The Program with Woj

On this episode of The Program, Woj reunites with ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks! Woj and Bobby discuss: The NBA’s "Tanking" Fine: Why a $500,000 fine is just the "cost of doing business" for a shot at a generational superstar. The Rise of the "Super-Senior": How NIL is turning the second round of the NBA Draft into a hunt for 23 and 24-year-old high-value, cost-controlled talent Pro-Style Roster Math: Woj breaks down his exercise of "shrinking" NBA payrolls to determine fair market value for NIL athletes. The Death of Free Agency: Why "Bird Rights" and veteran extensions have replaced the traditional open market. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Conference USA Coach of the Year and Bear Bryant Newcomer of the Year, Jerry Mack. After inheriting a 2-10 program at Kennesaw State, Mack engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the country, leading the Owls to a 10-4 record and a bowl appearance in year one. Mack breaks down the "staff list" he spent a decade building, the transition from the Jacksonville Jaguars back to the college ranks, and why he chose to return to the NFL as an intern even after becoming a successful head coach. Woj and Coach Mack discuss: The Cignetti Model: Why Mack studied Curt Cignetti’s Indiana turnaround and how he applied the James Madison-to-IU strategy of "proven snaps" to jumpstart the Kennesaw State roster. The Staff List: Why Mack spent nine years tracking GAs and quality control coaches to prepare for his next head coaching shot. The NFL Influence: What he learned in the rooms of Doug Peterson and Bill Callahan—and how those internships catapulted his career. The "Steakhouse" Philosophy: Why Mack treats recruiting like a high-end restaurant to compete with NIL heavyweights through elite customer service. HBCU Roots: The lessons learned at NC Central that still apply at the FBS level. The 30/50/20 Roster Formula: The specific mathematical split Mack uses between high school, transfer portal, and the "lost art" of Junior College recruiting. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As USA Basketball prepares for the next window of World Cup Qualifying in Southern California, Stephen Silas joins Woj to talk through the unique, high-pressure discipline of tight-window international team building. Fresh off a 24-year run in the NBA — includingas the Houston Rockets’ head coach and assistant roles working with Steph Curry and LeBron James — Silas shares what he’s learned about coaching in preparation for World Cup qualifying events. Woj and Silas dive into:     •    The 72-Hour Turnaround: How to build a cohesive roster in just six practices with players from the G League and European circuits.     •    The FIBA vs. NBA Gap: Why the international game is more physical, why the "three-ball" is the ultimate equalizer and the rule differences that catch even veteran coaches off guard.     •    Patrick Ewing’s Impact: What it’s like having a Dream Team legend on the bench and the advice Silas received from Jeff Van Gundy before taking the job.     •    The Weight of the Jersey: Why representing the U.S. remains the ultimate career milestone for players who may never reach the Olympic stage.     •    Life After the Grind: Silas opens up about finding the balance between "Coach Silas" and "Stephen Silas" after decades on the road. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Pantoni, General Manager and Director of Player Personnel at Ohio State, joins The Program to pull back the curtain on the rapidly evolving "front office" of college football. From his humble beginnings as an undergraduate pre-med student at Florida—where his first task for Urban Meyer was hand-writing 400 envelopes a day—to now managing what is essentially a collegiate "salary cap," Pantoni shares the blueprint for building a career in player personnel. He discusses the shift from relationship-based recruiting to agent-led negotiations and how the "Indiana model" is changing how big programs value veteran experience over high school potential. In this episode, Woj and Mark discuss: The Non-Traditional Path: How a pre-med student with no playing background became one of the most powerful executives in college football. The Evolution of Recruiting: Transitioning from VHS tapes and handwritten letters to managing NIL valuations and transfer portal "free agency." The "Switzerland" Approach: Why Pantoni has to remain emotionally detached from players to make fair, data-driven financial decisions for the locker room. The High School vs. Portal Dilemma: Analyzing the "dead money" risk of high school recruits versus the immediate impact of veteran transfers. Building a Front Office: How Ohio State has structured its personnel department to mirror an NFL scouting operation. Red Flags for Recruits: Why something as simple as being on your phone during a visit can change a staff's evaluation of your "football IQ" and maturity. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more inside looks at the architects of modern sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Also, a big thank you to SurfShark VPN. go to surfshark.com/woj or use the code WOJ at check out for four additional months of SurfShark VPN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Woj sits down with Utah Jazz Head Coach Will Hardy to go inside one of the most intentional culture-building projects in the NBA. Since taking the reins in Utah, Hardy has navigated the transition from a veteran contender to a young, hungry roster by emphasizing the "monotony of greatness" and a holistic approach to the modern athlete. In this episode, Woj and Will discuss: The Monotony of Greatness: Why a seared mental image of Tim Duncan shooting jump hooks 45 minutes before a shoot-around still dictates Hardy’s expectations for his young core. Human Development vs. Player Development: Moving beyond drills to help players navigate life in their 20s, mental health, and the habits that drive winning. The Kevin Love Factor: The honest conversations that brought a 5-time All-Star to a rebuilding locker room and why his "honesty and perspective" have become a cheat code for the Jazz coaching staff. "Show Love": The origins of the team’s viral mantra and the daily locker room exercises used to combat the negativity and ego of professional sports. Front Office Alignment: How the Jazz avoid the "grab for credit" and "passing of blame" through constant communication with Danny Ainge, Justin Zanik, and the Utah leadership team. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more inside looks at the architects of modern basketball. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Woj sits down with Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Josh Longstaff to go inside the high-stakes world of NBA player development. Longstaff, a rising name in the coaching ranks, shares the lessons he learned in the trenches of Oklahoma City, where he helped mold three future Hall of Famers, and explains the radical "CEO" culture he is now building alongside Charles Lee in Charlotte. Josh and Woj discuss: "He Would Test Me": The raw honesty required to earn the respect of a young Russell Westbrook and the moment Longstaff realized that truth is a coach's greatest currency. The Soul of Development: Why the Hornets' "holistic" approach reaches far beyond the court, focusing on mental performance, nutrition, and the "whole person." The CEO Mindset: How Charlotte empowers young stars like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball by putting them at the head of the table (literally) to own their professional growth. Mentoring Icons: What it was like to witness the daily, obsessive work habits of a young Kevin Durant and James Harden. The Head Coaching Path: Longstaff’s transition from the video room to leading an expansion G League franchise. We’ll see you next week for episode fourteen of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ESPN’s Pete Thamel joins Woj to dissect one of the most improbable rises in the history of the sport: the Indiana Hoosiers’ journey to the national title game. Ahead of a showdown with Miami, Woj and Pete dive into how Curt Cignetti built a "destination logo" in record time and the seismic shifts making this era of college athletics the most chaotic in history.     •    The Indiana Rocket Ship: Pete explains why the Hoosiers’ rise is unprecedented and why it required a "perfect storm" of the transfer portal, NIL and administrative defiance to keep a coaching staff intact.     •    The Death of Continuity: How the gap between the "Blue Bloods" and the rest of the field has widened, and why the mid-major advantage of veteran rosters is disappearing.     •    The Revenue Share Frontier: A look at the House settlement and why schools are continuing to spend at "100 miles per hour."     •    The 10-Year Outlook: Will the Power Conferences eventually break away from the NCAA? Pete breaks down the multi-billion dollar binders that are keeping the current model together for now. We’ll see you next week for episode thirteen of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Program, Woj is joined by BYU Head of Personnel Justin Young. Young walks us through "The Perfect Storm": a combination of NBA-level player development, the transition to the Big 12, and a high-functioning NIL landscape that has allowed BYU to go shoulder-to-shoulder with the blue bloods of the sport. The Kevin Young Effect: Why a top NBA assistant chose the college game and how his "intellectual relationship" with elite players like AJ Dybantsa changed the recruiting trail. The Business of Winning: How BYU’s leadership and donor community scaled their resources to compete with the likes of Duke and Kansas. The International Market: Calibrating talent evaluation in Europe and the challenges of identifying "archetypes" in leagues across the globe. NIL & The "Ego" Factor: Why the new era of college sports allows donors to feel like NBA owners—and whether or not it’s sustainable.. We’ll see you next week for episode twelve of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Thanks to Chime. Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to chime.com/woj to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Crean, former head coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia, returns for Part 2 of a masterclass in team building. Crean shares why the fundamentals of winning haven't changed, even if the payrolls have. He and Woj dive into everything from the challenges facing Mid-Majors, to the danger of setting "ceilings" for your stars, and much more. The Talent Raid: How mid-majors can still win when high-majors consistently pluck talent from their rosters. The Harbaugh Influence: Lessons in experience-based coaching from Jim and John Harbaugh. Raising the Floor: Why developing the bottom of your roster is the secret to consistent winning. Personalized Recruiting: Crean on using film and voice memos to provide value to prospects before they sign. The Efficiency Gap: Why the highest payroll doesn’t always equal the best team. We’ll see you next week for episode eleven of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Crean, the former head coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia, joins Woj to discuss the seismic shifts currently reshaping the college basketball landscape. Crean, who led Marquette to a Final Four and coached stars like Dwyane Wade and Anthony Edwards, dives deep into the evolving demands of coaching staffs in the NIL and Transfer Portal era, sharing insights on  player development and how the best programs are fighting to maintain culture in an increasingly transactional world. Problem vs. Dilemma: Crean explains the shift in the head coaching role, where modern issues like NIL and the portal are no longer "problems" to be solved but "dilemmas" that must be managed daily. The Evolution of Coaching Staffs: He discusses how the responsibilities of assistants have changed, emphasizing that every staff member must now be a fundraiser, an evaluator, and a relationship-builder rather than just a recruiter. Recruiters vs. Evaluators: Crean breaks down why the ability to evaluate talent and provide fundamental solutions is more critical than ever, and warns against the "shortsightedness" of recruiting based on empty promises. Sustaining Culture: He shares a behind-the-scenes look at his recent visit with Tom Izzo at Michigan State, highlighting how the Spartans have mastered program consistency and former-player engagement despite the chaos of the portal era. The Professional Bridge: Crean reflects on the vital role college programs play in preparing athletes for the mental and professional rigors of the NBA, and the danger of losing those transformational bridges in a transactional environment. We’ll see you next week for episode eleven of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Thanks to Chime. Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to chime.com/woj to learn more. Finally, thanks to Rula. Take control of your mental health at rula.com/woj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Woj sits down with David Carle, the two-time national championship hockey coach at the University of Denver. With four Frozen Four appearances and two titles in eight seasons at DU, Carle is one of the most coveted coaches by the pros in all of college sports.     •    The College Hockey Disruption: Carle details the unprecedented changes, including the recent ruling that made all players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) eligible for NCAA hockey — adding an entirely new dimension to recruiting.     •    The DU Strategy: Why the two-time national title  program intentionally chooses to be one of the youngest teams in the country, prioritizing recruiting and developing freshmen instead of relying on older transfer portal players x     •    The Non-Starter: Carle reveals the major "red flags" within a prospect's family and his mindset that will cause him to walk away from a top talent in the recruiting process.     •    Life at the Top: Carle shares his philosophy on success, the pressure of maintaining the standard of a 10-time national championship program and weighing factors when considering job opportunities at the NHL level.     •    The Future of the Sport: Carle gives his pragmatic prediction on the next major structural change in college hockey, driven by the revenue-sharing model. We’ll see you next week for episode ten of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dalmar Ali, the newly appointed head coach of the Somalia National Basketball Team and an assistant coach at LIU, joins Adrian Wojnarowski to discuss his new international challenge, his roots, and the unique realities of of building a competitive program. The International Blueprint: Ali discusses modeling the Somalia National Team's structure after successful nation-building efforts in Africa, including the work of Masai Ujiri's Giants of Africa and Luol Deng's South Sudan program, leveraging their influence and pride. The Somali Basketball Community: He shares insights into the passionate and large Somali basketball community, particularly in Toronto and Minnesota, and the significant role it plays in developing talent. Coaching at LIU: Ali opens up about working with head coach Rod Strickland and the staff's remarkable success in the Northeast Conference (NEC) with limited resources. He explains their unique recruiting strategy that prioritizes relationships and vision over NIL funding. The Future of Mid-Majors: Ali expresses his concern over the sustainability of smaller conferences due to the transfer portal and NIL landscape, and how LIU managed to retain top talent by building a positive and impactful program culture. Mentorship and Learning: He reflects on the invaluable experience of learning program building from two Division I legends, Rod Strickland and his former boss, Leonard Hamilton. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Thanks to Chime. Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to chime.com/woj to learn more. Finally, thanks to Rula. Take control of your mental health at rula.com/woj For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detroit Pistons coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, joins Woj to discuss the dynamics of team building, power structures in the NBA, and the principles that drive a healthy, winning organization. Coach vs. Management vs. Ownership: Bickerstaff discusses the critical importance of a true partnership between the head coach, the general manager (Trajan Langdon), and ownership, highlighting the supportive, hands-off approach of Tom Gores in Detroit. The Player-Coach Relationship: He emphasizes that success is built on a foundation of trust and respect with a team's best player, allowing for open, honest conversations and preventing manipulation of the locker room. Communication Style: J.B. shares his commitment to "touching base" with every player on the 1-15 roster every single day, fostering communication to solve problems before they escalate. Lessons from a Basketball Family: As one half of the winningest father-son coaching combo in league history, Bickerstaff reflects on the unchanging constants of coaching passed down from his father, Bernie Bickerstaff, emphasizing the importance of telling the truth and treating everyone with the same respect. League Life: J.B. introduces "League Life," the resource app he and his wife, Nikki, created to help professional sports families navigate the constant moves and find vetted services in new cities. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Woj sits down with his former ESPN colleague, current NFL Front Office Insider at ESPN, and founder of The 33rd Team, Mike Tannenbaum, to discuss the dramatic blurring lines between the NFL and major college football. College Football & The Cap How NIL, revenue sharing, and the lack of a true salary cap are forcing college GMs and coaches to adopt NFL-style decision-making. The essential difference between a "binary" scholarship decision and a rigorous salary cap approach. Is the dynasty dead? Mike's take on whether the Nick Saban-era of dominance is possible in the new landscape where players like Carson Beck can earn millions. Lessons from Bill Parcells  The most important principles Tannenbaum learned about team-building and player evaluation from his mentor, Bill Parcells. How Parcells was using data and analytics 30 years ago with his "typing system" for player prototypes (e.g., the "big men" philosophy). The Steve Kerr & David Blatt Saga A fascinating look inside Tannenbaum's time as an agent, detailing the final, dramatic hours of the Steve Kerr coaching sweepstakes between the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors. The race to hire David Blatt for the Cleveland Cavaliers right before LeBron James' return. The Future of the NFL Mike's prediction on what will drive the NFL forward in the next 5-10 years: sports science, player wellness, and data-driven decision-making to win on the edges. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ozgl82a2 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's edition of The Program with Woj, Woj sits down with Michigan Basketball Head Coach Dusty May. Coach May takes us inside the incredible journey of Florida Atlantic’s improbable 2023 Final Four run and the historic challenges of keeping that mid-major team together in the face of the burgeoning transfer portal and NIL era. He discusses his team-building philosophy, how it has evolved with the modern game, and the unique culture he is now building as he begins his tenure at the University of Michigan. Some of the topics covered: The Historic FAU Run: How May kept the Final Four team together when NIL money was in play. Tampering and the Portal: His evolving stance on players entering the portal and returning, and the debate over high-major vs. mid-major tampering. The Agent Partnership: What he has learned about negotiating with agents, and the necessity of being 100% honest to build long-term relationships in college basketball. The Coach's Accountability: May’s philosophy on leadership, culture-building, and how he uses vulnerability to serve his players. Knight in the NIL Era: How legendary coach Bob Knight might have adapted to the modern disruptions of the portal and NIL. The Future of College Hoops: May’s prediction on the structural changes coming to college basketball, including revenue distribution and governance. We’ll see you next week for episode six of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Grant Hill, the Managing Director of USA Basketball. Some of the topics covered: The Weight of Gold: Hill shares what no one could have prepared him for regarding the pressure and expectation of winning the Olympics. Connecting with the New Generation: How the league and players have changed in the last decade, and the evolving approach to leadership and communication. The World Cup vs. The Olympics: Analyzing the different challenges and roster-building strategies for each international tournament. The Spoelstra Hire: Why Coach Spo's program culture and ability to connect with players made him the perfect fit for the next cycle, including the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Balancing Director and Coach: The delicate art of empowering a coach while serving as a supportive, accountable managing director for the players. The Future Model: How USA Basketball must adapt its strategy and marketing to stay relevant in a changing global and domestic basketball landscape. We’ll see you next week for episode five of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com  For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com  For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the third episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Tulane Football Head Coach Jon Sumrall to discuss his approach to roster building in the NIL era—balancing the transfer portal, constant roster churn, and the pursuit of a winning culture. Coach Sumrall shares why he separates coaching players from coaching dollar amounts, how he rewards good players who are good people, and why he’s comfortable operating in the chaos of modern college football. Some of the topics covered: High School Recruiting as a Foundation: How traditional recruiting remains central while the portal supplements it. Balancing Winning and Culture: The tension between winning now and building a lasting culture Rewarding Good People: Why character still drives his roster decisions. Separating Money and Performance: Why Sumrall prefers not to know what players earn. Timestamps: 2:00 – Sumrall’s formula for roster building at Tulane 4:50 – Balancing competitiveness with culture 7:44 – Rewarding good players who are good people 12:33 – Limiting a coach’s exposure to player earnings 16:23 – The future of non–Power Four college football We’ll see you next week for episode four of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the second episode of The Program, Woj sits down with USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb — the former NBA assistant who returned to college to build one of the sport’s most exciting programs. Gottlieb shares why she saw USC — and Los Angeles — as the next great sports hub, and how she’s building a perennial national contender around phenom JuJu Watkins.  Some of the topics covered: Building Around a Star: Gottlieb explains what makes JuJu Watkins unique — and how you build a sustainable program around a generational player. The NBA Effect: Hear how her time on the Cleveland Cavaliers staff prepared her for team-building in the NIL era of college basketball Recruiting the Right Fit: Why even elite talent sometimes isn’t the right match — and how Gottlieb identifies players who elevate the whole system. LA Rising: Why Gottlieb believed Los Angeles was poised to become the epicenter of women’s sports — and what that means for the next wave of athletes considering USC. We’ll see you next week for episode three of The Program. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. For Sponsorship Inquiries: sponsorship@inthearenastudios.com For Press Inquiries: Press@inthearenastudios.com For General Inquiries: Inquiries@inthearenastudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the debut episode of The Program, Woj visits with Jonathan Givony, founder of DraftExpress. They discuss the accelerated pattern of college’s recruiting international basketball talent — strategy that’s transforming roster construction in the age of paying players and the transfer portal. Some of the topics covered:     •    The Global GM Mindset: Givony reveals the one crucial evaluation method schools must adopt to succeed in international recruiting, arguing that only offering the most money is an often a losing strategy.     •    Woj's Reporter Edge: Hear Woj explain how he leaned on his past life as a reporter to land top European talent like Achille Lonati.     •    How the NCAA's reluctance to fight lawsuits is flooding the college market with older, professional players and what that means for high school recruitment.     •    Playing Time vs. The Paycheck: Is a big NIL/Rev share deal at a Power Five school worth sitting on the bench? Woj and Givony detail how agents are increasingly steering clients on a different path that maximizes long-term earnings.     •    The Future of College Staffs: Givony gives his bold prediction on the next major structural change in the sport. We’ll see you next week for episode two with USC women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Program with Woj.  I’m Adrian Wojnarowski. You may remember me from my days as the Senior NBA Insider at ESPN, but now I’m back at my alma mater, St. Bonaventure, navigating a whole new world as GM of their men's college basketball team. On The Program with Woj, I’ll sit down with some of the most accomplished and innovative leaders and minds across all levels of the sporting community--my personal exploration of front office work and modern team building. From college to pro, men and women, The Program with Woj will dig into it all. The Program with Woj is a creation and production of In the Arena Studios. The series will be presented by our title sponsor, Novig. New episodes will drop every Wednesday and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See you soon, on The Program with Woj. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices