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On this episode Mike & Jason discuss every Western Conference team’s over-under outlook, from title contenders to the bottom of the standings. They debate which teams could exceed expectations and which teams may fall short while breaking down how injuries, player development, roster depth, and team chemistry could shape the seasons of teams like Dallas, Denver, Golden State, Houston, and Minnesota. Both Mike & Jason see Oklahoma City and San Antonio at the top of the conference. They dive into the risks facing the Lakers, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Pelicans. The conversation also explores how fewer teams may be tanking this season, making the standings, and the over-under predictions, harder to forecast. They wrap up by comparing their picks and previewing next week’s discussion of NBA team tiers. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Mays is the Founder of Cognitecture, a mental performance coaching practice.  Mays coached at the high school level at both Ashland Blazer and Montgomery County High Schools in Kentucky and made 5 state tournaments in 6 seasons as a head coach. Mays was previously an assistant coach and interim Head Coach at Kentucky Wesleyan after spending two seasons at Valdosta State University. Prior to Valdosta State, Mays spent seven years coaching alongside Head Coach Happy Osborne at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. On this episode Mike & Jason discuss how athletes and coaches can keep growing through adversity, plateaus, and success. Mays shares a four-part foundation for mental toughness: find your fuel, stack small wins, reframe adversity, and avoid becoming complacent after success. He explains why consistent routines and repetitive fundamentals matter, and how players can “do simpler better” to reach the next level. The conversation also explores defining player roles, having courageous conversations, and building meaningful relationships by investing in athletes beyond basketball. Throughout the episode, Mays emphasizes that coaching can prepare players for life beyond the court as well as help them succeed in the game. 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 a notebook and take down some ideas as you listen to this episode with Jason Mays, Founder of Cognitecture. Website – https://www.coachmays.com/ Email - [email protected] Twitter - @CoachJMays Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark McGonigal is starting his second season as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Columbia University.  In McGonigal's first season Columbia went 16-12 under Head Coach Kevin Hovde and secured the program’s first winning campaign in 10 years. Prior to Columbia McGonigal served as an assistant coach at Cornell in 2024-25, where he helped guide the Big Red to a second-place finish in the conference and to the Ivy League Tournament Championship game. McGonigal spent 2016-23 on the staff at his alma mater, Richmond, which included four seasons as Director of Basketball Operations. He was elevated to an on-court assistant position in 2023. Before his time at Richmond, McGonigal coached for the National Collegiate Scouting Association (2012-16). While there, he worked with student-athletes to evaluate their skill level on the court and their academic profile to guide them to college opportunities that would be the right fit. He began his career as an assistant coach at Holy Spirit HS in New Jersey in 2011. As a player Mark was a four-year member of the basketball team at Richmond after joining the team as a walk-on and played in 27 career games. On this episode Mike and Mark discuss how his basketball journey from South Jersey pickup games to Division I coaching, shaped his approach to the game. He explains why player development needs a balance of skill work and live play, where athletes learn to read the game and make winning decisions. Mark shares how preparation, film, and intentional practice design help coaches build stronger teams. He also describes the importance of earning players’ trust and building relationships with the people involved in recruiting. Finally, he discusses the Ivy League’s distinctive mix of basketball, academics, and long-term opportunity. 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. You’ll want to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Mark McGonigal, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Columbia University. Website - https://gocolumbialions.com/sports/mens-basketball Email - [email protected] Twitter/X - @MarkMcGo3 Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss every Eastern Conference team’s over-under outlook, from title contenders to the bottom of the standings. Mike and Jason revisit last season’s predictions before debating which teams could exceed expectations and which may fall short. They examine roster changes, defensive upgrades, depth concerns, injuries, and the uncertainty surrounding teams such as Boston, Cleveland, New York, and Indiana. The hosts also discuss how anti-tanking rules and roster turnover could make the playoff race especially unpredictable. It’s a candid NBA preview for fans looking for team-by-team analysis, betting angles, and bold calls. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Verduin is the Founder of DYSports, starting the business in 2018 while he was earning his MBA at Seattle University.  DYSports specializes in hosting basketball tournaments designed for boys’ and girls’ youth teams in grades 3 - 11 who are developing their skills. DYSports events are ideal for teams looking to compete against opponents of similar talent, providing an environment where growth and improvement are prioritized.  John grew up in Seattle where he played multiple sports, including football and basketball at Ballard High School. He later continued his basketball journey at Willamette University in Oregon. Through his experiences, both as a player and coach, John recognized the need for more competitive levels for youth athletes to develop their skills. His mission is to create environments where kids can compete, improve, and foster a passion for the game. On this episode Mike and John discuss how he built youth basketball tournaments around developing teams that are often overlooked by elite-focused events. John shares how the idea grew from his own experiences as a coach and from seeing the impact of repeated blowouts on players, parents, and coaches. John discusses how DY Sports works to create more competitive matchups, including its team-screening process and use of AI as the company scales. He also explains why the organization limits tournaments to three games and how facility relationships, local demand, and market fit shape expansion. Throughout the conversation, John offers a broader perspective on youth sports and the importance of creating opportunities for kids to compete, develop, and stay in the game. 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. You’ll want to take a few notes as you listen to this episode with John Verduin, Founder of DYSports. Website - https://dysportsllc.com/ Email - [email protected] Twitter/X - @dysportsllc Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brandon Rhodes is the Senior Vice President and General Manger of Emerging Sports at GameChanger, a technology company that builds simple and powerful products for youth sports teams and their communities. On this episode Mike & Brandon discuss GameChanger’s growing role in youth basketball and its goal of making the experience better for coaches, parents, players, and club directors. Brandon shares the new tools for capturing full-game video, tracking statistics, generating player insights, and creating highlights that coaches can use for teaching and families can use to celebrate progress. The conversation also explores how GameChanger can reduce administrative work through centralized schedules, rosters, RSVPs, and team communication. For larger clubs, Brandon explains how a unified dashboard and organization-wide messaging can create consistency across multiple teams. The episode highlights how technology can help basketball programs spend less time managing logistics and more time developing 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. Pay close attention and take some notes as you listen to this episode with Brandon Rhodes, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Emerging Sports at GameChanger. Website - https://gc.com/basketball Email - [email protected] Twitter/X - @getgamechanger Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss the Guardians’ playoff hopes, the Browns’ surprising 2–1 start, and the Cavs’ upcoming season. They then unpack NBA Media Day storylines, including Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers controversy, Brandon Ingram’s injury, and LeBron James’s comments about wanting to play for the Knicks. The hosts debate whether Philadelphia can contend with LeBron, question the fit of its stars, and analyze Jalen Duren’s contract situation and Detroit’s roster construction. They also hit on storylines involving Dennis Schroder, Buddy Hield, Kristaps Porzingis, and Stephen Curry. To close, they continue their state-by-state NBA player rankings, debating standouts from Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, and Maine. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Xavier Silas is the Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach and is in his 4th season at Virginia Military Institute.  He has twice been named to the Silver Waves Media Mid Major Coaches watch list as a name to watch as a future head coach at the Division I level.  Silas came to VMI after being an analyst for the University of Missouri men’s basketball program. During the 2022-23 season, Silas served as head coach of the Guaynabo Mets of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), the highest professional basketball league in Puerto Rico. Prior to coaching in Puerto Rico, he worked for both the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76’ers in a similar role as both the director of player development and offensive coordinator for each franchise’s G-League affiliate. As a professional basketball player, Silas had playing stints with the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. As a member of the NBA G-League, he played for the Iowa Wolves, Northern Arizona Suns, Bakersfield Jam and the Maine Red Claws.  Silas also played for various professional teams in Argentina, Germany, Greece, Israel and France throughout his playing career. After beginning his collegiate career at the University of Colorado at Boulder (2006-08), he transferred to Northern Illinois (2009-11) where he earned First Team All-MAC honors and First Team NABC All-District 14 accolades. On this episode Mike & Xavier discuss Xavier’s journey from growing up around the San Antonio Spurs to becoming associate head coach at VMI. He shares how embracing a role, setting aside ego, and becoming exceptional at a specific skill helped him on his professional basketball career as a player. Silas explains how he teaches shot efficiency with a simple “dollar” analogy and uses film, relationships, and high standards to help players improve. He also reflects on building Colorado Prep, recruiting for fit at VMI, and creating a coaching staff where assistants are trusted to lead and challenge ideas. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes daily work, shared purpose, and helping players reach their potential. 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 your journal and a pen before you listen to this episode with Xavier Silas, Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at Virginia Military Institute. Website - https://vmikeydets.com/sports/mens-basketball Email - [email protected] Twitter/X - @xaviersilas Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ken King is the author of the new book, Pyramid Scheme - How sport became an empire, why it is collapsing, and how we rebuild the game. Ken is the Executive Director of Calgary Minor Basketball, a non-profit of over 7000 athletes, 1500 coaches, and 300 officials. He is also the Principle/Founder of Boost Innovation Inc., a Calgary-based technology company building a portfolio of sport performance and coaching applications. He holds fifteen years of experience in high-performance collegiate basketball coaching and government affairs connected to Canadian sport. King’s work sits at the intersection of sport technology, athlete development, and systems design, and he contributes regularly to national sport development conversations through research, writing, and direct policy engagement. On this episode Mike and Ken discuss why youth sports increasingly operates as an expensive, restrictive system that funnels money and opportunity toward a small elite group. Ken shares how pay-to-play models, early specialization, overtraining, and limited alternatives contribute to athlete burnout and dropout. The episode also examines why coach effectiveness should be measured by player experience and retention rather than credentials or playing history. King highlights the crisis in referee retention, arguing that organizations must protect officials, hold abusive adults accountable, and provide meaningful administrative support. The conversation concludes with a vision for rebuilding youth sports through more affordable entry points, easier exits, multi-sport opportunities, and accessible ways for every child to keep playing. 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. Make sure you have your notebook at your side as you listen to this episode with Ken King, author of the new book, Pyramid Scheme - How sport became an empire, why it is collapsing, and how we rebuild the game. Website - https://www.justkenking.com/ Email - [email protected] Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenboost/ Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss Kawhi Leonard’s surprising $115 million extension with the Toronto Raptors and the fallout it leaves behind for the Clippers. They question whether Toronto can contend with Kawhi’s injury history and whether Los Angeles received enough in return for a franchise-altering star. The conversation then turns to Jalen Duren’s contract demands and whether Detroit’s core of Duren, Cade Cunningham, and Ausar Thompson can succeed in the playoffs. They also evaluate young players and rising teams, including Amen Thompson, Keyonte George, the Utah Jazz, and the NBA’s upcoming rookie class. The episode closes with thoughts on Doc Rivers’ retirement, the best basketball players from Illinois and Indiana, and the Cleveland Browns’ unexpected win. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Martinez is an overseas professional basketball player who currently competes  internationally in Columbia. Michael has also built a bilingual following of 275K+ across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, posting training, game day, and everyday content in English and Spanish. On this episode Mike and Michael discuss how disciplined training, careful shot tracking, and his father’s guidance helped him develop from a young basketball player into a professional athlete. He explains how making more than 150,000 shots during COVID, practicing with purpose, and maintaining a “next shot” mindset changed his trajectory. The conversation also explores the importance of AAU exposure, finding the right tournaments, embracing a specific role, and choosing opportunities where a player is genuinely wanted. Martinez discusses overcoming ankle reconstruction surgery, limited playing time, and the challenges of proving himself at each level of basketball. He also describes how bilingual content creation, social media strategy, and his Colombian heritage helped him build a platform, connect with fans, and create new basketball and business opportunities. 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 prepared to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Michael Martinez, overseas professional basketball player. Website - https://basketball.latinbasket.com/player/Michael-Martinez/ Email - [email protected] Instagram - @michaelmartinez__ TikTok - @michaelmartinez YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@michael.martinez_ Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the 93rd 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. September’s Round Table question is:  What’s something about winning that you understand differently now than you did when you first became a coach? Our Coaching Lineup this month: Jerry Buckley – Bishop Kenny (FL) High School Erik Buehler – Arapahoe (CO) High School Chris DeLisio – Olmsted Falls (OH) High School Matt Elkin – Stanford University Stephen Halstead – Grace College Dave Hixon – Amherst College Mike Koehler - Elkhart Lake (WI) High School Bob Krizancic – Mentor (OH) High School Dell Leonard – Mountain Home (AR) High School Dan Miller – San Marcos (TX) High School Matt Rogers - Significant Coaching & Recruiting Don Showalter - USA Basketball John 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. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss a slow NBA news week, including potential league expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas and which Western Conference team might move east. They criticize the confusing and expensive ways fans must access local NBA games, arguing that a reasonably priced League Pass-style package would be a better solution. The hosts examine Steve Ballmer’s decision not to challenge the NBA’s punishment of the Clippers and debate what the franchise’s future looks like without full ownership of its draft picks. They continue ranking the best NBA players from each state, selecting players such as Bill Russell, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Walt Frazier, and Tracy McGrady while sharing plenty of humorous research mishaps. The episode closes with a bleak assessment of the Cleveland Browns, focusing on their quarterback problems, Deshaun Watson’s struggles, and the belief that the season may already be lost. Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bill Taylor is the author of the book, Managing Sports Conflict, and the founder of the Sports Conflict Lab which helps sports professionals navigate conflict, elevate leadership, and build cultures that win with integrity. Over a remarkable 28-year coaching career in track & field and cross country, including 22 years as a collegiate head coach and administrator,  Bill’s leadership has produced a National Championship (NAIA), 16 Conference Titles (12 NCAA Division I, 4 NAIA), and 28 Coach of the Year honors. On this episode Mike & Bill discuss why conflict is unavoidable in sports and relationships. Taylor explains how a difficult conflict led him to study conflict management more deeply. He introduces five key tools: managing emotions, communicating effectively, looking below the surface of stated issues, seeking win-win solutions, and following through to build trust. The conversation applies these tools to common coaching challenges such as playing-time discussions, team accountability, emotional parents, and maintaining a strong culture. Taylor encourages coaches to stop avoiding or improvising through conflict and instead establish clear expectations and a deliberate conflict-resolution process. 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. You will definitely want to grab your notebook to jot down some ideas as you listen to this episode with Bill Taylor, author of the book Managing Sports Conflict and the founder of the Sports Conflict Lab. Website - https://www.sportsconflictlab.com/ Email - [email protected] Twitter/X - @Sports_Conflict Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nick Nichay is entering his first season at Dartmouth College as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach under Brett McConnell.  Nick previously served as the Head Coach at D3 Franklin & Marshall College for seven seasons where he led the Diplomats to consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 2025 and 2026. Nichay was elevated to head coach in the spring of 2020. He served as the Interim Head Coach at the start of the 2019-20 season after spending the previous seven seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with Franklin & Marshall. Prior to arriving at Franklin & Marshall, Nichay spent two years as an assistant coach at the Division II level with Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y.  and began his coaching career with one season as a Division III assistant at Hartwick College after graduating from Rutgers where he served as a manager for 3 seasons with the Men’s Basketball Program. On this episode Mike & Nick discuss how his lifelong love of basketball developed from playing in his driveway and listening to Nets games on the radio. Nick explains how working as a manager at Rutgers and gaining experience in every aspect of college basketball helped him build the foundation for a coaching career. Nick reflects on the mentors and opportunities at Hartwick, Le Moyne, and Franklin & Marshall that shaped his coaching philosophy and taught him the value of preparation, relationships, and consistent improvement. He discusses taking over Franklin & Marshall after a legendary coach, rebuilding the program through challenges such as COVID, and eventually returning to an assistant role at Dartmouth alongside his former college roommate, Brett McConnell. Throughout the conversation, Nick emphasizes that success comes from embracing each opportunity, caring authentically about players, and focusing on getting one percent better every day. 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 Nick Nichay, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Dartmouth College. Website – https://dartmouthsports.com/sports/mens-basketball Email – [email protected] Twitter/X - @NickNichay Connect with the Hoop Heads Podcast on social media! Twitter/x - @hoopheadspod Instagram - @HoopHeadsPod YouTube – Hoop Heads Podcast Facebook – Hoop Heads Podcast Subscribe to the Hoop Heads Pod Newsletter - https://hoopheadspod.com/newsletter/ Website - https://hoopheadspod.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.