Making the Team

In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Parker Van Dyke, former University of Utah basketball standout and current professional player, to break down his incredible journey through the game.From AAU tournaments and Utah high school hoops, to playing for the Utah Utes in the Pac-12, and now taking his game to the professional level, Parker shares the highlights, the grind, and the moments that made it all worth it.🎯 Topics covered:Growing up in the Utah basketball sceneDominating High School BasketballPlaying for the U of U and hitting clutch shotsThe transition to professional basketballLessons learned from AAU to college to the prosAdvice for young players trying to make the teamIf you’re a basketball fan, athlete, or someone chasing your dream — this episode is full of real talk, insights, and inspiration.📌 Subscribe to Making the Team for more interviews with top athletes and coaches.Be sure to check follow Parker's journey on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/parkervandyke/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team⏰ TIME CODES ⏰0:00 Intro Teaser0:37 First Meeting Parker Story1:45 The Importance of Intense Practice3:44 When Basketball Became Life6:07 Multi-Sport Athletes8:12 Getting Over Perfectionism11:02 AAU Successes17:27 Parker's Shot Form20:45 High School Moments26:42 Daily Routine in High School29:07 Effective Training32:46 College Recruiting Experience35:31 Advice to College Recruits37:01 Why The University of Utah39:58 High School Regrets41:51 2 Years Off Basketball - Mission43:45 Coach's Quote - Embrace Your Role48:08 Taking the Weight Room to Another Level52:06 College Daily Routine53:52 College Conditioning56:30 Importance of Diet58:14 College Game Experience1:00:01 Toughest Player Parker Played Against1:01:38 Chad Chadrickson1:02:56 The Dunk1:05:23 UCLA Game Winner1:11:04 Toughest Atmosphere to Play1:12:34 What Parker Would Change About College1:15:05 Professional Basketball: Overseas1:22:29 European Basketball Money1:24:55 G League: Austin Spurs1:27:11 Game Day Traditions1:29:54 Picking Number 51:31:48 Most Influential Basketball Movie1:32:30 Favorite Shoe1:32:55 85 Point Game1:36:09 Parker on Winning1:40:00 Blind Ranking/Guessing Basketballs1:48:18 Life Outside Basketball1:49:58 Favorite Pokemon1:51:15 Staying Grounded1:52:58 Parker's Future Hopes1:54:00 Where to Play in the Offseason1:56:13 Was It Worth It?#basketball #podcast #basketballpodcast #makingtheteam #parkervandyke

In this heartfelt interview, Making the Team host Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Gus Sopeña, head coach of the Summit Academy boys basketball team, for an honest conversation about the emotional and mental challenges of coaching — and the deep rewards that come from helping young athletes reach their full potential.Coach Sopeña opens up about:The pressure and expectations coaches quietly carryWhat it means to truly care about your playersHow high school basketball shapes character beyond the courtThe moments that make it all worth it — even when no one’s watchingWhy building a strong team culture is more important than just winning games📌 Whether you’re a coach, player, parent, or sports fan, this conversation is a reminder that coaching is about people first — and that some of the most meaningful victories happen off the scoreboard.📌 Subscribe to Making the Team for more interviews with top athletes and coaches.Be sure to check follow Summit Academy's journey on their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/summitacademybasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team⏰ TIME CODES ⏰0:00 Intro Teaser0:30 Getting into Coaching8:52 Coaching Interview Process22:23 From Assistant to Head Coach23:55 The Bountiful Experience33:00 The Life of a Coach39:15 Mental Struggles of Coaches40:45 Summit Academy Opportunity47:00 Building a Winning Team52:58 Balancing Coaching and Caring1:02:27 Practice Plans1:06:05 Conditioning Philosophy1:11:05 Communication Between Players and Parents#gussopena #basketballcoach #summitacademy #highschoolbasketball

In this inspiring interview, Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Patrick Amico, the head coach of the Pine View High School Boys Basketball Team. Known for his leadership both on and off the court, Coach Amico shares how he's working to give his players more than just a basketball season — he’s giving them a high school experience they’ll never forget.🏀 Topics covered include:• How Coach Amico builds strong relationships with his players• His coaching philosophy and why character matters as much as wins• What it takes to lead a high school basketball program in today’s world• Why giving kids a great high school experience is his #1 goal• Behind-the-scenes stories from the Pine View basketball programFollow the Pine View Program here: https://www.instagram.com/pineviewpantherbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro0:30 Successes of Last Season4:00 What Coach is Learning5:17 UVU Story7:29 What Players Impress You8:36 What Players Should Do Outside Practice10:14 For Parents11:13 Coaching Staff13:21 Accountability vs Relationships14:47 Player Roles15:55 Tryouts17:06 Conditioning17:44 Coaching Style19:31 St. George Basketball Culture21:19 Creativity vs Structure22:48 Coaching in the Social Media Era24:26 Mental Support for Players25:53 Pre-High School Youth Programs27:38 Referee Relationships29:35 Assistant to Head Coach Shift31:56 Life Outside Basketball34:19 Balancing Everyone's Opinions35:50 Fundraising37:34 Helping Players Get To The Next Level41:14 Go Where You Will Play42:22 Coach's Legacy43:39 Message For Pine View Parents45:14 Hardest Part of Coaching46:33 Best Part of Coaching47:33 Advice to Seniors#basketball #patrickamico #pineviewbasketball #pineviewhighschool #highschoolbasketball

Coach Jon Judkins share what he and his staff at Utah Tech look for when recruiting high school players to make their D1 Basketball team. Coach Judkins is headed into his 21st season as the head coach of the Utah Tech Trailblazers Mens Basketball Team and is a Six-time Pacific West Conference Coach of the Year winner. Coach Judkins (622 career wins and counting) became the first men’s coach in Utah collegiate basketball history to reach the 500-win mark back on January 28, 2017. He then became the all-time winningest college coach in Utah history with career win No. 583 in 2021.Prior to his arrival at Utah Tech, Jon was the head coach at Snow College for 13 seasons. In 2014, Judkins was inducted into the Snow College Athletic Hall of Fame.Judkins played for one season at Dixie State (junior college) in the 1983-84 season before transferring to Utah State, where he became the first Aggie to post a triple-double. During the 1987-88 season, he helped lead the Aggies to the PCAA title and an NCAA Tournament bid.🎙 Whether you’re a coach, player, or just love the game — this conversation is full of wisdom, stories, and Utah basketball history.Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro0:40 Biggest Accomplishment2:36 Division 1 Adjustments4:07 Recruitment Process5:04 How to Get Seen7:45 Role of High School Coach in Recruiting9:23 Role of Parents11:41 The 4 P's13:51 Jumps from HS to JUCO to D114:36 Coaching Philosophy16:30 Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal19:44 Conditioning for Players25:04 Weightlifting 26:10 Multi-Sport Athletes29:07 Jon's Playing Experience31:02 Early Coaching Career37:50 Working on Skill vs Games38:57 Stomping Foot40:40 Advice to High School Seniors46:01 What Does it Take to Win#basketball #judkins #jonjudkins #utahtech #utahtechbasketball

Chris Jones has been coaching for decades, with most of his time at the college level with the University of Utah, Utah State, and Westminster. He also coached professionally in England and now coaches the Highland Rams high school team in Salt Lake City. Highland made it to the state championship this last season and Coach Jones shares his experience and knowledge about the game of basketball, coaching, and the lessons that come from this beautiful game. Coach Jones shares the hard truths and proud victories from a decades-long career that’s impacted generations of athletes.🎙 Whether you’re a coach, player, or just love the game — this conversation is full of wisdom, stories, and Utah basketball history.Be sure to check follow the Highland Rams Instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/highlandramsbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro0:52 Passion to Teach2:34 Accountability vs Relationships6:48 Playing the "Right Way"10:20 Coaching College vs High School15:51 College Recruiting Process17:00 Getting on Recruiters' Radar20:22 Realities of Playing in College24:15 Highlights of Last Season30:15 Winning Mentality33:43 Tell The Truth40:50 What is Coach Learning Now46:35 Moving to Coach High School51:29 Excitement for This Year54:45 Close Games or Blow Outs56:43 Coaching Influences59:27 Rick Majerus Story1:05:56 Rylan Jones Story1:20:57 How to Play More1:22:51 Time Machine Advice1:23:49 Highland Program Legacy1:27:23 Thanks all around#basketball #chrisjones

We sit down with Rylan Jones — one of the most decorated high school basketball players in Utah history. A two-time Mr. Basketball, state champion, and on the Utah high school basketball record books. Rylan shares the highs and lows of his incredible journey through high school, college, and now professional basketball.From starring at Olympus High School to competing at the University of Utah, Utah State, and Samford, Rylan breaks down the behind-the-scenes stories — including his final college season, where he nearly upset powerhouse Kansas in the NCAA Tournament.🎙 Topics covered:Growing up in Utah basketball cultureWinning a state championship and breaking recordsCollege hoops at three different programsPlaying on March Madness’s biggest stageAdvice for young players chasing their dreamIf you’re a fan of Utah basketball, high school hoops, or inspiring sports stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with top basketball talent.Be sure to check follow Rylan's journey on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/rylanjones15/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro0:52 Coaches' Quotes2:37 Playing the "Right" Way5:36 Dad Coach Relationship7:04 Getting Teammates to Play Better9:10 What Should Kids Work On?12:27 Calm, Competitive Mentality13:52 Move From Logan to Olympus16:30 Olympus Successes20:42 Countering Scouting Reports24:34 College Recruitment Process27:55 University of Utah Experience32:18 From the U to Utah State37:30 Transfer Portal Experience43:13 Samford Experience48:12 Getting in Shape49:48 NCAA Tournament Kansas Game54:39 Next Play Mentality57:48 Playing in Home Town1:02:22 End of Season1:03:53 Playing Professionally1:06:08 The Future1:09:00 Game Day Traditions1:11:02 Outside Basketball1:12:33 Staying Grounded1:14:26 Advice to Freshman Self1:16:01 Was it Worth It?#basketball #rylanjones

Coach Landen Cummings just finished his first year at East High School in Salt Lake City and he talks about what he looks for in players, lessons he's learned so far, and what he looks forward to with his team in the upcoming year. Landen lives basketball. Playing in college and coaching through AAU, as an assistant high school coach, and now a varsity head coach. Be sure to check out the East High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/easthighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro0:25 Pressure of Past Successes2:22 Successes From Last Year6:00 Advice for 1st Year Coaches9:11 Building a Culture12:00 Balance of Discipline and Caring14:46 Looking to This Year18:02 Coach Cummings' Style19:17 Tryouts24:32 Participation of Bench Players26:50 Message to Parents31:02 Picking a Staff38:40 AAU vs High School43:03 Time Outside Basketball44:55 Landen's GOAT47:29 How Playing Experience Impacts Coaching Style50:00 Coach's Legacy#basketballcoach #basketball #coaching

Coach Brian Allfrey just completed his first year as the Copper Hills High School Boys Varsity Basketball Coach. While this is his first year as the Copper Hills head coach, Coach Allfrey has been coaching for decades, and is one of the most well-connected coaches in Utah. He shares the challenges of being a 1st year head coach, coaching a star talent like Isaiah Reiser, and building good young men on and off the court.Fun Fact: Coach Allfrey coached co-host Eric Bland when Eric was in High School. Be sure to check out the Copper Hills High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/chhsbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro1:04 Successes This Year2:03 First Year Observations4:33 Coaching Talent6:06 Learning From Others9:01 Coach Allfrey's Coaching Philosophy12:21 How Basketball Has Changed14:56 Coach vs Player15:50 What To Expect From Tryouts18:21 Coaching Your Own Kids19:37 Advice to 1st Year Coaches21:21 Picking a Staff23:15 Juggling Work and Coaching23:58 Dealing with Countless Opinions27:07 Life isn't Highlights28:45 Relationship with Officials31:20 Changing Coaching Style34:15 Developing Youth Programs37:07 Coaching and Family Pressures39:36 Developing College Players41:06 Advice for Parents of Players43:22 Practice Time46:39 Balancing Minutes and Conditioning51:43 Hopes for Copper Hills Program59:00 Scheme or Players1:00:56 Players or Coaches1:03:51 Message for Copper Hills Players and Parents#basketballcoach #basketball #coaching

Isaiah Reiser is entering his senior season as the point guard of the Copper Hills High School basketball team. He is set to become the all-time leading scorer in Copper Hills school history and shares his mindset, work ethic, and goals for his basketball career.Isaiah's IG:https://www.instagram.com/isaiah.reiser/Special thank you to DMCreative Films for the awesome highlight videos.Give him a follow: https://www.instagram.com/dmcreat1ve_/ Be sure to check out the Copper Hills High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/chhsbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters: 0:00 Highlight Intro0:49 1000 Point Mark2:00 Balancing Scoring and Teammates2:46 Youth Basketball3:50 Family Influence4:37 Other Sports5:12 Isaiah's Strengths6:56 Dealing with Pressure8:30 Struggle with Perfectionism9:55 Favorite Move10:15 Preparing for Other Teams11:40 Teammates13:10 Upcoming Team13:42 Not Overlooking Teams14:30 Region Rivals15:12 Game Day Traditions17:20 Emotional Style18:20 Favorite Shoes20:05 Playing for Coach Allfrey21:12 Building Team Chemistry22:24 Realities of High School Basketball25:45 Work Outside Practice26:56 Best Player Isaiah's Played Against27:37 Favorite Off-Court Moments28:05 Instagram Question29:17 Where Isaiah Wants to Improve30:48 Isaiah's Future31:38 Isaiah Outside Sports32:03 Advice to Freshmen#isaiahreiser #copperhillsbasketball #highschoolbasketball #basketballtraining #podcast #basketballplayer

35-Year Basketball Official reveals the realities of high school officiating. For any athlete, coach, or parent, this information is a must-watch to better understand how to work with referees, even if you disagree with calls. Turns out, most people don't actually know basketball rules, and your fiery taunting of referees is not helping, but hurting your team. Special thanks to Bret Kinghorn for being willing to answer the tough questions and provide these valuable insights. Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters 0:00 Teaser0:55 Getting Started in Officiating2:30 How to Become a High School Ref6:05 How Referees are Evaluated9:54 How to Talk to Referees12:32 Are Make Up Calls Real?13:48 What is a Charge?15:07 How to Handle Missed Calls18:04 Players Talking to Referees19:20 Parents Talking to Referees21:15 Throwing a Parent Out22:41 Trigger for a Technical23:55 Personal Relationships with Coaches25:31 Humanizing Officials, Coaches, and Players27:50 Game Preferences28:25 What Makes a Good Coach or Player?30:02 Do Officials Know Good Players?33:05 Flopping Rule35:10 What is a Travel?39:55 Rules that Aren't Rules41:58 The Art of the Call vs By The Book44:55 Rivalry Games48:10 Not Working Games with Certain Coaches50:03 Worst Thing a Parent Has Said52:32 Funny Parent Stories56:00 Referee Shoes and Uniform59:06 Clothing Mishap Story1:00:52 Handling Injuries1:03:22 Throwing a Jump Ball1:03:54 Over and Back Rule1:04:32 Equality is NOT the Job1:06:52 Player Trash Talk1:08:30 Does Arguing with Refs Help?1:10:37 Official Shortage1:13:24 Greatest Athletes He's Officiated1:17:15 Bothered By Missed Calls1:18:00 Why Referee?

Ike Palmer is a 6'6" wind currently playing at Utah State Eastern. In his freshman season, he averaged 17 points per game and is a force to be reckoned with. Ike had a stellar high school career at Herriman High School and currently holds several school records, including scoring 39 points in a game. Ike shares his perspective on the transition from high school to college athletics. Follow Ike here:https://www.instagram.com/ikepalmerr/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Highlight Reel0:35 High School vs College1:32 Workout Routines1:58 College Practices2:41 College Recruitment Process4:28 Being a Scorer5:41 Ike's Stats7:24 Helping Former Teammates7:53 Different Coaches9:00 Family Influences10:10 Mentality from Rookie to Veteran11:28 College Game Day & Travel12:29 Advice to Freshman Self12:51 Best Players Ike's Played Against14:04 High Intensity Environments15:01 Basketball Shoes15:29 Favorite Basketball16:11 Work in the Offseason16:27 Utah Top 5017:50 Biggest Jumps as a Player18:39 Memorable Plays19:14 Basketball Terminology20:04 Signature Move21:05 Advice to Younger Players21:43 Dealing with Failure22:30 Advice to Parents

It's easy to give in to self-doubt and the urge to quit, especially when facing challenges. But by focusing on mental strength and grit, you can learn to believe in yourself and push through those tough times. Lance Gummersall is entering his 19th season as a coach. It will be his 2nd year as the Riverton Head Basketball Coach and he shares the challenges and struggles of building a program from year one. Lance shares how a competitive drive and will to win is impossible to ignore, but the life lessons for the kids are most important. Special thank you to Jackson Bilawa for the great coaching videos and pictures. Be sure to check out the Riverton High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/rivertonhoops/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters: 0:00 Intro0:26 Our Town1:14 Positive Memories3:40 Player Sentiments4:59 Balancing Competitiveness9:02 Tryout Experience11:21 How to Stand Out as a Player13:24 Building Youth Programs18:50 Players Transferring19:31 Coaching Mentors24:04 Scheming with the Team25:36 Picking a Staff28:40 Relationship with Referees31:05 Playing Underclassmen33:26 What Separates Great Players35:14 Why Does Lance Coach?38:53 Toughest Years44:25 Sneaker-head45:51 Designing Gear47:58 Filtering Everyone's Opinions51:57 Game Day Decisions54:45 Team Shoes?55:32 Wrapping Up#basketball #highschoolbasketball #coach #coaching #podcast

Bryker Couser is a vocal senior team captain of the Davis Darts. They are fresh off their 2025 Utah 6A State Championship and Bryker made some crucial plays down the stretch to put the game away for his team. Bryker talks about accepting his role on the team, being ready for big moments, and his future. Special thank you to Red Petal Media and Isaac Fisher SportsPhotos for the insanely awesome highlight videos and pictures. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters: 0:00 Highlight Reel1:01 Recap of Bryker's Dagger 34:06 State Championship Environment5:58 Bryker's Role9:13 Bryker's Youth9:56 High School Work11:20 Pressure12:15 Fear of Failure13:27 Finality of High School14:44 Coach Sims16:22 Assistant Coaches18:07 Questions from Instagram23:00 Relationship with Teammates24:00 Game Day Traditions27:29 Realities of High School29:32 Future Plans30:03 Was it Worth It?31:18 Advice to Freshmen#basketball #highschoolbasketball #basketballtraining #podcast #basketballplayer

Coleman Atwater is one of Utah's top basketball players. He is a prolific scorer, and the senior leader of the State Championship Davis Darts. He led the state in 3 pointers and was the 2nd leading scorer in 6A. Coleman is a serious athlete, but he's also brilliant, earning academic all state honors. He has devoted a lot of time and energy to becoming the player and young man he is. We hope you enjoy his insights. Special thank you to Red Petal Media and Isaac Fisher SportsPhotos for the insanely awesome highlight videos and pictures. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters: 0:00 Introduction1:30 Recap of this Season3:51 Coleman's Role5:01 Dealing with Defensive Attention6:58 Battles with Opinions9:42 Whose Opinion Matters11:55 Coleman's Work Ethic16:25 Signature Spin Move18:28 Becoming a State Champ21:17 Playing for Coach Sims24:57 Game Day Traditions28:35 Coleman's Teammates30:09 Favorite Shoes32:35 Off the Court Passions34:22 Questions from Instagram37:32 All Star Game39:14 More Qs from Instagram43:38 Becoming him46:36 Advice to Freshmen

Bennett Wright is a Senior Team Captain for the 2025 6A State Champion - Davis Darts. Bennett shares his basketball story and how accepting his role to make the team better meant putting aside some personal glory to achieve success for the entire team. We are grateful to have him on the show and hope you enjoy his perspective. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Bennett's Highlight Intro0:46 Recap of this Year4:05 Kumbaya Moments & Communication6:04 Bennett's Youth7:22 Bennett's Love of Basketball7:53 Winning the State Championship9:19 Bennett's Playing Style9:52 Bennett's Favorite Players10:18 Game Day Traditions11:43 Favorite Shoes12:28 Team Captain Roles13:30 Playing for Coach Sims14:08 Teammates14:35 Fighting Perfectionism15:09 Off the Court Life15:43 High School Basketball Experience17:30 Questions from Instagram19:13 Advice to Self#basketball #davishighschool #utahbasketball

Croydon Christensen is a 6’6” Senior Team Captain for the 2025 6A State Champion - Davis Darts. He is a foundational piece to this team and their success.Croydon shares his thoughts on the season and how he has managed to successfully navigate the stresses and pressures of high school life, all while being an incredible, two-sport athlete with basketball and baseball. We are grateful to have him on the show and hope you enjoy his perspective. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast/sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Croydon Highlight Intro0:55 Recap of this Year2:30 Croydon's Youth6:18 Trying Out as Freshman7:19 Defining Role on Team9:38 Two Sport Athlete11:23 Talking Baseball12:46 Dealing with Pressure15:18 Croydon's Teammates17:20 Questions from Instagram18:46 Croydon outside sports19:39 Croydon's Future Plans20:48 Role as Team Captain21:30 Balancing Opinions22:55 Game Day Traditions25:45 Coach Sims27:37 Memories to Remember28:44 Advice to Self#basketball #davishighschool #utahbasketball

Luke Owen is the Varsity Team Captain of the 2-time State Champion Olympus Titans in Salt Lake City, Utah.Luke's character, toughness, and work ethic propelled him into a starring role for his senior season at the basketball powerhouse - Olympus High. Luke is a great basketball player and a solid young man. We hope you enjoy this interview with Luke Owen and learn something from his experience. Luke's Accolades:• 2024/25 2nd Team All State• 2024 & 2025 State Championships• Team CaptainPlease consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamCHAPTERS0:00 Luke Intro0:40 Recap of the year1:32 Taking more responsibility2:44 Dealing with pressure4:14 Growing up as a kid6:13 Growing into high school role8:42 Role Models9:18 Different Arenas10:11 Biggest rival11:26 State Championship Behind the Scenes12:14 Playing for Coach Barnes14:27 Sneakerheads talk shoes15:58 Game Day Traditions18:04 Playing Style18:52 Mission Call19:15 Luke's Best Shot20:45 Family Legacy21:08 Luke's Teammates23:20 Luke's Stats24:12 Realities of High School26:03 Looking back on High School27:11 Luke off the court27:26 All Star Game28:57 Favorite NBA & College players29:55 Questions from Instagram33:12 Siblings and family35:04 Parting Advice#basketball #highschoolbasketball #lukeowen #olympusbasketball

Gavin Lowe is Utah's Mr. Basketball after his incredible 2024/2025 season. In his junior year, he led the Olympus Titans to back-to-back state championships. Gavin is a tenacious, relentless player who's toughness and aggression cause chaos for other teams. He is backed by some incredible teammates and a legendary coach in Matt Barnes. We hope you enjoy this interview with Gavin and learn something from his mindset. Gavin's Accolades:• 2024/25 MaxPreps Player of the Year• 2024/25 Utah's Mr. Basketball• 2024 & 2025 State Championships• 1st team All StatePlease consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamCHAPTERS0:00 Gavin Intro1:02 Expectations for the year2:02 Losing Stars from last year3:28 Goals for 20263:53 Preparing for the target5:11 Gavin's work ethic7:53 Balancing Life8:58 Gavin's Workouts12:16 Gavin's Mental Strength15:57 Life Supporters18:07 Favorite Team Memory18:48 College Recruitment20:23 Funny Car Story21:20 Relentless23:00 Dealing with Pressure24:11 Defensive Prowess26:46 Nicknames27:23 Teammates31:38 Practices33:17 School Size Rivalries34:26 Playing for Matt Barnes36:33 Trash Talk38:04 Advice for Younger Kids40:38 Preferred Basketball43:07 Favorite Shoes44:31 College Preference45:33 Parting Advice#basketball #highschoolbasketball #gavinlowe #olympusbasketball

Erik has a problem and called an intervention for himself after he purchased his 7th pair of Book 1s. Other Eric is here to encourage Erik's obsession with these shoes and we discuss what makes these shoes special while comparing with Jordans, Currys, and Way of Wade alternatives. Congratulations to Andy Strong for winning the Basketball giveaway!Book 1 Contest Rules:• Subscribe to this YouTube Channel and comment with your favorite basketball shoes of all time. • Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/• Comment on this Instagram post with your favorite basketball shoes of all time: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHqvF9tJXy8/?img_index=1* BONUS ENTRIES *• 1 Extra entry for every person you tag in your comment on the Instagram post (up to 5 bonus entries). • Comment on our TikTok Channel:https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamCHAPTERS0:00 Calling an Intervention1:58 Jordan One Take 52:42 Curry 124:39 Way of Wade 808 V46:52 Book 112:29 Booker Story14:29 GOAT Shoes16:11 Thoughts on Team Shoes17:42 New Giveaway!18:45 Retro Shoes21:56 Must Haves in a Shoe24:50 Done Buying Shoes25:35 Prime of Life#basketball #book1 #basketballshoes

Coach Chad Sims, head coach of Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah, has won two state championships in the past 4 years in Utah High School Basketball’s highest class designation (6A). His teams are known for their physical defense, aggressive play, and disciplined teamwork. Coach Sims was kind enough to sit down with us and go over the keys to his program’s success over the past 14 years and what players and parents can expect from the high school basketball experience in an excellent program. Be sure to check out the Davis High Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/davishighbasketball/Please consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Chad Sims0:57 Did you expect this?2:35 Final moments of State4:39 Life and Basketball5:35 Creativity within a Structure10:03 Davis Tradition11:59 Developing Youth Programs17:00 Choosing Assistants19:11 Multi-Sport Athletes22:49 Building Toughness & Aggression25:01 Confidence in Kids26:50 Managing a Stellar Player31:25 Game Day Traditions34:49 Captains Leading27:14 Parent Communications41:43 Winning in Hostile Environments43:07 Dealing with Losing Seasons46:28 Learning from other Coaches48:06 Chad's Coachisms48:56 Challenges of Losing as a Coach51:03 Technicals and Referees53:24 What does it take to Win55:01 Luck's Involvement55:55 Drawing up a Play1:00:23 Baseline Out of Bounds Play1:02:07 Advice for Youngsters1:05:17 Questions from Instagram1:07:13 Wrapping Up