The Gametime Guru

Shane Larson
  • 5.0 (303)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Weekly

If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

  1. 3d ago

    He Lost a Testicle in a Football Game... Then Became a 2x State Champion | Cole Rushton

    What happens when a freshman football player suffers a devastating injury, finishes the game anyway, and later becomes a two-time state champion? Cole Rushton lived it. In this episode of The Gametime Guru, Cole tells one of the wildest high school sports stories you will ever hear. During warmups before a freshman football game at Snake River High School in Idaho, Cole went full speed after a pass, slipped near the goalpost, and suffered a catastrophic testicular injury. Instead of leaving the field, he kept playing. Cole went on to play nearly the entire game on offense, defense, and special teams while the injury continued to worsen. Hours later, doctors discovered the severity of the damage and rushed him into emergency surgery. But the injury is only the beginning of Cole's story. He shares what it was like returning to school after the incident became known by seemingly everyone, how he learned to embrace an embarrassing moment rather than hide from it, and how he mentally worked his way back into competitive sports. Cole eventually focused on basketball and baseball and finished his high school athletic career as a two-time Idaho state champion, winning championships in both sports during his senior year. Those experiences helped shape the resilience, competitiveness, teamwork, and long-term mindset Cole now brings into entrepreneurship as the founder of Timberline Growth Co. In This Episode The football injury that completely changed Cole's athletic career Why he continued playing even though something was clearly wrong The emergency surgery that followed the game The mental and emotional side of returning to sports after a traumatic injury How Cole learned to own an embarrassing story instead of letting it define him Snake River's run to an Idaho basketball state championship The dramatic baseball championship that gave Cole his second state title How losing before winning taught him about perseverance Why years of failure can eventually lead to a breakthrough How lessons from sports now influence Cole's approach to business and marketing About Cole Rushton Cole Rushton is a former Snake River High School multisport athlete and two-time Idaho state champion. Today, he is the founder of Timberline Growth Co., a digital marketing agency helping small and medium-sized businesses grow through SEO, paid advertising, and organic social media. Learn more about Timberline Growth Co.: https://timberlinegrowthco.com Episode Chapters 00:00:00 Why This Story Had to Be Told 00:02:10 Meet Cole Rushton 00:03:14 Growing Up a Multisport Athlete 00:05:37 The Football Injury Story Begins 00:09:01 The Collision With the Goalpost 00:12:25 Why Cole Kept Playing 00:19:08 The Locker Room Aftermath 00:21:47 "It's Not Like They're Going to Cut It Off" 00:23:20 The Ultrasound Reveals the Damage 00:25:52 Rushed Into Emergency Surgery 00:29:24 Waking Up After Surgery 00:32:47 Can You Still Have Kids? 00:33:32 Recovery and Returning to School 00:35:15 Learning to Own the Story 00:37:37 Returning to Competitive Sports 00:40:20 The Road to a State Championship 00:47:09 Winning the Basketball State Title 00:49:34 Chasing Championship No. 2 in Baseball 00:55:51 Pulling Off the State Championship Upset 00:57:10 The Biggest Lessons Sports Taught Cole 00:58:49 Timberline Growth Co. 00:59:39 The Annual "Testy Festy" Subscribe to The Gametime Guru If you enjoy sports stories about perseverance, mental toughness, competition, leadership, and the lessons athletes carry into life and business, follow or subscribe to The Gametime Guru so you do not miss the next episode. Hosted by Shane Larson, The Gametime Guru features athletes, coaches, sports figures, entrepreneurs, and leaders from around the world to help listeners see sports through a different lens. """ path = Path("/mnt/data/cole-rushton-apple-spotify-description.html") path.write_text(html, encoding="utf-8") print(f"Created: {path}") print(f"Title: {title}")

    He Lost a Testicle in a Football Game... Then Became a 2x State Champion | Cole Rushton

  2. Aug 28

    Brandon Puffer: From MLB to Prison to Redemption Through Faith

    Former Major League Baseball pitcher Brandon Puffer reached the highest level of the game. Then his life took a dramatic turn that ultimately led him from the bullpen to prison. In this powerful episode of The Gametime Guru, Brandon shares his remarkable journey through professional baseball, addiction, incarceration, accountability, faith, sobriety, forgiveness, and redemption. Brandon was drafted by the Minnesota Twins directly out of high school and spent years grinding through the minor leagues. He was released by multiple organizations, continued fighting for another opportunity, and eventually made a pitching adjustment that changed the trajectory of his career: dropping down and throwing sidearm. That adjustment helped Brandon climb through professional baseball and ultimately earn his call to Major League Baseball. He would go on to pitch for organizations including the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox organization while competing against some of the biggest names in the sport. But Brandon's story goes far beyond baseball. He openly discusses his battle with alcohol, losing his sobriety, ignoring warning signs, and making decisions that eventually resulted in his arrest, conviction, and a five-year prison sentence. Brandon ultimately served three and a half years behind bars. What makes this conversation so impactful is Brandon's willingness to take responsibility for what happened. He does not make excuses. Instead, he talks about the ripple effect of our choices, the people who were hurt by his actions, and why true redemption requires accountability. Brandon shares what it was like to surrender his life to God while incarcerated, walk out of prison with almost nothing, rebuild relationships with his children, take a humbling job working maintenance at a baseball stadium, and slowly rediscover his purpose. Today, Brandon uses his experiences to mentor young athletes, speak to people facing difficult circumstances, return to prisons to share his story, and encourage others to recognize the warning signs in their own lives before it is too late. In this episode, we discuss: Getting drafted by the Minnesota Twins out of high school The grind and uncertainty of Minor League Baseball Being released multiple times and refusing to quit The sidearm pitching adjustment that changed Brandon's career Getting the call to Major League Baseball His unforgettable MLB debut Pitching against some of baseball's biggest stars His first Major League win Addiction and losing his sobriety The warning signs Brandon ignored The night that changed the direction of his life Receiving a five-year prison sentence Spending three and a half years incarcerated The impact his choices had on his family and others Why accountability is essential to redemption Surrendering his life to Christ Starting over after prison Rebuilding relationships with his children Grace, forgiveness, faith, and nearly 18 years of sobriety Why isolation can make our struggles more dangerous Brandon's advice for anyone who knows they need help His book, From the Bullpen to the State Pen Connect with Brandon Puffer: Website: www.coachpuffpositive.com Instagram: @coachpuffpositive X: @coachpuffpositv Brandon's Book: From the Bullpen to the State Pen Available on Amazon. If Brandon's story resonates with you, share this episode with someone who may need to hear the message that your worst decision does not have to become the final chapter of your life. Accountability, humility, faith, and the willingness to ask for help can change the direction of your story. Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more conversations with athletes, coaches, sports executives, agents, entrepreneurs, and inspiring people who share the lessons behind their journeys in sports and life.

    Brandon Puffer: From MLB to Prison to Redemption Through Faith

  3. Aug 21

    Brian Levy: NIL, NFL Contracts & the Changing World of Sports Agents

    What does it really take to be a sports agent in the modern era of NIL, the transfer portal, revenue sharing, and constantly changing college football? On this episode of The Gametime Guru, Shane Larson sits down with longtime professional sports agent Brian Levy, Founder and CEO of Goal Line Football. Brian has been an NFLPA-certified agent since 1990 and has spent more than three decades representing players and coaches while watching the business of football completely transform. From NFL contracts and coaching negotiations to NIL agreements involving athletes who are still in high school, Brian provides an inside look at what athlete representation really looks like in 2026. We discuss how Brian unexpectedly became a football agent after a chance encounter at a sneaker store, why relationships became the foundation of his entire career, and why honesty and loyalty still matter in an increasingly transactional sports industry. We also dive deep into the modern college football landscape, including: How NIL has changed the role of a sports agent The impact of the transfer portal and revenue sharing What high school athletes should consider before choosing a college Why young athletes need to understand taxes, LLCs, saving, and investing How parents can prepare themselves for NIL negotiations and recruiting The dangers of inexperienced people negotiating deals for athletes Why Brian believes the obsession with building an athlete's "personal brand" is often overhyped What actually creates a valuable brand for an athlete Why NFL organizations continue to make mistakes when hiring head coaches Why being a great coordinator doesn't automatically make someone a great head coach The story behind Mike Tomlin getting his opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers Why relationships, trust, honesty, and loyalty have defined Brian's career Brian also shares some powerful perspective from more than 35 years in the sports business, including why he doesn't measure success simply by money or the number of clients he represents. For Brian, success is about the relationships he has built and the impact people have had on one another along the way. If you're a high school athlete, college athlete, parent, coach, sports agent, athletic administrator, sports business professional, or college football fan, this conversation provides a fascinating look behind the curtain at the rapidly changing business of football. Learn more about Brian Levy and Goal Line Football: www.goallinefootball.com SPONSORS & PARTNERS OF THE GAMETIME GURU FASCIA STICKS Whether you're training hard, lifting, running, coaching, competing, or simply dealing with those tight areas that are difficult to reach, check out Fascia Sticks. The Fascia Stick Pro is a stainless steel precision tool designed to help target smaller areas of the body and makes a great addition to your gym bag or recovery routine. Use code GAMETIME15. Shop Fascia Sticks Here Disclosure: This is an affiliate link/code, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no additional cost to you. Fascia Sticks products are cosmetic wellness accessories and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. GRIT STICKS - CROSS O MEATS This episode is also supported by Grit Sticks from Cross O Meats. Grit Sticks are made with 100% American-raised beef and built for athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, service members, and everyday people who refuse to quit. Whether you're training, coaching, traveling, working, or simply need a convenient high-protein snack on the go, Grit Sticks are made to fuel those moments when you have to keep pushing. Available in flavors including Original, Jalapeño, and Teriyaki. Use code GTG10 at checkout. Shop Grit Sticks Here NATION'S BEST FOOTBALL Special thanks to Nation's Best Football for their continued support of The Gametime Guru. Nation's Best Football is dedicated to showcasing football talent across every level of the game, from youth and high school football to college and professional athletes, while helping athletes gain exposure and understand opportunities surrounding their personal brand and NIL. Visit Nation's Best Football SUMMIT LEGAL CONSULTING Special thanks to Summit Legal Consulting. Summit Legal Consulting works with business founders throughout the lifecycle of their companies, helping entrepreneurs navigate important legal and business decisions from startup through acquisition and exit. If you're a business owner looking for experienced legal guidance, learn more about Summit Legal Consulting below and mention The Gametime Guru when reaching out. Visit Summit Legal Consulting Email: addison@summitlegalconsulting.com TIMBERLINE GROWTH CO. Special thanks to Timberline Growth Co. for supporting The Gametime Guru. Timberline Growth Co. helps businesses grow through digital marketing, lead generation, online visibility, and AI-powered tools designed to help companies generate more leads and sales. Learn More About Timberline Growth Co. FOLLOW THE GAMETIME GURU The Gametime Guru brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, executives, entrepreneurs, and sports professionals from around the world to help you see sports through a different lens. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this conversation with someone who would enjoy it. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Listen on Spotify The Gametime Guru with Shane Larson Helping you see sports through a different lens.

  4. Aug 14

    Kurt Taylor: Rebuilding Ridgevue Football Through Culture, Leadership, and Hard Work

    Kurt Taylor: Rebuilding Ridgevue Football Through Culture, Leadership, and Hard Work What does it actually take to build a winning football culture? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Kurt Taylor, the head football coach at Ridgevue High School, for a powerful conversation about coaching, leadership, adversity, player development, community buy-in, and what it takes to build a football program the right way. Coach Taylor brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to Ridgevue football, and this episode goes far beyond the scoreboard. We talk about his football journey, growing up in Oregon, dealing with serious injuries as a high school athlete, the mental health challenges that came with losing the opportunity to play college football, and how coaching became the calling that helped shape his life. This conversation is especially valuable for athletes, parents, coaches, and leaders who want to understand what culture really means inside a program. Coach Taylor shares what it has been like stepping into the Ridgevue football program, how he is working to build trust with players, parents, coaches, and the North Nampa community, and why consistency matters when a program has gone through multiple coaching changes. One of the biggest themes in this episode is that culture is not just something you say. It is something you build every single day through standards, expectations, relationships, core values, and the experience players have inside the program. In this episode, we talk about: Kurt Taylor's football journey and how he fell in love with the game Growing up in Oregon and knowing early that he wanted to coach How injuries impacted his football dreams The mental health side of losing opportunities as an athlete Why hard work is the great equalizer How coaching became his calling What brought Coach Taylor from Oregon to Idaho Why Ridgevue football has a unique opportunity right now How to rebuild trust after multiple coaching changes What real football culture looks like Why parents, players, coaches, and community all matter How Ridgevue is building from the youth level up The importance of player leadership and leadership councils Ridgevue players to watch this season Why the weight room is the foundation of a successful football program Why Coach Taylor believes the power clean is one of the best lifts for football players What Ridgevue fans can expect from the program moving forward Coach Taylor also talks about the importance of developing young men beyond football. His goal is not just to build better athletes. It is to help players become better leaders, better teammates, and better people who can take the lessons from football into the rest of their lives. We also dive into the importance of the weight room, strength and conditioning, speed development, and mental toughness. Coach Taylor explains why the weight room is where athletes build more than strength. It is where they learn how to push through discomfort, respond to adversity, and build confidence that carries into the fourth quarter and beyond. Whether you are a Ridgevue football fan, a Treasure Valley sports fan, a high school athlete, a parent, a coach, or someone who loves conversations about leadership and sports, this episode gives a great look at what Coach Taylor and his staff are building at Ridgevue High School. Follow and subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more conversations with athletes, coaches, business owners, and sports figures from around the world. Follow The Gametime Guru Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru Twitter / X: https://x.com/thegametimeguru/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-larson-4b591944/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru GTG Partnerships Fascia Sticks As athletes, lifters, runners, coaches, and everyday movers, we all deal with tight spots that are hard to reach. That's why I'm excited to share Fascia Sticks. The Fascia Stick Pro is a stainless steel precision tool designed to help target smaller areas like the hands, feet, neck, jaw, temples, and around joints where tension can build up. It's portable, easy to keep in a gym bag, and can even be chilled in the freezer for cold therapy on those smaller areas. Whether you're training hard, recovering between workouts, coaching all day, or just trying to move and feel better, this is a simple tool worth checking out. Use my affiliate code/link here: https://fasciasticks.com/GAMETIME15 Disclosure: This is an affiliate link/code, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you. Note: Fascia Sticks products are cosmetic wellness accessories and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Grit Sticks This episode is also supported by Grit Sticks, a 100% American-raised beef stick brand built for athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, service members, and everyday people who refuse to quit. Grit Sticks are made for those moments when you need fuel on the go, whether you are training, coaching, working, traveling, or simply pushing through a long day. Available in flavors like Original, Jalapeño, and Teriyaki, Grit Sticks are all about true American grit and giving you a high-quality snack option when you need something quick and convenient. Use code GTG10 at checkout. Shop here: https://www.crossomeats.com/?ref=GTG10 What time is it? Game Time.

    Kurt Taylor: Rebuilding Ridgevue Football Through Culture, Leadership, and Hard Work

  5. Aug 7

    From an 0-24 Team to Pro Quarterback in Europe with Justin Sottilare

    How does a quarterback go from playing for an 0-24 high school football program to competing professionally around the world? In this episode of The Gametime Guru, Shane Larson sits down with professional quarterback, offensive coordinator, and football entrepreneur Justin Sottilare. Justin shares his journey from a struggling high school program to playing for nationally competitive Division III powerhouse Wesley College. He entered college as one of eight quarterbacks on the roster, considered quitting, and ultimately worked his way into opportunities to contribute to a winning program. After college, Justin planned to become a teacher and football coach. Then an unexpected message opened the door for him to play professional American football in Europe. What he initially thought might be an April Fool's joke became an international playing career that took him to Germany, Australia, and other football programs around the world. Justin began playing professionally overseas in 2014, initially retired in 2021, and later returned to the field. He is now playing quarterback professionally again at 36 years old while continuing to coach and build businesses within the football industry. This conversation covers: How Justin remained committed during an 0-24 stretch in high school Why refusing to quit helped him move up the college depth chart What he learned inside an elite Division III football program How he received his first opportunity to play professionally in Europe What the talent, competition, and atmosphere are like in European football Why international football can create opportunities for players after college How Justin became an offensive coordinator while continuing to play quarterback Why he spent years developing repeatable systems for football coaches How he turned his football knowledge into the American Football Academy Why it took a full year for his business to generate its first revenue How Spiral XO helps coaches organize and manage their football programs Justin also takes us behind the creation of Spiral XO. Spiral XO is an all-in-one football coaching and program management platform created by experienced football coaches who understand how much time goes into running a team. The platform helps coaches manage digital playbooks, player quizzes, practice plans, scouting reports, scout cards, team communication, calendars, in-game analytics, equipment, player development, and other important parts of a football program. Spiral XO can also integrate information from film platforms such as Hudl and QuickCut, helping coaches reduce repetitive administrative work and spend more time preparing their teams and developing their players. One of its most valuable features automatically creates interactive player quizzes from a team's playbook. Players can draw their assignments, receive immediate feedback, and demonstrate whether they truly understand their responsibilities. Coaches can then review each player's answers without manually creating and grading every quiz. Whether you are an athlete, football coach, athletic director, entrepreneur, or sports fan, Justin's story offers powerful lessons about persistence, preparation, leadership, problem-solving, and building a career around something you genuinely love. Learn more about Justin's businesses: Explore Spiral XO and book a demo Visit the American Football Academy Connect with The Gametime Guru: Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, and sports figures from around the world. New interviews provide a panoramic view of sports and the lessons that competition can teach us about life, leadership, and business. What part of Justin Sottilare's journey stood out most to you?

    From an 0-24 Team to Pro Quarterback in Europe with Justin Sottilare

  6. Jul 31

    Jonathon Klem: How ManageMemberships Helps Gym Owners Stop Losing Revenue

    How much revenue are gym owners losing because of failed payments, expired memberships, missed follow-ups, and outdated door-access systems? In Episode 468 of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Jonathon Klem, founder of ManageMemberships, to discuss how independent gyms, martial arts academies, fitness studios, gun ranges, and other membership-based businesses can simplify their operations, improve member retention, and stop revenue from falling through the cracks. Jonathon explains how ManageMemberships brings recurring billing, digital waivers, member communication, QR-code check-ins, customer relationship management, and 24/7 facility access together in one system. The idea began after Jonathon suffered a meniscus injury and suddenly had extra time away from Brazilian jiu-jitsu. While helping friends who owned a powerlifting gym and a gun range, he discovered that their payment, membership, point-of-sale, and door-access systems could not communicate with one another. After months of trying to connect the existing tools, he decided to build his own solution. In this episode, you'll learn: How gyms lose revenue through failed payments and outdated processes How members can purchase a day pass, pay, sign a waiver, and enter without staff present How QR-code access can replace shared door codes and physical key fobs Why automated follow-up is essential for improving member retention How owners can receive immediate alerts when a member's access is denied How CRM triggers reconnect gyms with members who stop attending How ManageMemberships pricing and door-access hardware work How the system can be installed in facilities throughout the country Why membership software can work beyond traditional fitness centers How customer feedback influences the development of new features How Jonathon is bootstrapping and scaling ManageMemberships How Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped Jonathon transform his health and find community What goes into organizing an amateur kickboxing promotion Connect with Jonathon Klem and ManageMemberships: Website: https://managememberships.com/ Book a Free Demo: https://managememberships.com/book-demo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-klem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathonmklem/  ManageMemberships LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/managememberships Email: jon@managememberships.com Pricing, plans, hardware, and features may change after the recording of this interview. Visit the official ManageMemberships website for current information. Follow The Gametime Guru: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegametimeguru Website: https://www.thegametimeguru.com/home Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Listen on Spotify Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gametimeguru/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gametimeguru TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegametimeguru X: https://x.com/thegametimeguru/ If you own a gym, martial arts academy, yoga studio, dance studio, gun range, ATV park, or another membership-based facility, share this episode with someone who could benefit from a better way to manage memberships, payments, communication, and facility access. Follow and subscribe to The Gametime Guru for weekly conversations with athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, innovators, and sports figures from around the world.

    Jonathon Klem: How ManageMemberships Helps Gym Owners Stop Losing Revenue

  7. Jul 24

    Ian Tatum: Offensive Line Coaching, Leadership & Simplifying Football

    How can football coaches simplify complicated concepts, develop smarter offensive linemen, and build stronger relationships with their players? In Episode 467 of The Gametime Guru, Shane Larson sits down with Coach Ian Tatum, a North Carolina football coach, offensive line educator, clinic instructor, and content creator known for making football strategy easier to understand. Coach Tatum shares his journey from beginning football in eighth grade to walking on at Gardner-Webb and eventually discovering that coaching was his true calling. He explains the transition from playing the game to teaching it, why great coaching requires more than a whistle, and how mentorship, communication, and genuine relationships shape athletes both on and off the field. In this episode, you will learn: Why youth football development requires structure and consistent coaching How to coach athletes at different ages and experience levels Why the crawl, walk, run teaching method is effective How Coach Tatum simplifies football concepts for players and coaches The importance of playside and backside offensive line rules How to teach gap schemes such as power, counter, and duo Why leverage and technique can help smaller offensive linemen succeed How offensive linemen process defensive fronts and solve problems at the line of scrimmage Why tight ends, H-backs, and bigger personnel groupings are returning to football The biggest life lesson Coach Tatum has learned from the game Coach Tatum also addresses the misconception that offensive linemen are simply the biggest players on the field. Offensive linemen must communicate, recognize defensive changes, understand multiple techniques, make decisions under pressure, and execute physically on every play. The conversation closes with one of Coach Tatum's most important lessons: be genuine. Players know when a coach truly cares, and authentic leadership can create relationships and memories that last far beyond a football season. This episode is valuable for youth football coaches, high school football coaches, offensive line coaches, players, parents, and anyone interested in football leadership, teaching, strategy, and player development. Follow Coach Ian Tatum: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachTatum  X/Twitter: https://x.com/CoachTatum90  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachTatum90  Support The Gametime Guru: Get 10% off Grit Sticks by using code GTG10 at checkout. Website: https://gritsticks.com Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and sports figures from around the world.

    Ian Tatum: Offensive Line Coaching, Leadership & Simplifying Football

  8. Jul 17

    How AI Is Changing Basketball: ShotTracker CEO Davyeon Ross

    How is artificial intelligence changing basketball coaching, player development, scouting, broadcasting, and performance analysis? In Episode 466 of The Gametime Guru Podcast, host Shane Larson sits down with Davyeon Ross, Co-Founder and CEO of ShotTracker, for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of basketball, technology, entrepreneurship, real-time analytics, and artificial intelligence. ShotTracker is helping change the way basketball programs understand what is happening on the court. By combining player and ball tracking, shot data, live statistics, synchronized video, advanced analytics, and AI-powered insights, the platform gives coaches and athletes a deeper look at performance than a traditional box score can provide. But Davyeon's story began long before ShotTracker. Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, Davyeon initially played soccer before discovering basketball as a teenager. Despite getting a relatively late start in the sport, his size, athleticism, footwork, shooting ability, and work ethic helped him earn a full college basketball scholarship in Kansas. After completing a successful college career, Davyeon had opportunities to play professional basketball overseas. Instead, he made the difficult decision to pursue a career in software engineering—a choice that would eventually allow him to combine his passion for sports with his expertise in technology. That combination ultimately led to the creation of ShotTracker. In this episode, Davyeon explains how the original idea began with a simple basketball problem: players and coaches were spending hours manually recording shots and performance data with pen and paper. He and his co-founder saw an opportunity to make that process more efficient, accurate, and valuable. Today, ShotTracker provides basketball technology that can automatically track shots, player movement, practice performance, scrimmage statistics, live game data, and video. Davyeon breaks down how the platform's different products help coaches evaluate players, review possessions, analyze opponents, validate the eye test, and make more informed decisions. In this conversation, Shane and Davyeon discuss: Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago Making the transition from soccer to basketball Moving to the United States at 17 years old Earning a full college basketball scholarship Adapting to a new country, culture, and level of competition Choosing software engineering over professional basketball The immigration and career factors that influenced that decision How Davyeon combined his love of sports and technology The original problem that inspired ShotTracker How ShotTracker measures shots, player movement, and team performance How basketball statistics can be synchronized with video How artificial intelligence can make film study and scouting more efficient Why analytics should support a coach's instincts rather than replace them How data can help quantify what coaches see during games and practices Why traditional coaches can still benefit from modern basketball technology Davyeon's friendship and mentorship relationship with former NBA Commissioner David Stern What Davyeon learned from David Stern about leadership and innovation Why great innovators are able to "see around corners" The future of AI, automation, and basketball analytics How technology could allow coaches to spend less time behind keyboards and more time developing players Davyeon also shares an important perspective for coaches who may be hesitant to embrace new technology. Tracking performance is not a new concept. Coaches have measured shots, possessions, lineups, and player development for decades. ShotTracker simply uses modern technology to make that process faster, easier, and more scalable. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence could shape the future of basketball broadcasts and fan engagement. As data, video, and automation become more connected, fans may receive increasingly personalized ways to watch, understand, and interact with the game. Whether you are a basketball coach, player, parent, athletic director, scout, entrepreneur, technology professional, or sports fan, this episode offers an inside look at how AI and real-time analytics are helping shape the future of basketball. Learn more about ShotTracker: https://shottracker.com/ ABOUT THE GAMETIME GURU The Gametime Guru Podcast, hosted by Shane Larson, delivers a panoramic view on sports through conversations with athletes, coaches, executives, entrepreneurs, trainers, and influential sports figures from around the world. Each episode goes beyond the highlights and statistics to uncover the experiences, challenges, lessons, and defining moments that have shaped each guest's journey. Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegametimeguru Visit The Gametime Guru: https://thegametimeguru.com/ SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS Grit Sticks by Cross O Meats Premium meat sticks made with 100% American beef. Use promo code GTG10 at checkout. https://www.crossomeats.com/?ref=GTG10 Fascia Sticks A precision recovery tool designed to help athletes and active individuals target sore and tight muscles. Use promo code GAMETIME15. https://fasciasticks.com/GAMETIME15 Special thanks to: Nations Best Football Summit Legal Consulting Timberline Digital Marketing JOIN THE CONVERSATION Will artificial intelligence and real-time basketball analytics improve coaching and player development, or could teams become too dependent on technology? Follow, subscribe, and share this episode with a basketball coach, player, entrepreneur, or sports technology fan. Keywords: Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker, basketball analytics, artificial intelligence in basketball, AI basketball technology, basketball coaching technology, basketball player development, basketball scouting, sports analytics, real-time sports data, basketball tracking technology, coaching analytics, college basketball technology, sports technology entrepreneur, David Stern, basketball innovation, sports business, ShotTracker CEO, The Gametime Guru, Shane Larson.

    How AI Is Changing Basketball: ShotTracker CEO Davyeon Ross
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About

If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Larson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    505
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GTG Media All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Gametime Guru

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