Backyard Buckets Basketball

Just a laid back season update and q&a episode for you guys! Been a while since I just talked to the pod and Rachel asked some good questions that I had a lot of fun answering... We discuss how the season has gone up to this point, Rachel talks about her role as our head manager and her day to day duties and I answer a bunch of questions related to coaching and my first 6 months on the job!

Former women's basketball walk on and assistant coach at William Patterson University (New Jersey) Mollie Kearns joins the pod to discuss her ongoing journey in the basketball coaching world....we discuss the following  - What it's like to be a walk on  - Her role in practice as a walk on - Why she wanted to get into coaching - Balancing two full time jobs - Working campus and attending...

The 2019-2020 All MAAC Conference Trio Alana Gilmer,  Rebekah Hand & Grace Vander Weide join the podcast to discuss all things Marist basketball! We get insight into their college basketball experience as well as reminiscing on the "rivalry" with Quinnipiac.... We discuss - Rebekah's GA positon at Texas Tech - Grace's High School Coaching Job - Alana's individual skill...

Repost of an interview I did on the MAAC CHAAT podcast with hosts Coach Dianne Nolan and Chris Williams... Had so much fun going back in time with these two basketball junkies who watched my career and continue to invest their time and energy into college basketball, more specifically the MAAC conference! Love what they are doing over on their podcast so check that out here  

Quick little update podcast for you guys today discussing my recent blog post on my takeaways 6 months into college coaching. I talk about the biggest differences from being a former player compared to now being on the sideline in a coaching role. I have a lot to learn and a long way to go but I'm loving the process of getting better every day and look forward to continue sharing the journey...

Evan Conti played 4 years of college basketball at Quinnipiac University for Coach Tom Moore. After graduating in 2015 he went on to play professionally in Israel and eventually had an opportunity to become an assistant coach for the men's basketball team at New York Institute of Technology in Long Island. We touch on the following topics throughout the episode and end with our new Quick Hitt...

Bringing you a new series to the podcast! Every week (or two) I will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions and bringing on a variety of guests in a shorter form "quick hit" episode that will cover a number of random topics. Questions Answered - Tips for smaller players - What AAU team did you play for? - Tips for injured players to stay connected with team - Play varsi...

Kevin Perez was one of our practice players at Quinnipiac University during and leading up to our run to the Sweet 16 in 2017. I begin the conversation by asking him about his experience as a practice player for our team, more specifically, why he joined in the first place, what his takeaways were, and about the relationships he formed while being a part of the team.  We then flip the script and h...

Follow Tyler Leclerc on instagram  @tjltraining  Topics we discussed... - Tyler's playing career - His decision to drop out of college and start his own business - Struggles of being a young trainer  - Daily Routine & Film Study - Importance of social media and personal branding - Saving Up To Open His Own Gym - Training and Teaching Style

2x NCAA Scoring Champion Stella Johnson joins the pod!  Topics covered in order - High School, AAU, Recruiting Process - Freshman Year Struggles  - Developing Her Game in The Off Season  - Stella's Workout Routine  - Moving Without The Ball - Predictions for last years potential Rider vs. Marist MAAC Tournament Matchup - WNBA Scouts at Games & The Draft Process  - Being a Rookie in The Wu...

Robyn Brown spent the summer pumping out content for last years WNBA runner up, the  Connecticut Sun. She took on the job of several individuals as COVID restrictions limited the amount of media professionals that were allowed to travel into the "wubble" with the team. We got some good insight on what life was like on the campus of IMG Academy and the massive impact that social media has...

Alana Gilmer started her college career at Virginia Tech playing in the ACC but ended up becoming one of the best to ever play at Marist College. She goes into depth on her decision to commit to VT, why she transferred out and how she adjusted to a new school and a redshirt season. This was a fun conversation to have with a former "rival" and I hope it helps anyone who may be going throu...

Sam Guastella is one of the best to ever play at Quinnipiac University. She went on the play professionally overseas and has stayed involved with the game even after her playing career. Sam has explored several different avenues within the game and is now in her 3rd season coaching at the Division 1 collegiate level.  Time Stamps: 1:15 - Intro - Upbringing, HS & AAU Basketball 5:30 - New Jerse...

What's up guys! Quick episode for you guys today on a question I've been getting all summer long. Here is my best advice for anyone who is trying out for a new team this season. Be prepared, know your strengths and push through the struggle! Good luck and I hope you get something from this episode of the Backyard Buckets Podcast

Brianna Butler ranks 12th all time in NCAA history and holds the Syracuse University record in made 3pt field goals. Leading her team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a national championship game in 2016 against Uconn, Bri has played against the best of the best and gives her take on college basketball and what it takes to play at the highest level.  Time Stamps Intro 1:40 - AAU Philly...

Paula Strautmane graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2019. She is a 3x MAAC champion and was a MAJOR contributor to the success of the program during her time at QU. This conversation taught me a lot about the international basketball scene along with the most important factors to put yourself in a position to be recruited to play college basketball in the United States.  1:00 Intro (Where she...

Division 1 basketball isn't for everyone and it's important to really think about your priorities in terms of your love for the game and being part of a team. Here's some insight from part 2 of my interview over on the Hoop Laude YouTube channel on what it takes to be successful at the D1 level. 

Another former college basketball feature... Brittney Jackson grew up in Brooklyn NY and attended one of the best basketball high schools in the country. She flew under the radar and was a senior with NO offers, but that didn't stop her from putting in extra work every day and staying motivated. She discusses her sudden opportunity to play at the D1 level and how important it was that she sta...

I sat down with Shannon Hovan, high school basketball coach and host of the unTITLED Podcast to discuss the role of women in sports. I discuss my childhood experiences playing baseball and the challenges many girls face when participating in a male dominated sport. We also shift gears and discuss ways to handle conflicts that may arise as you get into more competitive settings, whether with a team...

Adily Martucci led the charge for the Quinnipiac Women's Basketball teams historic Sweet 16 run in 2017, and is one of the winningest players in program history. She discusses her basketball journey, how she handled moments of adversity and was able to stay motivated even when she wasn't getting playing time.  Time Stamps Intro - 1:00  Upbringing, AAU, Recruiting Process, Why Quinnipiac?...

Part 1 of a 3 part series with Bel from the Hoop Laude YouTube channel. Discussing some of the sacrifices that need to be made in order to put yourself in a competitive setting to be successful and get necessary exposure, that will benefit you and your basketball career in the long term.  

In this episode I chat with a girls high school basketball team and give them my best advice and tips for everything regarding college basketball. I introduce them to my story and then get into Q&A at the end. Apologies for the choppy audio at some points but this discussion needs to be heard! 

I discuss 3 more factors to consider during the recruiting process that are not directly related to basketball. The importance of getting a feel for the environment, the proximity and location of the school from your home, and lastly the academic piece and why they might not necessarily need to be the ultimate factor in your decision. 

Repost from my YouTube channel Q&A a couple months back. Answering the most commonly asked questions I get around college basketball and what it's like to be a student athlete at the Division 1 level. Hope you enjoy!

I discuss the importance of doing your research before committing to a school. Watching the team play and figuring out whether or not you fit that style is a crucial part of the recruiting process. Make sure you are aware of that coaches philosophy and where they see you contributing to their team. Also, knowing how many players on the roster are in your position can be another factor that may inf...