Guest: Matt Hill, Charlotte Hornets Assistant CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Matt Hill joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on NBA transition and player development concepts.Matt Hill brings a wealth of NBA coaching experience to the Charlotte Hornets, having previously served as an Assistant Coach with the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks (2018-2023) and the Orlando Magic (2017-2018). He began his NBA journey with the Orlando Magic in 2012, working his way up from Video Analyst/Scout to Player Development under coaches Jacque Vaughn, James Borrego, Scott Skiles, and Frank Vogel.A standout athlete himself, Hill played college basketball at the University of Texas and was named Nebraska's Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year in high school. He holds a bachelor's degree in corporate communications.Hill's dedication to the game is evident in his career path. Transitioning from player development to coaching positions, he has developed a strong foundation in maximizing player potential and contributing to team success.Breakdown1:00 - Coaching Experience2:00 - End of Shot Clock Possession7:30 - Coaching Strategies8:30 - Rival Spacing13:30 - Creating Space16:00 - Processes and Feedback Loop21:00 - Balance, Tracking, and Feedback27:30 - Stats and Film Analysis30:00 - Importance of Trust and Accountability36:00 - Coaching Journey and Staff Development40:00 - Four Different Coaches42:00 - ConclusionMatt HIll’s Bio:Bio: https://nbacoaches.com/matt-hill/Chris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Brian Benjamin, Technical Director for Netherlands Basketball and Former FIBA 3x3 Head Coach In this week's coaching conversation, the technical director for Netherlands basketball and former FIBA 3x3 head coach Brian Benjamin joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss FIBA 3vx3 and its application to all basketball coaching.From 2016 to 2021, Brian Benjamin has been the Head Coach of the 3x3 Men National Team of The Netherlands. After his teams won several medals at the Europe Cup and World Cup, the Men's team qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.Brian Benjamin is currently the Technical Director of the Netherlands Basketball Federation. He oversees and is responsible for all National Teams and Talent Programmes (3x3, 5-on-5, and Wheelchair) of the Netherlands Basketball Federation.Breakdown1:00 - Netherlands Success in 3x3 Basketball5:00 - Defensive Strategies for 3--Point Shots11:00 - Strategies to Counter Switches14:00 - Defensive Rebounds and Communication20:00 - Limiting Turnovers22:00 - One-on-One Defense27:00 - Player Skills and Team Concept30:00 - 3x3 Practice and Defensive Tactics36:00 - Importance of Individual Skills39:30 - Performance Analysis42:00 - Keep Competing45:00 - ConclusionBrian Benjamin’s Bio:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjbrian/Chris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Fran Fraschilla, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio AnalystIn this week's coaching conversation, ESPN College Basketball Game and Studio Analyst, Fran Fraschilla shares insights on trends in coaching, 3x3 and a passion to learn.Fran Fraschilla joined ESPN as a college basketball game and studio analyst in 2003. Fraschilla has an extensive coaching background, having coached at the collegiate level for 23 years. His teams made eight postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments. He was the head coach at the University of New Mexico, St. John’s University and Manhattan College..At ESPN, he worked on NBA Draft coverage, the FIBA World Championships, as well as the NBA and high school basketball. He was also an analyst on ESPN’s NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball coverage from 2007-2014.Fran Fraschilla had an impressive coaching career before transitioning to ESPN.Manhattan College (1992–1996): As head coach of the Manhattan Jaspers, Fraschilla led the team to the NCAA Tournament twice. In 1995, the Jaspers pulled off an upset as a 13-seed, defeating Kelvin Sampson’s No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners. St. John’s University (1996–1998): At St. John’s, Fraschilla coached four NBA players, including Metta World Peace. His overall record with the Red Storm was 35–24.University of New Mexico (1999–2002): Fraschilla continued his success at New Mexico, posting a 55–41 record. His teams made postseason appearances, including the NIT and NCAA Tournaments.In total, Fran Fraschilla’s coaching career spanned 23 years, with an overall record of 176–99. His expertise and insights now benefit ESPN viewers as he analyzes college basketball games and covers the NBA draft, particularly focusing on foreign players.Breakdown1:00 - International Basketball Growth6:00 - Pick and Roll Basketball Techniques13:00 - Five Out Offense and Big Men Passing Ability16:00 - Effective Weak Side Actions18:30 - Practice Design and Habits25:00 - Coaching Techniques in College Basketball28:30 - Offensive and Defensive Approaches33:00 - Importance of Switching35:30 - Difference of 3x3 vs 5x539:00 - Benefits of 3x346:00 - Family Involvement49:00 - Coaching and Mentorship54:00 - ConclusionFran Fraschilla’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran_FraschillaTwitter: https://x.com/franfraschillaChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Joan Plaza, Spanish Professional Basketball CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Spanish professional basketball Joan Plaza joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on modern coaching: Instilling confidence and empowerment.Joan Plaza is a Spanish professional basketball coach with an impressive track record. His coaching journey spans across various European teams, where he has consistently achieved success at the highest levels of the game. Plaza most recently was head coach of AEK in the Greek League and in the Basketball Champions League.Plaza began his coaching career at the basketball school he co-founded, EB Betsaida, and worked with the women’s team EB Santísima Trinitat and the small club CB Sant Adriá. During the 2000–01 season, he led his team to victory in the Spanish Under-20 championship.A veteran of 194 coaching appearances in the EuroLeague, spread between Zenit, Unicaja, Zalgiris, and Real Madrid. His most notable coaching stint was with Real Madrid, where he initially served as an assistant coach under Božidar Maljković. When Maljković departed, Plaza stepped up as the head coach. Under his leadership, Real Madrid achieved remarkable milestones, including thirteen consecutive Liga ACB wins and winning the ULEB Cup (now known as EuroCup) in the same season. Plaza was named the AEEB Coach of the Year.Plaza’s coaching journey continued with other prominent teams including Cajasol Sevilla, Unicaja Malaga, where he secured his second EuroCup title in the 2016–17 season., Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Real Betis.Breakdown1:00 - Coaching Youth Basketball2:30 - Sharing Experiences7:30 - Modern vs Traditional Coaching Methods10:30 - Player Development and Communication17:00 - Assistance in Decision Making20:30 - Building Confidence27:00 - Creating Strategy and Goals31:00 - Time Management36:00 - Coaching Methods40:00 - Game Plan and Priorities48:00 - Coaching Philosophy and Passion55:00 - ConclusionJoan Plaza’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_PlazaTwitter: https://x.com/joanplazaduranChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: TJ Saint, Birmingham Squadron G-League Head CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Birmingham Squadron G-League head coach T.J. Saint joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on his playbook and modern strategies and concepts.Saint's professional coaching journey started in 2014 when he served as the video coordinator for the Detroit Pistons. He remained with the Pistons until 2018 gaining valuable insights into the NBA game.  Following his departure from the Pistons, Saint went to the University of Georgia where he held the position of Director of Basketball Strategy for the Men's Basketball team during the 2018-19 season.Saint then spent three seasons honing his coaching skills with the New Orleans Pelicans' G League affiliates.  He started as an assistant coach (2019-20) before being promoted to associate head coach (2020-22).  His dedication and hard work culminated in his well-deserved appointment as head coach of the Birmingham Squadron in 2022. Saint's 2023-24 Squadron team was the #1 ranked offense in the regular season, and the 4th all-time regular season offense in the history of the G-League.Saint attended Belmont University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in business development. During his time at Belmont, he also served as a student assistant coach with the men’s basketball team from 2009 to 2011. His experience at Belmont laid a strong foundation for his coaching career, combining academic achievement with practical coaching experience.Saint later pursued a Master’s degree in effective teaching and leadership at Butler University. While at Butler, he worked as a graduate assistant coach, further honing his coaching skills and expanding his understanding of leadership in sports.Breakdown1:00 - Coachikng Strategies and Culture2:00 - Creating Team Identity5:30 - Positive Reinforcement9:00 - Basketball Coaching Strategies15:30 - Confrontational Drives19:00 - Alternating the Current22:30 - Spacing29:30 - Blitzing and Pick and Roll Coverage32:30 - Defensive Tactics35:00 - Pick and Roll Reads41:30 - Hang and Hostage Dribbles44:30 - Late Sprays and Monkey in the Middle48:00 - Play Calling55:30 - Angle Shot59:00 - Chase Five and Euro1:03:00 - Offense Strategies and Plays1:09:30 - Dribble Drive Motion1:12:30 - Single Side Tag and Small Ball1:16:00 - Use of Flares and Back Screens1:23:00 - His Coaching Philosophy and Experience1:27:00 -  ConclusionTJ Saint’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://georgiadogs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/t-j-saint/2505Twitter: https://x.com/tjsaint4Chris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Tim Martin, Player and Personal Development CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, Tim Martin joins the Basketball Podcast to share a holistic approach to player and business development.Tim Martin is a basketball coach, motivational speaker, filmmaker, and industry expert. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected skills trainers in the basketball community is nothing short of remarkable.Tim’s journey took a pivotal turn when he began training young athletes. His work ethic, second to none, caught the attention of rising NBA star Tyrese Maxey. Maxey, who has trained with Tim since his freshman year at South Garland High School, describes their relationship as family-oriented.Tim Martin’s impact extends beyond the court. He has developed comprehensive training transformation programs for basketball players at all levels. His Virtual Training Academy, established in 2007, has helped produce 21 NBA Draft selections and assisted clients in earning over $550 million in NBA salary. Tim has worked with NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and Euro league champions, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball world.Tim is not only a basketball trainer but also a motivational speaker, filmmaker, and industry expert. As the Director of Basketball Relations for the Dwyane Wade sneaker company, Way of Wade/Li Ning, he has cultivated relationships with premier names in sports entertainment and fashion.Tim Martin’s journey from homelessness to world-renowned trainer exemplifies resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of basketball. His story inspires athletes and dreamers alike, reminding us that greatness can emerge from even the humblest beginnings.Breakdown1:00 - Holistic Player Development7:00 - Building a Personal Brand9:30 - Personal Growth and Curiosity16:00 - Unconventional Methods19:00 - Confidence Building24:30 - Building Mental Toughness and Pressure27:00 - Coaching Method in the NBA33:00 - Mental Health35:30 - Team Building42:00 - Networking and Authenticity46:00 - ConclusionTim Martin’s Bio:Bio/Website: https://timmartiniq.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/timmartin_txChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Yolett McPhee-McCuin, University of Mississippi Head CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, University of Mississippi head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin joins The Basketball Podcast for a deep dive into defensive principles, offensive philosophy and sustaining success.Head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has elevated Ole Miss women’s basketball back into the national spotlight throughout her six seasons in Oxford. McPhee-McCuin keeps building upon success each season at the helm of the Rebels, leading Ole Miss to a program record 12 SEC wins in 2023-24 as well as the school’s third straight NCAA Tournament appearance for its 20th overall. Along with guiding the Rebels to a program best in conference wins, McPhee-McCuin picked up her 100th win at the helm of Ole Miss during the 2023-24 season to become the second coach in program history to achieve the feat. McPhee-McCuin spent the five seasons before Ole Miss transforming Jacksonville into a perennial power in the Atlantic Sun Conference. During her tenure as head coach, McPhee-McCuin led the Dolphins to a 94-63 record (50-24 in ASUN play) and postseason appearances in each of her last three seasons.McPhee-McCuin, who has also served as the national team head coach for her native Bahamas, was an assistant at Clemson from 2011-13, where she was recognized as one of the top assistants in the nation by National Women's Basketball Insider. Before her stint at Clemson, McPhee-McCuin was on staff at Pittsburgh for two seasons in 2009 and 2010. Her coaching career also includes stops at Portland, Frank Phillips College, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.Breakdown1:00 - Defense and Adaptability8:00 - Defensive Strategies for 3 Point Shots15:00 - Defensive Techniques18:00 - Embracing Physicality23:00 - Defending Ball Screens28:30 - Freedom on Offense34:00 - Exploit Defensive Weaknesses36:30 - Data Analysis and Practice Management43:00 - Maintaining Standards48:00 - Mentorships in Women's Basketball53:00 - ConclusionYolett McPhee-McCuin’s Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yolett_McPhee-McCuinTwitter: https://twitter.com/YolettMcCuinChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Victor Lapena, Canadian Women’s National Basketball Team CoachCanadian Women's National Basketball Team Víctor Lapeña joins the Basketball Podcast to share his philosophy on international coaching, development, and principles of play.Lapeña brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his current role as Head Coach of the Canadian Women's National Basketball Team.Prior to his appointment in 2021, Lapeña spent a remarkable 14 years within the Spanish Basketball Federation.  His impact is undeniable, having played a key role in Spain's dominance on the international stage. During this tenure, he contributed to an impressive collection of 14 medals, including two coveted EuroBasket golds (2013, 2017) and a silver medal at the prestigious 2016 Rio Olympics.Lapeña's expertise extends beyond the national team level. He also boasts a distinguished club-level career in Spain, leading teams in both the second and first tiers of their national league. His strategic brilliance culminated in a championship title with CB Avenida in the 2012-13 season. Additionally, he achieved success on the international club scene by guiding Nadezhda Orenburg to the EuroCup Women title in 2019.Breakdown1:00 - Introduction2:30 - Coaching Basketball in Canada10:00 - Club Model vs Scholastic Model16:00 - Basketball Development Model22:00 - Coaching Principles and Strategies26:00 - Player Development32:00 - Coaching Strategies Learned in Soccer37:00 - Defensive Strategies in Basketball43:30 - Defensive Rebounding Strategies47:00 - ConclusionVictor Lapena’s Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%ADctor_Lape%C3%B1aChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guests: Carly Thibault Dudonis, Fairfield Head CoachIn this week’s coaching conversation, Fairfield head coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis joins the Basketball Podcast to share her insights on 5-Out and, team and basketball identity.In just her second season at the helm, Thibault-DuDonis led the Stags to a program-record 31 wins as part of an historic 31-2 campaign, the second-highest winning percentage in the nation. That mark featured a conference-record 29 game winning streak culminating in a MAAC Championship, their fifth in program history.Thibault-DuDonis was named the Maggie Dixon Coach of the Year, All-Met Coach of the year, the ECAC Coach of the Year, the College Insider Kay Yow Coach of the Year, and the MAAC Coach of the Year to celebrate Fairfield's historic season. The Stags also achieved the program's first-ever national ranking as they slotted No. 25 in the AP Top-25 poll and also received votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll. They finished the season ranked fourth in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll. The Stags capped off their historic season with the MAAC Tournament and Regular Season Championship while punching their ticket to the 2024 NCAA Tournament.In her first season with the Stags, she led the team to a top-5 finish in the conference, receiving a bye into the MAAC Championship Quarterfinals with an 11-9 conference mark.Carly most recently served as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Minnesota. Before joining Minnesota, Carly was an assistant coach at Mississippi State and Eastern Michigan.Thibault-DuDonis' father Mike Thibault was a three-time WNBA Coach of the Year previously coaching the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics while also being an assistant coach in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. Her brother Eric, is the current Head Coach of the Washington Mystics.Breakdown1:00 - Introduction2:00 - Positive Team Environment5:30 - Offensive Identity9:00 - Coaching Strategies for Mid-Major Teams12:00 - Creative Advantages in Offense14:30 - Cutting and Spacing18:00 - Basketball Analytics and Player Development23:30 - Defensive Strategies27:30 - Defensive Fundamentals30:30 - Film Analysis abd Drills34:00 - Workload Management38:00 - Coaching Philosophy41:00 - Skill ImprovementCarly Thibault Dudonis’s Bio:Bio: https://fairfieldstags.com/staff-directory/carly-thibault-dudonis/240Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTbowChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionFacebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love and Matt Robertson discuss skill acquisition concepts for shooting with special guest Chris Oliver. They cover top five concepts, including decision-making and practice methods, emphasizing the importance of adapting practice to game situations and guiding self-discovery in coaching.