Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast

🏀📥 Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠---We are fortunate to have Eric Fawcett on this edition of the podcast.Fawcett is an assistant coach for the Edmonton Stingers in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. He is also a consultant for Division 1 basketball programs in the United States and pro teams around the world.In addition, you can find his writing and breakdowns at different sites, including Slappin’ Glass.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN1:55 - Working as a basketball coach in Edmonton3:20 - Practical use of analytics in determining team strategy8:20 - Approaches for coaches without an analytics department12:20 - Balance between personnel, opponents and familiarity of actions20:55 - Creating strategies based off your season goals23:00 - How analytic efficiencies find their way into team strategy28:00 - Effective ways for coaches to convey efficiency to players31:20 - Scaling a playbook to be effective while not overloading players35:45 - Tips for watching film while game planning for an opponent39:40 - Offensive trends for the upcoming season

🏀📥 Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠---We are fortunate to have Colby Blaine back for this episode.Blaine is the head men’s coach at the College of Idaho. He collected his second National Championship this past season with the Yotes. The title — College of Idaho’s second in the last 3 seasons — capped a 35-2 record that included a 25-game winning streak to end the campaign.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN1:20 - Sustaining success at UofI 3:20 - Keys to connection in a program4:50 - Overcoming challenges  during a title run6:30 - Strengths of 2-3 vs. other defenses8:00 - Getting players to think conceptually on defense 9:30 - Placing players in a zone defense11:30 - How defense factors into playing time12:20 - Toughness & Communication in a zone14:40 - Matching up against different formations16:15 - Mixing zone with man defense17:10 - Basic principles of the match-up zone19:05 - More advanced concepts20:00 - Handling cutters21:00 - Skip Passes21:25 - Flare Screens22:30 - On-Ball Screens24:40 - Allowing players to make decisions25:15 - Harder to Guard: Post or Perimeter26:36 - 1v1 at the high post28:40 - Rebounding out of the zone30:25 - Onboarding new players into the system31:50 - Zone defense resources for coaches

🏀📥 Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast⁠⁠⁠ newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠---We are fortunate to have George Vaz on this episode. Vaz is a basketball coach based in Brazil. He’s also coached in Portugal and the England.If his voice sounds familiar, it’s because Vaz is the current host of the Transforming Basketball podcast. He is also a clinician for Transforming Basketball.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN1:20 - What are Principles of Play (POP)?4:05 - How is the POP presented to players?6:05 - Identifying micro principles in your POP8:35 - Building a POP based on Personnel10:40 - How constraints tie into POP11:45 - The role of Intent in building Small-Sided Games15:40 - Keeping the focus the focus in SSGs17:25 - What to do when things go wrong with a constraint20:30 - Common constraints that don’t typically have an impact23:25 - Building SSGs that fit your team’s needs27:05  - Timeline for adoption in nonlinear learning32:05 - Narrowing down the focus during practice

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast⁠⁠ newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠---We are fortunate to have Boise State basketball legend Roberto Bergersen on this podcast. Bergersen is an assistant coach at BSU, where he starred for the Broncos from 1996-99.After a 11-year professional career, which included a D-League Championship with the Idaho Stampede, he was a co-founder of an extremely successful AAU program in Boise and was head coach at a prep school in Missouri. Before joining the Boise State staff, he started his college coaching career at Eastern Washington University.

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast⁠ newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠---We are fortunate to have Matt Fletcher on this episode.Fletcher is the head coach at Concordia St. Paul in Minnesota. The Golden Bears are coming off one of the most successful seasons in the school’s season, finishing with a 22-9 record, a first-ever conference title and a trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN1:30 - Enjoying the growth of a program3:15 - Coaching the program you have4:50 - Recruiting locally5:55 - Factors of adopting an uptempo style7:50 - Playing quickly, but not rushed9:35 - Shot selection as a team11:20 - Recruiting decision making12:10 - When teams try to slow down13:50 - Creating & maintaining good spacing15:20 - Perimeter spacing concepts16:50 - Using SSGs for teaching spacing18:00 - Developing practice plans & activities19:50 - Using your best player as a spacer21:50 - The big in early offense23:35 - Flow after the initial trigger25:15 - Replicating neutral situations after actions27:30 - Communication in a conceptual offense29:35 - Teaching the pace of actions31:40 - Adopting NBA concepts34:15 - Rebounding as a weapon

We are fortunate to have Ryan Lundgren on this episode of the podcast. Lundgren was one of the first coaches to appear as a guest back when the podcast started in 2020. At the time, he was the associate head coach at the College of Southern Idaho. Lundgren went on to serve as the head coach at Carroll College in Helena, Mont. Lundgren is now entering his second year as the associate head coach at Eastern Washington University.---For more updates on our latest podcast episode and more coaching resources, check out the 🔗 ⁠⁠⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter⁠⁠⁠.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN2:00 - Value of working as a high school coach3:20 - Core Values of EWU’s offense4:40 - Building an offense: System or Players?5:40 - Identifying strengths with changeover7:10 - The value of stats in offense building10:20 - Using stats to determine summer workouts11:25 - Film sessions with players12:50 - Staff meetings on player development14:05 - Summer timeline for installing offense16:00 - The importance of 5v5 in teaching17:25 - Decision-making against coverage solutions19:00 - Game plans versus different opponents21:05 - Process for making a change22:45 - Coaching an “untraditional” player24:50 - Playing off an “untraditional” player25:55 - Quickfire: Attributes of Leon Rice, Jeff Reinert, Jeff Linder, Dan Monson28:35 - Takeaways as head coach at Carroll College

We are fortunate to have Dan Krikorian on this episode. Krikorian finished his first season as the head coach at Chapman University in California, where he was a longtime assistant.There’s a reason if Krikorian’s voice sounds familiar. He is part of the duo that makes up popular basketball coaching podcast Slappin’ Glass.The episode focuses on offseason reflection and preparation. We also ask Krikorian how Slappin' Glass has impacted his coaching.---For more updates on our latest podcast episode and more coaching resources, check out the 🔗 ⁠⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter⁠⁠.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN1:15 - Evaluating the previous season5:30 - Evaluating your own coaching9:10 - Offseason timeline for coaches11:40 - Utilizing assistant coaches during the offseason13:25 - Decision-making process for next season16:05 - Freedom within the structure19:15 - When more structure is needed in-game23:00 - Practice plan development in the offseason25:00 - Decision-making as a fundamental29:00 - Impact of Slappin’ Glass on coaching33:40 - Dealing with expectations

We are fortunate to have Alex Sarama returning to the podcast.Sarama is the author of Transforming Basketball, and the founder of an incredible coaching resource under the same name.Sarama spent the last season as the Director of Player Development for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before that, he worked in different capacities for the London Lions and the Portland Trailblazers.In this episode, we focus on the idea of modern concepts for a double-big lineup.---For more updates on our latest podcast episode and more coaching resources, check out the 🔗 ⁠Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter⁠.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN1:20 - The impact of motor learning on NBA players2:55 - Principles of Play & half court efficiency4:45 - Timeline between player development & in-game transfer 7:05 - Playing with a double-big lineup12:45 - Cutting as a concept vs. a motion principle16:10 - Helping bigs develop modern offensive skills17:45 - Unique spacing opportunities in a double-big lineup19:40 - The dunker wheel as a concept20:35 - Being OK with multiple “right” answers22:10 - Teaching points in a Big-Big on-ball screen23:35 - Rebounding responsibilities in a Double Big lineup25:25 - Making rebounding an overriding Principle of Play27:10 - Don’t end drills on the shot29:05 - Implementing “sacrificial” cuts as a concept31:00 - What’s next?

We are fortunate to have Doug Novak on this episode of the podcast.Novak's contributions to the game are notable. Coaches around the world have benefited from his sharing of the game through various clinics and his website, CoachDougNovak.com.This episode was recorded in-person after Novak completed a two-day clinic with players from Lake City and Sandpoint high schools.---Be sure to subscribe to the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter to receive write-up and videos focused on conceptual offense.---1:05 - Protection Plans as an Offensive Attack4:00 - Giving players they need to succeed6:35 - "Home Base" as a starting point9:15 - Providing opportunities for less athletic players10:25 - The importance of the Stride Stop12:15 - Offensive Concepts out of Protection Plans14:30 - Building breakdown scenarios16:15 - Giving up some control as a coach19:10 - Taking over a new program

"If you ask a good question, you need to give them time to think about it."We are fortunate to have JP Nerbun return to the podcast on this episode.NOTE: This episode was an in-person interview conducted after a coaches seminar at Sandpoint High School in Idaho.Nerbun first appeared on the podcast in June of 2022 to talk about his book, "The Culture System." The book gives readers a glimpse into and a guide for building successful team cultures.Nerbun consults with athletes, coaches and parents at every level on culture building and leadership coaching through TOC Culture Consulting.

We are fortunate to have Taylor Tucker on this episode. Tucker is the Associate Head Coach at Des Moines Area Community College. He’s also the coach behind the incredible resource that is @Tucker_Thorson account on Twitter. I’ve benefitted greatly over the years from the clips and mini-clinics he offers regularly.This is a fun episode where we dive into triggers and manufacturing and attacking closeouts.---Subscribe to the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter on Substack. https://coachingidaho.substack.com/.---Episode Breakdown1:15 - Summer schedule working at a junior college2:20 - The purpose & actions of re-triggers4:40 - Pros and Cons of the re-triggers9:10 - Player recognition on when to re-trigger13:20 - Advice for coaches adopting triggers15:05 - Tips for selecting actions for triggers16:30 - Less is more for triggers18:10 - Living through the mistakes20:10 - Developing randomness through structure21:00 - Off-ball reads during triggers23:55 - The role of the closeout in today’s game25:30 - Manufacturing closeouts26:50 - Key teaching points in attacking closeouts29:30 - What’s next area of focus for @Tucker_Thorson?

We are fortunate to have Felix Engel on this episode. Engel is a former player and distinguished youth coach in Germany and recognized worldwide for his contemporary approach to coaching. In addition, Engel serves with a different organizations to help mentor youth coaches.

We are fortunate to have Brent Keener on this episode. Keener just finished his 18th season at Mountain Home High School. He led the Tigers to a 21-5 record and a third-place finish at the Idaho 5A State Girls Tournament. ---Subscribe to the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter.---EPISODE BREAKDOWN1:20 - What led you to an uptempo offense?2:15 - Changes adopted in a more uptempo system3:00 - Transition offense principles4:45 - Offensive geography6:40 - Practicing the 3 layers of offense7:40 - Game shot feedback9:00 - Teaching off-ball reads10:55 - Point guard responsibilities13:15 - A big’s responsibility in the offense15:25 - 2-person actions with wings16:20 - Ball movement in an uptempo offense18:05 - Teaching spacing principles19:55 - Practice focuses throughout the year20:40 - Favorite shooting drills21:40 - Earring a shooting license23:25 - Separating position players during practice24:25 - Developing  meaningful reps in practice26:05 - Defense that plays into the offense28:15 - Secrets to coaching longevity

We are fortunate to have Reid Ouse for this episode. Ouse is a former college basketball coach who is now the owner / director of Catalyst Training, which is based out of Minnesota. He has worked with some of basketball biggest names, but also offer development and training for coaches & players at all levels. — Subscribe to the newsletter: CoachingIdaho.Substack.Com — EPISODE BREAKDOWN 2:00 - Definition of success in player development 5:00 - The mindset of top players 7:00 - The role of the coach in player development 9:30 - A mix between skill development & game enhancement 12:50 - Manufacturing the right chaotic environment 16:00 - Determining a workout plan for players 18:10 - Best practices for communication 20:10 - Incorporating multiple activities within a drill 22:25 - Approach to shooting 27:00 - What’s available at Catalyst Training

We are fortunate to have Chris Oliver return to the podcast for this episode. Oliver, of course, is the basketball podfather with his own show, The Basketball Podcast, and website, Basketball Immersion, two of leading resources for coaches around the world. He also is a consultant with Nike & the NBA involving their youth basketball initiative which we will talk about a little later. --- Subscribe to the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter: coachingidaho.substack.com --- Episode Breakdown 1:45 - Changes in coaching philosophy over time 4:00 - Practice structure when installing a conceptual offense 6:00 - Teaching the game using coaching interventions 7:15 - What coaching interventions should look like 10:00 - Helping players develop their scanning skills 13:25 - Deeper conversations with players around development 14:15 - What teaching scanning looks like in practices 16:50 - The importance of playing 5v5 20:25 - The importance of connecting the different elements of play 21:15 - Ideas for developing a coaching filter for resources 23:05 - The importance of having a Principles of Play 24:30 - Partnership with Nike and the NBA 26:20 - Getting players to love practice

We are fortunate to have the return of Liam Jefferson on this episode.  The episode focuses on how Jefferson develops his practices using CLA methods to introduce conceptual principles in his new position. Jefferson was on earlier this year to talk about his role with the London Lions Youth Academy and installing a conceptual offense. It quickly became one of our most popular episodes. A lot has changed since that time. Jefferson is now the head coach of the Oaklands Wolves and clinician for Transforming Basketball.  --- Check out the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter at ⁠CoachingIdaho.substack.com⁠. --- 2:00 - Responsibilities with the Oaklands Wolves 3:50 - Working with inexperience basketball coaches 5:30 - Documenting offensive & defensive philosophies 6:50 - Introducing CLA & Conceptual offense to new coaches 8:30 - Evaluating success when taking over a new program 10:25 - Long haul vs. short haul when implementing a CLA & Conceptual approach 11:25 - Competition levels for basketball in England 12:50 - Structure of youth academy vs. senior team practices 14:00 - Keys to developing a practice plan 16:00 - Organizing practice activities over the season 17:30 - Practice planning for specific opponents 18:45 - Practice structure using the CLA 21:15 - The importance of pace in practices 22:30 - Individual development in practices 25:00 - Players response to this system 27:05 - Planning practice around intensity & workload

We are fortunate to have Ty Keck on this episode to discuss practice planning and structure.  Keck is the head girls coach at Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He led Skyline to a 4A state runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024 and has been a great resource for coaches like myself who have adopted a conceptual offense and CLA principles. EPISODE BREAKDOWN 2:00 - General approach to developing a practice plan 3:10 - What’s a practice philosophy that’s changed for you over the years 6:25 - Development w/ younger players vs. older players 8:00 - Practice structure from day to day 9:55 - Adapting focus within a practice 11:55 - Creating the environment for a secondary trigger 15:25 - Ratio between 2v2, 3v3 vs. 5v5 17:20 - Ratio of teaching offense vs. defense 19:45 - Factoring conditioning into practices -- Be sure to subscribe to the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter at https://coachingidaho.substack.com/

We are fortunate to have John Adams on this episode. In fact, I was fortunate to spend an evening with Adams in Kenmare, County Kerry during my trip to Ireland. Adams is a co-founder and current chair of the Kenmare Kestrels Basketball Club. The club was founded in 2006 and boasts close to 350 members, with youth and adult teams competing in the KABB (Kerry Area Basketball Board). Adams, who is originally from Maine and has degrees from Notre Dame and Harvard, managed to fit in some time between practices for a short interview at his home. Our discussion focused on the history of the Kenmare Kestrels, how it fits a niche in a country dominated by other sports, and what he has learned as a coach to teams at various age levels.

We are fortunate to have Bill Himmelberg on this episode. Himmelberg is the head coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. The Argos made their way to this year’s NAIA National Championship game, but fell to No. 1 Dordt University by 4 points. Himmelberg is entering his 15 season as Providence’s head coach. He also has experience coaching at the high school level. -- Check out the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter on substack: https://coachingidaho.substack.com/ -- 1:45 - Was playing for an NAIA title expected at the beginning of the season 2:40 - Determining when your team might be a championship-level team 4:15 - Discussing championship possiblities with your team 7:45 - Where owning restaurant franchises and college basketball meet 12:50 - Developing an offensive identity through early offense and   player freedom 18:15 - Building confidence in younger players in a conceptual system 22:35 - Flowing from 5-out to 4-out seamlessly 31:05 - Packaging actions and naming them for easy communication 35:15 - Introducing concepts throughout the season 37:35 - The benefits for two-way teaching 40:00 - Using a 5-out to attack a zone defense 42:15 - Percentage of time practicing against a zone defense 44:05 - Area of study as a coach for the upcoming season

We are fortunate to have Ryan Josephson on this episode.  Josephson is the head boys coach at Camas High School near Vancouver, Washington. Since starting as an assistant coach for the boys, the Papermakers have enjoyed unprecedented success in their school’s basketball history, including a sixth place finish in the 2023 4A State Tournament.  Over the last 4 years, Camas has averaged more than 70 points per game. -- Check out the Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast newsletter on substack: https://coachingidaho.substack.com/ -- SHOW NOTES 2:05 - Path toward a conceptual offense and using CLA concepts 4:55 - Main principles of the Camas offense 11:00 - Identifying primary triggers for a conceptual offense 19:15 - Using Ghost Screens as a secondary action 23:10 - Other secondary actions to keep flow 27:25 - SSGs that lead to secondary actions 31:40 - Conceptual offense with multiple talented players 33:50 - Identifying good shots in a conceptual offense 37:25 - CLA’s impact on player shot selection 39:00 - Forecasting for the future with a conceptual offense 47:30 - Working with your coaching staff in implementation 51:05 - Growth areas as a coach