The PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast

Cory Heitz
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Biweekly

The PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast helps players and families navigate prep school basketball and the college recruiting process with honest advice from coaches and experts who understand the landscape. Hosted by PREP Athletics founder Cory Heitz, the show explores how players can find the right school, gain exposure, develop on and off the court, and make informed decisions about their basketball future. Topics include college basketball recruiting, transferring schools, reclassifying, post-grad years, academics, player development, and opportunities for men’s, women’s, and international basketball players. Cory interviews prep school coaches, college coaches, scouts, and other basketball experts about what programs look for, how recruiting decisions are made, and what players and parents should understand before choosing their next step. Drawing on his experience as a prep school alumnus, former Division I player, and longtime prep school placement advisor, Cory brings firsthand knowledge and a practical perspective to every conversation. Learn more about prep school basketball, the prep school pathway, and college recruiting at PREPAthletics.com

  1. 4d ago

    Tara Brisson: HC of Tilton Women's Basketball | Developing the Whole Student Athlete

    Developing the whole student athlete is at the center of Tara Brisson’s approach at Tilton School Basketball. After 18 years at Tilton, Brisson explains why her program focuses on helping players grow as people, students, and basketball players rather than treating development as only an on-court process. Brisson breaks down how Tilton prepares players for college basketball through strength and conditioning, fundamental skill development, and a training structure designed to resemble the college game. She also explains why playing time is earned, why toughness and defense can separate D1 guards, and how transparency shapes her approach with players and families. For players and parents considering prep school, reclassing, or a post-grad year, this conversation also explores college placement, NCAA eligibility, academic support, recruiting fit, and the value of spending more time developing in the right environment. Brisson shares why choosing the best fit matters more than chasing the school that gives a player the most attention. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:01:33 - Tara Brisson’s Basketball Background 00:03:54 - Tilton School and Girls Basketball 00:06:13 - Tilton’s Championship Success 00:07:47 - How Prep School Basketball Has Changed 00:09:19 - Player Development at Tilton 00:11:16 - Earning Playing Time 00:12:59 - College Placement at Tilton 00:15:17 - College Counseling and NCAA Eligibility 00:17:02 - What It Takes to Be a D1 Guard 00:19:19 - College Recruiting Mistakes 00:20:45 - Reclassing vs. a Post-Grad Year 00:22:29 - Post-Grad Academics at Tilton 00:24:38 - Extra Training and Facility Access 00:26:16 - The Caitlin Clark Effect 00:27:31 - CrossFit, Coaching, and Leadership 00:28:38 - Quick Hitters 00:30:34 - Wrapping Up 📌 Key Topics: • Developing the whole student athlete at Tilton School Basketball • Preparing players for college basketball through strength, skills, and fundamentals • Earning playing time through work ethic, toughness, and competition • Finding the right college recruiting fit instead of chasing attention or status • Toughness, defense, and coachability for D1 guards • College placement, counseling, and NCAA eligibility • Reclassing versus completing a post-grad year • Girls prep school basketball development and opportunity 🏀 About Tara Brisson: Tara Brisson has been at Tilton School for 18 years and leads the girls basketball program. During her tenure, Tilton has won 15 Lakes Region championships, eight New England prep school championships, and three national prep school championships. 🔗 Contact Tara Brisson: Email | tbrisson@tiltonschool.org Website | https://tiltonschool.org/athletics/team/girls-basketball-varsity-2025-26/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachbrisson/ X | https://x.com/TaraBrisson Tilton Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tiltongvbb/ Tilton X | https://x.com/TiltonGVHoops 🏆 About PREP Athletics: At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path. Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families navigating prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals. Learn more about PREP Athletics at prepathletics.com, contact us if your family needs help navigating the prep-school process, and subscribe for more prep basketball and recruiting guidance. 🔗 Connect with PREP Athletics: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Email | support@prepathletics.com X | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@prep_athletics LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/prep-athletics 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast Website | https://prepathletics.com/prep-athletics-podcast/ #PREPAthletics #TiltonSchoolBasketball #StudentAthleteDevelopment #PrepSchoolBasketball #GirlsBasketball #CollegeBasketballRecruiting 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Tara Brisson: HC of Tilton Women's Basketball | Developing the Whole Student Athlete

  2. Aug 19

    Austin Burnette: HC of Hargrave Basketball | Development Through Elite Basketball Competition

    Development through elite basketball competition is central to Austin Burnette’s philosophy at Hargrave Basketball. Austin explains why practicing against talented teammates, earning playing time, and facing strong competition can prepare players for the demands of college basketball. Austin Burnette, head coach and former Hargrave Military Academy player, joins Cory Heitz to discuss basketball development vs. playing time, deep roster basketball exposure, military structure, college placement, and what coaches expect from prospective college players. He also explains how Hargrave works to bridge the physicality and speed gaps that often challenge college freshmen. Players and parents will hear practical guidance about choosing the right prep environment, competing for minutes on a talented team, creating recruiting opportunities, communicating with college coaches, and deciding between reclassing and a post-grad year. The conversation also examines how parents can support or potentially damage a player’s recruitment. ⏰ Timestamps: 2:07 - Austin’s Basketball Journey 3:43 - Competing With D1 Talent 5:57 - What Makes Hargrave Different 7:02 - Life and Fit at Hargrave 10:04 - Hargrave Player Development 12:20 - Earning Playing Time 14:35 - College Placement 15:48 - What College Coaches Look For 16:49 - What It Takes to Be a D1 Guard 18:27 - Getting College Coaches’ Attention 20:21 - Recruiting Successes and Misses 21:54 - Recruiting Mistakes and Parents 25:13 - Reclassing vs. a Post-Grad Year 28:10 - Hargrave vs. New England Prep Schools 29:23 - Quick Hitters 31:00 - Wrapping Up 📌 Key Topics: • Development through elite basketball competition • Basketball development vs. playing time • Deep roster basketball exposure and college placement • Preparing for college basketball speed and physicality • Military structure, discipline, and player development • Earning minutes on talented basketball teams • Reclassing compared with a post-grad year • Parent behavior in the recruiting process 🏀 About Austin Burnette: Austin Burnette is the head coach of Hargrave Basketball and a former Hargrave player and assistant coach. After playing college basketball at Campbell, he gained experience as a Division I assistant coach before returning to lead his alma mater. His perspective combines experience as a prep player, college player, recruiter, assistant coach, and head coach. 🔗 Contact Austin Burnette: Twitter / X | https://x.com/CoachABurn Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachaburn/ Team IG | https://www.instagram.com/hargravebasketball/ Team X | https://www.instagram.com/hargravebasketball/ 🏆 About PREP Athletics: At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path. Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families navigating prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals. Learn more about the prep school pathway at PREPAthletics.com. If your family needs help evaluating schools or navigating the placement process, contact PREP Athletics and subscribe for more prep basketball and recruiting guidance. 🔗 Connect with PREP Athletics: Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Email | support@prepathletics.com X | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@prep_athletics LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/prep-athletics 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast Website | https://prepathletics.com/prep-athletics-podcast/ #PREPAthletics #HargraveBasketball #PrepSchoolBasketball #BasketballDevelopment #CollegeBasketball #BasketballRecruiting 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Austin Burnette: HC of Hargrave Basketball | Development Through Elite Basketball Competition

  3. Aug 5

    Joe O’Shea: Head Coach of The Kiski School on Reclassing, Recruiting & Development

    Joe O’Shea, Head Coach of The Kiski School, joins us to discuss prep school basketball, reclassing, college recruiting, player development, playing time, and college placement. Joe shares his journey from Vermont Mr. Basketball to Division I basketball at Holy Cross and Bryant, professional basketball in Europe, college coaching, and ultimately leading the program at Kiski. We also discuss how Kiski develops its players, why Joe strongly supports reclassing in most situations, what families should understand about playing time, and how the transfer portal has changed recruiting for high school basketball players. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:46 – Joe O’Shea’s Basketball Background 03:16 – Transferring From Holy Cross to Bryant 06:25 – The Reality of Division I Basketball 09:01 – Lessons From College Coaching 12:24 – Inside The Kiski School 17:24 – How Kiski Develops Players 19:47 – Playing Time and Finding the Right Fit 22:10 – Should Basketball Players Reclassify? 25:00 – College Placement and the Transfer Portal 27:18 – What College Coaches Really Value 31:10 – The Future of Prep School Basketball 33:36 – Why the Prep School Path Matters 📌 Key Topics: • Prep school basketball • Reclassing and the extra year • College basketball recruiting • Player development • Playing time and roster fit • College placement • The transfer portal • Preparing players for college basketball 👤 About Joe O’Shea: Joe O’Shea is the Head Basketball Coach at The Kiski School in Pennsylvania. He was a two-time state champion and Vermont Mr. Basketball before playing Division I basketball at Holy Cross and Bryant. He later played professionally in Europe and coached at Mercyhurst and Saint Anselm. 🔗 Connect with Joe: Email | joseph.oshea@kiski.org X | https://x.com/_joshea1_ Hoops IG | https://www.instagram.com/kiski.mbb/ 🎙️ About PREP Athletics: At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and throughout the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path. Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. #PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruiting #Reclassing #BasketballRecruiting #PlayerDevelopment #KiskiSchool 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Joe O’Shea: Head Coach of The Kiski School on Reclassing, Recruiting & Development

  4. Jul 22

    Mike Foustoukos: Lawrence Academy Basketball HC on Reclassing, D1 Guards & NCAA Changes

    Mike Foustoukos, head coach of Lawrence Academy Basketball, joins Cory Heitz to discuss reclassing, what D1 guards need, player development, college placement, and how possible NCAA eligibility changes could affect recruits. Across the conversation, Mike explains why Lawrence Academy aims to prepare students for more than the next game. He covers the school’s community and RISE mission, multi-sport participation, honest playing-time expectations, strength and skill development, film study, and finding a college where each student-athlete can thrive. Mike also breaks down what college coaches want in a point guard, including versatile defense, reliable shooting, off-ball impact, passing, maturity, and leadership. For families considering reclassification or a post-grad path, this episode highlights the physical, mental, academic, and long-term factors that should shape the decision. Subscribe to PREP Athletics and visit prepathletics.com to sign up for the newsletter and find more guidance about prep school basketball and college recruiting. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode Introduction 01:19 - Mike’s Basketball Journey 03:34 - Why Lawrence Academy Stands Out 07:19 - Kevin’s Coaching Legacy 09:50 - How Lawrence Academy Develops Players 12:19 - Multi-Sport Expectations and Earning Minutes 15:13 - College Placement and Reclassing 18:19 - What D1 Guards Need 19:59 - The Future of Prep School Basketball 21:21 - Should March Madness Expand? 23:13 - How NCAA Eligibility Changes Could Affect Recruits 26:22 - Basketball Quick Hitters 28:48 - College Ready. Life Ready. 📌 Key Topics: • Lawrence Academy Basketball and the RISE mission • Prep school basketball player development • Multi-sport participation and playing time • Finding the right academic and basketball fit • Whether basketball players should reclass • What college coaches want in a point guard • Possible NCAA eligibility changes • Preparing student-athletes for college and life 🏀 About Mike: Mike Foustoukos is the head basketball coach at Lawrence Academy and also teaches history. He grew up in Southern Maine, took a preferred walk-on spot at Merrimack, and later played briefly at Southern Maine before beginning his work at Lawrence Academy. 🔗 Connect with Mike: X | https://x.com/CoachStouks?lang=en Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachstouks/?hl=en Email | mfoustoukos@lacademy.edu Hoops IG | https://www.instagram.com/laspartansbb/ Hoops X | https://x.com/lacademyhoops 🎙️ About PREP Athletics: At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path. Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families trying to navigate prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals. #LawrenceAcademyBasketball #PrepSchoolBasketball #BasketballRecruiting #Reclassing #CollegeBasketball #PREPAthletics 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Mike Foustoukos: Lawrence Academy Basketball HC on Reclassing, D1 Guards & NCAA Changes

  5. Jul 8

    Bryce Daley: Coach of Salisbury on How to Get Recruited for Basketball and Post-Grad Years

    Bryce Daley, coach at Salisbury School, shares how to get recruited for basketball, what families should know about a post grad year for basketball, and how prep school can help players prepare for college. In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we talk with Bryce about his own path from Salisbury School to Division I basketball at UMass Lowell, what surprised him about the D1 level, and how he now helps players develop at Salisbury. We also cover campus visits, all-boys school advantages, player development, playing time expectations, college placement, NEPSAC exposure, reclassification, post-grad eligibility questions, and what it takes to become a scholarship-level guard. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode Intro 01:57 - Bryce Daley Joins the Podcast 02:09 - Bryce’s Basketball Background and Prep School Path 08:10 - From Salisbury School to UMass Lowell 10:41 - What Playing D1 Basketball Really Takes 13:18 - Why Salisbury School Works 16:45 - All-Boys School and Player Development 21:43 - Sports Requirements, Strength Training, and Post-Grad Academics 27:38 - College Placement and Playing Time Expectations 32:18 - NEPSAC Exposure, Reclassing, and Post-Grad Decisions 41:02 - NEPSAC Class A and What It Takes to Be a D1 Guard 45:33 - The Future of Prep School Basketball and Quick Hitters 52:24 - How Prep School Changed Bryce’s Life 53:52 - Bryce’s Contact Info and Final PREP Athletics CTA 📌 Key Topics: • How to get recruited for basketball • Post grad year for basketball • Salisbury School basketball • Prep school basketball recruiting • NEPSAC basketball exposure • Reclassifying for basketball • Prep school vs JUCO basketball • What it takes to be a D1 guard 🏀 About Bryce: Bryce Daley is a coach at Salisbury School. He attended Salisbury as a repeat junior and senior before playing Division I basketball at UMass Lowell. In this conversation, he shares both his personal prep school experience and his current perspective helping young men develop as students, athletes, and recruits. 🔗 How to Connect with Bryce: Email | bdaley@salisburyschool.org Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brycedaley11/ X | https://x.com/Bryce_daley11 LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-daley-740042284 BB Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sarumbasketball/ 🎙️ About PREP Athletics: At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path. Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families trying to navigate prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals. Visit prepathletics.com to fill out the free assessment and learn whether the prep school path may make sense for your family. #PrepAthletics #PrepSchoolBasketball #BasketballRecruiting #PostGradYear #SalisburySchool #NEPSACBasketball 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Bryce Daley: Coach of Salisbury on How to Get Recruited for Basketball and Post-Grad Years

  6. Jun 24

    Bill Hanzlik: Former Nugget on What NBA Teams Look For & Choosing Prep School for His Son

    What NBA teams look for goes beyond talent. Former Denver Nugget Bill Hanzlik joins PREP Athletics to talk about player potential, work ethic, character, and why he chose a prep school post-grad year for his son. Bill shares how defense helped him become a first-round NBA Draft pick, what young players need to understand about making it to the next level, and how NBA teams evaluate more than just scoring. He also explains how he researched prep schools, why New Hampton became the right fit for his son Rob, and what families should consider when looking at the prep school path. We also talk about Nikola Jokic, what makes him special, Bill’s Denver Nuggets perspective, and Stomp’s basketball traction product after appearing on Shark Tank. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Bill Hanzlik, Denver Nuggets, Prep School, and Stomp 03:07 - Bill’s NBA Career and Defensive Identity 05:50 - What NBA Teams Look For in Young Players 09:12 - Why Bill Sent His Son to Prep School 12:43 - What Makes Nikola Jokic Special 15:31 - Stomp, Shark Tank, and Basketball Traction 18:22 - Final Advice for Families 📌 Key Topics: • What NBA teams look for in young basketball players • Bill Hanzlik’s NBA and Denver Nuggets experience • Why defense helped Bill become a first-round draft pick • Work ethic, character, shooting, and being a good teammate • Why Bill chose prep school for his son Rob • New Hampton and the post-grad basketball path • Nikola Jokic’s development and competitiveness • Stomp basketball traction mats and Shark Tank 👤 About the Guest: Bill Hanzlik is a former NBA player, former Denver Nuggets head coach, and longtime Nuggets broadcaster. He played college basketball at Notre Dame, was selected in the first round of the 1980 NBA Draft, and later sent his son Rob to New Hampton for a post-grad prep school year before Rob went on to play Division I basketball. 🎙️ About PREP Athletics: At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path. Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families trying to navigate prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals. #PREPAthletics #BillHanzlik #DenverNuggets #BasketballRecruiting #PrepSchoolBasketball #PostGradBasketball #NBADraft #NikolaJokic 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Bill Hanzlik: Former Nugget on What NBA Teams Look For & Choosing Prep School for His Son

  7. Jun 10

    Garvin McAlister: Multi-Sport Athlete Prep & High School Basketball Development

    Discover how multi-sport athlete prep can transform your development with Garvin McAlister, head basketball coach at Millbrook School. In this episode of PREP Athletics, Garvin shares his insights on student-athlete development tips, multi-sport training, and preparing high school athletes for success both on and off the court. We cover:  Developing skills across multiple sports  Lessons from college and prep school coaching  Millbrook School’s community and athletic philosophy  Balancing academics and athletics  Preparing for post-grad opportunities ⏰ Timestamps:  01:29 - Early Life & Basketball Beginnings  02:07 - Coaching Experience Across Levels  03:17 - Key Mentorship Lessons  04:30 - Lessons from College Women’s Basketball  05:07 - Millbrook School Overview  06:40 - Athletics & Campus Resources  10:36 - Multi-Sport Requirement & Athletic Philosophy  15:36 - Practice & Development Philosophy  22:35 - Playing Time & Family Communication  30:33 - D1 Guard Skills & IQ in Basketball  34:50 - Rapid-Fire / Fun Segment  37:17 - Closing Thoughts & Appreciation 📌 Key Topics:  • Multi-sport athlete prep  • Student-athlete development tips  • High school athlete development  • Basketball coaching philosophy  • Millbrook School athletic program  • Prep school recruiting strategies 👤 About the Guest:  Garvin McAlister is the head basketball coach at Millbrook School, with experience coaching high school and college athletes, emphasizing holistic athletic development, multi-sport training, and player growth on and off the court. 🎙️ About PREP Athletics:  At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it creates better academic, athletic, and college recruiting opportunities. We provide honest, experience-based guidance on prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, and NCAA updates to help players find the right fit. #multi-sportathleteprep #PrepAthletics #HighSchoolBasketball #StudentAthleteDevelopment #BasketballCoaching #GarvinMcAlister #PrepSchoolBasketball 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Garvin McAlister: Multi-Sport Athlete Prep & High School Basketball Development

  8. May 26

    Paul Biancardi: ESPN Recruiting Director on What Coaches Really Want

    Join Cory Heitz and Paul Biancardi—ESPN’s National Director of Recruiting, former D1 head coach, and a walk-on turned basketball insider—as they pull back the curtain on college basketball recruiting, player evaluation, and the intangibles that separate good players from great ones. Paul shares hard truths about rankings, the myth of "exposure", and why character, efficiency, and coachability matter more than points per game. Discover why 94% of high school players won’t play college ball, how to avoid the "D1 Herpes" trap, and the one game every athlete should never play (hint: it’s the comparison game). This episode is packed with actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the prep-to-college pipeline. 💡 Key Topics: 📌 Recruiting realities: How college coaches really evaluate players (and why scoring isn’t everything) 📌 The exposure myth: Why showcases ≠ development and what to do instead 📌 Prep school pros/cons: When a fifth year helps—and when it doesn’t 📌 Parenting pitfalls: How well-meaning parents sabotage their kids’ recruitment 📌 D1 guard blueprint: The non-negotiable skills for modern college guards 📌 Rankings decoded: What they mean, what they don’t, and how to use them wisely 🏀 About Paul Biancardi: Paul Biancardi is a basketball lifer—from walking on at Salem State under Tom Thibodeau to coaching at Boston College, Ohio State, and Wright State, to his current role as ESPN’s National Director of Recruiting. As a McDonald’s All-American Game selector and rankings architect, Paul has spent decades evaluating, coaching, and mentoring the next generation of basketball talent. His no-nonsense approach to player development and recruiting makes him one of the most trusted voices in the game. 🔗 Connect with Paul Biancardi: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/paulbiancardi/ Twitter | https://x.com/PaulBiancardi LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-biancardi-331113a9/ Website | https://www.coachbiancardi.com/ 🔗 Connect with Cory:   Website | https://www.prepathletics.com Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166 🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

    Paul Biancardi: ESPN Recruiting Director on What Coaches Really Want
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About

The PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast helps players and families navigate prep school basketball and the college recruiting process with honest advice from coaches and experts who understand the landscape. Hosted by PREP Athletics founder Cory Heitz, the show explores how players can find the right school, gain exposure, develop on and off the court, and make informed decisions about their basketball future. Topics include college basketball recruiting, transferring schools, reclassifying, post-grad years, academics, player development, and opportunities for men’s, women’s, and international basketball players. Cory interviews prep school coaches, college coaches, scouts, and other basketball experts about what programs look for, how recruiting decisions are made, and what players and parents should understand before choosing their next step. Drawing on his experience as a prep school alumnus, former Division I player, and longtime prep school placement advisor, Cory brings firsthand knowledge and a practical perspective to every conversation. Learn more about prep school basketball, the prep school pathway, and college recruiting at PREPAthletics.com

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