Making the Team

Erik Soderborg
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  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team. We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.

  1. 13 HRS AGO

    Utah's Head Coach Alex Jensen on Recruiting, Culture & Restoring Runnin' Utes Basketball

    Alex Jensen sits down to talk about his journey from Viewmont High School standout and Utah's Mr. Basketball to the 17th head coach of the University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's basketball program. Coach Jensen opens up about getting recruited by the legendary Rick Majerus, starring on Utah's 1998 Final Four team, winning the first-ever Mountain West Conference Player of the Year award, and playing professionally overseas. He also shares what he looks for in recruits now that he's back on the other side of the table, the coaching philosophies shaped by nearly two decades in the NBA — including 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz and two with the Dallas Mavericks — and why this upcoming season at Utah has him more excited than ever. Whether you're a Utes fan, a Big 12 basketball follower, or a hoops junkie who loves a great homecoming story, this one is for you. RELATED VIDEO: Coach Judkins Interview: https://youtu.be/L-UV2WCvwS8 🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with top basketball coaches and players. ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Our First Meeting 0:30 Alex Jensen Moments 1:34 Elite Defender 3:27 Most Difficult to Guard 4:41 Andre Miller 5:10 Getting Recruited to the U 7:20 Role of Assistants during Majerus 8:19 Coach Judkins Memories 9:55 Why Majerus Yelled at Alex 10:37 What the U offers Recruits now 12:07 Picking Coach Jensen's Staff 12:58 Recruiting HS vs Portal vs Europe 14:26 What Really Matters to a College Coach 15:40 Biggest Jump From HS to College 17:20 NBA Experience 19:27 Best Way to Practice 21:22 Feel vs Teach vs Enforce 23:29 Utah "Style" 25:04 Size of Recruiting Pool 26:34 Parent Involvement vs Agents 27:18 Relationship with AAU Ball 27:53 Looking Forward to This Season 28:43 Making Practice Plans 30:05 College Basketball Schedule 31:13 Two Halves in College. Why? 31:40 Last Season Pros and Cons 32:42 Has it all been worth it? 34:12 Staying Present 📲 Follow us here on YouTube as well as: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team

    36 min

  2. 19 APR

    From 2 Wins to Mr. Basketball - How Tre Smith Rebuilt Cyprus High Hoops

    Cyprus High School head basketball coach Tre Smith sits down to talk about his 12-year journey rebuilding the Pirates basketball program from the ground up. A former Cyprus star and University of Utah basketball player, Coach Smith returned to West Valley to transform a program that had won just 2 games the season before he took over. In this interview, we dive into his coaching philosophy, how he builds confidence in young players, the culture shift that turned Cyprus into a competitive program, and what it takes to develop talent at the high school level. Coach Smith also shares stories about his players, what drives his approach to the game, and why coaching at his alma mater means everything to him. 🏀 Topics covered: 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Dress Standards 01:03 Basketball Character 2:50 Building a Program 4:31 You Can Beat Anybody 6:07 Turning Point in Career 7:38 Mr Basketball - Q Meza 9:37 New Cyprus/Old Cyprus 10:32 Coaching Style 12:26 Playing Influence on Coaching Style 13:15 Offense/Defense Philosophies 15:40 Coaching Staff Ideas 19:00 Tryout Expectations 20:30 Practices 21:02 Details Matter 23:56 Picking Captains 25:06 Play Sets 28:13 Scouting Opponents 30:35 Coachisms 31:19 "Try Hards" 35:47 Youth Programs 37:05 Keeping Players at Cyprus 38:32 Parents 41:29 Fundraising Efforts 42:55 Spousal Support 46:22 Relationship with Officials 47:24 Game Day Traditions 48:36 Rivalries 49:38 Team Dress Rules 51:08 Bigger than Basketball 52:54 Questions From The Internet 56:01 Advice for Younger Self 57:43 Self Worth vs Team Record 59:04 Hate Losing 1:00:09 Coach's Impact on Game 1:01:50 Parting Message 📌 Follow Cyprus Basketball: https://www.instagram.com/cyprus_hoops/ 📌 Follow Coach Tre Here: https://www.instagram.com/3tre_dayyy3/ If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and leave a comment — it helps us reach more basketball coaches and fans! #CyprusBasketball #TreSmith #HighSchoolBasketball #UtahBasketball #CoachInterview #BasketballCoaching #CyprusPirates

    1hr 3min

  3. 18 APR

    Coach Andre Ashton's First Season at Mountain Ridge

    Mountain Ridge Sentinel Boys Basketball head coach Andre Ashton sits down to talk all things basketball after completing a historic first season at the helm. Coach Ashton and his players led the Sentinels to the winningest record in school history, capping off the remarkable year with a run to the state quarterfinals. In this conversation, he reflects on building a winning culture, the key moments that defined the season, and what's ahead for Mountain Ridge basketball. Whether you're a Sentinels fan, a high school hoops enthusiast, or someone who loves a great coaching story, this one's for you. Follow Mountain Ridge Basketball Here: https://www.instagram.com/mountainridgebasketball/ Follow Coach Ashton Here: https://www.instagram.com/dre_15/ Subscribe to Making the Team for interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball. https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team

    1hr 8min

  4. 17 APR

    Utah 6A Coach of the Year: Kyle Straatman on Building a Winning Team

    What does it take to build a championship-level high school basketball team? In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Kyle Straatman, head coach of the Bingham Miners and Utah 6A Coach of the Year, to talk about Bingham’s incredible season that ended with a state runner-up finish. Coach Straatman shares insights into building team culture, developing players, leading a competitive program, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of high school basketball.This conversation is valuable for players, parents, and coaches who want to better understand the mindset, preparation, and leadership behind a successful basketball program. In this interview we discuss: Bingham High School’s run to the state finals What it takes to build a successful basketball program Leadership and culture in high school sports Player development and team chemistry Lessons from a Utah 6A Coach of the Year Subscribe for more interviews with basketball players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in high school basketball. Time Codes: 0:00 Winning Coach of the Year 0:50 Memories of This Year 2:28 Tournament Run 4:08 Bingham Style 7:23 Defensive Philosophy 9:03 Style Dependent on Athletes 11:38 Teaching Reads 15:33 Tryouts & Conditioning 19:43 Cultural Expectations 24:28 Communicating with Players 26:22 Accountability and Care 28:25 Picking Captains 30:33 Seniors 32:05 Multisport Athletes 35:45 Referees 41:32 Effort Expectations 43:42 Building Roles 48:47 Youth Programs 50:56 Game Day Traditions 54:20 Home Court Advantage: The Pit 56:06 Coaching Staff 1:00:04 Questions from the Internet 1:14:00 Advice to 1st Year Coach #basketball #binghambasketball #kylestraatman #makingtheteam #highschoolbasketball

    1hr 16min

  5. 16 APR

    The Rise of Luke West | Bingham Basketball Standout

    What does it take to succeed as a high school basketball player?In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Luke West, standout guard from Bingham Miners, to talk about his basketball journey and what it takes to compete at a high level. Luke shares insights into the work behind the scenes — the training, mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to succeed in competitive high school basketball. If you’re a basketball player, coach, or parent of a young athlete, this interview provides valuable insight into how players develop and what separates good players from great ones. Subscribe for more interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball. Time Codes: 0:00 Intro 0:37 Luke's Amazing Playoff Run 4:10 All Time Scoring Record 6:03 Signature Move 7:49 Scorer's Mentality 9:24 Scoring at all 3 levels 10:27 Workout Schedule 11:48 Scouting Reports 12:34 Defense and Transition 13:20 Getting in Shape 15:06 Recruitment Process 17:50 Game Day 20:15 Playing for Coach Straatman 21:47 Questions from the Internet 27:48 Final Advice #basketball #makingtheteam #lukewest #binghambasketball

    29 min

  6. 15 APR

    The Mindset of Elite High School Basketball Player - Crew Fotheringham

    What does it take to become a great high school basketball player? In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Crew Fotheringham, standout player from Lone Peak Knights, to talk about his basketball journey, development, and what it takes to compete at a high level. Crew shares insights into the work behind the scenes — the training, mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to succeed in one of the most competitive high school basketball programs in Utah. If you're a basketball player, coach, or parent of a young athlete, this conversation offers valuable insight into how great players develop and what separates good players from elite competitors. Subscribe to Making the Team for interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball. Time Codes: 0:00 Intro 0:22 Love of Basketball 0:52 Work Routine 2:43 Crew's Strengths 3:20 Favorite Moments This Season 3:51 What it Takes to Win 4:21 Expectations 5:27 Battling Perfectionism 6:35 Bad Shot, Good Shot, Great Shot 7:58 Favorite Places to Play 9:03 Best Players Played With 10:13 Rivals 10:53 Role of Family 13:12 GOAT 13:40 Favorite Basketball Gear 14:08 Game Day Traditions 15:20 Coach Ingle 16:01 Advice to Self #basketball #lonepeak #crewfotheringham #makingtheteam

    17 min

  7. 17 MAR

    Inside Lone Peak High School Basketball: Coach Izzy Ingle

    🏀 Go inside Lone Peak High School Basketball with Head Coach Izzy Ingle as he shares his coaching philosophy, team-building strategies, and what it takes to develop championship-level players. In this interview, Coach Ingle breaks down his approach to creating winning basketball programs, developing player talent, and building the team culture that makes Lone Peak Basketball one of the premier high school programs. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction: Meet Coach Izzy Ingle 0:16 - Winn Leprechaun 0:43 - Suit Coat Relationship 2:40 - Building a Program at a New School 4:33 - Balancing Opinions 6:18 - Core Principles 7:31 - What Makes Great Players? 9:19 - Balancing Accountability and Friendship 10:50 - Offensive Philosophy 13:30 - Defining Good Shots vs Bad Shots 14:26 - Tryouts 17:20 - Building a Winning Team 19:10 - Skill Work vs Team Concepts 20:31 - Coachisms 21:18 - Deciding on Plays 22:36 - Relationship with Officials 24:16 - Technical Philosophies 25:42 - Building Trust Quickly 27:26 - Proud of Players This Year 29:10 - Separating Record from Self Worth 30:55 - Advice to New Coaches 32:21 - Picking a Staff of Assistants 34:04 - Coaching Tree 36:26 - Life Outside Basketball 37:43 - Building the Youth Program 39:35 - Quick, Light Questions 42:21 - Expectations for Youth and Parents 44:07 - Most Excited for This Team 🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ Coach Ingle's approach to building championship teams ✅ How to develop individual players within a team system ✅ Strategies for creating strong team culture ✅ Leadership principles that translate beyond basketball ✅ What it takes to compete at the highest high school level ✅ How Lone Peak Basketball prepares athletes for the next level ✅ Coaching insights applicable to any competitive program 👨‍🏫 ABOUT COACH IZZY INGLE: In his first year as Head Coach of Lone Peak High School Basketball, Coach Ingle has built a reputation for developing talent, fostering team-first mentality, and creating a winning culture. His approach emphasizes character development, work ethic, and basketball IQ alongside skill development. 📊 WHO THIS VIDEO IS FOR: ✓ Lone Peak High School Basketball fans and supporters ✓ High school basketball players looking to improve ✓ Aspiring basketball coaches at any level ✓ Parents of student-athletes ✓ Basketball enthusiasts interested in program development ✓ Athletes wanting to learn about team culture and leadership ✓ Coaches seeking new strategies and perspectives 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Making the Team for exclusive interviews with coaches, athletes, and sports professionals sharing the strategies, mindsets, and philosophies that lead to success in competitive sports. 💬 QUESTIONS FOR YOU:What's the most important quality in a great basketball coach? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🏀 CONNECT WITH COACH INGLE: https://www.instagram.com/izzyingle/ 🏀 CONNECT WITH LONE PEAK BASKETBALL: https://www.instagram.com/lphsbasketball/ #LonePeakBasketball #CoachIzzyIngle #HighSchoolBasketball #BasketballCoaching #MakingTheTeam #PlayerDevelopment #TeamCulture #BasketballStrategy #CoachingPhilosophy #UtahBasketball #ChampionshipMindset #BasketballLeadership--- 👍 LIKE if you enjoyed this coaching insight! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews! 📢 SHARE with coaches, players, and basketball fans! 💬 COMMENT what coaching topic you want us to cover next! © Making the Team | Bringing you inside stories from coaches and athletes who are building winning programs

    45 min

  8. 16 MAR

    How to Actually Train a High School Basketball Player (Legendary Coach Explains)

    What does it actually take to train and develop great basketball players? In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with legendary performance coach Bob Medina to talk about the science and philosophy behind training basketball players — especially at the high school level. Coach Medina shares decades of experience developing athletes and explains what most players, parents, and even coaches misunderstand about basketball training. From strength and conditioning to skill development, mindset, and long-term athlete growth, this conversation dives into the real process behind building elite players.If you're a high school basketball player, a parent supporting a young athlete, or a coach trying to develop your program, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of how great players are built. In this conversation we discuss: • The right way to train high school basketball players • Common mistakes in youth and high school basketball development• Strength training vs skill development• How to build athleticism for basketball • The role of mindset and discipline in player development • What separates good players from great ones Subscribe to Making the Team for interviews with players, coaches, and experts about what it really takes to succeed in basketball. Time Codes: 0:00 Teaser 0:34 Intro 1:02 Biggest Training Myth 3:04 What Age to Start Strength Training 8:02 Training for Different Body Types 13:31 Loyalties Switching Programs 15:18 Differences Between Athletes 16:58 Where to Start Without Experience 22:37 The Diet Side 25:42 Rest Requirements 27:22 Stretching 32:52 Bob's Conditioning Test 43:27 Coming off the Bench Ready 46:10 Am I Over-conditioning? 54:24 Importance of Sleep 1:00:13 Fighting for Scholarships 1:09:12 Injury Prevention 1:14:15 Questions from the Internet 1:21:56 Realities of NBA Schedules 1:31:04 What A Strength Training Coach Cost? 1:37:03 Real Coaching #makingtheteam #basketball #basketballcoach #strengthtraining

    1hr 43min
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About

Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team. We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.

Information

  • Creator
    Erik Soderborg
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Erik Soderborg
  • Show Website
    Making the Team

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