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The Basketball Podcast

The Basketball Podcast

Chris Oliver 200 Episodes Sep 23, 2026

The Basketball Podcast features real coaching conversations for basketball coaches at every level. Host Chris Oliver talks with coaches and shares practical ideas that can be applied to improve practices, player development, and team performance. The show is designed for both new and experienced coaches who want to refine their approach. Episodes focus on actionable coaching insights rather than news or entertainment.

Episodes

Stella Kaltsidou on Tagging Up and Player-Centric Coaching (EP443)
Stella Kaltsidou on Tagging Up and Player-Centric Coaching (EP443) Sep 23, 2026 47:23 Stella Kaltsidou, one of European basketball's most accomplished female coaches, having won the Euro Cup with the London Lions. Stella discussed her coaching philosophy centered on making players feel good while being aggressive, explaining how she implemented the tagging up system at Athinaikos which generated 12.9 second chance points per game during the Euro Cup. Kaltsidou detailed her approach
Brian Wardle on Gap Defense and Ball Screen Continuity (EP422)
Brian Wardle on Gap Defense and Ball Screen Continuity (EP422) Sep 16, 2026 55:48 Bradley University head coach Brian Wardle, discussing his coaching philosophy and defensive systems. Coach Wardle shared his approach to building team defense around "flat triangles" positioning and gap defense, emphasizing the importance of consistency in practice with 30 minutes daily dedicated to defensive work including shell drills and breakdowns. He discussed his evolution from being the yo
Steve Scalzi on Coaching Methodology and Constraints (EP441)
Steve Scalzi on Coaching Methodology and Constraints (EP441) Sep 9, 2026 51:33 Detroit Pistons assistant coach Steve Scalzi offered a sharp, experience‑driven look at his coaching journey and philosophy, drawing on years across the NBA, G League, and college basketball. He reflected on how those environments shaped his approach to player development and discussed his transition into becoming the head coach of the Motor City Crews.He broke down foundational shooting concepts
Ryan Marchand on Dynamic, Adaptable Coaching (EP440)
Ryan Marchand on Dynamic, Adaptable Coaching (EP440) Sep 2, 2026 51:36 Ryan Marchand, a professional basketball coach currently serving as head coach of the Fukushima Firebones in Japan's B-League. Ryan discussed his coaching journey from the NBA and G-League to overseas opportunities in Taiwan, where he had considerable success, and his successful turnaround of the Fukushima team from last place to the finals.A few key themes emerged from the conversation with Ryan.
Eric Konkol on Attitude, Commitment, Class (EP439)
Eric Konkol on Attitude, Commitment, Class (EP439) Aug 26, 2026 54:23 University of Tulsa head coach Eric Konkol discussed his successful 2025-26 season that produced 30 wins and an NIT championship game appearance, a campaign built on staff continuity and attracting a complementary, high-character roster. His program is guided by the core philosophy of “Attitude, Commitment, Class,” a framework from Jim Larrañaga that prioritizes energy, dedication, and professiona
Justin Wetzel on CEO of Player Development
Justin Wetzel on CEO of Player Development Aug 19, 2026 54:51 Veteran coach Justin Wetzel, who most recently served as associate head coach and offensive coordinator for the Noblesville Boom (NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers). shared his player development philosophy centered on the concept of players being "CEO of their own development," which involves a four-step process: establishing player expectations and strengths within the organization, h
Allen Sharpe on Simplicity, Accountability and 1-on-1 Defense (EP437)
Allen Sharpe on Simplicity, Accountability and 1-on-1 Defense (EP437) Aug 12, 2026 45:48 University of Alabama Huntsville women's basketball head coach Allen Sharpe, discussing his coaching philosophy and the team's recent success. Sharpe shared insights from his long career, including his influences from playing under Don Meyer at Lipscomb University and his experience coaching both men's and women's teams. He detailed his emphasis on simplicity in defensive systems, focusing on one-
John Shulman on Uncommon Coaching (EP436)
John Shulman on Uncommon Coaching (EP436) Aug 5, 2026 51:41 Central Arkansas head coach John Shulman shared insights focusing on his coaching philosophy, career journey, and the "uncommon" approach he brings to the game. Shulman shared stories from his long coaching career, including his time at Chattanooga, Alabama Huntsville, and now Central Arkansas, where he led a historic season in his second year. He explained his core philosophy of being "uncommon"
Wes Brooks with Lessons from Rebuilding Utah State (EP435)
Wes Brooks with Lessons from Rebuilding Utah State (EP435) Jul 29, 2026 52:33 Utah State head coach Wes Brooks shares insights on his challenges and solutions. Learn more about his journey from assistant coach to head coach, sharing his approach to rebuilding the Utah State program after two challenging seasons. He explained his offensive philosophy centered on "fist and flash" gameplay, spacing concepts (single, double, triple), and teaching players to read defenses rather
Charles Hantoumakos Inside Canada's Historic FIBA Upset (EP434)
Charles Hantoumakos Inside Canada's Historic FIBA Upset (EP434) Jul 22, 2026 01:11:03 Charles Hantoumakos, the Canadian Under-18 Men's National Team Head Coach, breaks down their underdog victory against the United States at the 2026 FIBA Under-18 America Cup. Charles shared detailed tactical breakdowns of offensive concepts including flow mechanisms, rifle actions, and turnout sets that helped Canada secure their first-ever title in the event Hantoumakos shared insights on the imp
Aarika Hughes on LMU's Championship Turnaround (EP433)
Aarika Hughes on LMU's Championship Turnaround (EP433) Jul 15, 2026 57:34 Loyola Marymount Women's Basketball Head Coach Aarika Hughes shares the coaching philosophy and leadership principles that led LMU to its first outright West Coast Conference Regular Season Championship since 2004.Coach Hughes breaks down the habits, systems, and culture shifts that transformed the program, including simplifying scouting reports, implementing a "Joy Drill," developing players thro
Brian Earl on Blending Old School and New (EP432)
Brian Earl on Blending Old School and New (EP432) Jul 8, 2026 43:37 William and Mary head coach Brian Earl discussed his coaching philosophy and approach, sharing his background playing and coaching at Princeton under coaches Pete Carril and Bill Carmody, explaining how he evolved from the traditional Princeton offense to a faster, more up-tempo style that still incorporates backdoor cuts and passing. Earl discussed his offensive principles of getting good shots,

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