record. For her efforts, Mitchell's peers recognized her with CAA Coach of the Year honors. Highlighting the Huskies 2022-23 campaign was a Feb. 17 road win over fellow regular season co-champion Drexel, which snapped a 17-game losing streak against the Dragons and handed Drexel its first home loss of the season. A top-three seed in the CAA Tournament for the first time since joining the conference in 2005-06, Northeastern downed sixth-seeded Stony Brook to advance to the semifinals for just the third time in the school's CAA tenure.Prior to taking over at Northeastern, Mitchell spent seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the Pittsburgh, James Madison, Siena and Wagner.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Trine University men's basketball head coach Brooks Miller joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on common sense defense and Trine's winning formula.Brooks Miller just completed his 13th season as the Head Coach of the Trine University Men's Basketball program and has 24 combined years of collegiate basketball playing and coaching experience. Miller has compiled an overall record of 226-116 at Trine including a 131-69 record versus Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) opponents.In 2024, Miller led the program to its first ever NCAA Division III National Championship behind a 29-4 record. The 29 wins is a record for the school's most wins in a season. It is now back-to-back seasons that the program has crossed the 20-win mark after going 22-4 overall last season. Coach Miller has also guided the Thunder to MIAA Championships in 2019, 2021 and 2024. Trine swept both the MIAA regular season and MIAA Tournament Championships in 2021 finishing conference play undefeated with a 17-0 mark during a COVID shortened season.Miller's career at Trine University has been highlighted by being named the 2020-2021 NCAA D3 National Coach of the Year by both Hoopdirt.com/Just Play Sports Solutions and Basketball Times Magazine. In March of 2024, Miller was again named NCAA DIII National Coach of the Year for the second time receiving those accolades from D3Hoops.com, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), as well as being named the Eddie Robinson CollegeInsider.com National Coach of the Year for NCAA DIII.Miller worked as an assistant men's basketball coach for three Hall of Fame coaches that amassed seven National Championships throughout their careers. Miller began his collegiate coaching career working for BCAM Hall of Fame Coach Ed Douma (one National Championship) whom he previously played for at Hillsdale College. In 2007, his career took him to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he served as a graduate assistant coach to Naismith Hall of Fame Coach Bob Knight (three National Championships) and was involved with on-campus recruiting and player development. In 2009, he became the Head Assistant Men's Basketball coach and National Recruiting Coordinator at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas for Junior College Hall of Fame Coach Steve Green (three National Championships). While at South Plains, Coach Miller coached and or recruited nine players that would transfer on to NCAA Division I universities.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Purdue University Fort Wayne head coach Jon Coffman joins The Basketball Podcast to share strategies for sustained success and community engagement.Jon Coffman is synonymous with success at Purdue University Fort Wayne. As he embarks on his 11th season as head coach (2024-25), he holds the distinction of being the program's winningest coach in Division I history with a remarkable 179-142 record.Coffman's coaching prowess doesn't go unnoticed. He's garnered numerous accolades, including Horizon League Coach of the Year in 2022 (adding to his 2015-16 Summit League Coach of the Year award). His strategic guidance led Purdue Fort Wayne to capture the Horizon League regular season title in 2022 and the Summit League regular season title in 2015-16. The team has also made a habit of postseason appearances, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament in 2023.Beyond wins on the court, Coffman fosters a culture of player development. An impressive 24 players under his tutelage have gone on to professional careers, including NBA standout John Konchar. His commitment extends to recognizing his players' achievements, with a staggering 40 All-Conference honors awarded in the last 14 years.Coffman's dominance extends beyond Purdue Fort Wayne. He holds the title of Winningest Mid-Major coach in Indiana over the past 11 seasons. His program's consistent success garnered national recognition with consistent rankings among the Top 25 Mid-Major programs by collegeinsider.com (2024).
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Queens University of Charlotte head coach Grant Leonard joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on conceptual offense, including spacing, pace and player development. Grant Leonard was hired by then-Division II Queens as an assistant coach in 2013 and promoted to associate head coach in 2016. Over seven years as an assistant coach, the team achieved a winning percentage of .837 with a 189–37 overall record, consistently ranking in the top 25, including a No. 1 ranking. Queens won the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) regular season championship three times, secured two SAC tournament titles, and made two Elite Eight appearances with Leonard on the staff. He was promoted to head coach for the 2022–23 season, Queens' first season in NCAA Division I. In his first season, Queens went 18–15 with a 7–11 record in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). Last year, his team reached the Atlantic Sun Tournament Quarterfinals for the second straight season after defeating Florida Gulf Coast University in the opening round. Leonard began his coaching career as an assistant at Shorewood High School in 2004–05. He then assisted in coaching the Washington College Shoremen in 2005–06. For the next three seasons, he was the director of basketball operations for Texas–Pan American. In 2009–10, he served as an assistant coach for the Flagler Saints. From 2011 to 2013, Leonard worked for the Paine Lions as an assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, director of skill development, and defensive specialist, helping the team achieve their first winning season in seven years in 2011–12.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Seattle University head coach Chris Victor joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on playing with joy, unity and defense.Chris Victor enters his fourth year as Head Coach of the Redhawks in 2024-25. The season will mark his eighth year overall at Seattle University as he spent four seasons as Associate Head Coach. Over the past three seasons, Victor has compiled a 66-35 record, including three straight seasons of 20 wins or more – the first such streak since 1957-59.Chris Victor has an impressive head coaching record of 169 wins and 74 losses, boasting a winning percentage of .695. In 2022, he was honored as the Don Haskins WAC Coach of the Year.Most recently, the 2023-34 concluded in the program's first-ever postseason tournament championship as the Redhawks won four games in five days to clinch the 2024 Ro College Basketball Invitational (CBI) in Daytona Beach, Fla. The postseason run led the Redhawks to a 23-win season for the second time in the past three years under Victor, as well as a 117 NET ranking – the highest such end-of-season ranking for the program.Prior to Seattle U, Victor served as an assistant coach at Eastern Washington for two seasons. His first season on the Eagle coaching staff was punctuated by Eastern's first-ever victory in a national postseason tournament as a member of NCAA Division I when the Eagles beat Pepperdine, 79-72, in the College Basketball Invitational. The Eagles went 22-12 and returned to the CBI in 2016-17.Victor's first head coaching position was at Citrus College in Glendora, Calif., where he led the Owls of the Western State Conference and California Community College Athletic Association to 103 victories over five seasons. He won 73 percent of his games overall (103-39) and 73 percent in league play (44-16) with a pair of CCCAA Final Four appearances and one league title.Victor spent four seasons as a top assistant at Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., under Head Coach Ken Ammann. In that span, Concordia went 118-23, won three out of four Golden State Athletic Conference Championships and made four-straight appearances in the NAIA National Tournament, including appearing in the national title game in 2006-07.
In this week's basketball coaching conversion, Boston Celtics Director of Player Development Craig Luschenat joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on Boston Celtics Player Development.Craig Luschenat is the Director of Player Development for the Boston Celtics, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in player enhancement and coaching. Prior to joining the Celtics, Craig served as a player development intern for Integrity Hoops and Wasserman Sports Agency Clients in Los Angeles, California. In this role, he was responsible for planning and leading workouts for NBA talent, as well as developing strong relationships with NBA players and agents. His notable work with NBA All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis highlights his ability to work with top-tier talent.Craig's journey in basketball began as a college player at Saint Joseph's College, where he played under the guidance of Coach Rob Sanicola. His passion for the game and dedication to player development led him to various coaching roles, including his tenure with the Maine Celtics. Craig served as an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development for the Maine Celtics from 2020 to 2022, where he played a crucial role in enhancing player performance and development.In July 2022, Craig transitioned to the Boston Celtics as a Player Enhancement Coach, a position he held until July 2024. His exceptional skills and commitment to player growth earned him the role of Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development in July 2024.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Washington Wizards assistant coach JJ Outlaw joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on defense, player maturation, and transitions.J.J. Outlaw is a dynamic and experienced NBA assistant coach who has made a significant impact on the game. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards under Brian Keefe, Outlaw has been a valuable member of various NBA coaching staffs, including stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers.Outlaw's journey to the NBA began with a successful football career at Villanova University, where he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. After two seasons in the NFL, he transitioned to the world of basketball, leveraging his competitive spirit and athleticism to excel in a new sport.
In this week's basketball coaching conversation, University of Richmond head coach Aaron Roussell joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on Coaching the Princeton Offense.Aaron Roussell, the reigning A-10 Coach of the Year, enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Richmond Spiders Women's Basketball team. With an impressive career winning percentage of .694, Roussell has transformed the Spiders into a competitive force in the Atlantic 10 Conference and nationally.Roussell's tenure at Richmond has been marked by significant accomplishments. In the 2023-24 season, he led the Spiders to their first A-10 regular season title and championship since 1991, culminating in a historic appearance in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. His coaching prowess has also been recognized with individual accolades, including the 400th career win against Loyola Chicago and the program's 1,000th win against Fordham.Prior to his time at Richmond, Roussell gained valuable experience at Minnesota State, the University of Chicago, and Bucknell University. His consistent success throughout his career has solidified his reputation as a skilled and dedicated coach.
Swarthmore College head coach Landry Kosmalski joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on shifting strategies and sustained success.Two-time National Coach of the Year Landry Kosmalski has a 224-93 record at Swarthmore with a .707 win percentage since taking the helm in 2012. Under his leadership, the Garnet have become a powerhouse in Division III basketball, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation.Kosmalski's coaching career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He has been named the NABC Division III Coach of the Year and has earned the Centennial Conference Coach of the Year award multiple times. His teams have made several NCAA Tournament appearances, including trips to the Elite Eight and the Final Four. In the 2019-20 season, his team was ranked No. 1 nationally and finished with an impressive 28-1 record.Kosmalski has been recognized as the Region/District Coach of the Year in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023. He has also earned the title of Centennial Conference Coach of the Year in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Under his leadership, Swarthmore has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons. Additionally, his teams have clinched the Centennial Conference Championship in 2016-17, 2018-19, 2022-23, and 2023-24.Before joining Swarthmore, Kosmalski served as an assistant coach at Davidson College, where he helped lead the Wildcats to two Southern Conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich joins the Basketball Podcast to share defensive concepts, techniques and drills.With a career coaching record that includes over 347 wins, Krista Gerlich brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the program. A former standout player for Texas Tech, Gerlich was a key member of the 1993 NCAA Championship team, earning accolades such as Final Four All-Tournament Team and NCAA Woman of the Year for Texas.In 2013, Gerlich took over as head coach at UT Arlington, where she became the winningest coach in program history with 121 victories. Her tenure at UT Arlington was marked by significant achievements, including a Sun Belt Regular Season Championship and a Sun Belt Coach of the Year award..Gerlich returned to her alma mater in 2020, taking the helm of the Lady Raiders. Under her leadership, the team has shown steady improvement, reflecting her commitment to building a competitive and resilient program. Known for her strategic acumen, player development skills, and ability to foster team chemistry, Gerlich continues to inspire and lead her players both on and off the court. Her dedication to excellence and her deep connection to Texas Tech make her a pivotal figure in the world of collegiate basketball.
Minnesota State University-Mankato head coach Emilee Thiesse joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on National Championship motion defense and offense.Emilee Thiesse has transformed the Minnesota State University's women's basketball program into an NCAA Division II powerhouse. Under her leadership, the Mavericks clinched their second NCAA Division II Championship during the 2023-24 season, breaking several team records along the way. Thiesse's tenure boasts an impressive 228-116 (.662) overall record, with 5 NCAA Tournament appearances, and her teams consistently ranking among the top in scoring offense and defense. Minnesota State's 2023-24 season saw them achieve a 20-2 conference record, their second NSIC Championship, and their first NSIC Tournament Championship.Thiesse's coaching prowess has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the NSIC Coach of the Year honor. The team broke several team records during their 2023-24 championship season, including games played (37), most wins (32, tied with 2008-09 season), points scored (3,069), field goal attempts (2,673), field goals made (1,146), field goal attempts (789) and free throws made (571). Along with the fourth-best scoring offense in NCAA Division II (82.9 ppg), the Mavericks also boasted a smothering defense that ranked second in steals per game (17.1), second in turnovers forced (28.05) and first in turnover margin (+13.11).
NBA Youth Basketball Consultant and Basketball Immersion founder Chris Oliver reflects on ten years of transformative basketball coaching and player development ideas.Chris Oliver is the founder of Basketball Immersion, a leading resource for basketball coaches and players worldwide. Since 2014, Chris has been dedicated to sharing his passion for the game through innovative coaching methods, immersive videos, and insightful podcasts.With a decade of experience in educating coaches, Chris Oliver has established himself as a trusted authority in youth basketball development. As a consultant for the NBA's youth basketball development programs, Chris Oliver works to shape the future of the game. He is also involved with the renowned Sierra Canyon basketball program, further solidifying his commitment to nurturing young talent. Through Basketball Immersion, Chris Oliver provides coaches with the tools and knowledge to enhance their teams' performance. His engaging content, including the popular Basketball Immersion podcast and in-depth video analysis, has resonated with coaches from grassroots to elite levels.Chris's mission is to empower coaches, players, and basketball communities globally, fostering a deeper understanding and love for the game. Join the Basketball Immersion community to tap into Chris's expertise and transform your coaching and playing experience.
Guest: Dustin Kerns, Head Coach Appalachian State Men's BasketballAppalachian State head coach Dustin Kerns joins the Basketball Podcast.to share insights on draft time, defense and a culture of appreciation.Kerns guided the Mountaineers to a historic season in his fifth year at the helm, securing the program's first regular season outright conference championship since the 1978-79 season, a program-record 27 wins and an NIT first-round appearance for the first time since 2006-07. The Mountaineers won 16 Sun Belt games in 2023-24 and finished with a 16-2 record, marking the best winning percentage in conference play in program history. For the third consecutive season, the Mountaineers won at least 10 home games, winning 15 games at the Holmes Center, the most in the building's era. App State was one of 12 teams in the country to be undefeated at home while shattering their regular-season attendance record.The Mountaineers finished the season 3-0 against teams that made the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament. App State's win over Auburn on December 3 made it back-to-back seasons that the Mountaineers have defeated a Power 5 opponent. Additionally, the Mountaineers were the only team in the country to post three separate winning streaks of at least eight games. Because of the team's success, Kerns was named App State's first Conference Coach of the Year since 2003. Kerns also garnered the All-District 23 Coach of the Year honors by the NABC and was named a finalist for both the Jim Phelan and High Durham Coach of the Year Awards.Kerns coaching journey started as a student assistant at Clemson, and after graduation landed his first coaching job at Tennessee Tech. Following a one-year stop as a graduate assistant at Tennessee, Kerns joined Mike Young's staff at Wofford from 2004 to 2007, then moved on to Santa Clara as an assistant from 2007 to 2013. He returned to Wofford as the associate head coach in 2013, where he was on staff for the Terriers' 2014 and 2015 NCAA Tournament appearances.On May 23, 2017, Kerns was named the head coach at Presbyterian.Kerns took over a Presbyterian program that had endured 12 straight losing seasons and a 5 win campaign the previous season. The program quickly turned around as in his 2nd season at Presbyterian, he led the Blue Hose to a 20 win season, first ever postseason berth, and quarterfinal appearance in the CIT Tournament. Kerns was named the head coach at Appalachian State on March 28, 2019.Breakdown:02:22 Celebrating Team and Fan Support03:41 Unique Summer Training Approaches05:08 Draft Time: A New Approach to Pickup Games13:27 Mental Health and Player Wellbeing14:58 Encouraging Diverse Training Environments19:18 Emphasizing Offensive Skills in Summer23:29 Focusing on Fewer Fouls During Games26:33 Officiating Practice: A Teaching Tool27:48 Addressing Bad Habits and Consequences30:36 The Role of Analytics in Shot Selection31:39 Consequences and Emotions in Practice33:44 Verticality and Defensive Techniques37:56 Defensive Conditioning and Team Building40:11 Developing Defensive Intensity43:01 Core Principles and Program Success46:44 Appreciation and Individuality in CoachingChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionInstagram:
Guest: Mike Bradbury, Head Coach New Mexico Women's BasketballIn this week's basketball coaching conversation, New Mexico head coach Mike Bradbury joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on efficient language, keeping it simple, and his “so what” philosophy.Mike Bradbury enters his ninth season as head coach for The University of New Mexico women's basketball team. In his previous eight seasons at the helm, Bradbury has guided the Lobos to a 162-89 (.645) and 89-51 (.636) in conference and became just the second coach in UNM history to win 100 games. Overall as a head coach he has won over 340 games.Five times in his tenure (2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24) the Lobos eclipsed the 20-win mark, with the Lobos tying the program record for most wins in a single season with 26 in 2021-22. Further, the 25 wins in 2017-18 were tied for the second-most wins in program history. The consecutive 20-plus win seasons under Bradbury in 2017-18 and 2018-19 were the first for the program since the 2007-08 – 2008-09 seasonsFrom 2007 to 2010, Bradbury led Morehead State to a 50–44 record over the course of three seasons, including a 22–11 record and a bid to the WBI in his final season as head coach. The 22-win mark set the school's NCAA-era record for victories in a season, and the 14–4 conference mark in the same year set the school's single season conference wins record and was also the highest conference winning percentage in a season in school historyAt Wright State from 2010 to 2016, Bradbury had five seasons with 20 or more wins and led the school to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014, in addition to WBI appearances in 2011 and 2012 and WNIT appearances in 2015 and 2016.Breakdown:01:10 Longevity in Coaching02:02 Building a Winning Team Culture03:03 Efficient Communication in Coaching04:39 Non-Negotiables in Player Development10:27 Adapting Offensive Strategies15:14 Defensive Principles and Adaptability21:14 Coaching Philosophy and Staff Development26:05 Overcoming Adversity: No Excuses26:42 Staff Organization and Responsibilities27:56 Efficient Practice Communication30:03 Post-Practice and Game Review33:05 Adapting Coaching Strategies39:06 Simplifying Game Plans48:05 Maintaining Passion for CoachingChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbballimmersion/Immersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Phill Pressey, Boston Celtics Assistant CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Boston Celtics Performance Enhancement Coach Phil Pressey joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on transitioning from player to coach, and applying skill acquisition ideas.Known for his strategic mind and ability to develop players, Phil is a rising star in the coaching world. After serving as a graduate assistant at Missouri, he joined the Celtics' coaching staff in 2023, bringing his court vision and leadership to the sidelines.Phil's basketball roots run deep. The son of former NBA player and coach Paul Pressey, Phil has basketball in his DNA. His playing career began at the University of Missouri, where he set records for assists and steals, earning First-Team All-SEC honors in 2013.Despite going undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft, his tenacity and skill earned him a spot with the Boston Celtics, where he played as a point guard. His professional career also included stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and several international teams.Breakdown:01:01 Transition from Player to Coach02:09 Mentorship and Learning03:35 Innovative Coaching Techniques06:40 Enhancing Basketball IQ07:30 The Importance of Scanning10:52 Film Study and Player Development13:37 Roles and Responsibilities16:42 Challenges in Transitioning to Coaching20:53 Balancing Practice Techniques22:53 Coaching Summer League: Insights and Challenges23:53 The Importance of Player Feedback25:34 Balancing Feedback and Player Independence28:23 Empowering Players Through Communication30:34 The Role of Reading and Continuous Learning36:0 Developing Point Guard Skills37:48 Adapting to Modern BasketballChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Mike Magpayo, UC Riverside Head CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, UC Riverside head coach Mike Magpayo joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on adjustments, confidence, and analytics.Mike Magpayo has set a new standard for UC Riverside men's basketball, entering his fifth year as full-time head coach in 2024-25 after having the interim tag removed on May 21, 2021.Magpayo is the fastest UC Riverside head coach to collect 25 Big West victories, doing so in just three seasons. As of the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Magpayo's Highlanders have earned back-to-back Big West Freshman of the Year honors.Magpayo was named the first Big West Coach of the Year in program history in 2022-23 after leading UCR to a program-record 22 wins - including 10 in Big West play - while picking up another program-record five Big West Player of the Week awards.Prior to arriving in Riverside, he spent a year as the men's basketball director of operations at the University of San Francisco on the staff of his coaching mentor, Kyle Smith. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Campbell University and Columbia University.Magpayo has also found tremendous success off the court, both as the CEO of a multi-million dollar real estate firm in Southern California for seven years, and as the founder and president of the Asian Coaches AssociationBreakdown1:00 - Coaching Strategies2:00 - Mental Performance6:00 - Solution based Coaching and managing Losses9:00 - Coaching Strategies with Two Small Guards14:00 - Shapes and Formations16:00 - Advantage Games and Screening Actions21:30 - Murky Play and Language Use25:00 - Audibles and Player Development28:00 - Importance of Being Decisive33:00 - Teamwork36:00 - Sales Tactics38:30 - Importance of Accountability43:00 - Business Strategies46:00 - Leadership, Vision, and Alignment48:30 - Asian American Experience in CoachingMike Magpayo's Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_MagpayoTwitter: https://x.com/coachsonicChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Matt Driscoll, North Florida Head CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, North Florida head coach Matthew Driscoll joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on embracing change and dots on the map.Coach Driscoll is the all-time winningest coach in ASUN history and has won over 250 games at North Florida. He is a three-time ASUN Coach of the Year (2014-15, 2015-16, 2019-20) and was the NABC District 3 Coach of the Year in 2014-15.Driscoll has led his Osprey teams to multiple ASUN regular season titles (2015, 2016, 2020), an ASUN tournament championship (2015), and two national postseason appearances (2015 NCAA, 2016 NIT). Discroll boasts an impressive record, having mentored 13 of UNF's 18 1,000-point scorers (including transfers) while leading his teams to hold nearly every program record. His strategic approach resulted in a Top 20 final ranking in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major poll (2014-15) and twice led NCAA Div. 1 in 3-pointers made per game (2016, 2020). He's also known for guiding UNF to victories over powerhouse programs like Purdue and Illinois.Before coming to UNF, Driscoll spent twelve years as an assistant at Baylor University, Valparaiso University, Clemson University, and the University of Wyoming.Breakdown1:00 - Coaching Strategies and Player Development4:00 - Importance of Foundation and Fundamentals8:00 - Importance of Guarding The Ball13:00 - Mindfulness in Practice15:00 - Fast and Furious18:00 - Peer Pressure Drills23:30 - Purposeful Drills26:00 - Understanding the Game28:00 - Player Freedom32:00 - Consistent Coaching36:00 - Transfer Portal Era41:00 - Longevity with Specific Player's Journey45:00 - Character and Chemistry in Basketball49:30 - Program Success53:30 - Virtual Training57:00 - Adaptability to Change1:00:00 - Personal Growth1:06:00 - Personal Connections1:08:00 - ConclusionMatt Driscoll's Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Driscoll_(basketball)Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattsdriscollChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Greg Kampe, Head Coach at Oakland UniversityNumerous achievements and milestones mark Kampe's coaching career. He is the current longest-tenured coach at a single school dating back to 1984 when Oakland was an NCAA D2 school. Kampe has coached five NBA players, led four teams to the Division 1 NCAA Tournament, and has a chance to win his 700th career game this coming season.The 2023-2024 season was particularly noteworthy for Kampe and the Golden Grizzlies. Under his leadership, Oakland won the Horizon League tournament for the first time, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. As a 14-seed, they achieved a remarkable upset victory over 3-seed Kentucky in the Round of 64, marking Kampe's first win in this tournament stage.Oakland's only previous NCAA tourney win came in the First Four in 2005. Over the years, Kampe has led Oakland to multiple conference championships, including three Summit League tournament titles and two Horizon League regular-season titles. He is the third-longest tenured men's college basketball coach currently active, a testament to his dedication and leadership. Kampe's dedication to the program and his players is evident in his long-standing commitment to Oakland University. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including four Summit League Coach of the Year honors and an induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Kampe's coaching philosophy emphasizes consistency, hard work, and the development of student-athletes both on and off the court.Breakdown1:00 - Achievements in Coaching Career1:30 - Coaching Consistency and Its Impact on Success3:30 - Game Planning and Strategy8:30 - Coaching Decisions11:00 - Coaching Philosophy and Offensive Strategy17:00 - Finding Player's Strengths20:00 - Unique Matchup Zone Defense23:00 - Adapting Zone Defense29:00 - Practice Plan and Emphasizing Repetition32:00 - Offensive Strategies39:00 - Values42:00 - Personal Growth44:00 - Didn't Travel with the Team46:00 - Self Awareness47:00 - ConclusionGreg Kampes Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_KampeWebsite: https://www.allcoachnetwork.com/kampe/main.htmlChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Matt Hill, Charlotte Hornets Assistant CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Matt Hill joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on NBA transition and player development concepts.Matt Hill brings a wealth of NBA coaching experience to the Charlotte Hornets, having previously served as an Assistant Coach with the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks (2018-2023) and the Orlando Magic (2017-2018). He began his NBA journey with the Orlando Magic in 2012, working his way up from Video Analyst/Scout to Player Development under coaches Jacque Vaughn, James Borrego, Scott Skiles, and Frank Vogel.A standout athlete himself, Hill played college basketball at the University of Texas and was named Nebraska's Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year in high school. He holds a bachelor's degree in corporate communications.Hill's dedication to the game is evident in his career path. Transitioning from player development to coaching positions, he has developed a strong foundation in maximizing player potential and contributing to team success.Breakdown1:00 - Coaching Experience2:00 - End of Shot Clock Possession7:30 - Coaching Strategies8:30 - Rival Spacing13:30 - Creating Space16:00 - Processes and Feedback Loop21:00 - Balance, Tracking, and Feedback27:30 - Stats and Film Analysis30:00 - Importance of Trust and Accountability36:00 - Coaching Journey and Staff Development40:00 - Four Different Coaches42:00 - ConclusionMatt HIll's Bio:Bio: https://nbacoaches.com/matt-hill/Chris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Brian Benjamin, Technical Director for Netherlands Basketball and Former FIBA 3x3 Head Coach In this week's coaching conversation, the technical director for Netherlands basketball and former FIBA 3x3 head coach Brian Benjamin joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss FIBA 3vx3 and its application to all basketball coaching.From 2016 to 2021, Brian Benjamin has been the Head Coach of the 3x3 Men National Team of The Netherlands. After his teams won several medals at the Europe Cup and World Cup, the Men's team qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.Brian Benjamin is currently the Technical Director of the Netherlands Basketball Federation. He oversees and is responsible for all National Teams and Talent Programmes (3x3, 5-on-5, and Wheelchair) of the Netherlands Basketball Federation.Breakdown1:00 - Netherlands Success in 3x3 Basketball5:00 - Defensive Strategies for 3--Point Shots11:00 - Strategies to Counter Switches14:00 - Defensive Rebounds and Communication20:00 - Limiting Turnovers22:00 - One-on-One Defense27:00 - Player Skills and Team Concept30:00 - 3x3 Practice and Defensive Tactics36:00 - Importance of Individual Skills39:30 - Performance Analysis42:00 - Keep Competing45:00 - ConclusionBrian Benjamin's Bio:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjbrian/Chris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Fran Fraschilla, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio AnalystIn this week's coaching conversation, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio Analyst, Fran Fraschilla shares insights on trends in coaching, 3x3 and a passion to learn.Fran Fraschilla joined ESPN as a college basketball game and studio analyst in 2003. Fraschilla has an extensive coaching background, having coached at the collegiate level for 23 years. His teams made eight postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments. He was the head coach at the University of New Mexico, St. John's University and Manhattan College..At ESPN, he worked on NBA Draft coverage, the FIBA World Championships, as well as the NBA and high school basketball. He was also an analyst on ESPN's NCAA Division I Women's Basketball coverage from 2007-2014.Fran Fraschilla had an impressive coaching career before transitioning to ESPN.Manhattan College (1992–1996): As head coach of the Manhattan Jaspers, Fraschilla led the team to the NCAA Tournament twice. In 1995, the Jaspers pulled off an upset as a 13-seed, defeating Kelvin Sampson's No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners. St. John's University (1996–1998): At St. John's, Fraschilla coached four NBA players, including Metta World Peace. His overall record with the Red Storm was 35–24.University of New Mexico (1999–2002): Fraschilla continued his success at New Mexico, posting a 55–41 record. His teams made postseason appearances, including the NIT and NCAA Tournaments.In total, Fran Fraschilla's coaching career spanned 23 years, with an overall record of 176–99. His expertise and insights now benefit ESPN viewers as he analyzes college basketball games and covers the NBA draft, particularly focusing on foreign players.Breakdown1:00 - International Basketball Growth6:00 - Pick and Roll Basketball Techniques13:00 - Five Out Offense and Big Men Passing Ability16:00 - Effective Weak Side Actions18:30 - Practice Design and Habits25:00 - Coaching Techniques in College Basketball28:30 - Offensive and Defensive Approaches33:00 - Importance of Switching35:30 - Difference of 3x3 vs 5x539:00 - Benefits of 3x346:00 - Family Involvement49:00 - Coaching and Mentorship54:00 - ConclusionFran Fraschilla's Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran_FraschillaTwitter: https://x.com/franfraschillaChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com
Guest: Joan Plaza, Spanish Professional Basketball CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Spanish professional basketball Joan Plaza joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on modern coaching: Instilling confidence and empowerment.Joan Plaza is a Spanish professional basketball coach with an impressive track record. His coaching journey spans across various European teams, where he has consistently achieved success at the highest levels of the game. Plaza most recently was head coach of AEK in the Greek League and in the Basketball Champions League.Plaza began his coaching career at the basketball school he co-founded, EB Betsaida, and worked with the women's team EB Santísima Trinitat and the small club CB Sant Adriá. During the 2000–01 season, he led his team to victory in the Spanish Under-20 championship.A veteran of 194 coaching appearances in the EuroLeague, spread between Zenit, Unicaja, Zalgiris, and Real Madrid. His most notable coaching stint was with Real Madrid, where he initially served as an assistant coach under Božidar Maljković. When Maljković departed, Plaza stepped up as the head coach. Under his leadership, Real Madrid achieved remarkable milestones, including thirteen consecutive Liga ACB wins and winning the ULEB Cup (now known as EuroCup) in the same season. Plaza was named the AEEB Coach of the Year.Plaza's coaching journey continued with other prominent teams including Cajasol Sevilla, Unicaja Malaga, where he secured his second EuroCup title in the 2016–17 season., Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Real Betis.Breakdown1:00 - Coaching Youth Basketball2:30 - Sharing Experiences7:30 - Modern vs Traditional Coaching Methods10:30 - Player Development and Communication17:00 - Assistance in Decision Making20:30 - Building Confidence27:00 - Creating Strategy and Goals31:00 - Time Management36:00 - Coaching Methods40:00 - Game Plan and Priorities48:00 - Coaching Philosophy and Passion55:00 - ConclusionJoan Plaza's Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_PlazaTwitter: https://x.com/joanplazaduranChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com