On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we welcome Da’Sean Butler, Assistant Coach with the Boston Celtics and one of the most accomplished players to come out of West Virginia University. A 2010 All-American and the winningest player in WVU history, Butler led the Mountaineers to a Big East Championship and a Final Four appearance under Head Coach Bob Huggins. Butler was drafted by the Miami Heat and spent time learning from Erik Spoelstra and the famed Heat culture before going on to a successful professional career overseas in France, Germany, Jerusalem, Latvia, Belgium, and Israel. Following his playing days, Butler transitioned into coaching with stops at Wheeling University, College Park Skyhawks, West Virginia University and the New York Knicks before joining the Celtics staff. Known for his resilience, leadership, and ability to connect with players at every level, Butler has brought his championship experience and player development expertise to Boston’s bench. In this episode we discuss how his coaches helped him navigate a major injury in his playing career, a snippet of the Miami Heat culture book from his playing days with Erik Spoelstra, and how the Celtics staff approached keeping everyone focused the next season after winning the NBA Championship.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Desma Thomas-Bateast, Assistant Coach at Florida State University and one of the most respected voices in women’s basketball. A standout at the University of Miami, she finished her career as one of the program’s all-time greats before playing professionally overseas in Italy, Sweden, Turkey and with the Birmingham Power. After her playing career had ended, she moved to the collegiate level with stops at Dillard University, Rhode Island, New York Liberty, Florida International, St Thomas, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic, Cleveland State and Florida State. Along the way, she has helped guide teams to conference championships, NCAA Tournament runs, and player development success stories. Known for her recruiting expertise and ability to build winning cultures, coach Thomas-Bateast has become a leader both on and off the court. Her diverse experience gives her a rare perspective on what it takes to succeed in the game long-term. In this episode we discuss what she learned after her collegiate and professional playing career that helped her pursue coaching, certain patterns she has noticed in programs that succeed long term versus those that struggle, and advice for coaches and players on preparing for life beyond playing basketball.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Joe David, the highly respected Head Coach at Mount Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Coach David has built one of the premier high school basketball programs in Pennsylvania, leading his teams to numerous playoff appearances, deep postseason runs, and a reputation for discipline and excellence. His coaching journey has included developing countless players who have gone on to succeed at the collegiate level. Known for his ability to adapt and innovate, Coach David has sustained success in an ever-changing basketball landscape. Beyond the high school sidelines, he’s recently expanded his impact internationally, becoming the owner of an Italian professional basketball team. His unique blend of high school leadership and global basketball perspective makes his story one of a kind. In this episode we discuss growing and sustaining success at the high school level as a head coach, different tactics he has developed to help his teams grow after each practice and what the first two weeks looked like as the owner of an Italian professional basketball team.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Vance Catlin, Senior Vice President of Pro Scouting with the Indiana Pacers. Coach Catlin’s career in basketball spans decades, starting with the Pacers before making the transition into college with the Michigan State Women’s program. He would then take a video coordinator role back with the Pacers and working his way up the program serving in multiple scouting and front office roles while also holding a stint with the Indiana Fever. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his sharp eye for talent, his ability to identify players who fit a system, and his commitment to long-term development. Catlin has been a key part of assembling competitive rosters, evaluating both domestic and international talent, and collaborating with coaches and executives to build winning teams. His experience covers every facet of scouting, from early identification to final roster decisions, giving him rare insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. In this episode we discuss best practices for growing in an NBA program over the years, a breakdown of the process once talent is identified in an NBA organization and how to separate box score stats from knowing if a player will be good in your system.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Patty Medina, former coach and current Associate Athletic Director at American University. Medina’s career in athletics began on the court, where she coached at multiple levels, including successful stints in both high school and collegiate basketball. She later transitioned into athletic administration, bringing her coaching perspective to leadership roles that have impacted student-athletes and programs across the board. At American University, Medina has been instrumental in overseeing key areas of operations, compliance, and program development. Her unique blend of coaching experience and administrative expertise allows her to bridge the gap between what happens on the floor and what drives success behind the scenes. She has developed a reputation for building strong cultures, guiding coaches, and fostering environments where athletes can thrive. In this episode we talk about the top things an athletic department might be looking for in the hiring process of a potential head coaching candidate, a full breakdown of how a hiring process works at the collegiate level and some great questions to ask in an interview including proper ways to follow up with the department post-interview.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Uzoh, Pro Personnel Scout for the Toronto Raptors. Uzoh enjoyed an impressive playing career, starring at the University of Tulsa where he finished as one of the program’s all-time leaders in points, assists, and steals. He went on to play in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors, including recording a triple-double in his final NBA game. His professional journey also took him overseas, competing in top leagues in Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as representing Nigeria in the Olympics. After transitioning from player to evaluator, Uzoh brought his deep understanding of the game to the Raptors’ front office, where he now focuses on pro personnel scouting and player evaluation. His experience spans both the court and the boardroom, giving him a unique perspective on talent identification and development. In this episode we discuss the coaches from his past who have made a lasting impact on his career, the different scouting roles in the NBA and what each entails, some green and red flags to watch for when scouting a player as well as how to incorporate data and analytics into your scouting process.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Mazarei, the Associate Head Coach at the University of California. Coach Mazarei’s coaching journey began with Impact Basketball which would lead him into Moorpark College, where he served as an assistant before making the leap to the NBA as a player development coach for the Memphis Grizzlies. During his time in Memphis, he worked with and helped develop some of the league’s top talent. Coach Maz then transitioned back to the college ranks, serving as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt University before joining Cal’s staff. Known for his expertise in skill development, recruiting, and program building, Mazarei has built a reputation as a detail-oriented coach who connects deeply with his players. His diverse experience across the NBA, Division I, and junior college levels has shaped his unique perspective on the game. In this episode we discuss what the key moments or relationships that helped open those doors for him to jump from the community college to NBA level, how pivotal fundraising is for a program in today’s era of basketball, and the most underrated skill young coaches should develop early in their careers.
She is a former NCAA head basketball coach and two-sport college athlete who has worked extensively with elite performers. Her work spans the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and NCAA Final Four programs. She blends mental performance training, energy healing, and intuition to help players perform at their best. Her methods focus on regulating the nervous system and accessing flow states.She bridges science and soul in her player development approach. She has guided countless athletes through challenges like injuries, slumps, and high-pressure moments. On this episode we go over daily habits to help players stay grounded, advice for those struggling with playing time or injuries, and how to train confidence in your players every day.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Eric Flannery, the long time head coach at St. Edwards High School in Cleveland Ohio. A 1990 St. Ed’s graduate, he returned to take the program over as a young head coach in 1996 and has since led the program to multiple state championships and making St. Edwards a national powerhouse. His teams are known for their toughness, discipline, and consistency year after year. Flannery has also been heavily involved with USA Basketball, contributing to youth national teams and development camps. His coaching experience extends beyond the high school level, and his leadership has impacted players and coaches across the country. Flannery is respected for his ability to develop both talent and character in his program while also maintaining a strong culture over the years. In this episode we talk about the standards he learned in his experiences with USA Basketball, his process for finding a new assistant and his advice to young coaches on how to be the best coach you can be.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Michael McDuffie, head men’s basketball coach at Greensboro College. A Greensboro alum and four-year starter, he ranks top five in assists and games started in program history. He began his coaching career at Western Guilford High School, spending six years there before taking over at Caldwell Academy. At Caldwell, he led the team to a 19–7 record and a conference title. He then coached at High Point Christian, guiding them to multiple playoff runs. In 2022, McDuffie returned to Greensboro as an assistant and became interim head coach in 2024. His team found late-season momentum and made the conference tournament. His path through high school and grassroots basketball built a foundation of player development and leadership. In this episode we talk about his first "welcome to coaching" moment, his first 24 hours as interim head coach and how coaching at the high school and grassroots levels helped him be ready for a head college position.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Jason Smith, the Director of Basketball Operations for the Australian Boomers. A former professional player, Smith had a decorated career in the NBL, winning championships with the Sydney Kings and earning league MVP honors in 2005. He represented Australia in multiple Olympic Games and FIBA World Championships, serving as captain and a key leader for the national team. Following his playing career, Smith transitioned into basketball operations, where he now helps guide the strategic and developmental vision of the Boomers. His background includes international playing experience in Italy and Croatia, which shaped his understanding of global basketball cultures. Smith brings a high-level perspective on what it takes to succeed on and off the court. In this episode we talk about the coaching styles he experienced internationally that brought the best out of him as a player, his perspective being on the operational side of the game rather than playing and how Australia works nationally to build their programs and athletes up for success.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach James Kane, assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Dayton. Kane began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Florida under Head Coach Billy Donovan before joining the Charlotte Bobcats as an intern and then VCU as the video coordinator under Anthony Grant. He followed Grant to Alabama, serving as the director of operations, and later joined Steve Prohm’s staff at Murray State, where he helped recruit and develop Ja Morant. Kane then followed Prohm to Iowa State, playing a key role in multiple NCAA Tournament runs. He rejoined Anthony Grant at Dayton in 2021, continuing his long-standing coaching relationships at one of the top mid-major programs in the country. Known for his energy, scouting precision, and player development, Kane has built a strong reputation in the college basketball world. On this episode we cover what he has learned in his career working alongside two great head coaches in Anthony Grant and Steve Prohm, unique stories working with Tyrese Haliburton and Ja Morant in college and best practices to building a scout to prepare for your next game.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Danny Peters, a former Division I assistant coach with experience across several high-level programs. He began his coaching career at Arizona, where he served under Sean Miller as a graduate manager and assistant director of basketball operations. Peters then spent four seasons as an assistant at Ball State, helping lead the program through a successful rebuild. He returned to Arizona as a full-time assistant coach before joining Xavier for the 2021–22 season, where he was part of a staff that won the NIT Championship. Most recently, he served as an assistant at Georgia State under Jonas Hayes. A former player at Ohio State, Danny brings a strong basketball pedigree and deep understanding of program building. In this episode we talk about what he learned from growing up in a basketball household, advice when looking to rebuild a program over the first few years and what he has learned and some advice for coaches being in between jobs.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Brian Adams, assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Alabama. Coach Adams brings a wealth of experience across the NBA, G League, and college levels. He began his coaching career with the Boston Celtics which then led him to Harvard as the Director of Basketball Operations before moving to Marist as an assistant coach. He then joined the LA Clippers organization, where he served as a player development coach and later became the head coach of the Agua Caliente Clippers in the G League. Adams also spent time as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers and most recently held a position with the Detroit Pistons. In 2024, he joined Nate Oats’ staff at Alabama, bringing NBA-caliber development and defensive insight to the program. In this episode we talk about what he has learned from some of the best head coaches he has worked with in his career, his advice for navigating career moves and his defensive philosophy.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Connor McCaffery, assistant men’s basketball coach at Butler University. A former standout guard at the University of Iowa, Connor played under his father, Coach Fran McCaffery, while also earning his degree and playing baseball for the Hawkeyes. After his playing career, he joined the Indiana Pacers as a team assistant under head coach Rick Carlisle, gaining valuable NBA experience. In 2023, he was hired by Thad Matta to join the Butler coaching staff, bringing a strong foundation of basketball IQ, leadership, and communication skills. Known for his poise and competitive edge, Connor has quickly earned respect as a rising coach in the college ranks. His experience learning from elite basketball minds has shaped his coaching philosophy early on. On this episode we talk about how to balance listening and learning while also trying to grow your own coaching voice as a young coach, 3 things that would be in Coach McCaffery's "Starter Pack" as a young coach and the skills he has learned working with legendary coaches in Rick Carlisle, Fran McCaffery and Thad Matta.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Marty Richter, the head men’s basketball coach at USC Upstate. Coach Richter began his coaching journey at Simpson College before moving on to South Dakota and then Bowling Green under Dan Dakich. He gained junior college experience at Chipola College and international coaching experience with Budivelnyk in Ukraine. After a return stint at Chipola, he was then later a part of the historic “Dunk City” run at FGCU. He then served as the head coach at Florida SouthWestern, compiling a 56–10 record in two seasons. From there, he joined Drake University as an assistant, helping lead the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2024, he was named the head coach at USC Upstate. In this episode we talk about what made the FGCU "Dunk City" team so special, how to know if you are ready for a head coaching position as an assistant and what he learned as a first year head coach at a JUCO position.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Desaree Festa, the team psychologist for the Buffalo Bills. She earned her PhD in Sport and Counseling Psychology from Florida State and began her career working with athletes at William & Mary during her internship. Dr. Festa then led a private practice in Charlotte, consulting with UNC-Charlotte, Appalachian State, the Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR teams. In 2020, she joined the Bills full-time, becoming one of the few embedded psychologists in the NFL. Dr. Festa plays a vital role in player development, rookie success programs, and in-game mental performance. She’s also heavily involved in coach support and the team’s draft evaluation process. Her experience bridges the gap between clinical care and performance enhancement. In this episode we talk about her definition of mental toughness, the psychological impact of how coaches talk to their players and a couple simple mental training techniques coaches can integrate into practice.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Tevin Brown, assistant coach with the Texas Legends of the NBA G League. Tevin’s coaching journey started as a 7th-grade girls head coach and high school girls assistant at All Saints Episcopal in Tyler, TX. He then worked as Director of Player Development and Special Assistant at UT Tyler for a year. Following that, he spent a season as a pro skills trainer with Tyler Relph Basketball in Dallas. In 2022, he joined the Texas Legends as Video Coordinator and Player Development Coach. He’s since added the title of assistant coach, now entering his third season with the Legends . Tevin brings a unique perspective shaped by mentorship, skills training, and video breakdown experience. Known for his energy, attention to detail, and relational approach, he’s quickly become a rising voice in player development. In this episode we talk about his growth from being a 7th grade girls coach to being in the NBA, the mindset to have as a young coach looking to grow in the industry and how to adapt as a coach with an always changing roster.
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Patrick Crarey, the head men’s basketball coach at Grambling State University. Crarey was hired in 2024 after a successful 11-year tenure as head coach and athletic director at St. Thomas University in Florida. At St. Thomas, he led the program to multiple national tournament appearances and was known for his ability to build and sustain success at the NAIA level. Before that, he served as an assistant at his alma mater, Marymount University, and spent time coaching at the high school and grassroots levels. Crarey is respected for his leadership, culture-building, and adaptability across all levels of basketball. At Grambling, he’s focused on taking the program to new heights within the SWAC. In this episode we talk about what he looks for when hiring an assistant from an athletic director and head coach’s standpoint, things to consider when looking to take that next coaching position at a new school and how to alter your offense and defense around a roster when stepping into a new program
On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Jarvis Hayes, assistant men’s basketball coach at Georgia State University. A former NBA player and standout at the University of Georgia, Hayes was selected 10th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. He enjoyed a seven-year NBA career followed by several seasons overseas. After retiring from playing, Hayes began his coaching career as an assistant at Morehouse College. He later joined Georgia State, where he brings a wealth of professional experience and on-court insight to the program. Known for his player development skills and calm demeanor, Coach Hayes has quickly made an impact on the collegiate level. In this episode we talk about what his playing career has taught him about coaching, some of the strongest tendencies to take away as a coach and what mindset more coaches should focus on in the profession.