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From young assistants to head coaches, Rising Coaches sits down with some of the brightest minds in basketball to talk about their rise through the profession and what they are working on now.
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On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Isaac Wodajo, the Director of Recruiting and Scouting for the Wisconsin Badgers. He began his coaching career as a GA at Texas before moving to Wabash Valley College, eventually returning there as head coach. Wodajo then stepped into the Division I world as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Northern Kentucky before joining Wisconsin, where he now plays a major role in roster building, scouting, and navigating the fast-changing landscape of college basketball. In this episode we discuss how he stays organized and focused despite the chaos of roster turnover and the portal, how he balances “need vs. best available talent,” and what his time as a head coach taught him in his current role.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Ryan Pool, a young coach whose path has taken him from high school to the college ranks. He started his journey training players with Driven Basketball before jumping into the AAU world with Pro Skills, then moving on to Strawberry Crest High School. He later stepped into college basketball as a manager at Miami University, gaining experience on the operations and video side before landing his current role as Video Coordinator at Arizona Christian University. In this episode we discuss a deep dive into the Video Coordinator role and everything it entails beyond just breaking down film, what a structured and effective film session actually looks like, and the biggest “learning on the job” moment when he realized how different the college level is compared to high school.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Dakich, a former Big Ten guard whose playing career at Michigan and Ohio State helped shape his path into coaching. After transitioning from the court to the sidelines, Dakich took on support staff and assistant roles at Ohio State, Elon, and now Illinois State, where he’s continued to grow within the profession and build a reputation as a young coach with a sharp basketball mind. In this episode we discuss how young players and coaches can find their voice on a team, the unique coaching tendencies he learned from Coach Beilein and Coach Holtmann, and the biggest misconceptions about being in a support-staff role—along with how he describes the position himself.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Plank, a coach whose path has taken him from grassroots basketball to the Division I level. He started in the AAU circuit before moving into college coaching with stops at Willamette, Casper College, Portland State, CCSF, Washington State, and now where he stands as an assistant coach, the University of San Francisco. At USF, Plank plays a key role in recruiting and development, especially through his strong West Coast connections. In this episode we discuss: what the AAU world taught him early in his career, the three qualities he would look for when building a staff as a head coach and how he uses his background and network to bring in the right players to USF.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Christina Bernal. Coach Bernal has built her strength and conditioning career through impactful stops at some of the top athletic programs in the country. She competed as an athlete at the University of Maryland before moving into coaching roles at Florida State, Appalachian State, Texas State, Monmouth University, and now where she stands, the University of Pennsylvania. Her experience has allowed her to work with a wide range of athletes while developing a strong and adaptable training philosophy. Christina brings insight into athlete development, team culture, and building smart systems that support long-term success. In this episode we discuss what a typical pre, post, and in-season workout looks like, the recovery process for athletes after a workout, and unique training ideas coaches can use when designing their own team programs.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Nate Dixon, a coach with 26 years of experience and one of the most well-traveled assistants in college basketball. After his playing career, he jumped right into coaching with early stops at Belmont Abbey and Queens University of Charlotte, before building a career that has taken him through programs such as Stetson, Florida, Louisiana-Monroe, New Orleans, Louisiana-Lafayette, Wyoming, UNC Charlotte, Lenoir-Rhyne, UMBC, Utah State, and Nevada. In this episode, we talk about how to decide if a school or staff is the right fit, the lessons he picked up working under great coaches, and what he’s doing now between jobs to stay sharp and be ready for that next opportunity. Please welcome to the podcast, Nate Dixon.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Katie Benzan, the current Manager of Pro Scout for the Utah Jazz and The General Manager for the Salt Lake Cities Stars. Katie was one of the most efficient shooters of the modern college game. She began her career at Harvard as a three-time All-Ivy selection before transferring to Maryland and later playing with the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. After her playing career, she moved into basketball operations and development, with stops at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School and now with the Salt Lake City Stars and Utah Jazz. In this episode, we discuss her growth as a shooter, the best feedback she has received in her career, and her current responsibilities in the GM role.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Kian Boroujerdi, Assistant Coach at Canisius University. Kian’s path into college basketball is one built on persistence, humility, and a deep love for the game. He got his start as a practice player for the University of Texas Women’s Basketball team before moving into a managerial role at UNLV, where he began learning the inner workings of a college program. From there, he gained valuable hands-on experience at Pitt Bradford and later took on the Director of Basketball Operations role at the University at Albany. Now at Canisius, Coach Boroujerdi continues to climb the ranks, bringing energy, organization, and a player-first approach to the program. His story is a great example of how dedication and relationships can create opportunities in this business. On this episode we talk about how his practice player position came about and led into his first college coaching position, what starting his career in a D3 program has taught him, a breakdown of the operations side of coaching at the D1 level, and finding your coaching voice as a young coach in the industry first getting started.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Chris Kreider, Associate Head Coach at Rice University. A Pennsylvania native, Coach Kreider’s basketball journey started as a player at Mansfield University, Grove City College, and Lebanon Valley College before jumping into the coaching world. His early career included time at the University of Great Falls, where he served as both an assistant and later head coach for the men’s and women’s programs. From there, he made stops at South Carolina Aiken, Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, George Mason, VMI, Georgia State, and SMU before returning to Rice, where he continues to make a major impact. Known for his ability to connect with players, recruit high-level talent, and develop programs, Coach Kreider has built an impressive résumé across multiple conferences. His experience at both mid-major and high-major levels has given him a unique perspective on leadership and team culture. In this episode we cover advice for coaches and players navigating the transfer portal, how his first Division I coaching position came about, and the additional responsibilities that come with being an Associate Head Coach.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Jabari Trotter, the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Dartmouth College. A Dartmouth alum, Trotter first made his mark as a standout player for the Big Green before taking his talents overseas to play professionally in Dublin, Ireland. During his time abroad, he also coached the U17 Girls Basketball team and led the Lady Haroldites of the Ireland Division 2 Women’s League. Upon returning to the U.S., he joined Phillips Exeter Academy, where he served in admissions and as an assistant coach, helping young athletes reach their academic and athletic potential. Trotter went on to hold key assistant coaching roles at Lehigh University and the University of Hawaii before returning to his alma mater at Dartmouth. Known for his leadership, energy, and commitment to player development, he continues to make a lasting impact within the Ivy League. In this episode we talk about how he grew in the ranks to land his first D1 coaching job, some duties assistant coaches can do to help their head coach on the bench in game and Coach Trotter’s approach to networking as a coach in today’s basketball landscape.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Gary Redus, Assistant Coach for the LSU Women’s Basketball team. A former standout player at the University of South Alabama, Redus went on to play professionally across China, South America, and the Middle East before transitioning into coaching. His coaching journey began at West Georgia, followed by successful stints at Delta State, Vanderbilt, and SMU before joining the powerhouse staff at LSU under Coach Kim Mulkey. Known for his energy, relationship-building, and player development skills, Redus has made a strong impact at every level of the game. His diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the global nature of basketball and the importance of adapting to each program’s culture. At LSU, he’s helped the Tigers continue their rise as one of the nation’s elite programs. In this episode we talk about recruiting to D2, low major and high major programs, a breakdown of the recruiting process for a high major team and a breakdown of what helps Coach Mulkey and the LSU program operate at such a high level.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Rob Blose, the Assistant Director of Video and Recruiting for the University of Pittsburgh. Blose has been an integral part of Pitt’s rise in the ACC, contributing to both the recruiting process and the behind-the-scenes video work that helps prepare the Panthers for success. Before joining Pitt, he built his foundation through various support and operational roles in college basketball, developing a reputation for his attention to detail and passion for the game. His work in film study, scouting, and player development has made him a key piece in helping shape team strategy and player growth. Blose has seen firsthand the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly in recruiting and roster management. His experience offers valuable insight into what it takes to thrive at the high-major level. On this episode we discuss the biggest lessons he learned growing in a high major program, the pros and cons of roster construction and NIL as well as the challenges and rewards of working with video and film breakdown.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by John Richardson, the Head Coach at Elizabeth City State University. A former player at Elizabeth City State, Richardson’s journey through basketball has come full circle, returning to lead the very program where his playing career began. His coaching path includes impactful stops at Woodside High School and T.C. Williams High School before moving into the college ranks as an assistant at Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. Richardson later became a head coach at both Woodside High and now Elizabeth City State, where he’s known for his strong player development and culture-driven leadership. Over the years, he has built a reputation for creating disciplined, competitive programs and mentoring coaches and players alike. His experiences across high school, mid-major, and Division II levels give him a well-rounded perspective on the game. In this episode we talk about what makes an assistant coach so impactful to a program, some of the biggest differences between mid-major, high-major and D2 programs as well as mistakes he did and learned from when he was a first year head coach.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Fred Quartlebaum, a longtime and well-respected Division I assistant coach. Coach Quartlebaum’s coaching career spans over three decades, featuring stops at some of the nation’s top programs including Kansas, St. John’s, North Carolina, Iowa State, and Navy. Known for his infectious energy and ability to build relationships, he played a key role in developing winning cultures and mentoring countless student-athletes throughout his journey. At Kansas, Quartlebaum helped the Jayhawks capture multiple Big 12 titles and compete on college basketball’s biggest stages including being on staff when Kansas won the National Championship in 2022. His experience and leadership have left a lasting impact on every program he’s been a part of. A motivator, connector, and lifelong learner, Quartlebaum continues to inspire coaches across all levels of the game. In this episode we talk about his first struggles as a young coach trying to break into the industry, what he learned from his time coaching at the Naval Academy, as well as some unique things Bill Self and the Kansas staff do to prepare their teams for the season ahead.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Dwaine Osborne, Associate Head Coach at Youngstown State University. Osborne brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Penguins’ program, having spent 19 years as a head coach and 29 years of coaching, across multiple levels of college basketball. His career includes successful stops at Glenville State, University of Charleston, and Texas–Permian Basin, where he consistently built competitive, high-character programs. Known for his player development expertise and commitment to culture, Osborne has guided numerous teams to conference championships and postseason appearances. His impact goes far beyond wins and losses—he’s been instrumental in mentoring young coaches and student-athletes alike. Now at Youngstown State, he continues to bring his passion for teaching, learning, and team building to the sidelines. In this episode we talk about the biggest lessons he learned in his 19 years of head coaching experience, while also talking about what he would have done differently in today’s coaching landscape and the biggest adjustment from being a head coach to stepping into an assistant role on someone else's staff.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Marsha Frese, Assistant Coach for the Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball team. Frese has built an impressive career in coaching with stops at some of the nation’s top programs. She began her coaching journey at Ball State before moving on to Northern Illinois and then Minnesota, where she helped the Golden Gophers reach new heights. From there, she continued to make her mark with successful stints at Kansas, Illinois, and Maryland, contributing to championship-caliber teams and NCAA Tournament runs. Frese also earned the opportunity to serve as the Head Coach at UMKC, where she guided the program with her leadership and vision. Along the way, she has become known for her recruiting expertise, player development skills, and ability to build strong team cultures. Currently at Georgia Tech, Frese continues to bring energy, experience, and mentorship to the Yellow Jackets program in the highly competitive ACC. Her journey is one of perseverance, growth, and impact at every level of women’s basketball. In this episode we discuss what to look for when considering if your next position is a good fit, the toughest career transition she faced and how she dealt with it and the biggest lessons the transition from head coach to assistant taught her on top of how to be the best assistant for your head coach.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are joined by Janard Estell, the Director of Player Management and NIL at George Mason University. Estell has carved out an impressive career in college basketball, beginning his journey as a team manager before steadily working his way up through the ranks. Along the way, he gained valuable experience at multiple stops, including his time at Spring Hill College where he also suited up as a player. His ability to build relationships, connect with student-athletes, and understand the business side of basketball has allowed him to thrive in both operations and development roles. At George Mason, he plays a key part in guiding student-athletes through the ever-changing landscape of NIL while ensuring they have the resources to succeed both on and off the court. His unique career path is a testament to persistence, versatility, and a deep passion for the game. Estell’s journey highlights how non-traditional roles in basketball can lead to major opportunities in the industry. In this episode we discuss the skill sets you should look to have when working in the NIL and fundraising side of basketball, growing in the industry from a team manager to Director of Player Management in the industry and some more education on the NIL landscape in college athletics.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Dahntay Jones, assistant coach with the LA Clippers and a former NBA veteran. Jones played college basketball at Rutgers before transferring to Duke, where he helped lead the Blue Devils to a Final Four. He was selected 20th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft and went on to play 13 seasons in the league with teams including the Grizzlies, Nuggets, Pacers, Mavericks, Hawks, Cavaliers, and others. Known for his toughness and defensive mindset, he was part of the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. After retiring, Jones transitioned into coaching and joined the Clippers’ staff under Tyronn Lue. His career has been defined by professionalism, preparation, and the ability to connect with players. In this episode we talk about his "NBA moment" which also helped out his coaching career, what a championship locker room consists of and one of the misunderstood parts of coaching at the NBA level.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Lloyd Pierce, Assistant Coach for the Indiana Pacers. Pierce brings a wealth of experience from nearly two decades in the NBA coaching ranks. He began his professional coaching journey with Santa Clara and then the Cleveland Cavaliers before joining the Golden State Warriors as a player development coach. He later spent five years with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he helped lay the foundation for their rise into one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders. Pierce then earned the head coaching position with the Atlanta Hawks, where he guided a young roster and gained valuable leadership experience. After Atlanta, he joined the Indiana Pacers staff, bringing his experience and steady presence to Rick Carlisle’s bench. Known for his player development work and ability to connect with athletes, Pierce has had a hand in shaping the careers of multiple NBA stars. His impact extends beyond the court as he has been a strong voice on issues of leadership and community engagement throughout his career. In this episode we discuss what lessons he learned from his first head coaching experience in the NBA, how going from a head coach to an assistant changed his perspective as a coach and a breakdown of game planning for that next opponent.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Ashleigh Lopez, Director of Player Development and Recruiting Operations for the Women’s Basketball program at Arizona State University. Lopez started her collegiate coaching career at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she built her foundation in player development and recruiting. She then moved on to Grand Canyon University, continuing to grow her skill set and reputation as a rising coach in Division I women’s basketball. From there, she joined Arizona State as a graduate assistant and quickly earned more responsibility, eventually rising into an assistant role. At ASU, she played a part in the program’s historic 32-win, record-breaking season, contributing to both the culture and on-court success. Her coaching path has blended experience at multiple programs with a consistent focus on developing players and holding them to high standards. Now, in her role at ASU, she oversees player development and recruiting operations while continuing to impact the program daily. On this episode we discuss how she rose from a GA role to an assistant position at the same school, being a part of a 32-win record-breaking season and what some key components were to help this, and her personal non-negotiable standard she brings into every player development workout.
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