Best Player Recognition Podcasts (2025)

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Scott Lagas on "Wolf Defense"; Peer-to-Peer Recognition; and the Value of High-Split Action {Mercy University} 58:55

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6d ago58:55

58:55

On this week’s episode of Slappin’ Glass, we’re joined by Scott Lagas, Head Coach of Mercy University Women’s Basketball. Coach Lagas has transformed Mercy into a powerhouse program, and he sits down with us to dive into the philosophies and habits driving their success. We explore: No-Middle Defensive Principles – how Mercy blends pack line concep…

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Bryan Hodgson on Eliminating Human Error in Coaching, Player Leverage, and Transition Three's {South Florida} 1:04:53

13d ago1:04:53

1:04:53

University of South Florida Head Coach Bryan Hodgson joins Slappin' Glass to reveal how he eliminates “human error” in coaching using analytics, player leverage metrics, and detailed shot-type reports. Learn how he maximizes substitutions, builds player trust with fact-based feedback, and runs competitive practices that translate to game-day succes…

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Luca Banchi on Hunting Offensive Solutions, Defending "Spain PNR's", and Underrating Coaching Traits {Anadolu Efes & Latvia NT} 1:11:03

21d ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Episode Summary: This week on the Slappin' Glass Podcast, we're honored to sit down with renowned Anadolu Efes and Latvia National Team Head Coach, Luca Banchi, for a masterclass in offensive flow, decision-making, and building modern basketball habits. Coach Banchi shares his philosophy on: Teaching continuity and “broken set” offense in the moder…

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Jeff Van Gundy Returns! On Defending Great Players, Efficient Scoring Opportunities, and Giving Impactful Feedback {LA Clippers} 1:15:44

27d ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Episode Summary: In this high-level, candid, and engaging return to the show, Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy joins Slappin' Glass for his third appearance. Van Gundy dives deep into what it takes to defend the NBA's best players—emphasizing the fundamentals of transition defense, rebounding, and avoiding reckless fouling. The c…

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Zach Chu on Applying a Data Driven Approach to Strategy, Teaching Stampede Action, and Defending at the Rim {Radford} 1:09:25

1M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with newly hired Head Coach of Radford MBB, Zach Chu! Before becoming Radford's HC, Coach Chu spent nine years in the NBA and in this episode dives deep into into why a data driven approach is necessary in modern offensive and defensive strategy, along with recruiting, culture building, and player development; and…

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Brook Cupps on The Power of Story in Culture Building, Offensive Role Clarification, and Becoming Anti-Fragile {Centerville HS} 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with Coach, Author, and Leadership Development Consultant from Centerville HS in Ohio, Brook Cupps. In this terrific conversation the trio dive into Coach Cupps' thoughts on the power of story in building culture, accountability partners, and discusses role clarification in motion offense, and teaching players to …

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John Patrick on How Pace Connects to Everything, Defending Unique PNR Actions, and the Core Elements of Winning {International Pro Coach} 1:07:40

2M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with 3x German Bundesliga Coach of the Year, who has also coached extensively in Japan, John Patrick. In this highly insightful conversation the trio dive into Coach Patrick's thoughts on pace and building an offense from someone who is an legendary defensive coach, and discuss defending tough PNR actions along wi…

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Johnny Tauer on Intrinsic Motivation, Teaching Split Cuts, and Over Eager Parents {St. Thomas} 1:10:57

2M ago1:10:57

1:10:57

This week, we're revisiting a fascinating conversation on Slappin' Glass with the Head Coach of St. Thomas, Johnny Tauer! Originally recorded during the Tommies' transition from D3 to D1, Coach Tauer shares timeless insights on what truly wins at both levels. We also dive into discussions on intrinsic motivation, handling turnovers, managing over-e…

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Francesco Tabellini on Playing Relentless, Tagging Up Killers, and Attacking the Hedge {Nymburk/Paris} 1:26:32

2M ago1:26:32

1:26:32

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the former Head Coach of Nymburk, and recently hired Head Coach of Paris Basketball, Francesco Tabellini. Coach Tabellini recently led Nymburk to the Czech NBL Championship and is here today to discuss playing relentless, and and attacking through pace, stampedes, and cutting, and the trio discusses "Tagging …

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Tiago Splitter on Creating Early Advantages, Attacking With Stampedes, and Quick Practice Bursts {Portland Trailblazers} 57:53

2M ago57:53

57:53

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with newly hired Portland Trailblazers Assistant Coach, Tiago Splitter! In this fantastic conversation the trio dive into Coach Splitter's thoughts on creating advantages in the middle third of the floor, attacking via stampedes, and discusses first year head coaching decisions and handling midseason stressors dur…

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Mike MacDonald on Ingredients of Great Teams, Offensive Rebounding, and the Two-Guard Offense {Daemen} 1:19:47

3M ago1:19:47

1:19:47

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of Daemen University, Mike MacDonald! In this terrific conversation the trio dive into Coach MacDonald's thoughts on the ingredients of great teams, handling success, and discusses offensive rebounding and the two-guard offense during the always entertaining "Start, Sub, or Sit?!" To join coach…

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Mike DeGeorge on Process Driven Analytics, Training Decision Making, and Program Alignment (Cal Poly SLO) 1:20:45

3M ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Mike DeGeorge. Coach DeGeorge has risen from D3, to D2, to D1 Head Coach and joins the show to discuss his thoughts on Process Driven Analytics, early "Hit Aheads", Pace of Play, and discusses training decision making, and program alignment during the always fun "St…

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Kellen Sampson on Unscripted Points, Winning the Margins, and Playing with Two Bigs {Houston} 1:07:09

3M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Slappin' Glass is joined this week by Houston MBB Assistant/Head Coach in Waiting, Kellen Sampson. In this terrific conversation the trio discuss winning the margins, unscripted points, offensive rebounding principles, and explore topics of playing with two bigs, and elite player development sessions during the always entertaining "Start, Sub, or S…

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Jenny Boucek on Assessing Player Value, PNR Cutting Concepts, and Loyalty in Coaching {Indiana Pacers} 44:15

3M ago44:15

44:15

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with Indiana Pacers Assistant Coach, Jenny Boucek! In this terrific re-run episode from 2021 the trio dive into PNR cutting concepts, late-game analytics, and discuss assessing player value, defending the Short Roll, and loyalty in coaching during the alway fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!" To join coaches and championsh…

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Rhett Soliday on Winning with Small Guards, "Teachable Moments", and Defending the Middle Third {Vanguard} 1:17:34

3M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the HC of D2 Vanguard University, Rhett Soliday! The former NAIA Coach of the Year after winning the 2014 National Championship brings a wealth of knowledge to the show as the trio dive into Coach Soliday's philosophy on winning with smaller guards, defending all 94 feet of the floor, and discusses BLOB tacti…

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Scott Wylie on the Cognitive Underpinnings of Decision-Making, the Mental Makeup of Elite PNR Players, and How "Impulse Control" Affects Shot Selection {S2 Cognition} 1:11:08

4M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Co-Founder and CEO of S2 Cognition, Scott Wylie! S2 is a leader in the field of measuring the cognitive underpinnings of athletes and high performers, and in this highly insightful conversation the trio dive into how S2 measures decision making capabilities, as well as how coaches can use that knowledge, …

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Justin Leslie on Creating an Adaptable Offense, Attacking Through the Middle Third, and Valuable Career Relationships {Westmont College} 1:14:08

4M ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with newly hired Head Coach of Westmont College, after a successful tenure at Midwestern State, Justin Leslie! In this highly insightful conversation the trio explore Coach Leslie's thoughts on creating an adaptable offense, simplifying actions, attacking through the middle third of the floor, and discuss how guar…

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Bob McKillop on Principles of Offensive Efficiency, the Importance of Self Reflection, and Healthy Confrontations 1:01:27

4M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the legendary Head Coach of Davidson MBB, Bob McKillop! In this fantastic conversation the trio explore Coach McKillop's thoughts on the core principles of offensive execution and efficiency, the importance of self reflection, and discuss maximizing odd practice situations, and healthy confrontations during t…

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Niko Medved on Useful Analytics, Defending DHO's, and Evolving as a Coach {Minnesota MBB} 55:48

5M ago55:48

55:48

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the newly hired Head Coach of Minnesota MBB, Niko Medved! In this replay episode from when Coach Medved was at Colorado St., the trio dive into a ton of interesting and useful topics including: gaining confidence in building a program, staying seamless in half court offense, balancing analytics and gut instin…

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Mike Miller on the Art of Being a Great Assistant, Attacking a Box and One, and Building Culture During Down Seasons 1:03:32

5M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with former NBA, NCAA, and G-League Head Coach, and current Consultant with the Minnesota T'Wolves, Mike Miller. In this great conversation the trio discuss the art of being a great assistant coach, and dive into attacking a Box and One, and building a program through losing season during the always interesting "S…

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Matt Brase on Bench Production and Management, Drag Screen Angles, and Post Game Analysis {Philadelphia 76ers} 1:13:33

6M ago1:13:33

1:13:33

Slappin' Glass sits down with the Assistant Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, Matt Brase! Coach Brase has extensive experience as a coach at various levels of basketball, and the trio dive into his thoughts on Bench Production and Management, and discuss Drag Screen Angles and Post Game Analysis during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!" To join c…

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Brittany Loney on Improving Group Decision Making, Leading Through Volatility, and Attention Allocations 1:09:12

6M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Founder and CEO of Elite Cognition, Brittany Loney. In this highly interesting conversation the trio dive into all things about improving group excellence and decision making, and discusses coaching through volatility and uncertainty, and optimizing the planner during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"…

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Nick Winkelman on Elite Communication, External vs. Internal Cueing, and Coaching Complex Movements 1:10:41

7M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head of Athletic Performanse and Science for the Irish Rugby Football Union, as well as author of the highly successful book, The Language of Coaching, Nick Winkelman. In this highly detailed discussion the trio dive into Coach Winkelman's thoughts on miscommunication amongst teams, and where things go wr…

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Bob Levant on Building Emotional IQ, Fear in Coaching, and Responding vs. Reacting 59:31

7M ago59:31

59:31

Slappin' Glass is joined this week by author and performance consultant for some of the best coaches in the NBA and NCAA, Bob Levant. In this highly insightful conversation the trio dive into Bob's thoughts on building emotional IQ, the role of fear in coaching and leadership, responding vs. reacting, and discusses "dripping" culture daily to your …

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Dr. Gio Valiante Returns! Understanding Fear and Anxiety in High Performance, Finding Flow States, and Attributions of Success and Failures 1:21:01

8M ago1:21:01

1:21:01

Slappin' Glass sits down this week for a second time on the show with one of the world's most sought after high performance coaches, Dr. Gio Valiante! In Round 2 the trio dive deep into the areas of fear and anxiety in high performance, finding flow states, and attributions of success and failures. To join coaches and championship winning staffs fr…

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Ben McCollum on PNR Pace and Angles, Player Constraints, and Stats that Matter {Drake} 51:44

8M ago51:44

51:44

In this December Rewind episode Slappin' Glass sits down with now Drake MBB Head Coach, Ben McCollum. In a highly thought provoking episode the trio explore a wide array of topics including Coach McCollum's thoughts on playing at a slower and more methodical pace, the art of changing PNR screening angles and locations, and talk stats that matter an…

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Sundance Wicks on Contagious Culture, Advantages vs. Movement, and "Foxhole" Friends {Wyoming} 1:14:46

8M ago1:14:46

1:14:46

In this December Rewind episode Slappin' Glass revisits one of the most inspirational and motivating episodes of all time with now Wyoming MBB Head Coach, Sundance Wicks. Coach Wicks brings a ton of energy and passion to the podcast as the trio dive into the areas of building "scout" specific and base defenses, hiding poor defenders, and the trio t…

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Mike D'Antoni on the Evolution of "Pace and Space", Challenging Great Players, and Impossible Tags 1:00:48

9M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Slappin' Glass revisits one of the all-time most popular and interesting episodes on the show with legendary NBA Head Coach, Mike D'Antoni! In this episode the trio dive into the history and evolution of "Pace and Space" offense and discuss challenging great players, impossible tags, and much more during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!" To joi…

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Rick Pitino on 8 Practice Segments, Benefits of Pressure Defense, and the Evolution of the PNR 1:00:02

9M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Slappin' Glass sits down in this episode with the legendary, Rick Pitino! In this "December Rewind" episode with the current St. John's Head Coach the trio dive into Coach Pitino's thoughts on 8 different practice segments, the evolution of the PNR, and discuss the benefits of pressure defense and helping assistants be prepared for becoming a Head …

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Ben Sullivan on Aggressive Switching Tactics, Habits of Elite Shooters, and Personnel-Based Film {Houston Rockets} 1:08:44

9M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Assistant Coach of the Houston Rockets, Ben Sullivan! In this highly informative conversation the trio dive into Coach Sullivan's thoughts on building elite shooters, and the habits that go with it, and discuss various switching techniques along with personnel-based film preparation during the always fun …

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Frank Haith on Building Teams that Win Late, Pressure Free Throws, and "Tricky Traps" {Texas} 59:01

9M ago59:01

59:01

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with Assistant Coach of Texas MBB, Frank Haith! In this highly interesting conversation the trio dive into Coach Haith's thoughts on building teams that can win late in games, pressure free throws, and discuss internal program measures on defense, and "trick traps" during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!" To j…

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Shantay Legans on Coaching with an Edge, 1-3-1 BLOB Defense, and Protecting Foul-Prone Players {Portland} 1:01:52

10M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of Portland MBB, Shantay Legans! In this highly entertaining conversation the trio dive into Coach Legans' thoughts on coaching with an edge, teams becoming an extension of yourself, and explore the "Deep" BLOB defense, along with protecting foul-prone players during the always fun "Start, Sub,…

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Pat Delany on Defensive Details that Win, Efficient Practices, and Coaching Skills Learned in the Film Room {Toronto Raptors} 1:06:49

10M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Assistant Coach for the Toronto Raptors, Pat Delany! In this terrific conversation the trio dive into Coach Delany's thoughts on defending great offensive teams in the half court, and discusses coaching skills learned in the film room, along with efficient and focused practice planning during the always f…

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Vincent Collet on Tactical Chess, Developing French Talent, and "Defending the Danger" {French NT} 1:02:37

10M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the recently retired Head Coach of the French National Team, after being in the role for 15 years, Vincent Collet! The trio dive into Coach Collet's thoughts on developing young talent, after he played a major role in the ascent of Victor Wembanyama and Nicolas Batum, and discuss tactical chess as an underdog…

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Darren Savino on Elite Defensive Principles, PNR Screening Angles, and Teaching Methods in Practice {UCLA} 1:03:01

10M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Associate Head Coach of UCLA MBB, Darren Savino! Coach Savino has been at Mick Cronin's side for over 15 years helping build some of the best defenses in the country year after year, and shares his thoughts on those core principles and philosophies. The trio also discuss teaching methods in practice and P…

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Lassi Tuovi on Modern Offenses and Spacings, Defending Good Ball Movement, and Mental Recovery as a Coach {Finland NT/ Yokohama B-Corsairs} 1:05:53

10M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Finnish NT Head Coach, along with Head Coach of Japan's Yokohama B-Corsairs, Lassi Tuovi! In this highly detailed conversation the trio explore Coach Tuovi's thoughts on modern offensive thoughts, playing smaller lineups, and discuss how to defend good ball movement and mentally refreshing as a coach duri…

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Chris Finch on Late Clock Management, Offensive Rebounding Habits, and Important Coaching Moments {Minnesota Timberwolves} 52:50

11M ago52:50

52:50

Slappin' Glass is joined this week by the Head Coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chris Finch! In this highly thought provoking conversation the trio dive into Coach Finch's thoughts on late clock management and gaining extra possessions, offensive rebounding habits, and talk defending flare screens and important coaching moments during the alway…

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Alex Pribble on the Foundations of Successful Rebuilds, Simple vs. Complex ATO Designs, and Defending "Pitch" Actions {Idaho} 1:07:39

11M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of Idaho MBB, Alex Pribble! In this thoughtful conversation Coach Pribble shares his experiences in being a part of successful rebuilds, including the foundations that must be in place, and the trio dive into tough actions to guard with a talented 4-man, playbook and ATO designs during the alwa…

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Steve Clifford on Pre-Season Foundations, Lineup Protection, and Dangerous Skip Passes {NBA} 1:09:06

11M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

Former NBA Head Coach and current advisor to the Charlotte Hornets Front Office, Steve Clifford, returns to the show this week! In a highly interesting and informative conversation the trio dive into pre-season foundations, including the three things coaches must address, and discuss lineup protection and dangerous skip passes during the always fun…

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Lennie Acuff on Fixing Offensive Spacing, the Benefits of "Toss" Actions, and "Out-Culturing" Opponents {Lipscomb} 1:05:56

11M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of Lipscomb MBB, Lennie Acuff! Coach Acuff is one of the best teachers in the game and the trio dive into his thoughts on fixing "5 Out" spacing, the benefits of a great "toss" game, and discuss defending dominant post players and the "out culturing" opponents during the always interesting "Sta…

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Dr. Preston Cline on Managing Uncertainty Under Pressure, Assessing Risk, and the Benefits of Humor {Mission Critical Team Institute} 1:07:40

12M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Co-Founder of the Mission Critical Team Institute, Dr. Preston Cline! In this highly entertaining conversation with one of the world's best leaders when it comes to working with teams in high pressure situations the trio dive into Dr. Cline's thoughts on managing uncertainty, assessing risk, and discuss h…

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Sean Miller on Handling the "Gray Areas" of Pressure, Tough Transition Actions, and Guards Hedging Ballscreens {Xavier} 1:06:12

12M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of Xavier MBB, Sean Miller! In this highly insightful conversation the trio dive into Coach Miller's thoughts on all things about handling pressure, including playing through the "gray areas" of it, and discuss transition defensive concepts and teaching guards to hedge ballscreens during the al…

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Chris Victor on "Shading Left", Improving Team Passing, and Off-Ball Screens for Shooters {Seattle University} 59:29

12M ago59:29

59:29

Slappin' Glass is joined this week by the Head Coach of Seattle University MBB, Chris Victor! The trio dive into Coach Victor's thoughts on all things defense, including shading left, changing ballscreen coverages, and not switching; and discusses off-ball screening actions and improving team passing during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit!?" To …

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Josh Loeffler on Late-Game Coaching, Defensive Rebounding Tactics, and Reestablishing a Culture {Loyola Maryland} 1:02:13

1y ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with newly hired Head Coach of Loyola Maryland MBB, Josh Loeffler! In his second appearance on the podcast, Coach Loeffler dives headfirst into the areas of late-game coaching, including psychology, preparation, and situational work, and discusses reestablishing a culture and defensive rebounding tactics during th…

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John Shulman on Reading the Room, Unpredictable BLOB Defenses, and Actions to Switch {Central Arkansas} 1:09:18

1y ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the newly hired Head Coach of Central Arkansas MBB, John Shulman! In a wildly entertaining and thoughtful conversation the trio dive into Coach Shulman's thoughts on BLOB defenses, along with the value of being unpredictable in them, and discusses his preference of switching on defense and "reading the room" …

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Owen Eastwood on Decoding Team Dynamics, Alpha Personalities, and Decreasing Performance Anxiety {High-Performance Coach/Author} 1:13:42

1y ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Today, Slappin' Glass teams up with best-selling author and high-performance coach, Owen Eastwood, to discuss the age-old code of belonging and togetherness that can transform a team's dynamics and performance. Discover the intricate dance of cliques and alpha personalities, and how to channel their energy towards a shared vision. Leadership is abo…

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Dr. Gio Valiante on Humiliation and Losing, Mastery Orientation, and Understanding Confidence 47:24

1y ago47:24

47:24

Slappin' Glass is joined this week by one of the world's most successful and sought-after high performance coaches, Dr. Gio Valiante. Dr. Gio is renown for his work with pro golfer, NBA and NFL players and coaches, and some of the top investors on Wall Street. The trio dive into an interesting conversation on humiliation and loss, mastery vs. ego o…

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The Best of Europe 29:26

1y ago29:26

29:26

In this special episode we hear from some of the best coaches in Europe who have shared their insights on a variety of topics over the years. Hear from Tuomas Iisalo, Ettore Messina, Sergio Scariolo, Israel Gonzalez, Pablo Laso, Chus Mateo, Andrea Trinchieri, and Sito Alonso on flow vs. sets, principles of play, the role of a leader, and much more.…

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David Riley on Creating Efficient Offense, Simple BLOB Sets, and Winning with Non-Shooters {Washington St.} 1:02:09

1y ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Slappin' Glass sits down this the newly hired Head Coach of Washington St. MBB, David Riley! The trio dive into the areas of creating efficient offense, different types of advantages, the value of teaching through 3v3, and talk BLOB sets and winning with non-shooters during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!" To join coaches and championship winn…

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Dylan Murphy on "Rumble Meetings", Moving Big Rocks, and Winning the PNR Battle {Osceola Magic} 58:19

1y ago58:19

58:19

Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of the G-League's Osceola Magic, Dylan Murphy! The trio dive into Coach Murphy's thoughts on coaching meetings, including "Rumbles", moving big rocks, embracing the gray, and explore winning the PNR battle, and Plato and Aristotle during a highly entertaining "Start, Sub, or Sit?!" To join coac…