The Basketball Podcast

In this week's coaching conversation, George Mason head coach Tony Skinn shares insights on defensive identity and competitive spirit.A key starter on the 2006 George Mason Final Four team and one of the best all-around guards in program history, Skinn returned to his alma mater after nearly a decade of work as a collegiate assistant coach.The 2025 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, Skinn has put together arguably the best start to a coaching career in school history. He set new program bests for overall wins (47), league wins (24), overall winning percentage (.691) and league winning percentage (.667) for a Patriot coach over his first two campaigns. What's more, Skinn's 66.7 A-10 winning percentage is first amongst active league coaches over their first two seasons in the conference.This season, Skinn guided the Patriots to the best season in the program's A-10 history. The Patriots earned a share of their first-ever A-10 regular season title, tallied the program's first NIT victory since 2004 and notched a school record-tying 27 overall victories. The Green & Gold set a new school record for Atlantic 10 league victories (15) and started league play 12-1 for the first time in the program's 59-year history. The Patriots locked up a double bye in the A-10 Tournament for the first time and reached a conference title game for the first time since 2009.George Mason tallied a school-record 18 home victories in 2024-25. The Patriots also swept their A-10 home schedule (9-0) for the first time ever and won five-straight A-10 road games for the first time in program annals. The team's 11-game win streak from Jan. 8-Feb. 18 was the second longest in the nation at the time and was just the fourth 10+ game winning streak in school history.Prior to becoming the head coach of his alma mater, Skinn guided three different programs to the NCAA Tournament as an assistant at Louisiana Tech, Maryland, Ohio State, and Seton Hall.

In this week's coaching conversation, American University head coach Duane Simpkins shares insights on reflecting on a championship season.Simpkins has made a significant impact as the head coach of American, leading the program to new heights in the Patriot League. Over his tenure, he has compiled an impressive 38–29. In just his second year, Simpkins led the Eagles to a historic season, winning the 2024-25 Patriot League Championship and earning the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014. American finished 22-13 overall and 13-5 in the Patriot League, matching the program’s all-time record for league wins in a season.Simpkins joined American after eight seasons on the coaching staff at George Mason, where he helped guide the Patriots to multiple program bests within the Atlantic 10, including an 11-win A-10 campaign and a 20-13 overall finish in 2022-23.His coaching career also includes stints at UNC Greensboro, Towson, and on the high school level at St. Albans, Sidwell Friends, and Bishop O’Connell. In 2020, he was named one of the country’s Top 50 Most Impactful Mid-Major Assistants by Silverwaves Media and has been invited to numerous national leadership and coaching development programs.A DMV basketball legend, Simpkins earned McDonald’s High School All-America honors at DeMatha Catholic under Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wootten. He was a three-time All-ACC Honorable Mention selection at the University of Maryland and helped lead the Terrapins to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16 runs.

In this week's coaching conversation, South Florida head coach Jose Fernandez joins the Basketball Podcast.to share insights on zone offense, relationships and practice.Fernandez has carved out a 25-year head coaching career at South Florida with multiple accolades. He is the program’s all-time winningest coach, has claimed American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors twice in 2018 and 2021, and has led the Bulls to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and secured four Conference Championships, including two Conference Tournament Championships (2020-21 & 2024-25) and two Regular Season Titles (2020-21 & 2022-23). Fernandez's influence extends beyond his program, as he is set to become the WBCA President from 2025-27. His coaching has produced nine WNBA Draft Picks and Signees, and twenty-four of his former players are competing professionally worldwide.Fernandez has also demonstrated success against top-tier competition, with twenty wins against top 25-ranked teams. He has also achieved considerable consistency, with fourteen straight nineteen-win seasons and twelve twenty-win seasons. During the 2024-25 season, he recorded his 485th career victory. Under his leadership, South Florida won the 2008-09 WNIT Championship, defeating the Kansas Jayhawks.Throughout his career, Fernandez has recruited and coached over forty all-conference players, two Associated Press Honorable Mention All-Americans, three members of the USF Athletics Hall of Fame, two AAC Players of the Year, two AAC Newcomers of the Year, four AAC Freshmen of the Year, one AAC Defensive Player of the Year, one AAC Most Improved Player, and seven WNBA draft picks. His contributions to the sport were further recognized with his induction into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay's Hall of Fame on June 8, 2022.This year Fernandez will return to USA Basketball for his second assistant coaching stint with USA Basketball as an assistant for the 2025 Women's U19 National Team. He previously served in the role for the 2024 Women's U18 National Team and was also a court coach at the 2018 USA Women’s U18 National Team Trials.

Brandon Rosenthal, Head Coach at CIA Bella Vista College Prep, has transformed his program from a struggling team to a championship contender in just one year. He discusses the importance of adaptability in coaching, balancing player development with competitive pressures, and fostering a strong team dynamic. Rosenthal also emphasizes integrating real gameplay into conditioning practices and navigating career management in coaching. With his title as the 2024-25 EYBL Scholastic Coach of the Year, he shares valuable insights on continuous learning and collaboration in basketball.

Donny Lind is the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Mount St. Mary's University, known for leading an impressive season turnaround. He discusses how overcoming expectations transformed the team's dynamics. The conversation touches on innovative recruitment strategies and mental techniques to motivate players. Lind also dives into offensive evolution, emphasizing efficient play and unique practice methods. Plus, he shares insights on defensive philosophy's importance, illustrating how strong defense can uplift a team, especially during challenging games.

Steve Smiley, head coach at Northern Colorado and 2024 Big Sky Co-Coach of the Year, dives into his groundbreaking 'Over Ourself' philosophy. He emphasizes teamwork and personal growth, using basketball to teach valuable life lessons. Smiley discusses the power of analytics in coaching decisions and player evaluations. He shares insights on mastering offensive strategies and the complexities of player development in the face of the transfer portal. The conversation also highlights the importance of flexibility in defensive strategies and nurturing a collaborative team culture.

Ryan Pedon, head coach of Illinois State basketball, shares his transformative journey since taking the reins in 2022. He emphasizes building an 'All In' culture to boost team cohesion and performance. Pedon reflects on shaping a winning program through intentional recruitment and long-term strategies. He discusses empowering players by recognizing their unique strengths and adapting game plans accordingly. The conversation also touches on celebrating small victories and the emotional challenges of coaching, all while fostering personal growth and mentorship.

James Jones, the head coach of Yale's basketball team and the Ivy League's all-time winning coach, shares his extensive experience and insights. He discusses the evolution of coaching strategies, emphasizing adaptability and analytics in fostering team success. Jones highlights the importance of building a winning culture, preparing for NCAA challenges, and developing young talent through consistent practices. The conversation also touches on effective game management and the key role of communication in maintaining team cohesion.

In this week's basketball coaching conversation, New York Liberty Director of Player Development and Unrivaled Laces head coach Andrew Wade joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on coaching lessons from Unrivaled 3-on-3.Andrew Wade is currently the Director of Player Development for the New York Liberty, the reigning WNBA champions. In 2024, Wade took on the role of head coach for the Laces in Unrivaled, the professional 3-on-3 women's basketball league.The team finished the regular season standings in third place.In 2019, Wade joined the Washington Wizards' G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, as a video coordinator. His role expanded to include player development responsibilities with the Washington Mystics, where he served as a player development assistant coach. During his tenure, he was instrumental in implementing "vitamins," a practice routine focusing on intentional skill development.Wade's journey in basketball began at the Catholic University of America, where he played collegiate basketball. His passion for the game led him to establish Prism Basketball, a consulting firm aimed at simplifying basketball analytics for teams and players. He also contributed as a sports blogger, analyzing NBA strategies and trades.If you have not had the opportunity yet be sure to check Coach Wade’s excellent masterclass excerpt presentation available on our Basketball Immersion YouTube channel called “Using Video for Basketball Teaching Success with Andrew Wade.” The full video is available on demand to all members of our community inside the membership portal.

In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Fairleigh Dickinson head coach Stephanie Gaitley joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on FDU's success, the wheel of defense and captains.Stephanie Gaitley is one of the most accomplished figures in NCAA Division I history. With an impressive career record of 684-393 (.635), Coach Gaitley ranks as the 12th winningest active head coach in Division I basketball. Her legacy includes 20 postseason bids, 11 WNIT appearances, and nine NCAA tournament appearances, showcasing her ability to lead teams to success at the highest levels.Under Coach Gaitley's leadership, Fairleigh Dickinson Knights have experienced an incredible transformation during her first two years with the team. In her inaugural season (2023–24), the Knights finished 14–17 overall, with a strong 11–5 Northeast Conference record, landing them in 3rd place. The following season (2024–25) marked a historic leap, as the team finished with an outstanding 29–4 record, an undefeated 16–0 conference run, and a berth in the NCAA First Round—a testament to her ability to elevate programs to new heights.Prior to joining FDU, Coach Gaitley also led programs at Fordham (2011-2022), Richmond (1985–1991), Saint Joseph’s (1991–2001), Long Island (2002–2008), and Monmouth (2008–2011), further solidifying her reputation as one of the most successful and versatile head coaches in women's basketball.