Finish Strong Hoops

Dr. Chris Hart

Finish Strong Hoops is your premiere source for industry insights into basketball athletic performance and health. Hosted by Dr. Chris Hart, PhD, a current NBA Strength & Conditioning Coach and Physical Therapist, this podcast brings exclusive interviews with leading experts in sports science, performance training, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Each episode unpacks the latest science and turns it into real-world strategies to help you stay ahead of the competition and finish strong.

  1. Ep 13: Trent Salo - Theory to Practice in Tendinopathy Assessment & Management

    11/20/2025

    Ep 13: Trent Salo - Theory to Practice in Tendinopathy Assessment & Management

    Trent Salo is a widely respected physical therapist, strength & conditioning coach, and high-performance strategist and consultant. He is the founder of The Tendon Lab, located in Traverse City, MI, where he leverages advanced tendon imaging to monitor Achilles and patellar tendon health, and then drawing up customized rehabilitation solutions for his athletes and clients. Prior to The Tendon Lab, Trent served as the Senior Director of Performance for the Detroit Pistons, and later as Vice President of Player Health & Performance for the Charlotte Hornets. Currently, Trent is pursuing a PhD focused on tendon health learning from the world’s leading researchers in human tendon health and adaptation. In this episode we chat about all things tendons - the assessment tools available and adapting the current research frameworks into practical management strategies. Be sure to look up Trent's work: Personal work: www.trentsalo.comThe Tendon Lab: www.thetendonlab.comTraverse City Tendon Summit: https://www.traversecitytendonsummit.com/ 00:12 Career Background and Tendon Health Insights 02:14 Current Focus on Tendon Science 04:30 The Tendon Lab: Bringing Professional Service to the Public 06:25 Diagnosing Tendinopathy: Imaging and Symptoms 10:58 Tools for Examining Tendon Health 15:28 Mechanical Properties and Function of Tendons 24:08 Metabolic Health and Tendon Pathology 26:19 Loading Interventions for Tendon Adaptation 28:14 Understanding Tendon Load Responses 28:44 Feedback Loops and Models in Tendon Training 30:44 Practical Applications and Proxies 33:12 Pain Monitoring and Tendon Adaptation 36:35 Loading Prescriptions and Methods 43:05 Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in Tendon Health 45:35 Off-Season and In-Season Tendon Management 51:25 Upcoming Tendon Summit and Final Thoughts

    56 min
  2. Ep 12: Matt Jordan - Force Plate Testing and Eccentric Capacities in Basketball

    10/18/2025

    Ep 12: Matt Jordan - Force Plate Testing and Eccentric Capacities in Basketball

    In this episode, Dr. Matt Jordan joins the show to discuss his journey and insights into sports science, with a focus on the evolution of force plate technology and its application in athletic training and rehabilitation. Matt reflects on his career steps, mentorship experiences, and pivotal moments that shaped his research and practical approaches. The conversation delves into the specifics of testing and training eccentric qualities, particularly reflexive eccentrics, and the methodologies for improving athlete performance post-injury. Matt also shares his latest projects and the valuable resources available on Jordanstrength.com for practitioners looking to enhance their knowledge and application of strength and conditioning principles. 00:48 Early Career and Mentorship 02:54 Discovering Force Plate Technology 05:02 Advancements in Return to Sport 07:33 Challenges in Return to Play Testing 14:18 Innovative Testing and Training Approaches 20:55 Asymmetries and Benchmark Standards 25:56 Kinematic Assessments and Practical Applications 30:09 Kinematics and Mechanics in Athletic Training 30:53 Exploring Eccentric Abilities in Athletes 31:30 Innovative Robotic Leg Press for Force Measurement 32:36 Challenges in Measuring Eccentric Strength 32:58 Longitudinal Study on Eccentric and Concentric Force 34:22 Understanding Eccentric Force Output 35:19 Braking Mechanics and Injury Prevention 40:36 Reflexive Eccentrics in Rehabilitation 49:11 Future Directions and Exciting Developments IG: @jordanstrength Website: www.jordanstrength.com

    59 min
  3. Ep 11: Matt Aldred - Fascial Archetyping and Training in Basketball

    10/02/2025

    Ep 11: Matt Aldred - Fascial Archetyping and Training in Basketball

    Matt Aldred is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Michigan Men’s Basketball. Prior to Michigan, he was the Director of Basketball Health and Performance at Furman for six seasons. In that role, he also worked with Furman’s men’s golf and men’s and women’s cross country. Before Furman, he spent a season at the University of Florida as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with both men’s and women’s basketball programs. In this episode, Matt recounts his unique journey from soccer to becoming a strength coach for basketball teams in the U.S. He discusses the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and humility in his professional journey. He also delves into the intricacies of individualized training programs, the impact of NIL on athlete management, and the practical application of fascial mechanics for sports. Throughout, the focus remains on making the weight room a place of growth and enjoyment for athletes while adapting training techniques to meet individual needs and roles within the team. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 03:31 Early Coaching Experiences 09:48 Strength and Conditioning Philosophy 15:00 Individualization and NIL Impact 19:09 Fascial Mechanics and Archetypes 26:53 Seasonal Training Focus 27:48 Force Plate Testing Insights 29:03 Athlete Performance Metrics 29:58 Training Adjustments and Feedback 34:33 In-Season Training Strategies 41:53 New Equipment and Testing Methods 44:52 Future Plans and Professional Development 47:32 Fascial Mechanics Course Overview Contact Matt on IG: sc_aldred Fascial Mechanics for Sport course: https://ruderockstrength.thinkific.com/courses/fascial-mechanics

    55 min
  4. Ep 10: Adam Petway - Needs Analysis and Change of Direction Testing

    09/13/2025

    Ep 10: Adam Petway - Needs Analysis and Change of Direction Testing

    Adam is the Executive Director of Player Health and Performance for the Seahorses Mikawa in Japan's B League. He shares his career journey, which took him from the high school, collegiate, NBA, and now overseas. The discussion covers his approach to entering and leading a new department (with a language barrier). We also delve into his research on change of direction performance in basketball athletes, the methodologies involved, and the implications of these findings on training and performance. Additionally, we discuss the integration of biomechanical and tactical insights into coaching, the role of technology in performance analysis, and his book 'Basketball Mechanics,' which examines the key factors in the games' top performers. The conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in sports performance, biomechanics, and basketball coaching. 00:15 Adjusting to Life in Japan 03:50 Establishing Leadership in a New Role 07:26 Career Journey and Passion Projects 09:48 Research on Change of Direction Performance 26:43 Developing a Needs Analysis for the Team 31:03 Key Performance Tests for Basketball Players 39:44 Understanding Asymmetries in Athletic Performance 45:00 Future Trends in Sports Performance and Technology 46:43 Insights from the Book 'Basketball Mechanics' 50:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Contact Adam at: adampetway@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-petway-166a01b7/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/adampetway/

    55 min
  5. Ep 9: Jordan Sabourin - Longevity in the NBA & Practical BFR Integration

    08/28/2025

    Ep 9: Jordan Sabourin - Longevity in the NBA & Practical BFR Integration

    In this episode, Dr. Jordan Sabourin, Head Strength Coach for the Detroit Pistons, shares his journey from playing college basketball, to a professional career in Germany, and transitioning into coaching in the NBA. Jordan discusses his initial exposure to high-performance training in the league, his diverse professional experiences, and adapting to the evolving landscape of sports science and conditioning within the NBA. Reflecting on his 13-year tenure with the Detroit Pistons, Jordan emphasizes the importance of developing strong relationships with athletes and details his balance of traditional strength training with modern techniques like blood flow restriction (BFR). Highlighting the completion of his PhD and its focus on BFR, Jordan reveals key findings regarding fatigue management and its practical applications in an NBA setting. He also previews his upcoming comprehensive BFR course aimed at bridging academic knowledge with real-world sports application. 01:10 Jordan's Basketball Journey 02:22 Transition to Strength and Conditioning 06:04 Joining the Detroit Pistons 08:30 Evolving Role of Strength Coaches 10:17 Building Player Relationships 18:19 Pursuing a PhD 26:03 The Value of a PhD in Today's World 28:22 Introduction to Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) 29:27 Implementing BFR in NBA Training 36:19 Practical Applications of BFR 42:43 Managing Tendinopathy with BFR 49:39 Future Endeavors and Contact Information Contact Dr. Sabourin: Email: jsabourinphd@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordan-sabourin-phd-713a1628 X.com: @jsabs44

    56 min
  6. Ep 8: Mike Robertson - Advice on Training Pros vs. Developmental Players

    08/13/2025

    Ep 8: Mike Robertson - Advice on Training Pros vs. Developmental Players

    Mike Robertson is, and has been, a leader in the physical preparation industry for over two decades. Mike is the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), the creator of Robertson Training Systems, and one of the most respected performance coaches in the field with experience training NBA pros as well as leading the physical preparation of young developing basketball athletes. Mike Robertson shares his journey and expertise in the field of physical preparation, discussing his move from a powerlifting and soccer background to focusing on basketball training. He emphasizes the importance of foundational training, recovery strategies, and the integration of movement assessments. Mike also covers the challenges faced by young coaches today and the importance of mentorship in the current world of endless information. Additionally, Mike sheds light on his current projects and the value of in-person workshops for optimizing learning and training methods. 01:24 Transition to Basketball 05:15 Working with Developmental Athletes 08:03 Assessment and Intake Process 12:24 Movement and Performance Testing 20:04 Training Strategies for Pros and Young Athletes 24:26 Summer Training Success Stories 24:55 Managing Tendinopathies in Athletes 28:57 Off-Season Training Blocks 32:34 Balancing Training and Court Time 41:16 Advice for Young Coaches 45:00 Resources and Future Projects Robertson Training Systems: https://robertsontrainingsystems.com/ IFAST Basketball Insiders: https://ifastbasketballinsiders.com/ Contact Mike: IG: https://www.instagram.com/robtrainsystems/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobTrainSystems

    53 min
  7. Ep 7: Ramsey Nijem - Research to Weight Room Application in Elite Basketball

    07/17/2025

    Ep 7: Ramsey Nijem - Research to Weight Room Application in Elite Basketball

    In this episode, Ramsey Nijem, delves into his career journey from being the youngest Head Strength Coach in the NBA to joining Kansas University men's basketball as the Director of Sport Performance. He discusses his career path, the nuances of off-season strength training, and how he builds meaningful relationships with his basketball athletes. Ramsey emphasizes the importance of a solid foundational training block, evolving with new technologies and testing methods, and how to adapt coaching styles as one progresses in their career. He also touches on the challenges young coaches face in the era of information overload and underscores the value of critical thinking over credentials. Additionally, Ramsey talks about his Applied Performance Coach course and other upcoming projects aimed at improving training methodologies in basketball. 00:38 Early Career and NBA Journey 01:21 Basketball Passion and Training Philosophy 02:38 Testing and Profiling New Players 05:16 Evolving Testing Methods 10:00 Force Plate Technology and Applications 13:03 Interpreting Force Plate Data 22:32 Offseason Training Program 27:12 Relationship with Coach Self 27:43 Managing Player Workload 29:13 Building Relationships with Players 29:37 Challenges of the Transfer Portal 30:06 Transparency and Accountability 33:03 Adapting to Generational Changes 38:07 Developing Quality Coaches 41:52 Creating the Applied Performance Coach Course 45:19 Future Projects and Personal Life Applied Performance Coach courses: https://www.appliedperformancecoach.com/ Contact Ramsey: Website: ramseynijem.com IG: @dr.ramsey.nijem

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Finish Strong Hoops is your premiere source for industry insights into basketball athletic performance and health. Hosted by Dr. Chris Hart, PhD, a current NBA Strength & Conditioning Coach and Physical Therapist, this podcast brings exclusive interviews with leading experts in sports science, performance training, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Each episode unpacks the latest science and turns it into real-world strategies to help you stay ahead of the competition and finish strong.