The Basketball Podcast

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, Washington Wizards assistant coach JJ Outlaw joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on defense, player maturation, and transitions.J.J. Outlaw is a dynamic and experienced NBA assistant coach who has made a significant impact on the game. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards under Brian Keefe, Outlaw has been a valuable member of various NBA coaching staffs, including stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers.Outlaw's journey to the NBA began with a successful football career at Villanova University, where he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. After two seasons in the NFL, he transitioned to the world of basketball, leveraging his competitive spirit and athleticism to excel in a new sport.

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, University of Richmond head coach Aaron Roussell joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on Coaching the Princeton Offense.Aaron Roussell, the reigning A-10 Coach of the Year, enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Richmond Spiders Women's Basketball team. With an impressive career winning percentage of .694, Roussell has transformed the Spiders into a competitive force in the Atlantic 10 Conference and nationally.Roussell's tenure at Richmond has been marked by significant accomplishments. In the 2023-24 season, he led the Spiders to their first A-10 regular season title and championship since 1991, culminating in a historic appearance in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. His coaching prowess has also been recognized with individual accolades, including the 400th career win against Loyola Chicago and the program's 1,000th win against Fordham.Prior to his time at Richmond, Roussell gained valuable experience at Minnesota State, the University of Chicago, and Bucknell University. His consistent success throughout his career has solidified his reputation as a skilled and dedicated coach.

Swarthmore College head coach Landry Kosmalski joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on shifting strategies and sustained success.Two-time National Coach of the Year Landry Kosmalski has a 224-93 record at Swarthmore with a .707 win percentage since taking the helm in 2012. Under his leadership, the Garnet have become a powerhouse in Division III basketball, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation.Kosmalski’s coaching career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He has been named the NABC Division III Coach of the Year and has earned the Centennial Conference Coach of the Year award multiple times. His teams have made several NCAA Tournament appearances, including trips to the Elite Eight and the Final Four. In the 2019-20 season, his team was ranked No. 1 nationally and finished with an impressive 28-1 record.Kosmalski has been recognized as the Region/District Coach of the Year in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023. He has also earned the title of Centennial Conference Coach of the Year in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Under his leadership, Swarthmore has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 seasons. Additionally, his teams have clinched the Centennial Conference Championship in 2016-17, 2018-19, 2022-23, and 2023-24.Before joining Swarthmore, Kosmalski served as an assistant coach at Davidson College, where he helped lead the Wildcats to two Southern Conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Texas Tech head coach Krista Gerlich joins the Basketball Podcast to share defensive concepts, techniques and drills.With a career coaching record that includes over 347 wins, Krista Gerlich brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the program. A former standout player for Texas Tech, Gerlich was a key member of the 1993 NCAA Championship team, earning accolades such as Final Four All-Tournament Team and NCAA Woman of the Year for Texas.In 2013, Gerlich took over as head coach at UT Arlington, where she became the winningest coach in program history with 121 victories. Her tenure at UT Arlington was marked by significant achievements, including a Sun Belt Regular Season Championship and a Sun Belt Coach of the Year award..Gerlich returned to her alma mater in 2020, taking the helm of the Lady Raiders. Under her leadership, the team has shown steady improvement, reflecting her commitment to building a competitive and resilient program. Known for her strategic acumen, player development skills, and ability to foster team chemistry, Gerlich continues to inspire and lead her players both on and off the court. Her dedication to excellence and her deep connection to Texas Tech make her a pivotal figure in the world of collegiate basketball.

Minnesota State University-Mankato head coach Emilee Thiesse joins the Basketball Podcast to share insight on National Championship motion defense and offense.Emilee Thiesse has transformed the Minnesota State University’s women’s basketball program into an NCAA Division II powerhouse. Under her leadership, the Mavericks clinched their second NCAA Division II Championship during the 2023-24 season, breaking several team records along the way. Thiesse’s tenure boasts an impressive 228-116 (.662) overall record, with 5 NCAA Tournament appearances, and her teams consistently ranking among the top in scoring offense and defense. Minnesota State’s 2023-24 season saw them achieve a 20-2 conference record, their second NSIC Championship, and their first NSIC Tournament Championship.Thiesse’s coaching prowess has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the NSIC Coach of the Year honor. The team broke several team records during their 2023-24 championship season, including games played (37), most wins (32, tied with 2008-09 season), points scored (3,069), field goal attempts (2,673), field goals made (1,146), field goal attempts (789) and free throws made (571). Along with the fourth-best scoring offense in NCAA Division II (82.9 ppg), the Mavericks also boasted a smothering defense that ranked second in steals per game (17.1), second in turnovers forced (28.05) and first in turnover margin (+13.11).

NBA Youth Basketball Consultant and Basketball Immersion founder Chris Oliver reflects on ten years of transformative basketball coaching and player development ideas.Chris Oliver is the founder of Basketball Immersion, a leading resource for basketball coaches and players worldwide. Since 2014, Chris has been dedicated to sharing his passion for the game through innovative coaching methods, immersive videos, and insightful podcasts.With a decade of experience in educating coaches, Chris Oliver has established himself as a trusted authority in youth basketball development. As a consultant for the NBA's youth basketball development programs, Chris Oliver works to shape the future of the game. He is also involved with the renowned Sierra Canyon basketball program, further solidifying his commitment to nurturing young talent. Through Basketball Immersion, Chris Oliver provides coaches with the tools and knowledge to enhance their teams' performance. His engaging content, including the popular Basketball Immersion podcast and in-depth video analysis, has resonated with coaches from grassroots to elite levels.Chris's mission is to empower coaches, players, and basketball communities globally, fostering a deeper understanding and love for the game. Join the Basketball Immersion community to tap into Chris's expertise and transform your coaching and playing experience.

Guest: Dustin Kerns, Head Coach Appalachian State Men's BasketballAppalachian State head coach Dustin Kerns joins the Basketball Podcast.to share insights on draft time, defense and a culture of appreciation.Kerns guided the Mountaineers to a historic season in his fifth year at the helm, securing the program's first regular season outright conference championship since the 1978-79 season, a program-record 27 wins and an NIT first-round appearance for the first time since 2006-07. The Mountaineers won 16 Sun Belt games in 2023-24 and finished with a 16-2 record, marking the best winning percentage in conference play in program history. For the third consecutive season, the Mountaineers won at least 10 home games, winning 15 games at the Holmes Center, the most in the building's era. App State was one of 12 teams in the country to be undefeated at home while shattering their regular-season attendance record.The Mountaineers finished the season 3-0 against teams that made the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament. App State's win over Auburn on December 3 made it back-to-back seasons that the Mountaineers have defeated a Power 5 opponent. Additionally, the Mountaineers were the only team in the country to post three separate winning streaks of at least eight games. Because of the team's success, Kerns was named App State's first Conference Coach of the Year since 2003. Kerns also garnered the All-District 23 Coach of the Year honors by the NABC and was named a finalist for both the Jim Phelan and High Durham Coach of the Year Awards.Kerns coaching journey started as a student assistant at Clemson, and after graduation landed his first coaching job at Tennessee Tech. Following a one-year stop as a graduate assistant at Tennessee, Kerns joined Mike Young's staff at Wofford from 2004 to 2007, then moved on to Santa Clara as an assistant from 2007 to 2013. He returned to Wofford as the associate head coach in 2013, where he was on staff for the Terriers' 2014 and 2015 NCAA Tournament appearances.On May 23, 2017, Kerns was named the head coach at Presbyterian.Kerns took over a Presbyterian program that had endured 12 straight losing seasons and a 5 win campaign the previous season. The program quickly turned around as in his 2nd season at Presbyterian, he led the Blue Hose to a 20 win season, first ever postseason berth, and quarterfinal appearance in the CIT Tournament. Kerns was named the head coach at Appalachian State on March 28, 2019.Breakdown:02:22 Celebrating Team and Fan Support03:41 Unique Summer Training Approaches05:08 Draft Time: A New Approach to Pickup Games13:27 Mental Health and Player Wellbeing14:58 Encouraging Diverse Training Environments19:18 Emphasizing Offensive Skills in Summer23:29 Focusing on Fewer Fouls During Games26:33 Officiating Practice: A Teaching Tool27:48 Addressing Bad Habits and Consequences30:36 The Role of Analytics in Shot Selection31:39 Consequences and Emotions in Practice33:44 Verticality and Defensive Techniques37:56 Defensive Conditioning and Team Building40:11 Developing Defensive Intensity43:01 Core Principles and Program Success46:44 Appreciation and Individuality in CoachingChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbballimmersion/Immersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Mike Bradbury, Head Coach New Mexico Women's BasketballIn this week’s basketball coaching conversation, New Mexico head coach Mike Bradbury joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on efficient language, keeping it simple, and his “so what” philosophy.Mike Bradbury enters his ninth season as head coach for The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team. In his previous eight seasons at the helm, Bradbury has guided the Lobos to a 162-89 (.645) and 89-51 (.636) in conference and became just the second coach in UNM history to win 100 games. Overall as a head coach he has won over 340 games.Five times in his tenure (2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24) the Lobos eclipsed the 20-win mark, with the Lobos tying the program record for most wins in a single season with 26 in 2021-22. Further, the 25 wins in 2017-18 were tied for the second-most wins in program history. The consecutive 20-plus win seasons under Bradbury in 2017-18 and 2018-19 were the first for the program since the 2007-08 – 2008-09 seasonsFrom 2007 to 2010, Bradbury led Morehead State to a 50–44 record over the course of three seasons, including a 22–11 record and a bid to the WBI in his final season as head coach. The 22-win mark set the school's NCAA-era record for victories in a season, and the 14–4 conference mark in the same year set the school's single season conference wins record and was also the highest conference winning percentage in a season in school historyAt Wright State from 2010 to 2016, Bradbury had five seasons with 20 or more wins and led the school to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014, in addition to WBI appearances in 2011 and 2012 and WNIT appearances in 2015 and 2016.Breakdown:01:10 Longevity in Coaching02:02 Building a Winning Team Culture03:03 Efficient Communication in Coaching04:39 Non-Negotiables in Player Development10:27 Adapting Offensive Strategies15:14 Defensive Principles and Adaptability21:14 Coaching Philosophy and Staff Development26:05 Overcoming Adversity: No Excuses26:42 Staff Organization and Responsibilities27:56 Efficient Practice Communication30:03 Post-Practice and Game Review33:05 Adapting Coaching Strategies39:06 Simplifying Game Plans48:05 Maintaining Passion for CoachingChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbballimmersion/Immersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Phill Pressey, Boston Celtics Assistant CoachIn this week’s coaching conversation, Boston Celtics Performance Enhancement Coach Phil Pressey joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on transitioning from player to coach, and applying skill acquisition ideas.Known for his strategic mind and ability to develop players, Phil is a rising star in the coaching world. After serving as a graduate assistant at Missouri, he joined the Celtics’ coaching staff in 2023, bringing his court vision and leadership to the sidelines.Phil’s basketball roots run deep. The son of former NBA player and coach Paul Pressey, Phil has basketball in his DNA. His playing career began at the University of Missouri, where he set records for assists and steals, earning First-Team All-SEC honors in 2013.Despite going undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft, his tenacity and skill earned him a spot with the Boston Celtics, where he played as a point guard. His professional career also included stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and several international teams.Breakdown:01:01 Transition from Player to Coach02:09 Mentorship and Learning03:35 Innovative Coaching Techniques06:40 Enhancing Basketball IQ07:30 The Importance of Scanning10:52 Film Study and Player Development13:37 Roles and Responsibilities16:42 Challenges in Transitioning to Coaching20:53 Balancing Practice Techniques22:53 Coaching Summer League: Insights and Challenges23:53 The Importance of Player Feedback25:34 Balancing Feedback and Player Independence28:23 Empowering Players Through Communication30:34 The Role of Reading and Continuous Learning36:0 Developing Point Guard Skills37:48 Adapting to Modern BasketballChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Guest: Mike Magpayo, UC Riverside Head CoachIn this week's coaching conversation, UC Riverside head coach Mike Magpayo joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on adjustments, confidence, and analytics.Mike Magpayo has set a new standard for UC Riverside men's basketball, entering his fifth year as full-time head coach in 2024-25 after having the interim tag removed on May 21, 2021.Magpayo is the fastest UC Riverside head coach to collect 25 Big West victories, doing so in just three seasons. As of the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Magpayo's Highlanders have earned back-to-back Big West Freshman of the Year honors.Magpayo was named the first Big West Coach of the Year in program history in 2022-23 after leading UCR to a program-record 22 wins - including 10 in Big West play - while picking up another program-record five Big West Player of the Week awards.Prior to arriving in Riverside, he spent a year as the men's basketball director of operations at the University of San Francisco on the staff of his coaching mentor, Kyle Smith. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Campbell University and Columbia University.Magpayo has also found tremendous success off the court, both as the CEO of a multi-million dollar real estate firm in Southern California for seven years, and as the founder and president of the Asian Coaches AssociationBreakdown1:00 - Coaching Strategies2:00 - Mental Performance6:00 - Solution based Coaching and managing Losses9:00 - Coaching Strategies with Two Small Guards14:00 - Shapes and Formations16:00 - Advantage Games and Screening Actions21:30 - Murky Play and Language Use25:00 - Audibles and Player Development28:00 - Importance of Being Decisive33:00 - Teamwork36:00 - Sales Tactics38:30 - Importance of Accountability43:00 - Business Strategies46:00 - Leadership, Vision, and Alignment48:30 - Asian American Experience in CoachingMike Magpayo’s Bio:Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_MagpayoTwitter: https://x.com/coachsonicChris Oliver / Basketball ImmersionWebsite: http://basketballimmersion.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersionImmersion Videos:Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com