The Basketball Podcast

Chris Oliver
  • 4.8 (66)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Basketball Podcast

This is the podcast where you will hear real basketball coaching conversations. Whether you are a new or experienced coach at any level of basketball these coaching conversations will give you practical ideas to stimulate your coaching and make what you do even better.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Vincent Minjares on Elevating Sports Coach Development

    Vincent is the Program Manager of the Sports & Society Program of the Aspen Institute with responsibility for driving Project Play's school sport and coaching portfolios. Vincent extensive international research and professional experience in youth sports coaching, coach development and long-term athlete development, his current work at the institute focuses on improving youth experiences in sports, including prioritizing athlete health and safety, bolstering coach training, strengthening national coaching policy and reimagining models of school sports. Minjares holds a Ph.D. in Coaching & Pedagogy from AUT University (Auckland, NZ), an M.A. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley, within the Cultural Studies of Sport and Education (CSSE) program, and a B.A. in Economics from Claremont McKenna College. His research interests emphasize sports, coaching, education and human development, with published research in the areas of youth sports reform, college athletes, sports coaching and coach development. His dissertation examined the development of coaching practices in high school basketball that facilitate athlete learning. Professionally, Vincent has held diverse learning and development roles in sport across the United States and New Zealand. Vincent began as a basketball skills trainer in Southern California. Following graduate study in Berkeley, Vincent served the Athletic Study Centre (ASC) as Director of Academic Development, a role responsible for the design and delivery of academic support services for student-athletes in an NCAA Division I sport setting. In addition, Vincent served as a member of the Chancellor’s task force on Academics and Athletics as well as a Special Advisor to Intercollegiate Athletics. In New Zealand, Vincent served as the Development Officer for North Harbour Basketball Association, a regional sport organization and the country’s largest basketball club. In this role, Vincent also served Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) as a Regional Coach Developer, Special Advisor (Wellbeing and Transition) and a member of the Coach Leadership Group. Vincent brings extensive experience as a coach and player. Vincent played NCAA Div. III basketball for Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Claremont, CA) and attended Damien High School (La Verne, CA) where he became a three-year varsity letterman. Vincent first coached high school and junior college basketball in Southern California before returning to coaching in New Zealand at the club, high school, national representative and international representative levels.

    58 min

  2. NOV 13

    Dave Klatsky on Program Philosophy and In-Game Coaching (EP346)

    In this week's basketball coaching conversation, New York University head coach Dave Klatsky joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on program philosophy and in-game coaching. Dave Klatsky was appointed head coach of the New York University men’s basketball program in May 2022 and has quickly made an impact. In his second season (2023-24), he guided the Violets to a stellar 21-6 record, capturing the University Athletic Association (UAA) Co-Championship—their first conference title in 30 years—and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Under Klatsky’s leadership, NYU excelled nationally, finishing seventh in three-point shooting percentage (39.02%) and 19th in assist/turnover ratio (1.43). Star player Spencer Freedman thrived in Klatsky’s system, earning D3hoops.com National Player of the Year, UAA Player of the Year, NABC Third Team All-American, and First Team All-Metropolitan honors. His remarkable debut year earned him numerous accolades, including UAA Coaching Staff of the Year and D3hoops.com Region 4 Coach of the Year, solidifying his place as one of the top coaches in Division III basketball. At Colgate, under three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year Matt Langel, Klatsky had numerous responsibilities including scouting, practice and game planning, recruiting and analyzing advanced statistics. He was the primary recruiter of four All-League selections and two Defensive Players of the Year while directing Colgate's Elite Prospect Camp. Prior to Colgate, Klatsky served as an assistant coach at Stevens Institute of Technology from 2007-11. While there, he played a key role in all facets of the program, helping guide the Ducks to their first-ever ECAC Metro Championships (2008, '11). After graduating from Penn, Klatsky worked as an equity analyst and trader in Manhattan and Jersey City, NJ. He is also the creator of StatChat, a podcast centered around how different programs utilize advanced statistics, and mentored a Colgate student in developing the startup company ShotQuality which measures the expected value of all shots attempted.

    51 min

  3. NOV 6

    Bridgette Mitchell on Commit, Care, Connect (EP345)

    In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Fordham University women's basketball head coach Bridgette Mitchell joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on their 3 C's: Commit, Care, Connect. Bridgette Mitchell took over as the head coach of the Fordham women’s basketball program on April 7, 2021. With a rich background in both playing and coaching, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Rams. Mitchell comes to Fordham following two seasons as the head coach at Northeastern from 2021-23, where her teams consistently outperformed expectations.  Picked to finish eighth in the 2022-23 preseason poll, Mitchell promptly led the Huskies to a share of their first-ever CAA regular season title with a 13-5 league mark, including a program-record nine straight victories, as part of a 19-12 overall record. For her efforts, Mitchell’s peers recognized her with CAA Coach of the Year honors.  Highlighting the Huskies 2022-23 campaign was a Feb. 17 road win over fellow regular season co-champion Drexel, which snapped a 17-game losing streak against the Dragons and handed Drexel its first home loss of the season.  A top-three seed in the CAA Tournament for the first time since joining the conference in 2005-06, Northeastern downed sixth-seeded Stony Brook to advance to the semifinals for just the third time in the school’s CAA tenure. Prior to taking over at Northeastern, Mitchell spent seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the Pittsburgh, James Madison, Siena and Wagner.

    47 min

  4. OCT 30

    Brooks Miller on Common Sense Defense and Trine's Winning Formula (EP344)

    In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Trine University men's basketball head coach Brooks Miller joins The Basketball Podcast to share insights on common sense defense and Trine's winning formula. Brooks Miller just completed his 13th season as the Head Coach of the Trine University Men’s Basketball program and has 24 combined years of collegiate basketball playing and coaching experience. Miller has compiled an overall record of 226-116 at Trine including a 131-69 record versus Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) opponents. In 2024, Miller led the program to its first ever NCAA Division III National Championship behind a 29-4 record. The 29 wins is a record for the school’s most wins in a season. It is now back-to-back seasons that the program has crossed the 20-win mark after going 22-4 overall last season. Coach Miller has also guided the Thunder to MIAA Championships in 2019, 2021 and 2024. Trine swept both the MIAA regular season and MIAA Tournament Championships in 2021 finishing conference play undefeated with a 17-0 mark during a COVID shortened season. Miller’s career at Trine University has been highlighted by being named the 2020-2021 NCAA D3 National Coach of the Year by both Hoopdirt.com/Just Play Sports Solutions and Basketball Times Magazine. In March of 2024, Miller was again named NCAA DIII National Coach of the Year for the second time receiving those accolades from D3Hoops.com, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), as well as being named the Eddie Robinson CollegeInsider.com National Coach of the Year for NCAA DIII. Miller worked as an assistant men's basketball coach for three Hall of Fame coaches that amassed seven National Championships throughout their careers.  Miller began his collegiate coaching career working for BCAM Hall of Fame Coach Ed Douma (one National Championship) whom he previously played for at Hillsdale College. In 2007, his career took him to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he served as a graduate assistant coach to Naismith Hall of Fame Coach Bob Knight (three National Championships) and was involved with on-campus recruiting and player development. In 2009, he became the Head Assistant Men’s Basketball coach and National Recruiting Coordinator at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas for Junior College Hall of Fame Coach Steve Green (three National Championships). While at South Plains, Coach Miller coached and or recruited nine players that would transfer on to NCAA Division I universities.

    55 min

  5. OCT 23

    Jon Coffman on Strategies for Sustained Success and Community Engagement (EP343)

    In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Purdue University Fort Wayne head coach Jon Coffman joins The Basketball Podcast to share strategies for sustained success and community engagement. Jon Coffman is synonymous with success at Purdue University Fort Wayne. As he embarks on his 11th season as head coach (2024-25), he holds the distinction of being the program's winningest coach in Division I history with a remarkable 179-142 record. Coffman's coaching prowess doesn't go unnoticed. He's garnered numerous accolades, including Horizon League Coach of the Year in 2022 (adding to his 2015-16 Summit League Coach of the Year award). His strategic guidance led Purdue Fort Wayne to capture the Horizon League regular season title in 2022 and the Summit League regular season title in 2015-16. The team has also made a habit of postseason appearances, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament in 2023. Beyond wins on the court, Coffman fosters a culture of player development. An impressive 24 players under his tutelage have gone on to professional careers, including NBA standout John Konchar. His commitment extends to recognizing his players' achievements, with a staggering 40 All-Conference honors awarded in the last 14 years. Coffman's dominance extends beyond Purdue Fort Wayne. He holds the title of Winningest Mid-Major coach in Indiana over the past 11 seasons. His program's consistent success garnered national recognition with consistent rankings among the Top 25 Mid-Major programs by collegeinsider.com (2024).

    1h 10m

  6. OCT 16

    Grant Leonard on Conceptual Offense: Spacing, Pace and Player Development (EP342)

    In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Queens University of Charlotte head coach Grant Leonard joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on conceptual offense, including spacing, pace and player development.   Grant Leonard was hired by then-Division II Queens as an assistant coach in 2013 and promoted to associate head coach in 2016. Over seven years as an assistant coach, the team achieved a winning percentage of .837 with a 189–37 overall record, consistently ranking in the top 25, including a No. 1 ranking. Queens won the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) regular season championship three times, secured two SAC tournament titles, and made two Elite Eight appearances with Leonard on the staff. He was promoted to head coach for the 2022–23 season, Queens’ first season in NCAA Division I. In his first season, Queens went 18–15 with a 7–11 record in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). Last year, his team reached the Atlantic Sun Tournament Quarterfinals for the second straight season after defeating Florida Gulf Coast University in the opening round.   Leonard began his coaching career as an assistant at Shorewood High School in 2004–05. He then assisted in coaching the Washington College Shoremen in 2005–06. For the next three seasons, he was the director of basketball operations for Texas–Pan American. In 2009–10, he served as an assistant coach for the Flagler Saints. From 2011 to 2013, Leonard worked for the Paine Lions as an assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, director of skill development, and defensive specialist, helping the team achieve their first winning season in seven years in 2011–12.

    55 min

  7. OCT 9

    Chris Victor on Joy, Unity and Defense (EP341)

    In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Seattle University head coach Chris Victor joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on playing with joy, unity and defense. Chris Victor enters his fourth year as Head Coach of the Redhawks in 2024-25. The season will mark his eighth year overall at Seattle University as he spent four seasons as Associate Head Coach. Over the past three seasons, Victor has compiled a 66-35 record, including three straight seasons of 20 wins or more – the first such streak since 1957-59. Chris Victor has an impressive head coaching record of 169 wins and 74 losses, boasting a winning percentage of .695. In 2022, he was honored as the Don Haskins WAC Coach of the Year. Most recently, the 2023-34 concluded in the program's first-ever postseason tournament championship as the Redhawks won four games in five days to clinch the 2024 Ro College Basketball Invitational (CBI) in Daytona Beach, Fla. The postseason run led the Redhawks to a 23-win season for the second time in the past three years under Victor, as well as a 117 NET ranking – the highest such end-of-season ranking for the program. Prior to Seattle U, Victor served as an assistant coach at Eastern Washington for two seasons. His first season on the Eagle coaching staff was punctuated by Eastern’s first-ever victory in a national postseason tournament as a member of NCAA Division I when the Eagles beat Pepperdine, 79-72, in the College Basketball Invitational. The Eagles went 22-12 and returned to the CBI in 2016-17. Victor’s first head coaching position was at Citrus College in Glendora, Calif., where he led the Owls of the Western State Conference and California Community College Athletic Association to 103 victories over five seasons. He won 73 percent of his games overall (103-39) and 73 percent in league play (44-16) with a pair of CCCAA Final Four appearances and one league title. Victor spent four seasons as a top assistant at Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., under Head Coach Ken Ammann. In that span, Concordia went 118-23, won three out of four Golden State Athletic Conference Championships and made four-straight appearances in the NAIA National Tournament, including appearing in the national title game in 2006-07.

    50 min

  8. OCT 2

    Craig Luschenat on Player Development Unleashing Player Potential with Modern Coaching (EP340)

    In this week's basketball coaching conversion, Boston Celtics Director of Player Development Craig Luschenat joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on Boston Celtics Player Development. Craig Luschenat is the Director of Player Development for the Boston Celtics, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in player enhancement and coaching.  Prior to joining the Celtics, Craig served as a player development intern for Integrity Hoops and Wasserman Sports Agency Clients in Los Angeles, California. In this role, he was responsible for planning and leading workouts for NBA talent, as well as developing strong relationships with NBA players and agents. His notable work with NBA All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis highlights his ability to work with top-tier talent. Craig’s journey in basketball began as a college player at Saint Joseph’s College, where he played under the guidance of Coach Rob Sanicola. His passion for the game and dedication to player development led him to various coaching roles, including his tenure with the Maine Celtics. Craig served as an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development for the Maine Celtics from 2020 to 2022, where he played a crucial role in enhancing player performance and development. In July 2022, Craig transitioned to the Boston Celtics as a Player Enhancement Coach, a position he held until July 2024. His exceptional skills and commitment to player growth earned him the role of Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development in July 2024.

    42 min
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4.8
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

This is the podcast where you will hear real basketball coaching conversations. Whether you are a new or experienced coach at any level of basketball these coaching conversations will give you practical ideas to stimulate your coaching and make what you do even better.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Oliver
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    204
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Chris Oliver
  • Show Website
    The Basketball Podcast

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