Hoop Heads

Hoop Heads Podcast Network
  • 4.5 (405)
  • 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. 10h ago

    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

  2. 2d ago

    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

  3. 5d ago

    Round Table 90 - What's the most valuable coaching lesson you've learned from someone who wasn't a basketball coach? - Episode 1267

    Welcome to the 90th 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. June’s Round Table question is: What's the most valuable coaching lesson you've learned from someone who wasn't a basketball coach? Our Coaching Lineup this month: Jerry Buckley – Bishop Kenny (FL) High SchoolDave Hixon – Amherst CollegeBob Krizancic – Mentor (OH) HighTom McKeown – Author of “This is Panther Country”Don Showalter - USA BasketballJohn 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. Be sure to follow us on twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Let’s hear from our panel about the most valuable coaching lesson they've learned from someone who wasn't a basketball 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

    15 min

  4. Jun 17

    The New York Knicks: 2026 NBA Champions - Episode 1266

    On this episode Mike and Jason look back at the 2026 NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs. The Knicks capturing the magic of team basketball both individually and collectivelyIs Jalen Brunson a top 5 player in the league? Is he the best clutch player in the league?What do the Spurs do with De'Aaron Fox?Dylan Harper is readyWhat does Wemby need to add to his game? How does this loss affect his ultimate legacy? ( a crazy question to ask about someone who's 22) 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 5m

  5. Jun 15

    "The Triple Double" #25 with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (Il) High School Boys' Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1265

    The 25th edition of “The Triple Double” with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (IL) High School Boys’ Basketball Head Coach. Rob, Mike, & Jason hit on three basketball topics in each episode of “The Triple Double”. What are the keys to getting the most out your best player?What part of a high school coach's job is dramatically underestimated?What question do you wish more coaches would ask you...as opposed to the ones you get asked all the time? 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 10m

  6. Jun 12

    Matt Elkin - Stanford University Men's Basketball Assistant Coach - Episode 1264

    Matt Elkin is in his second season with the Stanford men's basketball program and his first as assistant coach. Elkin spent 2024-25 as assistant recruiting coordinator at Stanford before spending one season at Columbia in 2025-26 as an assistant coach. Elkin arrived at Stanford in 2024 after spending the previous four seasons at Yale as director of basketball operations. Concurrent with his role at Yale, Elkin has served as an assistant coach with Team USA with the under-18 team. He helped lead the American delegation to a gold medal at the 2022 World Maccabiah Games. Matt is also the Executive Director of the Jewish Coaches Association. Prior to his time in New Haven, Elkin served as an assistant coach at the Windward School in Los Angeles, where he helped the program to a 53-15 record over two seasons. He also spent two seasons at Vermont Academy as a varsity assistant coach from 2016-18. Elkin began his coaching career as a student manager at the University of Wisconsin and later served as head manager and student assistant for two seasons at Division III Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. While earning a Master’s degree in Sports Leadership from Northeastern in 2016, Elkin served as the graduate manager for the men’s basketball team for two seasons. On this episode Mike & Matt discuss his remarkable journey from coaching youth basketball to achieving his dream role at a prestigious institution like Stanford. Throughout our conversation, Matt emphasizes the importance of fostering enjoyment and passion in the game, a principle instilled in him by his early coaches. We delve into his experiences at Yale, where he contributed to three Ivy League championships, and how those formative years shaped his coaching philosophy. Elkin discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly with respect to the recruitment process amidst the pressures of the NIL era. Matt shares his commitment to nurturing student-athletes, ensuring they thrive both on the court and in their academic pursuits, all while upholding the values that define Stanford's storied legacy in athletics and education. 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 have pen and paper handy before you listen to this episode with Matt Elkin, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Stanford University. Website - https://gostanford.com/sports/mens-basketball https://jewishcoaches.com/ Email - mattelkin91@gmail.com Twitter/X - @CoachElkin

    1h 38m

  7. Jun 10

    Knicks Lead The Finals 2-1...What Happens Next? - Episode 1263

    On this episode Mike and Jason break down the 2026 NBA Finals following Game 3 between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. 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

    36 min

  8. Jun 8

    Andy Stark - D'Youville University Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1262

    Andy Stark is entering his 5th season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at D2 D'Youville University. The Saints advanced to the East Coast Conference Semifinals in 2026 and continued the program’s upward trajectory since Stark took over the program in June of 2022. Stark previously served one season on the Baylor men's basketball staff under Scott Drew. During his time with the Bears, Stark helped the team to a 27-7 record, winning the 2021 Big 12 Championship and making it to the NCAA March Madness Round of 32 as a No. 1 seed. Prior to his time with the Bears, Stark served as an assistant coach at D3 Penn State-Behrend and at D2 Gannon University. He began his coaching career at Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Md. as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team after having served as the head student assistant at St. Bonaventure while earning a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications. On this episode Mike & Andy discuss the transformative experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the significance of nurturing relationships with players. Stark addresses the trials and tribulations of his initial coaching years, acknowledging the steep learning curve associated with transitioning to a head coach. Stark explains how he learned to balance rigorous coaching with compassion, asserting that fostering trust is paramount in building a successful team culture. His narrative underscores the importance of patience and celebrating incremental progress, particularly in a program that is in the nascent stages of development. Through his insights, Stark illustrates the complexities and rewards of coaching, particularly in the context of leading a team through challenges while striving for excellence. His commitment to creating a positive environment, where players can thrive academically and athletically, is evident as he discusses the roles of mentorship and community in shaping the identities of young 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. Grab pen and paper before you listen to this episode with Andy Stark, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at D’Youville University. Website – https://dyusaints.com/sports/mens-basketball Email – starka@dyu.edu Twitter/X - @Coach_AndyStark 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 29m
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4.5
out of 5
405 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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