The Rising Coaches Podcast

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.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Herman Mandole, the head basketball coach at Manchester Basketball. Originally from Argentina, Mandole began his coaching career as an assistant with Club Atlético San Lorenzo and Club Atlético Olímpico. He then served with Argentina’s national team before moving to Japan’s men’s national program, holding both assistant and head coaching roles. In 2022, he took a position in Italy as an assistant and was later promoted to head coach. In 2025, he took over at Manchester and has quickly revitalized the program. His international experience brings a unique perspective to player development and team culture. Manchester made a major leap under his leadership, rising from the bottom of the standings to a top-four finish. In this episode we talk about the first steps he incorporated once taking over as head coach, the building blocks that led to Manchester's turnaround in their program and major differences from international basketball to basketball in the USA.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Chris Caputo, head men’s basketball coach at George Washington University. Coach Caputo began his coaching career as a student assistant at Westfield State before joining Jim Larrañaga’s staff at George Mason. He was part of the legendary 2006 George Mason Final Four run and followed Larrañaga to the University of Miami, where he spent over a decade, eventually becoming associate head coach. In 2022, Caputo was named the head coach at GW, bringing with him a reputation for player development, recruiting, and defensive intensity. He’s helped develop multiple NBA players and led Miami to several NCAA Tournament appearances. At GW, he’s focused on building a competitive, connected culture in the A-10. In this episode we talk about how his first coaching stops came about through connections, what he looks for as a head coach in the hiring of an assistant and mistakes he sees young coaches make when trying to network and grow in the industry.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Matt McCall, former head coach at UMass and Chattanooga, and current game analyst with NBC. Coach McCall began his coaching career as a student manager and later graduate assistant under Billy Donovan at the University of Florida. He went on to serve as an assistant at Florida Atlantic and then returned to Florida as an assistant coach during two Final Four runs. In 2015, McCall was named head coach at Chattanooga, where he led the Mocs to a 29-6 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance in his first season. He later took over the UMass program, guiding them through five seasons of transition and growth. Now a respected voice in the media, McCall brings coaching insight to his analyst role with NBC. In this episode we speak on his mindset in his early years of his coaching career, experiences in his 7 years as a head coach and what he has taken away now from the analyst side of the game.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Steve Ridder, the legendary head men’s basketball coach at Embry-Riddle University. Ridder took over the program in 1989 and has since built it from the ground up into a nationally recognized powerhouse. Before arriving at Embry-Riddle, he was an assistant coach at Berea Community High School in Kentucky. Under his leadership, Embry-Riddle won the NAIA National Championship in 2000 and made multiple deep national tournament runs. Ridder has earned over 700 career wins and countless Coach of the Year honors. He also led the transition of the program into NCAA Division II, continuing its tradition of excellence. In this episode we talk about changing a program from a losing program to a winning program, what he looks to instill in his players and coaches and staying loyal to a program for 36+ years.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Kelvin Lewis, assistant men’s basketball coach at Troy University. A former standout at the University of Houston, Lewis helped lead the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 18 years. After college, he enjoyed an impressive 11-year professional playing career across Europe, including stops in Finland, Germany, Greece, Romania, and Iceland. He began his coaching career at Troy University as the Director of Player Development and was later appointed the assistant position. Lewis brings a global perspective and a player-first mindset to his coaching. In this episode we talk about what he has learned during his extensive professional playing career across the world, how his playing experiences have shaped his coaching tendencies and a deep dive into the player development side of basketball.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Jareem Dowling, assistant men's basketball coach at Kansas State University. Dowling began his coaching career at Cecil College in Maryland, where he contributed to a 97–6 record and a 2006 NJCAA Division II National Championship. He then served as an assistant at Slippery Rock University, Morehead State, and Southern Miss, gaining valuable experience at various collegiate levels. Dowling joined Grant McCasland's staff at Arkansas State and later at North Texas, where he was part of the 2021 NCAA Tournament team. In 2022, he became the first assistant hired by Jerome Tang at Kansas State. Since then, he has helped the Wildcats achieve a 45–25 record, including a 2023 Elite Eight appearance. Dowling has also contributed to the development of All-Americans Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson. In this episode, we discuss his coaching journey, lessons learned from mentors, and advice for aspiring head coaches.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we sit down with the Assistant Coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Coach Bryan Bailey. Coach Bailey carved out an impressive 13-year professional career in Europe after a standout run at Bucknell. He competed at the highest levels across Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Bosnia, Cyprus and Italy. His experience playing in multiple countries gave him a unique perspective on different playing styles and cultures, helping shape his approach to the game. Now, he’s bringing that knowledge to the NBA as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, where he’s making an impact with player development and game strategy. Today, we’ll dive into his journey from playing overseas to coaching at the highest level, how to get a player to be a star in their role in the NBA and a typical day in the life as an assistant coach in the NBA.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach T.C. Swirsky, head coach of the Memphis Hustle, the NBA G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies. Swirsky's coaching journey includes roles as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers and as head video coordinator for the Memphis Grizzlies for 2 years. He joined the Hustle as lead assistant in 2023 and was promoted to head coach ahead of the 24–25 season . In his first season at the helm, Swirsky secured his first career win as a head coach with a 90–85 victory over the Texas Legends and showing to be a great young head coach in the making. In this episode, we talk about being adaptable with an always changing roster, doing your job without expecting any credit, and he gives us an inside look into a day in the life of a G League head coach.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Matt Wise, the head women’s basketball coach at Samford University. Coach Wise brings a wide range of experience from across the collegiate landscape. He started his career as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida before moving on to roles at Wyoming and East Tennessee State, where he served as an assistant coach. He also spent time at Little Rock and later joined the University of Alabama as the Director of Video and Creative Content for the women’s program. Known for his energy, creativity, and relationship-building, Wise has built a reputation as a coach who connects deeply with his players. His journey through multiple programs has shaped his philosophy and prepared him for this head coaching opportunity. On this episode we talk about his biggest adjustment stepping into a new head coaching position after a long time assistant, talking about his offensive and defensive makeup for next season and his definition of toughness.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Mike Morrell, head coach of UNC Asheville. Morrell began his coaching career at King University, then served as a graduate assistant and director of basketball operations at Clemson under Oliver Purnell. He had a stint at Charleston Southern before joining Shaka Smart's staff at VCU, where he contributed to four NCAA Tournament appearances. Morrell followed Smart to Texas, serving in various roles including director of program development and assistant coach. In 2018, he was appointed head coach at UNC Asheville. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs achieved a school-record 27 wins in the 2022–23 season, securing both the Big South regular season and tournament championships, and earning an NCAA Tournament berth. In this episode, we discuss takeaways from working with Coach Shaka Smart, the initial changes he implemented upon becoming a head coach, and strategies for maximizing player performance on the court.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Chris Jones, assistant coach with the Utah Jazz. A former standout guard at the University of Pittsburgh, Jones began his coaching career at Pitt University and transitioned into a graduate assistant at TCU, then joined the Jazz in 2019 as a video assistant and player development coach. He was promoted to assistant coach in 2023 under head coach Will Hardy. In this episode, we discuss his transformation from being a player into a first-year coach, building an NBA workout plan before, during, and after a workout, and identifying what players’ development needs are leading into how to implement those workouts.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Nate Bollinger, assistant coach at American University. His coaching path started at D3 York College before moving on to High Point as Director of Player Development. He then served as associate head coach at Saint Vincent College, earning NABC 30-Under-30 honors. Bollinger made the jump to Division I with William & Mary, where he helped the team reach historic win totals. Now at American, he plays a key role as the offensive and recruiting coordinator. In this episode, we talk about his rise from the D3 ranks to D1. We dive into how he builds an offense tailored to his team’s strengths. He shares insights on player development and creating efficient offensive systems. We also highlight the recent success of American's basketball program. It’s a great look into the grind and growth of a rising coach.

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Russell White, the head coach at California Lutheran University. A Cal Lutheran graduate, White returned to his alma mater in 2019 after a distinguished high school coaching career. He began his coaching journey at Chaminade High School, then led Calabasas High School to two League titles. At Crespi Carmelite High School , he transformed the program, securing two CIF Southern Section titles and two CIF state championships, while also earning California State Coach of the Year honors in 2015 and 2016 . Since taking over at Cal Lutheran, White has revitalized the program, leading them to consecutive NCAA Division III tournament appearances, including a 23–5 season in 2024–25 . In this episode, we talk about challenges he has faced at the D3 level, the offensive and defensive identity of his program, and his rebuilding of a program at California Lutheran University.

On today’s episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast we’re joined with the former longtime head coach at John Carroll University, Coach Mike Moran. Coach Moran, a legendary figure in Ohio basketball, built a remarkable career over four decades at both the high school and collegiate levels. After beginning his coaching journey at Elder High School, he led Villa Angela-St. Joseph to two state championships and nine district titles over 11 seasons. In 1992, he became head coach at John Carroll University, where he compiled a 460-230 record, capturing 10 OAC titles, and making 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 2004. Known for his signature platoon system and emphasis on team-first basketball, Moran cultivated a culture of selflessness and relentless effort. He also coached John Carroll’s golf team for 32 years, guiding them to six NCAA appearances. His impact on generations of athletes has earned him induction into the John Carroll and Ohio Basketball Halls of Fame. In this episode we dive more into recruiting tactics, the story of some unique tendencies from Coach Moran and growing a program as a Head Coach over the years.

On today’s episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast we’re joined with Coach Fran Dunphy, the former La Salle Head Coach and one of the all-time winningest coaches in Philadelphia history.Coach Fran Dunphy has spent over 30 years on the sidelines, leading two of Philadelphia’s most storied programs: the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. During his 17 seasons at Penn, he guided the Quakers to 10 Ivy League championships and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, establishing a standard of excellence within the conference. In 2006, he became the head coach at Temple, where he continued his success with eight NCAA Tournament berths and multiple Atlantic 10 titles over a 13-year span. With a remarkable 580 career wins, Coach Dunphy is widely respected not only for his coaching acumen but also for his leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to student-athletes. In this episode, we dive into how starting his career coaching at Army had helped his career, how to help your assistants and players grow to be head coaches and how to get the most out of your players and assistants as a Head Coach.

Today on the Rising Coaches podcast, we get the opportunity to speak with the current assistant coach at Georgia State University, Coach Sean Flannery. Sean is a Cleveland, Ohio native and graduate from John Carroll University where he led all Divisions (1,2 and 3) in Assist to turnover ratio. Sean Served internships with the NBA Summer league and team USA basketball over the years, which ended up helping him grow into his GA role at Xavier. He currently is an assistant and pivotal part at Georgia State and is also a Rising Coaches Member.

On today’s episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast we’re joined by Lindsay Langford, a registered dietitian and the head nutritionist at Butler University. With years of experience working with athletes across multiple sports, Lindsay has developed a deep understanding of the vital role nutrition plays in performance and recovery. Her expertise spans from developing personalized nutrition plans to educating athletes on the importance of fueling their bodies correctly. In today’s episode, we'll dive into three key topics: what an ideal pre-game or pre-practice meal looks like, her take on the supplement industry—what's safe and what’s not—and how an athlete's nutritional needs differ during in-season versus off-season training. Lindsay’s insights will provide you with practical tools to optimize your nutrition for peak performance.

On today’s episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we are excited to talk with Dave Richardson, the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Arkansas Basketball programs. Coach Richardson has been instrumental in helping the Razorbacks develop into one of the most physically dominant teams in the country. His expertise in player development, injury prevention, and performance optimization ensures that his athletes are prepared to compete at the highest level. We’re going to dive into his training philosophy, how he approaches in-season vs. off-season development, and what it takes to build a winning culture in the weight room. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just someone interested in the science behind peak performance this is your episode.

On today’s episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by a Philly hoops legend and the current Director of Player Development at Temple University — Khalif Wyatt. A standout at Temple University, Coach Wyatt went on to enjoy a nine-year professional career overseas in countries like China, Israel, France, Romania, and the Philippines earning multiple All-League honors along the way. Since jumping into coaching, he has served as an assistant at West Chester University, leading Team Big 5 in The Basketball Tournament, and returning home to Temple as the Director of Player Development. Coach Wyatt brings a rare mix of on-court experience, global perspective, and a deep understanding of how to connect with today’s players. In this episode, we dive into what it means to truly develop players — including: what are some common mistakes young coaches and trainers make, how playing internationally changed his perspective on the game, and how he structures individual workouts during the season vs. the offseason.

Mark Bialkoski is the Director of Basketball Operations at George Mason University. With over 15 years of experience in college basketball, Coach Bialkoski has played a crucial role in managing the behind-the-scenes operations that keep teams running at the highest level. From his previous roles at Georgia Southern, Charlotte, Maryland and East Tennessee State to his current role at George Mason, he’s been an essential part of successful programs, handling everything from logistics and scheduling to team culture and program development. Today, we’ll dive into his journey into basketball operations, the key skills needed to excel in the role, and his advice for young coaches and professionals looking to break into the industry of coaching.

Jeff Santarsiero is a true veteran of the game and longtime head coach at Geneva College. With nearly three decades leading the Golden Tornadoes, Coach Santarsiero has built a program centered on consistency, player development, and a strong culture of excellence. His coaching journey began at Nyack College, where he served as head coach before joining Geneva as an assistant in 1988. Since taking over Geneva as head coach in 1996, he has led the Golden Tornadoes to multiple successful seasons, including an NCCAA National Championship in 2001. Beyond wins and losses, Coach Santarsiero has dedicated his career to shaping young men on and off the court. This episode we dive into his insights on sustaining a successful program, coaching longevity, and the evolving landscape of college basketball.

Bill Cartwright is a true basketball legend. Coach Cartwright is a five-time NBA champion, a former All-Star, and a key figure in the Bulls’ first three-peat championship reign and helping one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Coach Cartwright played for the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Seattle Supersonics in his career. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant of the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets and Phoenix Suns and head coaching roles with the Chicago Bulls, Osaka Evessa and the Mexican national team. In this episode we talk about what he learned playing under legend Phil Jackson, some advice working with post players and some knowledge he has taken away during his NBA coaching/playing career.

Ryan Murray is the assistant coach for the Ohio State Women’s Basketball team, Coach Ryan Murray. With a deep understanding of the game and a strong background in player development, recruiting, and game strategy, Coach Murray has held various coaching roles at Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin. A young coach, Murray has great experiences spanning multiple levels of basketball, and his ability to connect with players and build a winning culture sets him apart. In this episode we talk about how Coach Murray worked his way up the chain from being a practice player to an assistant coach at Ohio State, the importance of networking as a young coach and how to continue to grow as a coach during the offseason.

Chris Oliver is a basketball coach, educator, and the mastermind behind Basketball Immersion. With a wealth of experience in coaching at all levels, including an assistant position at McMaster University and Head Coaching titles at Queen's University and the University of Windsor prior to Basketball Immersion. Chris has worked with players and teams around the world, helping them elevate their basketball IQ and skills. Known for his innovative approach to coaching, Chris has a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies, from player development to creating high-level team systems. In this episode we dive into what Coach Oliver feels is the most important aspect of developing players on and off the court, advice to young coaches trying to implement game-based learning in their workouts and some of the biggest mistakes a coach can make when teaching their players.

Mike Brey is one of the most respected minds in college basketball and current Assistant Coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Coach Mike Brey. With over two decades leading Notre Dame, Coach Brey built a program known for its toughness, efficiency, and player-driven culture. Before that, he cut his teeth as an assistant at Duke under Coach K and as the head coach at Delaware, shaping a coaching journey filled with valuable lessons, big wins, and unforgettable moments. In this episode, we dive deep into his rise from the high school ranks to the NBA, his philosophy on developing assistants into future head coaches, and how to maintain the successes of a team as a head coach over a long period of time.

Toure Murry is a former NBA Player and current Player Development Coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, Coach Toure Murry. Coach Murry joins us having an extensive playing career starting at Wichita State and leading to the New York Knicks, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and numerous countries such as Turkey, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Kuwait, Ukraine and Mexico. Following his playing career, Coach Murry started his coaching career in the G league with the 76ers and grew into his current role as the Player Development Coach. In this episode, we talk about his playing career and what coaching styles resonated with him most, aligning player development goals with the long term team goals and some key traits to look for when evaluating a players long term potential.

Steve Clifford is a former NBA Head Coach and current Advisor in the front office of the Charlotte Hornets, Coach Steve Clifford. Coach Clifford jumped right into coaching following his graduation and starting in a position with Woodland High School. From there he would rise in the ranks extending to places at Saint Anselm, Fairfield, Boston University, Siena, East Carolina, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers all in various assistant positions. He also held head coaching stints with Adelphi, Charlotte Bobcats, Orlando Magic and then finished his career with the Charlotte Hornets as the Hornets franchises winningest coach. In this episode we talk about his defensive minded approach to helping the Hornets being a top 5 defensive team in the NBA, some tendencies they would look to do to help with their teams defense and some things he learned as a first year head coach in the NBA.

Anthony Johnson is the current assistant coach at Youngstown State University, Coach Anthony Johnson. Coach Johnson joins us having started his coaching career at Texas Tech where they made a run into the National Championship under Head Coach Chris Beard. This would lead Coach Johnson into positions with the College of Charleston, USC Upstate, Georgia Southern, Ole Miss and now Youngstown State University. Coach Johnson talks to us about the amazing run they had at Texas Tech and what made that team so successful, some tips of recruiting as well as an in depth look at the process from meeting a recruit to eventually making them an offer.

Joe Abunassar is the Founder and Ceo of Impact Basketball, Coach Joe Abunassar. Coach Abunassar has trained nearly 307+ NBA Players in his 27 years in the business including Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Haliburton, Chauncy Billups, Jaylen Brown and Kevin Garnett just to name a few. Coach Abunassar has always been a strong player development coach but before he started this, he was a student manager under coach Bob Knight at Indiana and secured a coaching position at Wyoming for four years which led him into the development side. In this episode we talk about how athletes can get the proper recovery needed to excel, some key concepts of his training plans and some advice for coaches looking to be a player development coach.

Travis Branham is the Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports, Travis Branham. Travis joins us with a heavy scouting and recruiting background, starting his career with Drew Hanlen and Pure Sweat basketball, being a student manager at the University of Kentucky and starting his scouting career after college with nearly 20 years of experience and almost 5 years as a recruiting analyst. Travis gives us a deep dive into the biggest mistakes coaches make in the recruiting process, how important relationship building is in the recruiting process and some red flags to be aware of when recruiting an athlete.

Ben Newman is an Entrepreneur, Investor, 2x Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Philanthropist, and the Nation’s Top Continual Peak Performance Coach, Ben Newman. Coach Newman has coached and worked with some of the highest performing teams in the NFL, NBA, PGA, MLB, UFC and NCAA. He has worked with players from the last 6 Super Bowl Champions, worked on the staff of the 18x National Champions in the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team for 5 years as the Mental Conditioning Coach and also served as the Performance coach for Michigan State as well as Kansas State football and Basketball programs. On this episode we talk about how to implement a culture at a new program, his definition of “Mentally Tough” and some of the biggest mistakes young coaches make when trying to inspire their athletes.

Rex Walters is a former NBA player and former NBA and College Assistant, Coach Rex Walters. Coach Walters joins having an extensive playing career with Kansas, Brooklyn Nets, 76ers, Heat and a stint in Spain. Following his playing career he took assistant coaching positions at Valparaiso, Detroit Pistons, Nevada, Wake Forest, New Orleans Pelicans and most recently the Charlotte Hornets in assistant roles. He also held head coaching titles at Florida Atlantic, the University of San Francisco and Grand Rapids Drive. In this episode we dive more into some unique things Coach Walters learned from his playing days in Spain, best ways to approach game preparation and scouting reports at the NBA level as well as some underrated coaching concepts young coaches should be studying more.

Scoonie Penn is a former NBA assistant, Coach Scoonie Penn. Coach Penn joins us with an extensive playing career having played at Ohio State University and professionally in numerous countries including, Italy, Turkey, Croatia, Greece and Serbia. Following his playing career he stepped back into a role at Ohio State as a player development coach and previously an NBA assistant coach with the Grizzlies. In this episode, Coach Penn talks about what he has learned to help him be a coach from his international playing days, some important things young coaches should develop early in their careers as well as some key tips to help develop players skills and basketball IQs.

Darris Nichols is the chance to talk with the newly appointed Head Coach at La Salle University, Coach Darris Nichols. Coach Nichols joins us as a player coach and formerly the head coach of Radford University where he was when we initially recorded this. He had a great playing career at West Virginia University which led him into a professional stint in Hungary. Following his playing career, he took various positions at West Virginia University, Northern Kentucky, Wofford College, Louisiana Tech, University of Florida, four seasons as the Head Coach at Radford University and now being the new Head Coach at La Salle University. In this episode we dive more into how he has developed his head coaching philosophy while working for some coaching greats in the industry, how he and his staff reinforce their offensive and defensive philosophies each day, as well as some advice for coaches trying to develop their own coaching identities.