Off the Beaten Path Hoops

Dan Searl
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Basketball

Hoops coaches tell stories about life, careers, winding roads and connections created through the game of basketball.

Episodes

  1. 12/16/2025

    OBP54: UNLV's Josh Pastner on coaching dreams, Lute, Cal and staying ahead of the posse

    Josh Pastner, the all-time leading rebounder at Arizona, shares his stories and lessons from a coaching journey shaped by legendary mentors and high-pressure jobs. He reflects on learning under Lute Olson ("one of the greatest clinicians and practice coaches in sports history"), what it was like stepping in at Memphis at just 31 years old after John Calipari’s historic run, and the intensity of leading a program where basketball defines the city. Pastner also talks Georgia Tech, including winning an ACC Championship and the iconic face shield that became part of One Shining Moment. From coaching philosophy to adaptability and leadership, this episode offers insight into the experiences that shaped Pastner and led him to UNLV.

    1h 13m

  2. 10/17/2025

    OBP53: Donnie Tyndall talks Love of the Game, Show Cause and Beef O'Brady's

    Insightful. Honest. Unfiltered. In this episode, we sit down with Donnie Tyndall to trace his remarkable coaching path, from his early days at St. Catherine’s in Kentucky to joining LSU and forming a lasting connection with Kermit Davis. Coach Tyndall shares stories from his unforgettable run at Morehead State, the challenges he faced during NCAA issues at Tennessee and Southern Miss, and the lessons learned from a 10-year show cause penalty that changed his life and career. We also dive into his comeback through his work in the NBA G League.

    1h 41m

  3. 09/26/2025

    OBP52: Brian James talks Michael Jordan, NU in NCAAs and the heart of Taylorville

    Few people can say they’ve lived nearly half a century in the game of basketball. Coach Brian James has. With 49 years of coaching experience, James has seen the sport from every angle — from small-town roots in Taylorville, Illinois, to the biggest stages in the NBA and college basketball.In this episode, BJ takes us inside some of the defining moments of his journey: what it was like to go from high school to the NBA, to work alongside Doug Collins, to coach and manage the competitive fire of Michael Jordan, and to help Chris Collins lead Northwestern to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearances. James also reflects on the enduring role basketball plays in Taylorville and the life lessons the game continues to teach.Whether you’re a lifelong hoops fan or just curious about the stories behind the sidelines, this conversation offers a rare window into the relationships, challenges, and triumphs that define a true coaching career.

    1h 25m

  4. 10/14/2024

    OBP51: Dean Keener, from a truck stop to the Final Four

    Dean Keener joins Episode 52 of Off the Beaten Path Hoops to tell his story that starts in northern Ohio and winds through Five Star Camp, Davidson, a truck stop in Indiana, a friendly office mate, a Monday night moment and the top grassroots basketball events in the country. Enjoy the conversation!

    1h 24m
  5. OBP50: Norman Parker and the Georgia Stars - a lasting legacy of hoops

    09/10/2024

    OBP50: Norman Parker and the Georgia Stars - a lasting legacy of hoops

    The founder of the Georgia Stars Basketball tells us about the humble beginnings of the program in Bartow County, the steep learning curve in recruiting and competing, and the breakthrough that happened with young William Avery at the helm. From Nike to Coach K, and from church gyms to the NBA, Norman has been through it all. Listen for great stories, lots of connections and some Peach Jam championship memories.

    1h 10m
  6. OBP49: Dan Evans takes Midwest roots to North Georgia success

    06/25/2024

    OBP49: Dan Evans takes Midwest roots to North Georgia success

    Here's the story of Dan Evans, a basketball coach who remembers every play from every game, got a job in the South off HoopDirt (along with connections, relationships and fate), and took the University of North Georgia Nighthawks to the Elite Eight.

    1h 12m
  7. OBP48: Gonzaga's R-Jay Barsh says that if you open the gym, they will come.

    05/25/2024

    OBP48: Gonzaga's R-Jay Barsh says that if you open the gym, they will come.

    We kick off Season 4 with Gonzaga assistant coach R-Jay Barsh who tells us the importance of opening the gym for anyone and everyone, including Isiah Thomas, along with how to build relationships that last. And make sure you ask him is how...

    1h 26m
  8. OBP47: Tony Campbell takes the reins at Reinhardt

    10/02/2023

    OBP47: Tony Campbell takes the reins at Reinhardt

    Coach Campbell tells us his path from player to coach, a battle with cancer and Barksdale tales.

    51 min
  9. OBP 46: NC Wesleyan's John Thompson on relationships over networking and camp connections

    08/29/2023

    OBP 46: NC Wesleyan's John Thompson on relationships over networking and camp connections

    From mentors and role models to John Thompson mix ups and Final Four visits - it's all here in OBP46 with legendary North Carolina Wesleyan coach John Thompson.

    1h 32m
  10. OBP45: South Alabama's Richie Riley talks tough interviews, difficult decisions and finding the path

    08/28/2023

    OBP45: South Alabama's Richie Riley talks tough interviews, difficult decisions and finding the path

    From maxing out your credit cards to leading a top division one program, Coach Richie Riley is a true example of following an off the beaten path to the top of the profession. Hear about his mentors, his insights, his work as a golf caddy and who can get you out of a speeding ticket.

    1h 3m

  11. 05/02/2023

    Off the Beaten Path Basketball: Season 4 Tipoff Talk

    Welcome to Season 4 of OBP, our off the beaten path basketball podcast for coaches living in obscurity, working in obscurity and even for those who have made it out of obscurity. In OBP44, our hosts catch up, tell stories and preview the season.

    52 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hoops coaches tell stories about life, careers, winding roads and connections created through the game of basketball.

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