The Basketball Podcast Chris Oliver

Guest: Fran Fraschilla, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio Analyst
In this week's coaching conversation, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio Analyst, Fran Fraschilla shares insights on trends in coaching, 3x3 and a passion to learn.
Fran Fraschilla joined ESPN as a college basketball game and studio analyst in 2003. Fraschilla has an extensive coaching background, having coached at the collegiate level for 23 years. His teams made eight postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments. He was the head coach at the University of New Mexico, St. John’s University and Manhattan College..At ESPN, he worked on NBA Draft coverage, the FIBA World Championships, as well as the NBA and high school basketball. He was also an analyst on ESPN’s NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball coverage from 2007-2014.
Fran Fraschilla had an impressive coaching career before transitioning to ESPN.
Manhattan College (1992–1996): As head coach of the Manhattan Jaspers, Fraschilla led the team to the NCAA Tournament twice. In 1995, the Jaspers pulled off an upset as a 13-seed, defeating Kelvin Sampson’s No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners. St. John’s University (1996–1998): At St. John’s, Fraschilla coached four NBA players, including Metta World Peace. His overall record with the Red Storm was 35–24.University of New Mexico (1999–2002): Fraschilla continued his success at New Mexico, posting a 55–41 record. His teams made postseason appearances, including the NIT and NCAA Tournaments.
In total, Fran Fraschilla’s coaching career spanned 23 years, with an overall record of 176–99. His expertise and insights now benefit ESPN viewers as he analyzes college basketball games and covers the NBA draft, particularly focusing on foreign players.
Breakdown
1:00 - International Basketball Growth
6:00 - Pick and Roll Basketball Techniques
13:00 - Five Out Offense and Big Men Passing Ability
16:00 - Effective Weak Side Actions
18:30 - Practice Design and Habits
25:00 - Coaching Techniques in College Basketball
28:30 - Offensive and Defensive Approaches
33:00 - Importance of Switching
35:30 - Difference of 3x3 vs 5x5
39:00 - Benefits of 3x3
46:00 - Family Involvement
49:00 - Coaching and Mentorship
54:00 - Conclusion

Fran Fraschilla’s Bio:
Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran_Fraschilla
Twitter: https://x.com/franfraschilla

Chris Oliver / Basketball Immersion
Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion
Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:
Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Joan Plaza, Spanish Professional Basketball Coach
In this week's coaching conversation, Spanish professional basketball Joan Plaza joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on modern coaching: Instilling confidence and empowerment.

Joan Plaza is a Spanish professional basketball coach with an impressive track record. His coaching journey spans across various European teams, where he has consistently achieved success at the highest levels of the game. Plaza most recently was head coach of AEK in the Greek League and in the Basketball Champions League.

Plaza began his coaching career at the basketball school he co-founded, EB Betsaida, and worked with the women’s team EB Santísima Trinitat and the small club CB Sant Adriá. During the 2000–01 season, he led his team to victory in the Spanish Under-20 championship.

A veteran of 194 coaching appearances in the EuroLeague, spread between Zenit, Unicaja, Zalgiris, and Real Madrid. His most notable coaching stint was with Real Madrid, where he initially served as an assistant coach under Božidar Maljković. When Maljković departed, Plaza stepped up as the head coach. Under his leadership, Real Madrid achieved remarkable milestones, including thirteen consecutive Liga ACB wins and winning the ULEB Cup (now known as EuroCup) in the same season. Plaza was named the AEEB Coach of the Year.

Plaza’s coaching journey continued with other prominent teams including Cajasol Sevilla, Unicaja Malaga, where he secured his second EuroCup title in the 2016–17 season., Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Real Betis.

Breakdown
1:00 - Coaching Youth Basketball
2:30 - Sharing Experiences
7:30 - Modern vs Traditional Coaching Methods
10:30 - Player Development and Communication
17:00 - Assistance in Decision Making
20:30 - Building Confidence
27:00 - Creating Strategy and Goals
31:00 - Time Management
36:00 - Coaching Methods
40:00 - Game Plan and Priorities
48:00 - Coaching Philosophy and Passion
55:00 - Conclusion

Joan Plaza’s Bio:
Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Plaza
Twitter: https://x.com/joanplazaduran

Chris Oliver / Basketball Immersion
Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion
Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:
Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: TJ Saint, Birmingham Squadron G-League Head Coach
In this week's coaching conversation, Birmingham Squadron G-League head coach T.J. Saint joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on his playbook and modern strategies and concepts.

Saint's professional coaching journey started in 2014 when he served as the video coordinator for the Detroit Pistons. He remained with the Pistons until 2018 gaining valuable insights into the NBA game.  Following his departure from the Pistons, Saint went to the University of Georgia where he held the position of Director of Basketball Strategy for the Men's Basketball team during the 2018-19 season.

Saint then spent three seasons honing his coaching skills with the New Orleans Pelicans' G League affiliates.  He started as an assistant coach (2019-20) before being promoted to associate head coach (2020-22).  His dedication and hard work culminated in his well-deserved appointment as head coach of the Birmingham Squadron in 2022. Saint's 2023-24 Squadron team was the #1 ranked offense in the regular season, and the 4th all-time regular season offense in the history of the G-League.

Saint attended Belmont University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in business development. During his time at Belmont, he also served as a student assistant coach with the men’s basketball team from 2009 to 2011. His experience at Belmont laid a strong foundation for his coaching career, combining academic achievement with practical coaching experience.

Saint later pursued a Master’s degree in effective teaching and leadership at Butler University. While at Butler, he worked as a graduate assistant coach, further honing his coaching skills and expanding his understanding of leadership in sports.

Breakdown
1:00 - Coachikng Strategies and Culture
2:00 - Creating Team Identity
5:30 - Positive Reinforcement
9:00 - Basketball Coaching Strategies
15:30 - Confrontational Drives
19:00 - Alternating the Current
22:30 - Spacing
29:30 - Blitzing and Pick and Roll Coverage
32:30 - Defensive Tactics
35:00 - Pick and Roll Reads
41:30 - Hang and Hostage Dribbles
44:30 - Late Sprays and Monkey in the Middle
48:00 - Play Calling
55:30 - Angle Shot
59:00 - Chase Five and Euro
1:03:00 - Offense Strategies and Plays
1:09:30 - Dribble Drive Motion
1:12:30 - Single Side Tag and Small Ball
1:16:00 - Use of Flares and Back Screens
1:23:00 - His Coaching Philosophy and Experience
1:27:00 -  Conclusion

TJ Saint’s Bio:
Bio/Website: https://georgiadogs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/t-j-saint/2505
Twitter: https://x.com/tjsaint4

Chris Oliver / Basketball Immersion
Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion
Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:
Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: a href="https://www.immersionvideos.com/"...

Guest: Tim Martin, Player and Personal Development Coach
In this week's coaching conversation, Tim Martin joins the Basketball Podcast to share a holistic approach to player and business development.
Tim Martin is a basketball coach, motivational speaker, filmmaker, and industry expert. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected skills trainers in the basketball community is nothing short of remarkable.
Tim’s journey took a pivotal turn when he began training young athletes. His work ethic, second to none, caught the attention of rising NBA star Tyrese Maxey. Maxey, who has trained with Tim since his freshman year at South Garland High School, describes their relationship as family-oriented.

Tim Martin’s impact extends beyond the court. He has developed comprehensive training transformation programs for basketball players at all levels. His Virtual Training Academy, established in 2007, has helped produce 21 NBA Draft selections and assisted clients in earning over $550 million in NBA salary. Tim has worked with NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and Euro league champions, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball world.

Tim is not only a basketball trainer but also a motivational speaker, filmmaker, and industry expert. As the Director of Basketball Relations for the Dwyane Wade sneaker company, Way of Wade/Li Ning, he has cultivated relationships with premier names in sports entertainment and fashion.

Tim Martin’s journey from homelessness to world-renowned trainer exemplifies resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of basketball. His story inspires athletes and dreamers alike, reminding us that greatness can emerge from even the humblest beginnings.


Breakdown
1:00 - Holistic Player Development
7:00 - Building a Personal Brand
9:30 - Personal Growth and Curiosity
16:00 - Unconventional Methods
19:00 - Confidence Building
24:30 - Building Mental Toughness and Pressure
27:00 - Coaching Method in the NBA
33:00 - Mental Health
35:30 - Team Building
42:00 - Networking and Authenticity
46:00 - Conclusion

Tim Martin’s Bio:
Bio/Website: https://timmartiniq.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/timmartin_tx

Chris Oliver / Basketball Immersion
Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion
Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:
Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Yolett McPhee-McCuin, University of Mississippi Head Coach
In this week's coaching conversation, University of Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin joins The Basketball Podcast for a deep dive into defensive principles, offensive philosophy and sustaining success.
Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has elevated Ole Miss women’s basketball back into the national spotlight throughout her six seasons in Oxford. McPhee-McCuin keeps building upon success each season at the helm of the Rebels, leading Ole Miss to a program record 12 SEC wins in 2023-24 as well as the school’s third straight NCAA Tournament appearance for its 20th overall.
 
Along with guiding the Rebels to a program best in conference wins, McPhee-McCuin picked up her 100th win at the helm of Ole Miss during the 2023-24 season to become the second coach in program history to achieve the feat. McPhee-McCuin spent the five seasons before Ole Miss transforming Jacksonville into a perennial power in the Atlantic Sun Conference. During her tenure as head coach, McPhee-McCuin led the Dolphins to a 94-63 record (50-24 in ASUN play) and postseason appearances in each of her last three seasons.
McPhee-McCuin, who has also served as the national team head coach for her native Bahamas, was an assistant at Clemson from 2011-13, where she was recognized as one of the top assistants in the nation by National Women's Basketball Insider. Before her stint at Clemson, McPhee-McCuin was on staff at Pittsburgh for two seasons in 2009 and 2010. Her coaching career also includes stops at Portland, Frank Phillips College, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Breakdown
1:00 - Defense and Adaptability
8:00 - Defensive Strategies for 3 Point Shots
15:00 - Defensive Techniques
18:00 - Embracing Physicality
23:00 - Defending Ball Screens
28:30 - Freedom on Offense
34:00 - Exploit Defensive Weaknesses
36:30 - Data Analysis and Practice Management
43:00 - Maintaining Standards
48:00 - Mentorships in Women's Basketball
53:00 - Conclusion

Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s Bio:
Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yolett_McPhee-McCuin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YolettMcCuin

Chris Oliver / Basketball Immersion
Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion
Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:
Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Victor Lapena, Canadian Women’s National Basketball Team Coach
Canadian Women's National Basketball Team Víctor Lapeña joins the Basketball Podcast to share his philosophy on international coaching, development, and principles of play.

Lapeña brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his current role as Head Coach of the Canadian Women's National Basketball Team.

Prior to his appointment in 2021, Lapeña spent a remarkable 14 years within the Spanish Basketball Federation.  His impact is undeniable, having played a key role in Spain's dominance on the international stage. During this tenure, he contributed to an impressive collection of 14 medals, including two coveted EuroBasket golds (2013, 2017) and a silver medal at the prestigious 2016 Rio Olympics.

Lapeña's expertise extends beyond the national team level. He also boasts a distinguished club-level career in Spain, leading teams in both the second and first tiers of their national league. His strategic brilliance culminated in a championship title with CB Avenida in the 2012-13 season. Additionally, he achieved success on the international club scene by guiding Nadezhda Orenburg to the EuroCup Women title in 2019.

Breakdown
1:00 - Introduction
2:30 - Coaching Basketball in Canada
10:00 - Club Model vs Scholastic Model
16:00 - Basketball Development Model
22:00 - Coaching Principles and Strategies
26:00 - Player Development
32:00 - Coaching Strategies Learned in Soccer
37:00 - Defensive Strategies in Basketball
43:30 - Defensive Rebounding Strategies
47:00 - Conclusion

Victor Lapena’s Bio:
Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%ADctor_Lape%C3%B1a

Chris Oliver / Basketball Immersion
Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion
Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:
Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com