Hoop Heads

Hoop Heads Podcast Network
  • 4.5 (406)
  • 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. 14h ago

    Mitchells Inks a Cavs' Extension...Is LeBron Next? - Episode 1275

    On this episode Mike & Jason debate the merits of Donovan Mitchell's $273 Million - 4 year extension with the Cavs before diving into the possibility of LeBron joining the Cavs. They also discuss Detroit's curious off-season, the Wizards reacquiring Kris Middleton, the summer league debuts of Cam Boozer and Darryn Peterson, and a few other off-season happenings around the league. Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    51 min

  2. 2d ago

    Larry Shyatt - Retired Former Men's Basketball Head Coach at Wyoming & Clemson - Episode 1274

    Larry Shyatt is a longtime college basketball coach who spent the final three years of his career with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He spent time as a head coach at both Clemson and Wyoming, making the 2015 NCAA Tournament with the Cowboys. Shyatt was an assistant at Utah, Cleveland State, New Mexico, Providence College, Clemson, and Florida. Shyatt has worked with legendary coaches throughout his career including Rick Barnes, Billy Donovan, and Rick Carlisle. Shyatt played two years of college basketball for the College of Wooster before deciding after his sophomore season that he wanted to go into coaching. He became a student assistant coach at Wooster under Al Van Wie. With the student assistant coaching experience on his resume, he landed a graduate assistant position at nearby Akron for the 1973-74 season, his final stop before his first full-time job at Utah. On this episode Mike & Larry discuss the significance of trust, humility, and work ethic in nurturing young athletes. He reflects on the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly in light of the recent changes driven by NIL agreements and the transfer portal, which have redefined the recruiting dynamic. Join us as we explore the enduring principles of coaching that transcend the complexities of contemporary basketball. 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. Have pen and paper ready as you listen to this episode with Larry Shyatt, longtime college basketball coach. Website - https://coachinguplus.com/programs/shyatt2025 Email – shyattlarry@gmail.com Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    1h 9m

  3. 5d ago

    Denny McDonnell - Simpson College Men's Basketball Assistant Coach & Founder of 4vLegacy Basketball Training - Episode 1273

    Denny McDonnell is entering his third season as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at D3 Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. McDonnell's extensive coaching career includes serving as the boy's assistant coach at North High School in Des Moines, Iowa and the girls' basketball coach at Valley High School in West Des Moines. He is also the founder of the 4VLegacy development basketball program in Central Iowa, a program dedicated to offering private instructional basketball skill development for young athletes aged 8-18. On this episode Mike & Denny discuss the challenges and rewards of coaching at both high school and college levels, particularly the significance of fostering authentic relationships with players to cultivate leadership and resilience. McDonnell shares insights into the evolution of player development and the critical role of effective communication in enhancing team culture. 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 some notes as you listen to this episode with Denny McDonnell, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Simpson College and the founder of the 4VLegacy Basketball Development Program. Website - https://simpsonathletics.com/sports/mbkb/index https://www.4vlegacy.com/ Email - denny@4vlegacy.com Instagram - @4vlegacy/ Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    1h 32m

  4. Jul 1

    NBA Free Agency & LeBron's Next Move - Episode 1272

    On this episode Mike breaks down the LaMelo Ball, Kawhi Leonard, and Ja Morant trades before diving into LeBron's decision to leave the Lakers. It appears this was in the making for a while given how quickly the Lakers pivoted to trading for Walker Kessler and signing Grimes, Mamu, and Sexton. Mike shares his thoughts on each of the possible LeBron destinations: Golden State, Cleveland, and Miami. Finally, Mike talks Jaylen Brown and the Celtics possibly parting ways even as the Celtics add Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley. Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    42 min

  5. Jun 29

    Terry Awls - Glass City Wranglers General Manager & Director of Basketball and Recruiting for Hopson Elite AAU Basketball - Episode 1271

    Terry Awls is the General Manager of the Glass City Wranglers, an affiliate professional basketball franchise of the Basketball Super League. Awls also serves as the Director of Basketball & Recruiting for Hopson Elite, an AAU Program based in Toledo, Ohio. Terry previously served on the Lourdes University men’s basketball staff and as the state director in Ohio for US Amateur Basketball, one of the largest travel/AAU associations in the country. On this episode Mike & Terry discuss his transition from coaching to an administrative role, highlighting significant achievements such as leading the Wranglers to the playoffs after a challenging previous season. Terry emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the positive impact of affordable family entertainment in professional basketball. Furthermore, the discussion delves into the intricate dynamics of building a cohesive team and the challenges posed by player retention and sponsorship consistency. Through his experiences, Terry stresses the need for integrity and commitment in nurturing talent and creating pathways for success in basketball, while also highlighting the challenges faced by organizations in today’s competitive sports landscape, particularly regarding sponsorship and community engagement. 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. Jot down some notes as you listen to this episode with Terry Awls, General Manager for the Glass City Wranglers and Director of Basketball & Recruiting for Hopson Elite AAU Basketball. Website - https://glasscitywranglers.com/ https://www.hopsonelitebasketball.com/ Email - coachtjawls@gmail.com Twitter - @tjawls Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    1h 13m

  6. Jun 26

    Matthew Malc - Yeshiva of Flatbush (NY) Boy's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1270

    Matthew Malc is the Boys' Varsity Basketball Head Coach at Yeshiva of Flatbush in Brooklyn, New York. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Ranney Panthers, a top-ranked New Jersey high school team that was also ranked #4 in the nation. Matthew has coached over forty Division 1 basketball players with multiple players going on to play in the NBA or professionally overseas. Malc also was the Gold Medal Head Coach of the 2022 U18 U.S. National Team at the Maccabi Games. He began his coaching career under the legendary Morgan Wooten at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. On this episode Mike & Matthew discuss why the essence of coaching transcends the mere act of winning games and encompasses the cultivation of character, resilience, and community among young athletes. Matthew shares anecdotes that illustrate his commitment to developing not only skilled players but also responsible individuals who understand the significance of hard work, collaboration, and personal growth. Malc’s reflections on his experiences, ranging from coaching elite teams to mentoring aspiring athletes, reveal the power of relationships that define his coaching philosophy. Malc believes in the profound impact of basketball as a vehicle for life lessons. to inspire, unite, and transform lives, both on and off the court. 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 sure to grab your notebook before you listen to this episode with Matthew Malc, Boys' Varsity Basketball Head Coach at Yeshiva of Flatbush in Brooklyn, New York. Website - https://www.flatbush.org/athletics/athletic_dept_info Email - mmalc@flatbush.org Twitter/X - @Maccabi18UCoach Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    1h 28m

  7. Jun 24

    Giannis to the Heat & NBA Draft Reactions - Episode 1269

    On this episode Mike and Jason share their thoughts on the Giannis trade from the perspective of both the Bucks and Heat. Next they look at the main storylines from the draft including the top 4 picks going as predicted, the Clippers taking Keaton Wagler at 5, New Mavs Coach Dusty May grabbing Morez Johnson, and the Bucks picking Brayden Burries and Nate Ament. They briefly touch on the ridiculous Trae Young contract and what the Wizards may have been thing before wrapping up with a quick breakdown of Micah Nori's bizarre contract to become the Blazers' Head Coach. Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    1h 7m

  8. Jun 22

    RJ Bell - Duquesne University Women's Basketball Assistant Coach - Episode 1268

    RJ Bell is entering his fourth season as an assistant coach and sixth season on staff for the Duquesne University Women's Basketball Team. After a two-year stint as a graduate student, Bell was promoted to assistant coach ahead of the 2023-24 season. In his first season as offensive coordinator, Bell helped transform Duquesne into one of the top three-point shooting teams in the Atlantic 10 during the 2025-26 season. Bell joined the staff after wrapping up his collegiate playing career at Geneva College. He played in all 65 games over his final three seasons with the Golden Tornadoes and helped lead the team to an appearance in the 2020 Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship Game. On this episode Mike and RJ discuss being a coach's kid and carving out his own path in coaching, emphasizing the significance of relationship-building and character development within a team. We examine the intricacies of his transition from a graduate assistant to a full-fledged assistant coach, highlighting his new role as offensive coordinator and the ambitious goals he has set for his team. Additionally, we reflect on the vital importance of communication and cultural understanding in a diverse team environment, particularly as it pertains to leadership development among players. Bell shares the joys and challenges inherent in the world of college basketball coaching, as well as the commitment to fostering a positive and successful team culture. 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. Have your notebook ready to go as you listen to this episode with RJ Bell, Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Duquesne University. Website - https://goduquesne.com/sports/womens-basketball Email - bellr3@duq.edu Twitter/X - @rj_bell5 Visit our Sponsors! Give With Hoops Give With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game. D3 Direct Recruiting Playbook Hoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off! Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing. The Coaching Portfolio Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners. Wealth4Coaches Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court. If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support Twitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspod Mike - @hdstarthoops Jason - @jsunkle Instagram @hoopheadspod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

    1h 14m
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4.5
out of 5
406 Ratings

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
    350
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Hoop Heads

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