300 episodes

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

Hoop Heads Hoop Heads Podcast Network

    • Sports
    • 4.3 • 329 Ratings

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

    Nick Diaz - Torrey Pines (CA) High School Boys' Basketball Assistant Coach - Episode 943

    Nick Diaz - Torrey Pines (CA) High School Boys' Basketball Assistant Coach - Episode 943

    Nick Diaz just completed his 10th year as a Boys’ Basketball Assistant Coach for Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, California, working with Falcons at all three levels of the program. He is a Torrey Pines alum who graduated in 2010 after playing two years for Coach John Olive. While in high school, Diaz was part of two league championship teams and a CIF San Diego Section Runner-Up. After attending Torrey Pines, he graduated with a degree in sociology from the University of Oregon in 2014. Nick is a full-time Special Education Teacher at Canyon Crest Academy.
    If you’re looking to improve your coaching please consider joining the Hoop Heads Mentorship Program.  We believe that having a mentor is the best way to maximize your potential and become a transformational coach. By matching you up with one of our experienced mentors you’ll develop a one on one relationship that will help your coaching, your team, your program, and your mindset.  The Hoop Heads Mentorship Program delivers mentoring services to basketball coaches at all levels through our team of experienced Head Coaches. Find out more at hoopheadspod.com or shoot me an email directly mike@hoopheadspod.com
    Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes 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.
    Get ready to jot down some notes as you listen to this episode with Nick Diaz, Boys’ Basketball Assistant Coach for Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, California.
    Website - https://torreypinesbasketball.com/coaches
    Email - nicksd3@gmail.com
    Twitter/X - @NickSDiaz
    Visit our Sponsors!
    Dr. Dish Basketball
    Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training efforts this summer with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only financing to make getting new equipment easier than ever.
    Fast Model Sports
    FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank, which features over 8,000 free plays and drills from their online coaching community. For access to these plays and more information, visit fastmodelsports.com or follow them on Twitter @FastModel. Use Promo code HHP15 to save 15%
    GameChanger
    Introducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and to deliver memorable moments to your team and its fans. Engage your players, empower your...

    • 1 hr 29 min
    Ant is Here, Cavs Win Game 5, Maxey Stuns the Knicks, & More from Round One of the NBA Playoffs - Episode 942

    Ant is Here, Cavs Win Game 5, Maxey Stuns the Knicks, & More from Round One of the NBA Playoffs - Episode 942

    On this episode Mike and Jason discuss the Cavs' game 5 win at home against the Magic despite the many deficiencies they see in the team. Next, they look at the rest of the Eastern Conference Series including the incredible final minute of regulation in the Knicks/Sixers game 5. Then they head out West to marvel at the ascension of Anthony Edwards to become possibly the most exciting player to watch in the entire league. Jason finishes off the pod by encouraging LeBron to consider a final return to Cleveland next season...
    Visit our Sponsors!
    Dr. Dish Basketball
    Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training efforts this summer with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only financing to make getting new equipment easier than ever.
    Fast Model Sports
    FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank, which features over 8,000 free plays and drills from their online coaching community. For access to these plays and more information, visit fastmodelsports.com or follow them on Twitter @FastModel. Use Promo code HHP15 to save 15%
    GameChanger
    Introducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and to deliver memorable moments to your team and its fans. Engage your players, empower your coaching decisions, and give parents the thrill of watching every play unfold in real time this season. Download GameChanger now on iOS or Android. GameChanger equips your team with the tools they need to succeed. Download it today and make this season one for the books. GameChanger. Stream. Score. Connect. Learn more at gc.com/hoopheads.
    Get automated highlight clips for all scoring plays as well as rebounds, steals, assists, and more. Plus free live streaming, advanced scorekeeping, and team management.
    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.
    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
    Podcast - @hoopheadspod
    Mike - @hdstarthoops
    Jason - @jsunkle
    Network - a...

    • 1 hr 33 min
    Joe Burke - Skidmore College Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 941

    Joe Burke - Skidmore College Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 941

    Joe Burke has been the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Skidmore College since 2010 amassing an overall record of 200-147.
    Under Burke, Skidmore has won five Liberty League conference championships (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019) four Liberty League regular season titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019) and made six NCAA tournament appearances (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019). Burke has also coached 27 All-Liberty League players and two All-Americans.
    Prior to Skidmore, Burke spent six years as an assistant coach at the U.S. Naval Academy after four seasons on the Cornell University staff.
    Burke began his coaching career in 1996 as an assistant coach at his high school alma mater Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in New Jersey before making the leap to college coaching as an assistant at Philadelphia University from 1998 to 2000.
    If you’re looking to improve your coaching please consider joining the Hoop Heads Mentorship Program.  We believe that having a mentor is the best way to maximize your potential and become a transformational coach. By matching you up with one of our experienced mentors you’ll develop a one on one relationship that will help your coaching, your team, your program, and your mindset.  The Hoop Heads Mentorship Program delivers mentoring services to basketball coaches at all levels through our team of experienced Head Coaches. Find out more at hoopheadspod.com or shoot me an email directly mike@hoopheadspod.com
    Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes 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 handy as you listen to this episode with Joe Burke, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Skidmore College.
    Website – https://skidmoreathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball
    Email - jburke@skidmore.edu
    Twitter/X - @SkidmoreBball
    Visit our Sponsors!
    Dr. Dish Basketball
    Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training efforts this summer with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only financing to make getting new equipment easier than ever.
    Fast Model Sports
    FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank, which features over 8,000 free plays and drills from their online coaching community. For access to these plays and more information, visit fastmodelsports.com or follow...

    • 1 hr 21 min
    Mark Downey - Arkansas Tech University Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 940

    Mark Downey - Arkansas Tech University Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 940

    Mark Downey recently completed the fourth season of his second stint as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Arkansas Tech University and his ninth season overall at Tech in 2023-24 which saw the Wonder Boys go 25-7 in 23-24 and lose to eventual national champion Minnesota State in the DII NCAA Tournament. Downey’s first stint at Arkansas S was from 2006-2010.
    In 2010 Downey returned home to his alma mater to become the head coach at the University of Charleston. He remained at Charleston for three seasons before moving on to become the head coach at the University of West Alabama for the 2013-14 season. After his one-year stint at West Alabama Downey became an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, serving as an assistant at Bowling Green State University (2014-15) and at Purdue University-Fort Wayne (2015-16 to 2017-18).
    After those four seasons as an assistant coach at the DI level, Downey returned to NCAA Division II as head coach at Northeastern State University in 2017 before returning to Arkansas Tech in 2020.
    If you’re looking to improve your coaching please consider joining the Hoop Heads Mentorship Program.  We believe that having a mentor is the best way to maximize your potential and become a transformational coach. By matching you up with one of our experienced mentors you’ll develop a one on one relationship that will help your coaching, your team, your program, and your mindset.  The Hoop Heads Mentorship Program delivers mentoring services to basketball coaches at all levels through our team of experienced Head Coaches. Find out more at hoopheadspod.com or shoot me an email directly mike@hoopheadspod.com
    Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes 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 a notebook handy as you listen to this episode with Mark Downey, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Arkansas Tech University.
    Website - https://arkansastechsports.com/sports/mens-basketball
    Email - mdowney@atu.edu
    Twitter/X - @mdowneyATU
    Visit our Sponsors!
    Dr. Dish Basketball
    Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training efforts this summer with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only financing to make getting new equipment easier than ever.
    Fast Model Sports
    FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank, which features over 8,000 free plays and drills from their online coaching community. For access to these plays and more information, visit a...

    • 1 hr 37 min
    NBA Playoffs - First Round Analysis - Episode 939

    NBA Playoffs - First Round Analysis - Episode 939

    On this episode Mike and Jason bounce around the NBA's First Round Playoff Series to share their thoughts, analyze the matchups, and predict which teams will advance to the Conference Semifinals.
    Visit our Sponsors!
    Dr. Dish Basketball
    Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training efforts this summer with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only financing to make getting new equipment easier than ever.
    Fast Model Sports
    FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank, which features over 8,000 free plays and drills from their online coaching community. For access to these plays and more information, visit fastmodelsports.com or follow them on Twitter @FastModel. Use Promo code HHP15 to save 15%
    GameChanger
    Introducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and to deliver memorable moments to your team and its fans. Engage your players, empower your coaching decisions, and give parents the thrill of watching every play unfold in real time this season. Download GameChanger now on iOS or Android. GameChanger equips your team with the tools they need to succeed. Download it today and make this season one for the books. GameChanger. Stream. Score. Connect. Learn more at gc.com/hoopheads.
    Get automated highlight clips for all scoring plays as well as rebounds, steals, assists, and more. Plus free live streaming, advanced scorekeeping, and team management.
    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.
    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
    Podcast - @hoopheadspod
    Mike - @hdstarthoops
    Jason - @jsunkle
    Network - @HoopHeadsPodNet
    Instagram
    @hoopheadspod
    Facebook
    a href="https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/"...

    • 1 hr 15 min
    Kyle Bowlsby - President of Bowlsby Sports Advisors - Episode 938

    Kyle Bowlsby - President of Bowlsby Sports Advisors - Episode 938

    Kyle Bowlsby is the President of Bowlsby Sports Advisors. He works closely with clients in the areas of executive search, career development, and strategic counseling. Kyle shares insights on how his firm works with colleges and universities to locate, research, and interview coaching candidates for Head Coaching positions across the country.
    In addition to his duties at Bowlsby Sports Advisors, Kyle has been a speaker at the LEAD1 Institution, Women Leaders in Sports, and the Collegiate Athletic Leadership Symposium (CALS).
    If you’re looking to improve your coaching please consider joining the Hoop Heads Mentorship Program.  We believe that having a mentor is the best way to maximize your potential and become a transformational coach. By matching you up with one of our experienced mentors you’ll develop a one on one relationship that will help your coaching, your team, your program, and your mindset.  The Hoop Heads Mentorship Program delivers mentoring services to basketball coaches at all levels through our team of experienced Head Coaches. Find out more at hoopheadspod.com or shoot me an email directly mike@hoopheadspod.com
    Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes 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.
    Listen in on this episode as Kyle Bowlsby from Bowlsby Sports Advisors shares insights on how coaches can be better prepared when seeking a new coaching position.
    Website - https://www.bowlsbysportsadvisors.com/
    Email - kyle@bowlsbysportsadvisors.com
    Twitter/X - @kbowlsby
    Visit our Sponsors!
    Dr. Dish Basketball
    Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training efforts this summer with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only financing to make getting new equipment easier than ever.
    Fast Model Sports
    FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank, which features over 8,000 free plays and drills from their online coaching community. For access to these plays and more information, visit fastmodelsports.com or follow them on Twitter @FastModel. Use Promo code HHP15 to save 15%
    GameChanger
    Introducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and...

    • 1 hr 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.3 out of 5
329 Ratings

329 Ratings

Coach Nick Diaz ,

Must listen for coaches

Mike and Jason do a great job of connecting with the guest and asking relevant and important questions. They are well prepared with info about the guest and do a good job of making sure the topics discussed are applicable to coaches. I recommend coaches at all levels listen to gain knowledge about all things basketball.

BenK14414 ,

Great Listen!

Such an insightful podcast on coaching the game of basketball. The hosts passion for the game is clear, and you can learn so much from the lessons their guests share

Kentomania ,

Kent Washington

What a great opportunity to speak with Mike and Jason about my inner-most-thoughts about basketball. They covered my memoir “Kentomania’ perfectly with very thought-out questions.

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