Fran McCaffery is the head basketball coach at the University of Iowa. He was the youngest Division 1 head coach in the country at Lehigh University at age 26 and has enjoyed numerous successes and accolades at multiple stops in the ensuing years. Coach Fran is one of the best. In this SGG episode, we discuss:

1.  Getting noticed and supported at a young age in Philadelphia by Sam Rines, who ended up coaching Kobe Bryant.

2.  What he’s looked for in an AAU program as a father of four kids.

3.  The funniest teammate he’s been around – and the importance of humor on a team.

4.  Team personality as part of culture.

5.  Having purposeful conversations with players who are different – and knowing how to reach each of them in meaningful ways.

6.  Basketball not being “a game of perfect.”

7.  Getting through the long winter grind of the season – and locking in on hoops while class is out of session.

8.  Building confidence in players.

9.  Being there for players when the going gets tough.