Hoop Heads

Hoop Heads Podcast Network
  • 4.5 (416)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Hoop Heads Podcast is co-hosted by Head Start Basketball Founder Mike Klinzing and Coach Jason Sunkle. The Hoop Heads Podcast covers a wide range of basketball topics relevant to coaches, players, and parents. Listen in for interviews with personalities from across the basketball landscape. Our line-up of podcast guests includes some of the top minds in the game across all levels, from grassroots to the NBA. They’ll share insights to help you grow as a coach, improve as a player, or enhance your experience of the game as a parent. You’ll gain new perspectives on what the best coaches are doing, how they do it, and why they do it. We hope to make you think and challenge you to consider your approach to the game of basketball. We’ll also attempt to entertain and inform as we share our thoughts on the NBA and college hoops. We are passionately committed to the Hoop Heads Podcast and growing the game of basketball. Visit our website www.hoopheadspod.com to check out every episode we've ever recorded and learn more about what drives our show! Thank you for being a part of Hoop Heads Nation!Podcast by Hoop Heads

  1. 1d ago

    John Verduin - Founder of DYSports - Episode 1306

    John Verduin is the Founder of DYSports, starting the business in 2018 while he was earning his MBA at Seattle University.  DYSports specializes in hosting basketball tournaments designed for boys’ and girls’ youth teams in grades 3 - 11 who are developing their skills. DYSports events are ideal for teams looking to compete against opponents of similar talent, providing an environment where growth and improvement are prioritized.  John grew up in Seattle where he played multiple sports, including football and basketball at Ballard High School. He later continued his basketball journey at Willamette University in Oregon. Through his experiences, both as a player and coach, John recognized the need for more competitive levels for youth athletes to develop their skills. His mission is to create environments where kids can compete, improve, and foster a passion for the game. On this episode Mike and John discuss how he built youth basketball tournaments around developing teams that are often overlooked by elite-focused events. John shares how the idea grew from his own experiences as a coach and from seeing the impact of repeated blowouts on players, parents, and coaches. John discusses how DY Sports works to create more competitive matchups, including its team-screening process and use of AI as the company scales. He also explains why the organization limits tournaments to three games and how facility relationships, local demand, and market fit shape expansion. Throughout the conversation, John offers a broader perspective on youth sports and the importance of creating opportunities for kids to compete, develop, and stay in the game. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. You’ll want to take a few notes as you listen to this episode with John Verduin, Founder of DYSports. Website - https://dysportsllc.com/ Email - jverduin@dysportsllc.com Twitter/X - @dysportsllc Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 4d ago

    Brandon Rhodes - Senior Vice President and General Manager of Emerging Sports at GameChanger - Episode 1305

    Brandon Rhodes is the Senior Vice President and General Manger of Emerging Sports at GameChanger, a technology company that builds simple and powerful products for youth sports teams and their communities. On this episode Mike & Brandon discuss GameChanger’s growing role in youth basketball and its goal of making the experience better for coaches, parents, players, and club directors. Brandon shares the new tools for capturing full-game video, tracking statistics, generating player insights, and creating highlights that coaches can use for teaching and families can use to celebrate progress. The conversation also explores how GameChanger can reduce administrative work through centralized schedules, rosters, RSVPs, and team communication. For larger clubs, Brandon explains how a unified dashboard and organization-wide messaging can create consistency across multiple teams. The episode highlights how technology can help basketball programs spend less time managing logistics and more time developing athletes. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. Pay close attention and take some notes as you listen to this episode with Brandon Rhodes, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Emerging Sports at GameChanger. Website - https://gc.com/basketball Email - brandon.rhodes@gc.com Twitter/X - @getgamechanger Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. 6d ago

    NBA Media Day Tidbits - Episode 1304

    On this episode Mike & Jason discuss the Guardians’ playoff hopes, the Browns’ surprising 2–1 start, and the Cavs’ upcoming season. They then unpack NBA Media Day storylines, including Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers controversy, Brandon Ingram’s injury, and LeBron James’s comments about wanting to play for the Knicks. The hosts debate whether Philadelphia can contend with LeBron, question the fit of its stars, and analyze Jalen Duren’s contract situation and Detroit’s roster construction. They also hit on storylines involving Dennis Schroder, Buddy Hield, Kristaps Porzingis, and Stephen Curry. To close, they continue their state-by-state NBA player rankings, debating standouts from Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, and Maine. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Sep 28

    Xavier Silas - Virginia Military Institute Men's Basketball Associate Head Coach - Episode 1303

    Xavier Silas is the Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach and is in his 4th season at Virginia Military Institute.  He has twice been named to the Silver Waves Media Mid Major Coaches watch list as a name to watch as a future head coach at the Division I level.  Silas came to VMI after being an analyst for the University of Missouri men’s basketball program. During the 2022-23 season, Silas served as head coach of the Guaynabo Mets of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), the highest professional basketball league in Puerto Rico. Prior to coaching in Puerto Rico, he worked for both the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76’ers in a similar role as both the director of player development and offensive coordinator for each franchise’s G-League affiliate. As a professional basketball player, Silas had playing stints with the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. As a member of the NBA G-League, he played for the Iowa Wolves, Northern Arizona Suns, Bakersfield Jam and the Maine Red Claws.  Silas also played for various professional teams in Argentina, Germany, Greece, Israel and France throughout his playing career. After beginning his collegiate career at the University of Colorado at Boulder (2006-08), he transferred to Northern Illinois (2009-11) where he earned First Team All-MAC honors and First Team NABC All-District 14 accolades. On this episode Mike & Xavier discuss Xavier’s journey from growing up around the San Antonio Spurs to becoming associate head coach at VMI. He shares how embracing a role, setting aside ego, and becoming exceptional at a specific skill helped him on his professional basketball career as a player. Silas explains how he teaches shot efficiency with a simple “dollar” analogy and uses film, relationships, and high standards to help players improve. He also reflects on building Colorado Prep, recruiting for fit at VMI, and creating a coaching staff where assistants are trusted to lead and challenge ideas. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes daily work, shared purpose, and helping players reach their potential. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. Grab your journal and a pen before you listen to this episode with Xavier Silas, Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at Virginia Military Institute. Website - https://vmikeydets.com/sports/mens-basketball Email - silasx@vmi.edu Twitter/X - @xaviersilas Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Sep 25

    Ken King - Author of the Book "Pyramid Scheme" - Episode 1302

    Ken King is the author of the new book, Pyramid Scheme - How sport became an empire, why it is collapsing, and how we rebuild the game. Ken is the Executive Director of Calgary Minor Basketball, a non-profit of over 7000 athletes, 1500 coaches, and 300 officials. He is also the Principle/Founder of Boost Innovation Inc., a Calgary-based technology company building a portfolio of sport performance and coaching applications. He holds fifteen years of experience in high-performance collegiate basketball coaching and government affairs connected to Canadian sport. King’s work sits at the intersection of sport technology, athlete development, and systems design, and he contributes regularly to national sport development conversations through research, writing, and direct policy engagement. On this episode Mike and Ken discuss why youth sports increasingly operates as an expensive, restrictive system that funnels money and opportunity toward a small elite group. Ken shares how pay-to-play models, early specialization, overtraining, and limited alternatives contribute to athlete burnout and dropout. The episode also examines why coach effectiveness should be measured by player experience and retention rather than credentials or playing history. King highlights the crisis in referee retention, arguing that organizations must protect officials, hold abusive adults accountable, and provide meaningful administrative support. The conversation concludes with a vision for rebuilding youth sports through more affordable entry points, easier exits, multi-sport opportunities, and accessible ways for every child to keep playing. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. Make sure you have your notebook at your side as you listen to this episode with Ken King, author of the new book, Pyramid Scheme - How sport became an empire, why it is collapsing, and how we rebuild the game. Website - https://www.justkenking.com/ Email - coachkenking@gmail.com Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenboost/ Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Sep 23

    Kawhi Laughs All the Way to the Bank Plus Other Extension News & Notes - Episode 1301

    On this episode Mike & Jason discuss Kawhi Leonard’s surprising $115 million extension with the Toronto Raptors and the fallout it leaves behind for the Clippers. They question whether Toronto can contend with Kawhi’s injury history and whether Los Angeles received enough in return for a franchise-altering star. The conversation then turns to Jalen Duren’s contract demands and whether Detroit’s core of Duren, Cade Cunningham, and Ausar Thompson can succeed in the playoffs. They also evaluate young players and rising teams, including Amen Thompson, Keyonte George, the Utah Jazz, and the NBA’s upcoming rookie class. The episode closes with thoughts on Doc Rivers’ retirement, the best basketball players from Illinois and Indiana, and the Cleveland Browns’ unexpected win. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Sep 21

    Michael Martinez - Overseas Pro Player & Bilingual Content Creator - Episode 1300

    Michael Martinez is an overseas professional basketball player who currently competes  internationally in Columbia. Michael has also built a bilingual following of 275K+ across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, posting training, game day, and everyday content in English and Spanish. On this episode Mike and Michael discuss how disciplined training, careful shot tracking, and his father’s guidance helped him develop from a young basketball player into a professional athlete. He explains how making more than 150,000 shots during COVID, practicing with purpose, and maintaining a “next shot” mindset changed his trajectory. The conversation also explores the importance of AAU exposure, finding the right tournaments, embracing a specific role, and choosing opportunities where a player is genuinely wanted. Martinez discusses overcoming ankle reconstruction surgery, limited playing time, and the challenges of proving himself at each level of basketball. He also describes how bilingual content creation, social media strategy, and his Colombian heritage helped him build a platform, connect with fans, and create new basketball and business opportunities. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review.  Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation. Be prepared to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Michael Martinez, overseas professional basketball player. Website - https://basketball.latinbasket.com/player/Michael-Martinez/ Email - mikemartinezbusiness@gmail.com Instagram - @michaelmartinez__ TikTok - @michaelmartinez YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@michael.martinez_ Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Sep 18

    Round Table 93 - What’s something about winning that you understand differently now than you did when you first became a coach? - Episode 1299

    Welcome to the 93rd edition of the Coach’s Corner Round Table on the Hoop Heads Podcast. Each episode of the Coach’s Corner Round Table will feature our All-Star lineup of guests answering a single basketball question.  A new Coach’s Corner Round Table will drop around the 15th of each month. September’s Round Table question is:  What’s something about winning that you understand differently now than you did when you first became a coach? Our Coaching Lineup this month: Jerry Buckley – Bishop Kenny (FL) High School Erik Buehler – Arapahoe (CO) High School Chris DeLisio – Olmsted Falls (OH) High School Matt Elkin – Stanford University Stephen Halstead – Grace College Dave Hixon – Amherst College Mike Koehler - Elkhart Lake (WI) High School Bob Krizancic – Mentor (OH) High School Dell Leonard – Mountain Home (AR) High School Dan Miller – San Marcos (TX) High School Matt Rogers - Significant Coaching & Recruiting Don Showalter - USA Basketball John Shulman – University of Central Arkansas Please enjoy this Round Table episode of the Hoop Heads Podcast and once you’re finished listening please give the show a five star rating and review after you subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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About

The Hoop Heads Podcast is co-hosted by Head Start Basketball Founder Mike Klinzing and Coach Jason Sunkle. The Hoop Heads Podcast covers a wide range of basketball topics relevant to coaches, players, and parents. Listen in for interviews with personalities from across the basketball landscape. Our line-up of podcast guests includes some of the top minds in the game across all levels, from grassroots to the NBA. They’ll share insights to help you grow as a coach, improve as a player, or enhance your experience of the game as a parent. You’ll gain new perspectives on what the best coaches are doing, how they do it, and why they do it. We hope to make you think and challenge you to consider your approach to the game of basketball. We’ll also attempt to entertain and inform as we share our thoughts on the NBA and college hoops. We are passionately committed to the Hoop Heads Podcast and growing the game of basketball. Visit our website www.hoopheadspod.com to check out every episode we've ever recorded and learn more about what drives our show! Thank you for being a part of Hoop Heads Nation!Podcast by Hoop Heads

Information

  • Creator
    Hoop Heads Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.3K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Hoop Heads

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