Hoop Heads

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss every Western Conference team’s over-under outlook, from title contenders to the bottom of the standings. They debate which teams could exceed expectations and which teams may fall short while breaking down how injuries, player development, roster depth, and team chemistry could shape the seasons of teams like Dallas, Denver, Golden State, Houston, and Minnesota. Both Mike & Jason see Oklahoma City and San Antonio at the top of the conference. They dive into the risks facing the Lakers, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Pelicans. The conversation also explores how fewer teams may be tanking this season, making the standings, and the over-under predictions, harder to forecast. They wrap up by comparing their picks and previewing next week’s discussion of NBA team tiers. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Mays is the Founder of Cognitecture, a mental performance coaching practice.  Mays coached at the high school level at both Ashland Blazer and Montgomery County High Schools in Kentucky and made 5 state tournaments in 6 seasons as a head coach. Mays was previously an assistant coach and interim Head Coach at Kentucky Wesleyan after spending two seasons at Valdosta State University. Prior to Valdosta State, Mays spent seven years coaching alongside Head Coach Happy Osborne at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. On this episode Mike & Jason discuss how athletes and coaches can keep growing through adversity, plateaus, and success. Mays shares a four-part foundation for mental toughness: find your fuel, stack small wins, reframe adversity, and avoid becoming complacent after success. He explains why consistent routines and repetitive fundamentals matter, and how players can “do simpler better” to reach the next level. The conversation also explores defining player roles, having courageous conversations, and building meaningful relationships by investing in athletes beyond basketball. Throughout the episode, Mays emphasizes that coaching can prepare players for life beyond the court as well as help them succeed in the game. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. Grab a notebook and take down some ideas as you listen to this episode with Jason Mays, Founder of Cognitecture. Website – https://www.coachmays.com/ Email - [email protected] Twitter - @CoachJMays Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark McGonigal is starting his second season as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Columbia University.  In McGonigal's first season Columbia went 16-12 under Head Coach Kevin Hovde and secured the program’s first winning campaign in 10 years. Prior to Columbia McGonigal served as an assistant coach at Cornell in 2024-25, where he helped guide the Big Red to a second-place finish in the conference and to the Ivy League Tournament Championship game. McGonigal spent 2016-23 on the staff at his alma mater, Richmond, which included four seasons as Director of Basketball Operations. He was elevated to an on-court assistant position in 2023. Before his time at Richmond, McGonigal coached for the National Collegiate Scouting Association (2012-16). While there, he worked with student-athletes to evaluate their skill level on the court and their academic profile to guide them to college opportunities that would be the right fit. He began his career as an assistant coach at Holy Spirit HS in New Jersey in 2011. As a player Mark was a four-year member of the basketball team at Richmond after joining the team as a walk-on and played in 27 career games. On this episode Mike and Mark discuss how his basketball journey from South Jersey pickup games to Division I coaching, shaped his approach to the game. He explains why player development needs a balance of skill work and live play, where athletes learn to read the game and make winning decisions. Mark shares how preparation, film, and intentional practice design help coaches build stronger teams. He also describes the importance of earning players’ trust and building relationships with the people involved in recruiting. Finally, he discusses the Ivy League’s distinctive mix of basketball, academics, and long-term opportunity. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. You’ll want to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Mark McGonigal, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Columbia University. Website - https://gocolumbialions.com/sports/mens-basketball Email - [email protected] Twitter/X - @MarkMcGo3 Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss every Eastern Conference team’s over-under outlook, from title contenders to the bottom of the standings. Mike and Jason revisit last season’s predictions before debating which teams could exceed expectations and which may fall short. They examine roster changes, defensive upgrades, depth concerns, injuries, and the uncertainty surrounding teams such as Boston, Cleveland, New York, and Indiana. The hosts also discuss how anti-tanking rules and roster turnover could make the playoff race especially unpredictable. It’s a candid NBA preview for fans looking for team-by-team analysis, betting angles, and bold calls. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Verduin is the Founder of DYSports, starting the business in 2018 while he was earning his MBA at Seattle University.  DYSports specializes in hosting basketball tournaments designed for boys’ and girls’ youth teams in grades 3 - 11 who are developing their skills. DYSports events are ideal for teams looking to compete against opponents of similar talent, providing an environment where growth and improvement are prioritized.  John grew up in Seattle where he played multiple sports, including football and basketball at Ballard High School. He later continued his basketball journey at Willamette University in Oregon. Through his experiences, both as a player and coach, John recognized the need for more competitive levels for youth athletes to develop their skills. His mission is to create environments where kids can compete, improve, and foster a passion for the game. On this episode Mike and John discuss how he built youth basketball tournaments around developing teams that are often overlooked by elite-focused events. John shares how the idea grew from his own experiences as a coach and from seeing the impact of repeated blowouts on players, parents, and coaches. John discusses how DY Sports works to create more competitive matchups, including its team-screening process and use of AI as the company scales. He also explains why the organization limits tournaments to three games and how facility relationships, local demand, and market fit shape expansion. Throughout the conversation, John offers a broader perspective on youth sports and the importance of creating opportunities for kids to compete, develop, and stay in the game. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. You’ll want to take a few notes as you listen to this episode with John Verduin, Founder of DYSports. Website - https://dysportsllc.com/ Email - [email protected] Twitter/X - @dysportsllc Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.