In this episode of Slappin’ Glass, we’re joined by John Andrzejek, Head Coach at Campbell and former defensive coordinator for Florida’s national championship team, for a deep dive into the real trade-offs that shape elite defensive systems.
Coach Andrzejek walks us through how his defensive philosophy has evolved across stops at St. Mary’s, Columbia, Washington State, Florida, and now Campbell—highlighting the tension every staff must navigate between precision and pragmatism, technique and energy, and staying out of trouble versus thriving inside the scramble.
We explore the decision-making behind scrambling vs. anti-scrambling defenses, how and why he blends principles from St. Mary’s, Houston, and Iowa State, and what it truly takes to guard the modern, spacing-driven game. The conversation gets deep into the weeds on no-middle principles, switching high and low, tagging schemes in middle pick-and-roll, and organizing rotations when things inevitably break down.
Offensively, Coach Andrzejek shares how he teaches cutting around the pick-and-roll through a mix of rules and reads, why simplicity drives better decision-making, and how repetition of core situations builds true situational awareness. We also tackle post-doubling philosophies, personnel adjustments, practice design, and the balance between scouting detail and playing fast.
As always, we close with a Start, Sub, or Sit that dives into cutting around the pick-and-roll and post-doubling strategies, plus Coach Andrzejek’s thoughts on the best investment he’s made in his coaching career.
This is a clinic-level conversation on defensive problem-solving, offensive clarity, and building systems that hold up against elite talent.
What You’ll Learn
- The strategic trade-offs between scrambling vs. anti-scrambling defensive systems
- How elite programs blend no-middle principles with modern spacing realities
- Why playing really hard often matters more than perfect technique
- How to organize rotations and tags when the ball gets to the middle
- Switching high and low to keep the ball out of the paint
- Teaching cutting around the pick-and-roll using rules that unlock reads
- Why offensive simplicity leads to better decision-making
- Different philosophies for doubling the post and protecting the rim
- How practice design, film, and repetition build defensive awareness
- The long-term value of film study and coaching mentorship
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