Advertise on podcast: United Basketball Podcast

Culture beats X's and O's when you're building a winning program from the ground up. Hunter Todd shares the exact coaching philosophy he's bringing to Forreston - from respect, accountability, and team-first standards to the family atmosphere he wants to create before the first play is ever drawn up. After receiving his teaching license in Texas, Todd learned how to run a program with freedom, trust, and relentless buy-in. Now, as Forreston's new head girls basketball coach, he's focused on setting a culture that lasts, earning the community's trust, and building something bigger than wins and losses Todd also opens up about the realities of coaching in two different states, the lessons he brought back from Texas, and why he wants every athlete to feel like they belong in the program from sixth grade on. If you care about coaching, culture, or what it really takes to build a program people rally around, this one is for you. Perfect for coaches, players, parents, and anyone who loves high school basketball done the right way.United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

Back-to-back success does not happen by accident. Barr-Reeve head coach Coach Howington breaks down exactly how he is resetting after a state championship, keeping his team humble, and building a new climb for year two - without letting anyone get comfortable at the top. If you coach in a small community, care about culture, or want a real blueprint for turning a strong returning core into another contender, this conversation is packed with practical answers. Coach Howington shares how he uses the “mountain” analogy to reframe a title run, why his program tracks wins in practice, and how Barr-Reeve keeps its edge with a process-first approach. You’ll discover: How to lead a championship team into a new season without chasing a “repeat” mindsetWhy Barr-Reeve’s culture shows up in real actions, like varsity players coaching fourth gradersThe exact pillars of the program’s offense, including transition, matchup hunting, made-ball sets, and extra possessionsHow Coach Howington uses short film sessions, plus-minus self-scouting, and opponent-specific menus to keep players locked inWhy youth development, Saturday skill sessions, and community buy-in matter just as much as varsity wins He also opens up about building offense around personnel, simplifying preparation for high school players, and the competitive details that helped Barr-Reeve finish with one of the best turnover numbers in the state. Along the way, he shares the drills, coaching influences, and everyday habits that keep the program evolving instead of repeating itself. Coach Howington is the head coach at Barr-Reeve, where he helped guide the program to a state championship in his first season. He is known for blending strong culture, player development, and adaptable offensive ideas that fit his roster. Essential listening if you coach basketball, lead a team, or want to understand how championship programs stay hungry after they win.United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

Grinnell basketball is built on pace, pressure, and a whole lot of puzzle solving - and Coach David Arsenault reveals exactly how he keeps it all working. If you coach, love hoops, or want to understand how a wildly unique system wins at the college level, this conversation is packed with the real stuff: relationships, practice design, and why less can actually produce more. Arsenault breaks down how he uses Grinnell’s out-of-season flex days to install the system, why his practices are intentionally short, and how he figures out which combinations of players actually fit together on the floor. He also explains what has changed since the program’s start, why trust matters just as much as X’s and O’s, and how Grinnell has evolved into a team that can defend, rotate deep, and still play at full throttle. Arsenault also gets into the realities of recruiting four-year players, managing a roster in the transfer portal era, and coaching talented players like Kai Te Huki, Gabe Garcia, and Tyler Copes. Plus, he shares what makes the Midwest Conference so competitive, why this year’s league race is wide open, and how Grinnell’s style has turned into something far more nuanced than just “shoot threes and run.” This is essential listening if you’re a coach who wants better practices, a deeper identity, and a system your players actually believe in. By the end, you’ll understand why Grinnell’s success starts long before tipoff.--------------------------------------------------------------------United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/Let's Grow the Game!

In this episode, United Basketball+ owner and high school coach, Jacob Durdan shares his insights and experiences as he prepares for his seventh season as a basketball coach. He reflects on the challenges faced by coaches, the importance of personal development, and the need to build strong relationships within the community. Jacob outlines seven key strategies he is implementing to ensure a successful season, emphasizing the significance of planning, networking, and maintaining a positive team culture. He also encourages fellow coaches to connect and share ideas to foster growth in the coaching profession.-------------------------------------------------------------------- United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

Young coaches chasing the next level will want every minute of this one. Cam McKinney breaks down how he climbed from college player to student coach, high school assistant, Troy staffer, and now assistant at Colorado College—and why the jump from D3 to D1, then back to D3, has sharpened the way he thinks about winning. He gets into the real work behind building a program: teaching middle school players to play off two feet, develop footwork, and actually enjoy the game while getting better. From there, the conversation opens up into what changed his career, how a law firm job pushed him back toward basketball, and what he learned from elite staffs at Troy and Colorado College. Cam also explains how Colorado College recruits nationally, why the school’s championship culture matters, and how the program balances elite academics with serious basketball. If you care about player development, analytics, culture, and the day-to-day reality of coaching at a high level, this episode delivers practical ideas you can use immediately. Perfect for coaches, players, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build trust, compete hard, and grow a program the right way. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up here:  https://unitedbasketballplus.com/united-basketball-hoosier-gym-coaches-clinic/ United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

In this episode of the United Basketball Plus Coaching and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Zapinski of Elmhurst University men’s basketball for a deep conversation on coaching, player development, recruiting, film study, and the modern game. Jonathan shares his path from playing at Elmhurst to coaching at the college level, along with the lessons he learned from mentors, teammates, and his own journey through the game. We also dive into the details that separate good teams from great ones — from teaching bigs to play through contact, to using film and feedback effectively, to understanding what coaches should really look for in recruits. Whether you coach high school or college basketball, this conversation is packed with practical ideas on leadership, systems, and how to help players grow the right way. If you love basketball, coaching, and development, this one is for you. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up here:  https://unitedbasketballplus.com/united-basketball-hoosier-gym-coaches-clinic/ United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

The difference between a good big man and a great one is not height. It is IQ, patience, and the willingness to ask the right questions. Elmhurst assistant coach Jonathan Zapinski reveals the modern post play blueprint that helps bigs thrive in a perimeter-centric game - and why the best coaches are building players who can think, not just score. Jacob Durdan and co-host Jeremy sit down with Zapinski for a sharp, wide-ranging conversation on coaching, player development, recruiting, and what it really takes to become a college basketball coach. Zapinski shares the path from Dallas to Elmhurst, the coaching influence that sparked his love for the game at age six, and the lessons he carried from playing at Elmhurst College and now coaching back at his alma mater. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up here:  https://unitedbasketballplus.com/united-basketball-hoosier-gym-coaches-clinic/ United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/

In this episode, Jacob Durdan interviews Tony Holler, a veteran coach and creator of the Feed the Cats program. They discuss Holler's journey as a coach, the evolution of his coaching philosophy, and the principles behind Feed the Cats, which emphasizes enjoyable and effective training methods for athletes. Holler shares insights on creating a positive practice environment, the importance of measuring progress, and the success stories of programs that have adopted his methods. The conversation highlights the need for coaches to adapt and innovate in their training approaches to foster athlete development and success. In this conversation, Coach Tony Holler discusses innovative training methods in sports, particularly focusing on the 'Feed the Cats' philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of offseason training, counterintuitive coaching strategies, and creating effective practice environments. The discussion also highlights the need for coaches to adapt their methods to keep athletes fresh and engaged, as well as the value of continuous learning and resource sharing among coaches.--------------------------------------------------------------------Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up here: https://unitedbasketballplus.com/united-basketball-hoosier-gym-coaches-clinic/ United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today!  https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

Host Jacob Durdan sits down with newly hired Northern Illinois head coach Matt Majkrzak to unpack how he’s approaching a major rebuild in DeKalb. Majkrzak shares why he leans into scripted structure on offense, how he evaluates players for fit and winning DNA, and what it takes to build a culture fast when you inherit a program that has struggled for years. In this episode, the conversation focuses on practical coaching ideas, from recruiting familiar players and staff to designing practices that create better decision-making through live play. It’s especially useful for coaches who want a clearer way to connect structure, player development, and team identity. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up here: https://unitedbasketballplus.com/united-basketball-hoosier-gym-coaches-clinic/ United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today!  https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

In this episode, host Jacob Durdan interviews Coach Kellen Fernetti - Women's Basketball coach at Carl Sandburg College. They discuss Coach Fernetti's coaching journey, his philosophy on player development, and the importance of maintaining energy and positivity throughout the season. Coach Fernetti shares insights on practice structure, flexibility in scheduling, and the significance of team bonding beyond basketball. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of coaching at the junior college level, emphasizing the need for effective communication and a supportive team environment. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the significance of creating memorable experiences in coaching, emphasizing that it's not just about wins and losses but the relationships and moments shared among players. They explore various strategies for building team culture, engaging players, and designing effective practices. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up here: https://unitedbasketballplus.com/united-basketball-hoosier-gym-coaches-clinic/ United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

In this episode, Coach Jason Tucker shares his journey from high school coaching to becoming the head coach at Harper College. He discusses building a winning culture, adapting practice strategies for college, and his vision for success at the junior college level.Key topics Coaching journey from high school to collegeBuilding team culture and buy-inPractice design and adaptation for college levelImportance of defense and offensive stylesRecruitment and community engagement at JUCOMentorship and learning from other coachesCoaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up HERE: ⁠https://forms.gle/Fv1hjfN8xYM2H9si6⁠United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! ⁠https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/⁠

In this insightful interview, Luke Gromer, founder of RYG Athletics and host of Better Coaching Podcast, shares his expertise on restoring joy in youth sports, redefining success, and coaching with purpose. Luke dives into practical strategies for coaches and parents to create positive, development-focused sports experiences that foster lifelong love for the game.Key topics include: Restoring joy in youth sportsRedefining success in youth athleticsScaling and segmenting sports developmentallyThe impact of coaching relationships on athlete experienceParent support and involvement in youth sportsTo learn more about Luke, RYG Athletics, or to help with a camp, check out these links! Better Coaching Hub RYG Athletics HomepageRYG x Nike Sports Camps - Staff Application Summer 2026RYG Athletics - NIKE Sports Camp Director Interest FormDirect a NIKE Sports Camp Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up HERE: https://forms.gle/Fv1hjfN8xYM2H9si6 United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/

This interview with Coach Ryan Davis (Roanoke-Benson, IL) explores how he turned around a high school basketball program in a year, focusing on relationship-building, community engagement, and innovative practice strategies. After listening, you will gain insights into effective coaching techniques, player recruitment, and fostering a positive team culture. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! Sign up HERE: https://forms.gle/oKCDB8wXZ4iv1QQ17 United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

This is the fifth episode of a series dedicated to helping coaches build their program. This episode focuses on creating practice plans that match your play style or system, flows from drill to drill or segment to segment, keeps players fresh while maintaining competitiveness, and tracks player progress. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!

This is the fourth episode of a series dedicated to helping coaches build their program. This episode provides focuses on playing a style that matches your personnel, how to identify components that will build your system of play, combining your culture to match your system, and then living your system every day. No matter what you do, you have to believe in it and it must be simple. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2026 Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic in Knightstown, Indiana on September 11 & 12! United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your knowledge as a coach, teacher, player or leader, join the community today! https://unitedbasketballplus.com/register/ub-plus-annual-membership/ Let's Grow the Game!