The Basketball Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 315: Kevin Mulcahy, Constraints Led Coaching Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Kevin Mulcahy, Sports Practice Design Specialist

Sports practice design specialist Kevin Mulcahy joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on representative practice using a constraints-led approach.

Kevin is an experienced sports and conditioning coach who has worked with sports teams, athletes, professionals, and clubs across three continents for over 30 years. He is the owner-operator of the Design the Game Project, a platform that shares coaching insights and research with a progressive and learning-led audience.

Design the Game promotes a Constraints Led Approach to Motor Learning and coaching. Kevin has studied on and off the field how humans learn to move and learn skills for well over 20 years.

Through the Design the Game brand has run several mini online courses around motor learning, decision making in sport and practice design. Kevin also runs TMC Performance, a sports and conditioning, personal training business that caters to the overall health and lifestyle of his clients from athletes to busy professionals through a strength and conditioning for life and sport mindset and programming approach.

Kevin has a strong educational background in coaching science, with a BSc in Strength and Conditioning from Setanta College, a certificate in Nutritional Science and Coaching from Precision Nutrition, and a certificate in The Neuroscience of Decision Making from Barcelona FC

Breakdown

1:00 - Constraint Led Approach

7:00 - Manipulating Task Constraint

11:30 - Elicit Skill

16:00 - Technique Development

26:00 - Poet's Practice

34:00 - Feedback with Action

40:00 - Early in Learning

49:00 - History

52:00 - Playing Unstructured

59:00 - Affordances

1:03:30 - The Three Things

1:07:00 - Basketball Drills

1:12:00 - Free Throw

1:14:00 - Conclusion

Kevin Mulcahy’s Bio:

Bio/Website: https://kevinmulcahy.substack.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/movementcoachkm

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 314: Tanisha Wright, WNBA Culture and Coaching Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Tanisha Wright, Atlanta Dream Head Coach

In this week’s coaching conversation, Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright joined the Basketball Podcast to share insights of WNBA culture and coaching.

Tanisha Wright joined the Atlanta Dream prior to the 2022 WNBA Season and led the franchise to its most wins in a season (14) since 2018. Her breakout first year as a head coach with the Dream also earned her the Associated Press Coach of the Year award and a second-place finish in WNBA Kia Coach of the Year voting.

As head coach, Wright is responsible for fostering the growth of the Dream’s players and establishing a culture of integrity and accountability. She brings 14 years of WNBA experience as a player and 2 more seasons as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces.

A first-round draft pick in 2005, Wright spent 10 seasons as a guard with the Seattle Storm, where she helped lead the team to nine straight playoff appearances and a WNBA Championship in 2010. She played another four seasons with the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx before retiring as a player in 2019.

While still playing in the league, Wright began her coaching career in 2017 as an assistant with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte 49ers. In 2020, the Aces signed her as an assistant coach, where she worked closely with industry leader Bill Laimbeer.

Prior to joining the WNBA, Wright was a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-American at Penn State.

Breakdown

1:00 - Vision of Coaching

3:30 - Huge Impact

5:00 - Building Culture

8:30 - Player Accountability

12:00 - Unstoppable Moves

13:30 - Analytics

17:00 - Player Development Coach

19:00 - Game Reps

20:30 - Traditional Practices

23:30 - Different Type of Realities

25:30 - Adjustments

27:30 - Special Projects

28:30 - Playing Conceptually

31:00 - Evolving Landscape

34:30 - Development League

38:00 - Value of Mentor

40:30 - Off Season

42:00 - Small Jobs

Tanisha Wright’s Bio:

Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanisha_Wright

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachtwright_

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 313: Curt Miller, WNBA Coaching, Mastering the Monotony, and Point of Attack Concepts Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Curt Miller, LA Sparks Head Coach

LA Sparks head coach Curt Miller joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on WNBA coaching, mastering the monotony, and point-of-attack concepts.

Los Angeles Sparks Head Coach Curt Miller made history on August 6th against the Washington Mystics winning his 150th WNBA game as a head coach. His latest career milestone places him in elite company. Miller, Lin Dunn, and Van Chancellor now stand alone as the only head coaches to have won at least 275 collegiate games and 150 WNBA games. Miller is the fifth fastest to 150 WNBA wins.

Before coaching the Sparks, Miller served as the Head Coach of the Connecticut Sun where he was named the WNBA Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2021. Miller led the Sun to two WNBA Finals appearances in 2019 and 2022 and six playoff appearances in seven seasons. Miller also coached at Bowling Green State University (2001-12) and Indiana University (2012-14). In his tenure as a college coach, he won over 290 collegiate games.

Breakdown

1:00 - Involvement with USA Basketball

5:30 - Unique Places in History

8:30 - Love of Teaching

11:00 - Scout Heavy Philosophy

13:00 - Monotony

17:00 - Collaborative Process

19:00 - Transactional Nature

21:00 - Significant Developments

26:00 - Qualitative Elements

28:00 - Ball Screen

33:00 - Switching

35:00 - Ghost Slip Set Decision

38:00 - Point of Attack

41:30 - Humility

43:30 - Conclusion

Curt MIller’s Bio:

Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_Miller

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtMillerWBB

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 312: Dylan Murphy, NBA Coaching Analytics Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Dylan Murphy, G League Head Coach

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, G League head coach Dylan Murphy joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on coaching analytics.

Dylan Murphy is the head coach of the Osceola Magic, the NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic.

Dylan Murphy has been associated with the Orlando Magic for the past five seasons. His journey began as a basketball operations analyst from 2018 to 2020, where he provided valuable analytics support to the coaching staff. Subsequently, he was promoted to assistant coach in 2020 and has continued in that role for the last three seasons.

Prior to joining the Magic, Murphy served as an NBA G League scout for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2016-17 season. His responsibilities included identifying potential call-up candidates for the Hawks’ NBA roster.

From 2013 to 2016, Murphy worked as an assistant coach for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the NBA G League team for the Indiana Pacers. In the 2013-14 season, the Mad Ants clinched the G League championship with an impressive regular-season record of 34-16 and a perfect 6-0 playoff run. They followed it up with another trip to the G League Finals in the 2014-15 season.

Murphy also served as a graduate assistant with the men’s basketball team at Ball State University in 2018.

One of Murphy's most notable contributions to the coaching community is the creation of the Basketball Dictionary. This comprehensive resource serves as a compendium of basketball terminology, concepts, and strategies, providing coaches at all levels with a valuable tool for enhancing their understanding of the game.

Breakdown

1:00 - Introduction

4:00 - Understanding Analytics

8:00 - Analytics and Basketball Experiences

11:30 - Optimizing Offensive Tempo

13:30 - Super Slow

15:30 - Efficiencies vs Types of Defenses

19:00 - Attacking a Switch

20:30 - Double Teaming a Star Player

25:00 - Offensive Rebounding

28:00 - Decision Making

31:00 - Interpreting the Data

35:30 - Teaching Points

37:30 - Decision Making Defensively

41:00 - Trends in Basketball Analytics

42:00 - Ideas Into Action

Dylan Murphy’s Bio:

Bio/Website: https://gleague.nba.com/news/osceola-magic-name-dylan-murphy-head-coach

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 311: Bill Dettering and Mike Murphy, Hoopsalytics Unleashed Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Bill Dettering and Mike Murphy, Hoopsalytics Founders

In this week's coaching conversation, Hoopsalytics founders Bill Dettering and Mike Murphy join the Basketball Podcast to share insights on Basketball Stats and Analytics Systems Designed for Coaches.

Bill Dettering developed and conceived Hoopsalytics with co-founder Mike Murphy. Hoopsalytics brings the most powerful analytics to teams of all levels. It is a Next Generation Basketball Stats and Analytics System Designed by Coaches, for Coaches.

Bill Dettering is currently the Girls Varsity Coach at Truckee High School, and is in his 12th season as a basketball coach at various levels. He played college basketball at Swarthmore College. He is a lifelong software designer and entrepreneur, previously founding Zingtree and has started and run six companies - all powered by data-driven decision making.

Mike Murphy is the current Head Coach of the freshmen/sophomore basketball team at Urban High School in San Francisco. He played college basketball at UNC-Greensboro and Catholic University.

Bill and Mike met as they played together in a San Francisco area men's leagues, which led to them connecting and building Hoopsalytics together.

Breakdown

1:00 - Affordable Things

4:00 - Evaluating Defensive Performance

7:30 - Evaluating 5 Player Lineups

11:00 - Tracking Player Moves

14:00 - Why Paint Touches is Subjective

15:30 - Evaluating Sets and Actions

18:30 - Lineup Analysis

20:00 - Shot Tracking

26:00 - Work in Practice

28:00 - Game Decisions

30:00 - Value of Three Point Miss

33:00 - Turnovers

34:00 - Nerd Ball

38:00 - Data

41:00 - Hoopsalytics

Bill Dettering and Mike Murphy’s Bio:

Bill Dettering

Bio/Website: https://hoopsalytics.com/about.php

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDettering

Mike Murphy

Bio/Website: https://hoopsalytics.com/about.php

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachMikeMurphy

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 310: Dave Leitao, The Basketball Coaching and Development Landscape Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Dave Leitao, Overtime Elite Coach

In this week's coaching conversation, Overtime Elite coach Dave Leitao joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss the basketball coaching and development landscape.

Dave Leitao is an accomplished American professional basketball coach, currently holding the position of head coach for the City Reapers in Overtime Elite (OTE). With a coaching journey spanning various institutions, including DePaul University, the University of Virginia, and his alma mater, Northeastern University, Leitao has left an indelible mark on the basketball world.

Leitao began his coaching journey as an assistant under Jim Calhoun at Northeastern University in 1984, later joining Calhoun at the University of Connecticut.

After a stint as the head coach at Northeastern University, Leitao returned to Calhoun’s staff during the Huskies’ national championship-winning season in 1999. In 2002, Leitao assumed the head coaching position at DePaul University, leading the Blue Demons to postseason appearances, including the NIT in 2003 and 2005, as well as the NCAA tournament in 2004. His tenure saw an overall record of 58–34.

Taking over as head coach at the University of Virginia, Leitao made history as the first person of African descent to coach any varsity sport in Virginia Cavaliers history. Notably, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year by the Associated Press in the 2006–07 season.

Continuing his coaching journey in the innovative Overtime Elite league, Leitao has achieved success, winning the OTE Finals in the league’s first two seasons. He continues to lead the City Reapers influencing young players like last year’s team members Amen and Ausar Thompson, showcasing his dedication to player development.

Breakdown

1:00 - Developing Professional Players

6:00 - Approaching Player Development

9:00 - Holistic Approach

11:00 - Analytics

14:30 - Free Care

18:00 - Continuous Process

21:00 - Evolving Philosophically

23:30 - Improvement

28:00 - Real World Experience

30:00 - Deficiency

33:30 - Next Generation of Coaches

36:00 - Holding Players Accountable

39:00 - Player's Life

42:00 - The Thompsons

46:00 - Foundation

48:00 - Conclusion

Dave Leitao’ Bio:

Bio/Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Leitao

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachDLeitao

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 309: Juli Fulks, Transformational Leadership, Positive Psychology and Playoff Preparation Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Juli Fulks, Transylvania University Head Coach

Transylvania University head coach Juli Fulks joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on transformational leadership, positive psychology, and playoff preparation.

Juli Fulks has over 360 wins as a head coach and has been the head coach of the Transylvania University women’s basketball team for the past 10 years. Last year she led Transylvania to remarkable achievements. In the 2022-2023 season, her team achieved a perfect record of 33-0 and secured the NCAA National Championship. During this historic season, they dominated opponents, averaging over a twenty-point differential, scoring more than 70 points per game, while holding their adversaries to under 50 points. The Pioneers also clinched their fifth consecutive Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) title and completed two consecutive years of a perfect regular season.

Fulks began her head coaching career at Lewis & Clark College. During her 10 years there, her team (also named the Pioneers) posted seven winning seasons and made three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances while attaining a national ranking of fifth in the country. Coach Fulks has been named conference Coach of the Year seven times in her career and coached several academic and athletic All-Americans.

In addition to coaching, Juli holds a master’s in education degree from Defiance College (2004) and a Ph.D. in leadership studies (2022) from the University of the Cumberlands.

Breakdown

1:00 - Run on Transylvania University Basketball

6:00 - Transformational Leadership

8:00 - Generational Perspective

12:00 - Positive Psychology

14:30 - Common Sense

18:00 - Evidence Based Stuff

19:30 - Playing a Team Multiple Times

22:00 - Reduction Intensity

24:00 - Positive Framing

25:32 - 26:28 - Hoopsalytics Ad 3

26:28 - Endgame Situations

30:00 - Five Minute Moments

32:00 - Recovery

35:00 - Coaching Behaviors

38:00 - Special Situations

41:00 - Efficacy

45:00 - Risk Tolerance

48:00 - Experiential Things

51:00 - Conclusion

Juli Fulks’ Bio:

Bio/Website: https://transysports.com/staff-directory/juli-fulks/74

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Transy

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 308: Stas Ovdieienko, War and Basketball Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Stas Ovdieienko, Ukrainian Superleague Head Coach

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, Ukrainian Superleague head coach Stas Ovdieienko joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on war and basketball.

Stas Ovdieienko is a prominent Ukrainian basketball figure, who has made significant contributions to the sport as a player and coach. Ovdieienko boasts an impressive 17-year career as a professional basketball player. During this time, he achieved significant milestones, including being crowned the champion of Ukraine and securing the Superleague Cup. Transitioning from player to mentor, Ovdieienko spent 2 years as an assistant coach before taking the reins as the head coach of BC Zaporizhzhia in the Ukrainian Superleague.

However, tragedy struck when the war reached his doorstep—quite literally. Despite his dedication to the sport, the conflict forced him to confront a new reality.

Stas Ovdieienko’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to basketball, even in the face of adversity and I am grateful to share it with you.

Breakdown

1:00 - Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine

6:00 - Impact of Conflict on Ukraine Basketball

11:00 - Normality

12:30 - Leadership

15:30 - Humor

16:23 - 17:31 - Hoopsalytics AD 2

18:30 - Mental Toughness

21:00 - Solution-Based Coaching Interventions

26:00 - Talk To Yourself

28:30 - Team Building

31:00 - Conclusion

Stas Ovdieienko’s Bio:

Bio/Website: https://vk.com/stise

Twitter: https://twitter.com/prostoj

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 307: Anthony McClish, Ownership of Decisions, Relationship, and Organization Building Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Anthony McClish, G-League Ignite General Manager

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, G League Ignite general manager Anthony McClish joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on ownership of decisions, relationships, and organization building.

Anthony McClish is a distinguished basketball executive with a rich history of accomplishments within the industry. He is the current General Manager of the NBA G League Ignite, a role he began in 2022. Under his guidance, the team experienced significant growth and success, with McClish playing a central role in shaping strategic initiatives, refining player development programs, and fostering an environment conducive to achieving excellence both on and off the court.

Prior to his tenure with the G League Ignite, McClish served as the General Manager for the Stockton Kings. Within the Sacramento Kings organizations, he honed his expertise as a Basketball Operations Assistant at the Sacramento Kings where he gained invaluable insights into player management, team dynamics, and the intricacies of operational efficiency within a premier basketball franchise.

McClish started his professional career as an intern with basketball operations with the San Antonio Spurs. He has also served as a consultant with USA Basketball. He holds an Executive MBA in Business Administration and Management from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Breakdown

1:00 - Incredible Questions

3:30 - Being Confrontational

7:30 - Mentorship Model

10:00 - Organic Moments

12:00 - Team Building

15:00 - Building Geniune Relationships

18:00 - Ownership of Decisions

25:30 - Integrity

28:07 - 29:14 - Hoopsalytics Ad 1

29:14 - Nonlinear Development

31:00 - Life Skills

35:00 - Coping Strategies

38:00 - Qualitative/Quantitative Data

41:00 - Conflict Resolution Perspective

45:00 - Voicing Concern

51:00 - Trial and Error

54:00 - Conclusion

Anthony McClish’s Bio:

Bio/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mcclish-mba-63626335/

Basketball Immersion

Website: http://basketballimmersion.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bballimmersion?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/basketballimmersion

Facebook: https://facebook.com/basketballimmersion

Immersion Videos:

Check out all our all-access practice and specialty clinics: https://www.immersionvideos.com

Episode 306: Jamy Bechler, Failing Forward, Coachability, and Modern Leadership Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Guest: Jamy Bechler, Author, Podcast Host, Speaker, and Leadership Consultant

Author, podcast host, speaker, and leadership consultant Jamy Bechler joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on failing forward, coachability, and modern leadership.

Jamy Bechler combines his unique experiences as a championship athletic director, college basketball coach, and executive business trainer to help take you and your team's results and leadership to the next level. He is a professional speaker, author, podcast host, and leadership consultant who works with teams ranging from major corporations to the NBA.

Jamy spent 20 years in organized athletics as a college basketball coach and athletic administrator. He now leads leaders and is a coach to coaches as a team consultant and leadership trainer. He is the host of the popular "Success is a Choice" podcast and is the author of six eBooks and four published books. You can learn more about him at www.JamyBechler.com

Breakdown

1:00 - Best Version of Themselves

6:00 - Concept of Coachability

11:00 - Players

13:00 - Filtering the Information

17:00 - Pursuit of Excellence

24:00 - Intentional Communication

26:57 - 28:09 - Hoopsalytics AD

28:09 - Modern Way of Communicating

31:00 - Leadership

36:00 - Looked Back in the Mirror

41:00 - Moments on the Bench