In today’s episode TJ and Sam talk about the danger of having “sometimes” players or being a “sometimes” coach. How do we strike the right balance? How do we handle frustration and fatigue? Can we or our players have a bad day or take a day off? After listening to this conversation you’ll have a basis for your own philosophy and how to help your players build a consistent and healthy approach to bringing the energy that’s needed every day to be successful.
Episode 395 – Kiesha Brown
This week, Kiesha Brown shares how she’s used her experience as an accomplished player, which includes 10 years of professional basketball overseas and in the WNBA to build a successful high school program. She was a standout for Georgia women’s basketball, competing in a Final Four, and after her playing career she’s now a head high school coach, athletic director, and also officiates at the Division I level. In this episode, we cover a variety of topics with Kiesha and you won’t want to miss how she applies the lessons she’s learned to her coaching and officiating career.
Episode 394 – Nick Pasqua
This week Nick Pasqua, head coach at Southern Wesleyan University openly shares his successes and failures with coaches. In 2020, Nick’s second season at Southern Wesleyan, his team was the most improved in NCAA Division II and went 20-11. In that historic season, they also won the university’s first ever Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship. Hear Nick’s story and unique approach to his offensive system – both are sure to give you some great takeaways.
Episode 393 – Building a Great Staff
For a head coach, building a staff may be the most important thing you do for your program. In this episode TJ, Sam, and Lisa discuss how coaches can go about selecting their staff and prioritizing the most important things for them and their program. Everyone needs to decide what their non negotiables are whether you’re applying for a job or looking to hire. This discussion will help you think about your approach and consider the best ways to move forward with your staff.
Episode 392 – Josh Merkel
This week, Josh Merkel, head coach at Randolph-Macon joins TJ and Sam to discuss what its like to takeover a program, implement systems and strategies, and build and sustain a culture of excellence. Josh shares from his 10 years of head coaching experience and is no stranger to success. His program has gone 67-6 over the past three seasons, including 33-2 in ODAC play and he’s been named ODAC coach of the year three seasons in a row.
Episode 391 – What Wins in March
TJ & Sam discuss Xs and Os from this year’s NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four matchups. There’s always a lot to learn from watching the systems and strategies of teams who are winning at the highest level. This episode will help you start thinking about what’s going to help you win next season and apply learnings appropriately to your team.
Episode 390 – 4 Roles in Growing the Game – Part 2
In Part 2, TJ and Sam share how parents and players can navigate youth basketball, player development, and finding teachable moments and learning opportunities. It’s a discussion about stepping back and seeing the big picture within the game and ensuring we all contribute to a positive sport experience in whatever role we’re in.
Episode 389 – 4 Roles in Growing the Game – Part 1
This week we’re starting a two-part series about how to run better programs and grow the game of basketball. Referees, coaches, players, and parents all factor into our basketball experience. Our next two episodes will help you understand these four roles better especially when it comes to creating the right competitive environment for your program. First up, referees and coaches.
Episode 388 – Navigating Today’s Transfer Culture
Players today have more choices than ever and it’s becoming all too common for players to transfer to another team for a variety of reasons. In order to equip ourselves as coaches to better serve our players and programs, TJ and Sam discuss how we can do both. Listen to this episode to hear where you need to keep your focus in order to lead and navigate well in this volatile transfer environment.
Episode 387 – Building Confident Players
How do we help our players build their confidence? Too often it feels like trial and error as balancing the right amount of encouragement and challenge for each player can be difficult. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the best approaches coaches can take to help players earn and develop their confidence.