The Basketball Podcast

Chris Oliver
  • 4.3 (518)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Weekly

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. 5d ago

    Steve Scalzi on Coaching Methodology and Constraints (EP441)

    Detroit Pistons assistant coach Steve Scalzi offered a sharp, experience‑driven look at his coaching journey and philosophy, drawing on years across the NBA, G League, and college basketball. He reflected on how those environments shaped his approach to player development and discussed his transition into becoming the head coach of the Motor City Crews. He broke down foundational shooting concepts such as shot line, kinetic chain, and hand‑to‑rim, stressing that great shooters aren’t built through rigid templates but through flow, rhythm, and individual expression. Scalzi also highlighted the continued value of mid‑range scoring, finishing craft, and constraint‑based drills that mirror real game pressures and decisions. Throughout the conversation, he shared lessons learned from working with elite players like Kevin Durant and Dennis Schroeder, explaining how their habits and problem‑solving influenced his own evolution as a coach. He touched on the impact of coaching clinics, the academy model for developing both players and coaches, and the unique perspective gained from working NBA All‑Star events.

  2. Sep 2

    Ryan Marchand on Dynamic, Adaptable Coaching (EP440)

    Ryan Marchand, a professional basketball coach currently serving as head coach of the Fukushima Firebones in Japan's B-League. Ryan discussed his coaching journey from the NBA and G-League to overseas opportunities in Taiwan, where he had considerable success, and his successful turnaround of the Fukushima team from last place to the finals. A few key themes emerged from the conversation with Ryan. First, dynamic coaching requires adapting systems to the strengths of the personnel rather than forcing players into a rigid style of play. Whether utilizing smaller, faster lineups or bigger, more physical groups, the focus is on "solving the game" through live repetitions and decision-making, with the majority of practice time dedicated to game-like situations rather than scripted drills. Equally important is building a strong culture through authentic leadership, consistent accountability, and an environment that players enjoy being part of. Trust is established when standards apply to everyone, from the end of the bench to the team's star imports. The team's identity is also rooted in pace, using elite conditioning and a deep 12-man rotation as a competitive advantage to wear opponents down over the course of a game and expose weaknesses in their depth.

  3. Aug 26

    Eric Konkol on Attitude, Commitment, Class (EP439)

    University of Tulsa head coach Eric Konkol discussed his successful 2025-26 season that produced 30 wins and an NIT championship game appearance, a campaign built on staff continuity and attracting a complementary, high-character roster. His program is guided by the core philosophy of “Attitude, Commitment, Class,” a framework from Jim Larrañaga that prioritizes energy, dedication, and professionalism. Konkol emphasized playing lots of basketball through a game-based approach that incorporates advantage drills and a “three-trip game” (canceling pauses) to develop decision-making skills, while using video in multiple ways—primarily for corrections—for teaching. He detailed the team’s record-breaking three-point shooting performance, explaining their recruiting strategy and testing methods such as the 5-minute threes drill to identify and develop shooters. The conversation also covered managing roster turnover, maintaining program-building momentum after his success at Louisiana Tech, defensive principles focused on sprinting back and physicality, and the mental aspects of coaching through challenging periods.

  4. Aug 19

    Justin Wetzel on CEO of Player Development

    Veteran coach Justin Wetzel, who most recently served as associate head coach and offensive coordinator for the Noblesville Boom (NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers). shared his player development philosophy centered on the concept of players being "CEO of their own development," which involves a four-step process: establishing player expectations and strengths within the organization, having players set two to three measurable goals, creating standards that match those goals, and implementing consequences when players don't meet their standards. He explained how this player-led approach helps avoid conflicts, builds accountability, and focuses on players' existing strengths rather than just addressing weaknesses. Justin also discussed tactical basketball concepts including random screening concepts from corners and his approach to offensive installs using a "drill-it, rep-it, play-it" methodology. Additionally, he shared his work as founder of the Native American Basketball Coaches Association, which provides resources and representation for Native American coaches in rural and underserved communities.

  5. Aug 12

    Allen Sharpe on Simplicity, Accountability and 1-on-1 Defense (EP437)

    University of Alabama Huntsville women's basketball head coach Allen Sharpe, discussing his coaching philosophy and the team's recent success. Sharpe shared insights from his long career, including his influences from playing under Don Meyer at Lipscomb University and his experience coaching both men's and women's teams. He detailed his emphasis on simplicity in defensive systems, focusing on one-on-one defense and closeouts, and the importance of physicality and accountability in his program. Sharpe explained his use of notebooks for players to enhance learning and retention, and discussed the balance between maintaining high standards and ensuring players are physically and mentally prepared. He also reflected on the unique challenges and rewards of coaching women's basketball and the role of team culture in their success. The conversation covered the transition to coaching at UAH, the integration of high-usage players into the team dynamic, and the lessons learned from past experiences to sustain success.

  6. Aug 5

    John Shulman on Uncommon Coaching (EP436)

    Central Arkansas head coach John Shulman shared insights focusing on his coaching philosophy, career journey, and the "uncommon" approach he brings to the game. Shulman shared stories from his long coaching career, including his time at Chattanooga, Alabama Huntsville, and now Central Arkansas, where he led a historic season in his second year. He explained his core philosophy of being "uncommon" in all aspects of the game, from defense to recruiting, to avoid predictable outcomes. Shulman detailed his defensive strategies, such as the "Deep" inbound defense, and his offensive system based on the Princeton offense, which he adapts to give players freedom. He discussed his passion for coaching, how he rediscovered his love for the game after a period away, and the importance of focusing on process over results. Shulman also spoke about recruiting players who fit the program's culture and his belief in empowering players and staff. The interview concluded with personal anecdotes and reflections on the coaching profession.

  7. Jul 29

    Wes Brooks with Lessons from Rebuilding Utah State (EP435)

    Utah State head coach Wes Brooks shares insights on his challenges and solutions. Learn more about his journey from assistant coach to head coach, sharing his approach to rebuilding the Utah State program after two challenging seasons. He explained his offensive philosophy centered on "fist and flash" gameplay, spacing concepts (single, double, triple), and teaching players to read defenses rather than running specific plays. Wes detailed how he's implemented this system over four weeks of summer practice, emphasizing the importance of spacing, player development, and mental performance coaching. He discussed the psychology of coaching through challenges, the importance of resources and priorities, and his vision for building a championship program in the new Pac-12 conference. Brooks brings 20 years of collegiate experience with him to Utah State, most recently serving as an assistant coach at Ohio State. He previously worked as an assistant at Michigan, Utah, North Texas, Texas Southern and Robert Morris, and as a graduate assistant and director of basketball operations at West Virginia. In all, he has helped 11 teams to postseason berths with eight NCAA Tournament appearances, including in each of the past six years.

  8. Jul 22

    Charles Hantoumakos Inside Canada's Historic FIBA Upset (EP434)

    Charles Hantoumakos, the Canadian Under-18 Men's National Team Head Coach, breaks down their underdog victory against the United States at the 2026 FIBA Under-18 America Cup. Charles shared detailed tactical breakdowns of offensive concepts including flow mechanisms, rifle actions, and turnout sets that helped Canada secure their first-ever title in the event Hantoumakos shared insights on the importance of keeping plays simple while allowing talented players to make reads, the critical role of spacing and mismatch exploitation, and the need for thorough scouting and personnel analysis. Charles emphasized the importance of celebrating mistakes as growth opportunities and developing players through appropriate skill development rather than focusing solely on winning at younger ages. The conversation also covered Charles's coaching philosophy, player development approaches, and his return to Orangeville Prep as head coach, along with insights into Canadian basketball development and coaching certification programs.

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4.3
out of 5
518 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    204
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Chris Oliver
  • Show Website
    The Basketball Podcast

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