The Basketball Podcast

Guest: Joe Crispin, Penn State Assistant CoachPenn State assistant coach Joe Crispin joins the Basketball Podcast to share his philosophy on cultivating creativity and adaptability in basketball.One of Penn State’s all-time great players and longtime professional athlete, Joe Crispin is an Assistant to the Head Coach at Penn State. Crispin last appeared on Episode 247 and his Immersion Videos product All Access Practice with Joe Crispin has become a best seller as coaches learn about his play based philosophy from raw and real practices.Crispin spent the last seven seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at Rowan University where he guided the Profs to a 114-54 record, three NCAA Tournament appearances, two conference titles and the 2023 Sweet 16. He collected the fourth-most wins by a head coach in school history through his seven years on the sideline.Crispin engineered one of the most prolific offenses in the country at Rowan, as the Profs averaged more than 80 points per game in each of his final six seasons including 90+ points per game in each of the last two years.A longtime professional player, Crispin joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001 as a free agent and enjoyed a highly successful career in Europe for more than a decade.Breakdown1:00 - Introduction2:00 - Practice to Games5:00 - Experiential7:00 - Youth Basketball Development11:30 - Higher Level Coaches16:00 - Problem Solving21:00 - Asking Questions24:30 - Creating Solutions27:00 - Freedom and Structure30:00 - Organization Drills34:00 - Stop and Listen39:00 - Structure43:00 - Run The Pattern46:00 - Struggling with Flow51:00 - Adaptability56:00 - Working on the Game59:00 - Take Away Decisions1:02:00 - Creating OpportunitiesJoe Crispin’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_CrispinTwitter: https://twitter.com/joecrispinBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Kevin Mulcahy, Sports Practice Design SpecialistSports practice design specialist Kevin Mulcahy joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on representative practice using a constraints-led approach.Kevin is an experienced sports and conditioning coach who has worked with sports teams, athletes, professionals, and clubs across three continents for over 30 years. He is the owner-operator of the Design the Game Project, a platform that shares coaching insights and research with a progressive and learning-led audience.Design the Game promotes a Constraints Led Approach to Motor Learning and coaching. Kevin has studied on and off the field how humans learn to move and learn skills for well over 20 years.Through the Design the Game brand has run several mini online courses around motor learning, decision making in sport and practice design. Kevin also runs TMC Performance, a sports and conditioning, personal training business that caters to the overall health and lifestyle of his clients from athletes to busy professionals through a strength and conditioning for life and sport mindset and programming approach.Kevin has a strong educational background in coaching science, with a BSc in Strength and Conditioning from Setanta College, a certificate in Nutritional Science and Coaching from Precision Nutrition, and a certificate in The Neuroscience of Decision Making from Barcelona FCBreakdown1:00 - Constraint Led Approach7:00 - Manipulating Task Constraint11:30 - Elicit Skill16:00 - Technique Development26:00 - Poet's Practice34:00 - Feedback with Action40:00 - Early in Learning49:00 - History52:00 - Playing Unstructured59:00 - Affordances1:03:30 - The Three Things1:07:00 - Basketball Drills1:12:00 - Free Throw1:14:00 - ConclusionKevin Mulcahy’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://kevinmulcahy.substack.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/movementcoachkmBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Tanisha Wright, Atlanta Dream Head CoachIn this week’s coaching conversation, Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright joined the Basketball Podcast to share insights of WNBA culture and coaching.Tanisha Wright joined the Atlanta Dream prior to the 2022 WNBA Season and led the franchise to its most wins in a season (14) since 2018. Her breakout first year as a head coach with the Dream also earned her the Associated Press Coach of the Year award and a second-place finish in WNBA Kia Coach of the Year voting.As head coach, Wright is responsible for fostering the growth of the Dream’s players and establishing a culture of integrity and accountability. She brings 14 years of WNBA experience as a player and 2 more seasons as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces.A first-round draft pick in 2005, Wright spent 10 seasons as a guard with the Seattle Storm, where she helped lead the team to nine straight playoff appearances and a WNBA Championship in 2010. She played another four seasons with the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx before retiring as a player in 2019.While still playing in the league, Wright began her coaching career in 2017 as an assistant with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte 49ers. In 2020, the Aces signed her as an assistant coach, where she worked closely with industry leader Bill Laimbeer.Prior to joining the WNBA, Wright was a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-American at Penn State.Breakdown1:00 - Vision of Coaching3:30 - Huge Impact5:00 - Building Culture8:30 - Player Accountability12:00 - Unstoppable Moves13:30 - Analytics17:00 - Player Development Coach19:00 - Game Reps20:30 - Traditional Practices23:30 - Different Type of Realities25:30 - Adjustments27:30 - Special Projects28:30 - Playing Conceptually31:00 - Evolving Landscape34:30 - Development League38:00 - Value of Mentor40:30 - Off Season42:00 - Small JobsTanisha Wright’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanisha_WrightTwitter: https://twitter.com/coachtwright_Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Curt Miller, LA Sparks Head CoachLA Sparks head coach Curt Miller joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on WNBA coaching, mastering the monotony, and point-of-attack concepts.Los Angeles Sparks Head Coach Curt Miller made history on August 6th against the Washington Mystics winning his 150th WNBA game as a head coach. His latest career milestone places him in elite company. Miller, Lin Dunn, and Van Chancellor now stand alone as the only head coaches to have won at least 275 collegiate games and 150 WNBA games. Miller is the fifth fastest to 150 WNBA wins.Before coaching the Sparks, Miller served as the Head Coach of the Connecticut Sun where he was named the WNBA Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2021. Miller led the Sun to two WNBA Finals appearances in 2019 and 2022 and six playoff appearances in seven seasons. Miller also coached at Bowling Green State University (2001-12) and Indiana University (2012-14). In his tenure as a college coach, he won over 290 collegiate games.Breakdown1:00 - Involvement with USA Basketball5:30 - Unique Places in History8:30 - Love of Teaching11:00 - Scout Heavy Philosophy13:00 - Monotony17:00 - Collaborative Process19:00 - Transactional Nature21:00 - Significant Developments26:00 - Qualitative Elements28:00 - Ball Screen 33:00 - Switching35:00 - Ghost Slip Set Decision38:00 - Point of Attack41:30 - Humility43:30 - ConclusionCurt MIller’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_MillerTwitter: https://twitter.com/CurtMillerWBBBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Dylan Murphy, G League Head CoachIn this week’s basketball coaching conversation, G League head coach Dylan Murphy joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on coaching analytics.Dylan Murphy is the head coach of the Osceola Magic, the NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic.Dylan Murphy has been associated with the Orlando Magic for the past five seasons. His journey began as a basketball operations analyst from 2018 to 2020, where he provided valuable analytics support to the coaching staff. Subsequently, he was promoted to assistant coach in 2020 and has continued in that role for the last three seasons.Prior to joining the Magic, Murphy served as an NBA G League scout for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2016-17 season. His responsibilities included identifying potential call-up candidates for the Hawks’ NBA roster.From 2013 to 2016, Murphy worked as an assistant coach for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the NBA G League team for the Indiana Pacers. In the 2013-14 season, the Mad Ants clinched the G League championship with an impressive regular-season record of 34-16 and a perfect 6-0 playoff run. They followed it up with another trip to the G League Finals in the 2014-15 season.Murphy also served as a graduate assistant with the men’s basketball team at Ball State University in 2018.One of Murphy's most notable contributions to the coaching community is the creation of the Basketball Dictionary. This comprehensive resource serves as a compendium of basketball terminology, concepts, and strategies, providing coaches at all levels with a valuable tool for enhancing their understanding of the game.Breakdown1:00 - Introduction4:00 - Understanding Analytics8:00 - Analytics and Basketball Experiences11:30 - Optimizing Offensive Tempo13:30 - Super Slow15:30 - Efficiencies vs Types of Defenses19:00 - Attacking a Switch20:30 - Double Teaming a Star Player25:00 - Offensive Rebounding28:00 - Decision Making31:00 - Interpreting the Data35:30 - Teaching Points37:30 - Decision Making Defensively41:00 - Trends in Basketball Analytics42:00 - Ideas Into ActionDylan Murphy’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://gleague.nba.com/news/osceola-magic-name-dylan-murphy-head-coachBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Bill Dettering and Mike Murphy, Hoopsalytics FoundersIn this week's coaching conversation, Hoopsalytics founders Bill Dettering and Mike Murphy join the Basketball Podcast to share insights on Basketball Stats and Analytics Systems Designed for Coaches.Bill Dettering developed and conceived Hoopsalytics with co-founder Mike Murphy. Hoopsalytics brings the most powerful analytics to teams of all levels. It is a Next Generation Basketball Stats and Analytics System Designed by Coaches, for Coaches.Bill Dettering is currently the Girls Varsity Coach at Truckee High School, and is in his 12th season as a basketball coach at various levels. He played college basketball at Swarthmore College. He is a lifelong software designer and entrepreneur, previously founding Zingtree and has started and run six companies - all powered by data-driven decision making.Mike Murphy is the current Head Coach of the freshmen/sophomore basketball team at Urban High School in San Francisco. He played college basketball at UNC-Greensboro and Catholic University.Bill and Mike met as they played together in a San Francisco area men's leagues, which led to them connecting and building Hoopsalytics together. Breakdown1:00 - Affordable Things4:00 - Evaluating Defensive Performance7:30 - Evaluating 5 Player Lineups11:00 - Tracking Player Moves14:00 - Why Paint Touches is Subjective15:30 - Evaluating Sets and Actions18:30 - Lineup Analysis20:00 - Shot Tracking26:00 - Work in Practice28:00 - Game Decisions30:00 - Value of Three Point Miss33:00 - Turnovers34:00 - Nerd Ball38:00 - Data41:00 - HoopsalyticsBill Dettering and Mike Murphy’s Bio:Bill DetteringBio/Website: https://hoopsalytics.com/about.phpTwitter: https://twitter.com/BDetteringMike MurphyBio/Website: https://hoopsalytics.com/about.phpTwitter: https://twitter.com/CoachMikeMurphyBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Dave Leitao, Overtime Elite CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Overtime Elite coach Dave Leitao joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss the basketball coaching and development landscape.Dave Leitao is an accomplished American professional basketball coach, currently holding the position of head coach for the City Reapers in Overtime Elite (OTE). With a coaching journey spanning various institutions, including DePaul University, the University of Virginia, and his alma mater, Northeastern University, Leitao has left an indelible mark on the basketball world.Leitao began his coaching journey as an assistant under Jim Calhoun at Northeastern University in 1984, later joining Calhoun at the University of Connecticut. After a stint as the head coach at Northeastern University, Leitao returned to Calhoun’s staff during the Huskies’ national championship-winning season in 1999. In 2002, Leitao assumed the head coaching position at DePaul University, leading the Blue Demons to postseason appearances, including the NIT in 2003 and 2005, as well as the NCAA tournament in 2004. His tenure saw an overall record of 58–34.Taking over as head coach at the University of Virginia, Leitao made history as the first person of African descent to coach any varsity sport in Virginia Cavaliers history. Notably, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year by the Associated Press in the 2006–07 season.Continuing his coaching journey in the innovative Overtime Elite league, Leitao has achieved success, winning the OTE Finals in the league’s first two seasons. He continues to lead the City Reapers influencing young players like last year’s team members Amen and Ausar Thompson, showcasing his dedication to player development.Breakdown1:00 - Developing Professional Players6:00 - Approaching Player Development9:00 - Holistic Approach11:00 - Analytics14:30 - Free Care18:00 - Continuous Process21:00 - Evolving Philosophically23:30 - Improvement28:00 - Real World Experience30:00 - Deficiency33:30 - Next Generation of Coaches36:00 - Holding Players Accountable39:00 - Player's Life42:00 - The Thompsons46:00 - Foundation48:00 - ConclusionDave Leitao’ Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_LeitaoTwitter: https://twitter.com/CoachDLeitaoBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Juli Fulks, Transylvania University Head CoachTransylvania University head coach Juli Fulks joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on transformational leadership, positive psychology, and playoff preparation.Juli Fulks has over 360 wins as a head coach and has been the head coach of the Transylvania University women’s basketball team for the past 10 years. Last year she led Transylvania to remarkable achievements. In the 2022-2023 season, her team achieved a perfect record of 33-0 and secured the NCAA National Championship. During this historic season, they dominated opponents, averaging over a twenty-point differential, scoring more than 70 points per game, while holding their adversaries to under 50 points. The Pioneers also clinched their fifth consecutive Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) title and completed two consecutive years of a perfect regular season.Fulks began her head coaching career at Lewis & Clark College. During her 10 years there, her team (also named the Pioneers) posted seven winning seasons and made three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances while attaining a national ranking of fifth in the country. Coach Fulks has been named conference Coach of the Year seven times in her career and coached several academic and athletic All-Americans.In addition to coaching, Juli holds a master’s in education degree from Defiance College (2004) and a Ph.D. in leadership studies (2022) from the University of the Cumberlands.Breakdown1:00 - Run on Transylvania University Basketball6:00 - Transformational Leadership8:00 - Generational Perspective12:00 - Positive Psychology14:30 - Common Sense18:00 - Evidence Based Stuff19:30 - Playing a Team Multiple Times22:00 - Reduction Intensity24:00 - Positive Framing25:32 - 26:28 - Hoopsalytics Ad 326:28 - Endgame Situations30:00 - Five Minute Moments32:00 - Recovery35:00 - Coaching Behaviors38:00 - Special Situations41:00 - Efficacy45:00 - Risk Tolerance48:00 - Experiential Things51:00 - ConclusionJuli Fulks’ Bio:Bio/Website: https://transysports.com/staff-directory/juli-fulks/74Twitter: https://twitter.com/TransyBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Stas Ovdieienko, Ukrainian Superleague Head CoachIn this week’s basketball coaching conversation, Ukrainian Superleague head coach Stas Ovdieienko joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on war and basketball.Stas Ovdieienko is a prominent Ukrainian basketball figure, who has made significant contributions to the sport as a player and coach. Ovdieienko boasts an impressive 17-year career as a professional basketball player. During this time, he achieved significant milestones, including being crowned the champion of Ukraine and securing the Superleague Cup. Transitioning from player to mentor, Ovdieienko spent 2 years as an assistant coach before taking the reins as the head coach of BC Zaporizhzhia in the Ukrainian Superleague.However, tragedy struck when the war reached his doorstep—quite literally. Despite his dedication to the sport, the conflict forced him to confront a new reality.Stas Ovdieienko’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to basketball, even in the face of adversity and I am grateful to share it with you.Breakdown1:00 - Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine6:00 - Impact of Conflict on Ukraine Basketball11:00 - Normality12:30 - Leadership15:30 - Humor16:23 - 17:31 - Hoopsalytics AD 218:30 - Mental Toughness21:00 - Solution-Based Coaching Interventions26:00 - Talk To Yourself28:30 - Team Building31:00 - ConclusionStas Ovdieienko’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://vk.com/stiseTwitter: https://twitter.com/prostojBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Anthony McClish, G-League Ignite General ManagerIn this week’s basketball coaching conversation, G League Ignite general manager Anthony McClish joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on ownership of decisions, relationships, and organization building.Anthony McClish is a distinguished basketball executive with a rich history of accomplishments within the industry. He is the current General Manager of the NBA G League Ignite, a role he began in 2022. Under his guidance, the team experienced significant growth and success, with McClish playing a central role in shaping strategic initiatives, refining player development programs, and fostering an environment conducive to achieving excellence both on and off the court.Prior to his tenure with the G League Ignite, McClish served as the General Manager for the Stockton Kings. Within the Sacramento Kings organizations, he honed his expertise as a Basketball Operations Assistant at the Sacramento Kings where he gained invaluable insights into player management, team dynamics, and the intricacies of operational efficiency within a premier basketball franchise.McClish started his professional career as an intern with basketball operations with the San Antonio Spurs. He has also served as a consultant with USA Basketball. He holds an Executive MBA in Business Administration and Management from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Breakdown1:00 - Incredible Questions3:30 - Being Confrontational7:30 - Mentorship Model10:00 - Organic Moments12:00 - Team Building15:00 - Building Geniune Relationships18:00 - Ownership of Decisions25:30 - Integrity28:07 - 29:14 - Hoopsalytics Ad 129:14 - Nonlinear Development31:00 - Life Skills35:00 - Coping Strategies38:00 - Qualitative/Quantitative Data41:00 - Conflict Resolution Perspective45:00 - Voicing Concern51:00 - Trial and Error54:00 - ConclusionAnthony McClish’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mcclish-mba-63626335/Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Jamy Bechler, Author, Podcast Host, Speaker, and Leadership ConsultantAuthor, podcast host, speaker, and leadership consultant Jamy Bechler joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on failing forward, coachability, and modern leadership.Jamy Bechler combines his unique experiences as a championship athletic director, college basketball coach, and executive business trainer to help take you and your team's results and leadership to the next level. He is a professional speaker, author, podcast host, and leadership consultant who works with teams ranging from major corporations to the NBA.Jamy spent 20 years in organized athletics as a college basketball coach and athletic administrator. He now leads leaders and is a coach to coaches as a team consultant and leadership trainer. He is the host of the popular "Success is a Choice" podcast and is the author of six eBooks and four published books. You can learn more about him at www.JamyBechler.comBreakdown1:00 - Best Version of Themselves6:00 - Concept of Coachability11:00 - Players13:00 - Filtering the Information17:00 - Pursuit of Excellence24:00 - Intentional Communication26:57 - 28:09 - Hoopsalytics AD28:09 - Modern Way of Communicating31:00 - Leadership36:00 - Looked Back in the Mirror41:00 - Moments on the Bench44:00 - Sports Team46:00 - Bus Trip52:30 - Leadership Development56:00 - ConclusionJamy Bechler’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://jamybechler.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachBechlerBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Sherrie Coale, Retired College Coach, and Current Author, Speaker, and ConsultantIn this week's coaching conversation, retired college coach, and current author, speaker, and consultant, Sherri Coale joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on intention, and the writing and coaching process.Sherri Coale retired from her position as the head coach of the University of Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team in 2021 after serving for 25 years. Currently, she is a writer, speaker, and consultant. Coale’s book, Rooted to Rise, is a collection of essays about people, and her must-read blog titled A Weigh of Life is available at sherricoale.com.Coale last appeared on EP28 of the Basketball Podcast. She served as the head coach of the University of Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball team for 25 years, from 1996 to 2021. During her tenure, her teams won multiple Big 12 championships, qualified for 19 straight NCAA tournaments, and earned their way into three Final Fours. She had the privilege of coaching 4 All-Americans, 14 WNBA draft selections, and a whole bunch of remarkable women who rewarded her still with their lives.In addition to working the Oklahoma sideline, Coale participated in USA Basketball as an assistant coach in 2001 and as the head coach in the 2013 World University Games where her squad defeated Russia on their home floor to bring home the gold.Breakdown1:00 - With Intention5:00 - Inspiration to Write8:00 - Trusting the Process11:00 - Importance of Foundations16:00 - Asking Coach20:00 - Self Discovery26:00 - Story Telling27:08 - 28:20 - Hoopsalytics AD28:30 - Getting Unstuck33:00 - Human Interaction38:00 - Being Beside Someone44:00 - Asking Great Questions49:30 - Retrieval Practice52:00 - ConclusionSherrie Coale’s Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherri_CoaleTwitter: https://twitter.com/sherricoaleBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: John Krikorian, Christopher Newport Head CoachChristopher Newport head coach John Krikorian shares insights on game philosophy, core principles, and his foundation series.Krikorian led Christopher Newport to remarkable success, including its first three Final Four appearances and first National Championship in the 2022-2023 season. Krikorian has led the Captains to nine NCAA Tournaments in 12 seasons, including the last seven tournaments. CNU is the only school in the nation to win at least one game in each of the last seven NCAA tourneys, and Krikorian now has a career mark in tournament games of 23-7. His overall record at CNU is 290-65 (.817) through his first dozen years at the helm. He was named the National Coach of the Year by the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) following his national title in 2023.Krikorian’s teams at CNU have won at least 18 games per season since he took over, and have advanced to the conference championship game every year for the last nine seasons in the Capital and Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference.The National Championship team of 2022-2023 tied the school mark for victories with 30, finishing 30-3, and ending the year on a 15-game winning streak. Krikorian’s coaching resume now includes six seasons as an NCAA Division I assistant and 16 as a Division III head coach. His overall head coaching record is 355-107.Breakdown1:00 - National Championship3:30 - Game Competitive Spirit6:00 - Cliques and Outliers10:00 - Empowering Everyone13:00 - Stereotype of Leadership18:00 - Risk Tolerance22:00 - Empowering Players as Leaders25:56 - 27:08 - Hoopsalytics ADS27:08 - Breathing Practices30:00 - Balance32:00 - Foundation Series36:00 - Defensive Philosophy38:00 - Adjustments on Defense41:00 - Drop Coverage43:00 - Offensive Philosophy45:00 - Spacing Template47:00 - ConclusionJohn Krikorian’s Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_KrikorianLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-krikorian-96345a183/ Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Steven DeMeo, Florida State College Head CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Northwest Florida State College head coach Steve DeMeo shares insights on his road map to success.Steve DeMeo was named head men's basketball for Northwest Florida State College on April 4, 2022, making it his second stint with the Raiders after a brilliant tenure from 2013-19. DeMeo most recently served as assistant coach for East Carolina University during the 2021-22 season and was at St. John's University in the same role from 2019-21 prior to his time at ECU.Possessing three decades of experience across all levels of the college game, DeMeo's previous time leading the Raiders was remarkable. Coach DeMeo took NWFSC to a national title and was named the Spalding NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 2015. Under DeMeo's direction, Northwest Florida State turned in a six-year record of 198-35 (.850), earned an additional berth in the 2017 NJCAA Final Four and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Under his leadership, the Raiders captured the Panhandle Conference Championship five-straight years (2015-19) and earned four Florida College System Activities Association State Tournament Championships in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.Numerous players that he recruited, coached and developed have been drafted by National Basketball Association teams including Charles Jenkins (Golden State Warriors), Ryan Gomes and MarShon Brooks (Boston), Herbert Hill (Utah) and Marcus Douthit (Los Angeles). In 2019, Oregon-signee and future 2021 NBA First Round Draft pick Chris Duarte was selected as the NJCAA Division I Player of the Year, the first player to earn that honor under DeMeo.A veteran coach with a track record of success, DeMeo also held lead roles at Division II Newberry College, as well as Monroe College and Bronx Community College. DeMeo has accumulated a 294-105 (.737) overall record as a head coach. Prior to taking over at Northwest Florida State, DeMeo spent 17 years as an assistant at the Division I level, enjoying successful stints at Iona, Providence, UCF and Hofstra.Breakdown1:00 - Introduction2:00 - Next Practice6:00 - Empowering Staff8:00 - Areas of Improvement12:00 - Happiness and Team Success15:00 - Shot Selection17:00 - Academics19:00 - Different Defenses22:30 - Freedom Early On24:53 - 26:05 - Hoopsalytics Ads26:05 - Weight Coaching26:30 - Competetive Advantages29:00 - Coaching Values32:00 - Walk Ons36:00 - Xavior Moon41:00 - Competetive Practice42:30 - Offensive Stall46:00 - Being Open Minded48:00 - ConclusionSteven DeMeo’s Bio:Bio: https://ecupirates.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/steve-demeo/3692Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachSteveDeMeo Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook:...

Guest: JP Nerbun, Leadership Coach and ConsultantIn this week's coaching conversation, leadership coach and consultant J.P. Nerbun joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on sport parent solutions and culture.J.P. Nerbun is a bestselling author, leadership coach, and founder of TOC Culture Consulting, a leading global sports-consulting and leadership coaching business. His mission is to support leaders and their teams to achieve their full potential through 1:1 coaching, consulting, and community.Nerbun's impressive scope spans across sports, education, healthcare, and business, with a proven track record of guiding leaders at esteemed institutions such as Stanford University, Harvard University, University of Texas, the USGA, PWC, and Chick-Fil-A.In 2019, he published his first book, Calling Up: Discovering Your Journey to Transformational Leadership, which has received critical acclaim. In 2022, he published The Culture System: A Proven Process for Creating an Extraordinary Team Culture, a groundbreaking book offering a framework for developing team culture.In 2023, he launched The Culture System Online Training Platform, which has been praised for being one of the most applicable online coach educations available. His podcast, Coaching Culture, is one of the top sports leadership podcasts globally. Nerbun lives in Ireland with his wife and their three children.Breakdown1:00 - Sports Parents Solution6:00 - Strategies for Coaches9:00 - Struggle in the Book12:00 - Conversations with Parents16:00 - Expressing Gratitude18:00 - Leading By Example21:00 - Interaction of Parents in Games24:23 - 25:35 - HOOPSALYTICS ADS25:00 - Practice Into an Experience31:30 - Setting Boundaries35:30 - Creating Safe Environment38:00 - Mistakes in Culture41:00 - Behavioral Problems46:00 - Culture as a System49:00 - ConclusionJP Nerbun’s Bio:Website: https://www.tocculture.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-culture/id1286560192?uo=4Twitter: https://twitter.com/JpNerbun Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Lee Taft, World-Renowned Movement SpecialistIn this week's coaching conversation, world-renowned movement specialist, mentor, and coach, Lee Taft joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on basketball performance and movement.Lee is highly respected as one of the top athletic movement specialists in the world. In the last 35 years, he has devoted most of his time to training all ages and abilities. He has spent most of his time teaching his multi-directional speed methods to top performance coaches and fitness professionals worldwide. Lee has also dedicated countless hours to mentoring up-and-coming sports performance trainers, many of whom have gone into the profession and made a significant impact themselves.Since 1989, Lee has taught foundation movement to beginning youngsters and helped young amateur athletes, to professional athletes, become quicker, faster, and stronger. Lee’s entire philosophy is based on one of his most notable quotes, “Learning athletic movement correctly from the start is the foundation for athletic success.”With the release of Ground Breaking Athletic Movement in 2003, Lee revolutionized the performance industry with his proven methods and strategies for multi-directional speed. His innovative approach to training has impacted how athletic movement speed is taught.Lee brought to light the importance and fine points of the “Plyo Step,” “Hip Turn,” “Lateral Run,” and athletic stance. According to Lee, “Speed and agility done right are about making sure we marry the natural movements athletes have with the effective and efficient body control to maximize speed and quickness.”Lee has been asked to speak at numerous global strength and conditioning and sports performance events and has produced multiple instructional videos and courses in multi-directional speed and movement training. In addition, Lee has written several manuals on movement techniques and speed development.Breakdown1:00 - Basketball Player Consultation2:30 - Movement Specialist6:00 - Basic Goals10:00 - Skill Execution12:30 - Seven Things14:00 - Run Fast and Stop Fast17:30 - Defensive Slides21:00 - Recovery23:30 - Long First Step25:30 - Foot Position28:00 - Stimulating Thinking32:30 - Parkour34:00 - Late Development Sport35:34 - 36:46 - Hoopsalytics AD36:47 - Perfect Footwork40:30 - Acceleration43:00 - Footwork45:00 - Low, Low, Low48:30 - How to Jump Higher51:30 - Teach with Cues56:00 - Static Stretching58:00 - Dissipating the Lactic Acid1:00:30 - General Movement Template1:04:00 - Extrinsic Motivation1:08:30 - Create Efficiencies1:10:00 - Better Movement PatternsLee Taft’s Bio:Bio: https://leetaft.com/meetleetaft/Website: https://leetaft.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/leetaftInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leetaft/ Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter:...

Guest: Doug Novak, Basketball CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, basketball coach Doug Novak joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on coaching and teaching.Doug Novak is currently an assistant coach for the Northern Kentucky women’s basketball program. Novak was last on episode 21 of the basketball podcast, and possesses nearly three decades of coaching experience, most recently serving as the associate head coach for the men's basketball program at Army West Point during the 2022-23 season. Before West Point, he was the interim head coach for the women's basketball program at Mississippi State in 2021-22.Prior to his lone season with Mississippi State Women, Novak served as the Head Men's Coach at Bethel University from 2013-21. There he composed an overall record of 131-68 in eight seasons. He left with the highest winning percentage (.658) of any Bethel basketball coach in program history. Doug has previously been an assistant coach at the NCAA D1 men’s level and has produced one of the most popular www.immersionvideos.com all access product of all time with his video series - All Access Basketball Practice with Doug Novak that gave access to his practice teaching methodology as well as unique and exclusive access to a team film session. It is available at www.dougnovakbasketball.com Breakdown1:00 - Introduction5:00 - Having Daughters7:00 - Idea of Tick Tock9:30 - Mimicry14:00 - All Learning is Nonlinear17:00 - Program on a Napkin20:00 - Quotes from Music24:30 - Norms in Coaching30:00 - Acquiring Skills35:28 - 36:40 - Hoopsalytics AD36:40 - Offense vs Defense46:30 - Choosing One Path53:30 - Freedom from Decision Making1:00:00 - Learning The Game1:05:00 - Concept of Rabbit Hole1:12:00 - Winning Record1:14:30 - ConclusionDoug Novak’s Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_NovakWebsite: https://www.coachdougnovak.com/Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, basketball player development specialist Brandon Payne shares insights on maximizing basketball shooting and player development.Brandon Payne also discussed his All Access Shooting Video Series available at www.brandonpaynebasketball.com. The Brandon Payne video series showcases one of the NBA's top player coaches' holistic approach to player development. The combination of an in-depth discussion of the overriding philosophy and structure behind what he does, coupled with the demonstration of practical drills and skills and how they complement each other makes the Brandon Payne video series stand apart from other shooting clinics or player development videos you have seen.As a basketball player development specialist, Brandon Payne is renowned for his self-curated training methods that are responsible for the success of some of the game's most elite athletes. Most notably, 4x NBA champion, 2x NBA MVP (the only unanimous MVP in NBA history), 1X Finals MVP, and 9x NBA All-Star Stephen Curry sits atop the extensive roster of impressive clientele.Since training his first client in 1996, Brandon Payne has developed and refined a unique, elaborate workout program combining strength, speed, agility, and skill work into one efficient session aimed at producing a more innovative and intelligent model of basketball player development. His success led to the founding of Accelerate Basketball Training, an elite basketball training center catering to all talent levels. For more than two decades, Payne has personally trained over 100 NBA, WNBA, and international athletes, with his work profiled in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CBSSports.com, Bleacher Report, NBA TV, and many others.Breakdown1:00 - Player Development Specialist3:00 - Brand Pain4:00 - Visiting Staff and Players7:00 - Less is More11:30 - Traditional and Cultural Norms14:00 - Biological Individuality16:30 - Making Adjustments22:00 - His Values in Helping Players23:30 - 24:42 - Hoopsalytics New AD24:42 - Teaching Shooting28:00 - Shooting Off The Dribble32:00 - Specific Team Styles35:00 - Adaptable38:00 - Void of Competition40:00 - Hardest Skill43:30 - Metrics45:00 - Be Better Coaches51:00 - ConclusionBrandon Payne’s Bio:Bio: https://www.acceleratebasketball.com/our-teamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbrandonpayne/Website: www.brandonpaynebasketball.comBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our...

Guest: Greg Tonagel, Indiana Weslayan Head CoachIndiana Wesleyan head coach Greg Tonagel shares insights on traditing the pursuit of me for the pursuit of three.Greg Tonagel has been the head coach since 2005 and has 500 wins in fewer games, and younger than, any coach in college basketball history.Under his leadership, the team has won three NAIA Div. II National Championships in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and has been the No. 1-ranked team in NAIA Division II for four seasons. Tonagel has also coached 25 NAIA Div. II All-Americans and has won 12 Crossroads League Regular Season Championships and 5 Crossroads League Tournament Championships. He has coached two NAIA National Players of the Year, Tonagel has the most wins (420), the highest winning percentage (.795), the most NAIA National Tournament Victories (32), the most National Tournament appearances (13), the most Crossroads League Regular Season Championships (11), and the most Crossroads League Tournament Championships (5) in the program’s history.He has been named NABC/NAIA Division II National Coach of the Year three times.Tonagel is a graduate of Valparaiso University where he played basketball and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Secondary Education, and was a director of basketball operations. He also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from Valparaiso University and a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Wesley Seminary.Breakdown1:00 - Pursuit of Three3:30 - IRM 306:00 - Role Definition8:00 - Roadmap11:00 - Practice Game14:00 - Needs My Weakness17:00 - Convey Strength19:00 - Ideation of Coaching About20:30 - Climb To The Top23:00 - Handling Accountability24:33 - 25:45 - Hoopsalytics Ads25:45 - Alternatives28:30 - Father and Son Retreat33:00 - Fearless36:30 - Fear of Failure39:00 - Hunger, Habits, Humility43:00 - Style, Play, Offense, Defense45:00 - Devotional Books46:00 - ConclusionGreg Tonagel’s Bio:Bio: https://iwuwildcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/greg-tonagel/942Twitter: https://twitter.com/IWUHoopsBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Henry Domercant, Windy City Bulls Head CoachIn this week's the Basketball Podcast, Henry Domercant is currently the head coach of the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League, the development team for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association.After retiring from playing, Domercant transitioned to coaching. He was hired as an assistant coach for the Maine Red Claws in 2017, and then moved to the Windy City Bulls as an assistant coach in 2018. He was promoted to player development coordinator for the Windy City in 2020. He also held the role of Player Development Coordinator with the Chicago Bulls during the 2020-21 NBA season and also served as an Assistant Coach during the Bulls' NBA Summer League.Domercant joined the coaching ranks after a lengthy playing career overseas, including stints in Turkey, Greece, Russia and Italy, before returning to the United States to play a season with the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League. As a player, Domercant found success nearly everywhere he went, winning a combined nine tournament and league championships during his career. Prior to his professional career, Domercant was named the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Year in 2002 and was a three-time First Team All-OVC honoree.He played college basketball for Eastern Illinois, and was an All-EuroLeague Second Team selection. Domercant has had a lengthy playing career overseas, including stints in Turkey, Greece, Russia, and Italy. He played for Pınar Karşıyaka, Efes Pilsen, Olympiacos Piraeus, Dynamo Moscow, Montepaschi Siena, Spartak Saint Petersburg, UNICS Kazan, Galatasaray Liv Hospital, and Idaho Stampede. He won several awards and championships during his playing career, including the Italian League championship twice, the Italian Cup twice, the Italian Supercup twice, the Turkish League championship, and the Russian Cup.Breakdown1:00 - Introduction3:00 - Pregame Meetings and Preparation6:00 - Development Periods9:30 - Scouting Report13:00 - Game Day Walkthrough20:00 - Building Team Cohesion23:00 - Game Adjustments23:46 - 24:59 - Hoopsalytics AD26:00 - Try Some Stuff27:30 - Halftime33:00 - End of Game Scenario34:30 - Elam Ending40:00 - Minutes43:00 - Analytics46:00 - Youth Sports47:00 - ConclusionHenry Domercant’s Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_DomercantWindy City Bulls Twitter: https://twitter.com/windycitybullsBasketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com