The Transforming Basketball Podcast

In this episode, George is joined by NBA G-league Coach of the Year Vitor Galvani to explore the balance between player development and winning, the differences between coaching youth and professional athletes, and how creating decision-rich environments can accelerate learning. Vitor shares insights from his work developing young talent in Brazil and building culture with the NBA's G-League Mexic...

In this episode, George is joined by Liam Jefferson, Head Coach of the Oakland Wolves Academy, to explore the balance between structure and freedom in modern offense. Liam talks about how he applies a "set play offense" with his teams, how it differs from running triggers out of known 'shapes', and discusses the importance of intentionality behind set plays. He also talks about  flow offense princ...

In this episode, George is joined by Alex Sarama, Founder of Transforming Basketball, to share his insights from his coaching journey with the Portland Fire. Alex shares insights to the Principles of Play he is using with the Fire. Alex also talks about what he learned in Cleveland with the Cavaliers and how he is combining it all together in his role as the head coach of the Fire. He discusses wh...

In this solo episode, George explores the concept of the "transfer gap" — the disconnect between what players can do in practice and what actually shows up on game day. Drawing from an ecological dynamics perspective, he breaks down why traditional practice environments often fail to prepare athletes for competition and shares practical strategies coaches can use to make training more representati...

In this episode, George is joined by Rikki Broadmore to explore how empowering players, creating player-led environments, and teaching through concepts rather than control can transform team development. Rikki shares lessons from building successful programs, giving players ownership, and designing practices that encourage decision-making, creativity, and adaptability on the court.    Chapters: 01...

In this episode, George is joined by Michael Huber to explore how mental performance training can help athletes become more present, resilient, and adaptable under pressure. Michael shares practical strategies for mindfulness, self-talk, visualization, and communication, while also discussing how coaches can build mentally challenging practice environments that better prepare players for real-game...

In this episode, George is joined by Erick Vigansky, founder of Athletes on the Rise, to explore the balance between skill development, strength and conditioning, and creating environments that maximize learning. Together, they dive into optimal learning, constraint-led coaching, player development progressions, and how coaches can better design practices that encourage adaptability, resilience, a...

In this episode, George is joined by Gabriel Solé, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Ourense Baloncesto in Spain's Primera FEB, to explore how blending traditional strength work with ecological dynamics and game-like movement solutions can create more adaptable, resilient basketball players.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Gabriel Solé and his coaching background 02:00 – Discovering ecol...

In this episode, George is joined by Antony Distras, a championship-winning coach and England U15 assistant, to explore how shifting from traditional drills to a decision-based, game-realistic approach can transform player development. Antony shares how trusting players, embracing mistakes, and designing practices around real-game chaos helped lead his U14 team to an undefeated championship season...

In this episode, George is joined by James Anderson, a high school coach and state champion, to explore how conceptual offense, practice design, and intentional culture-building can transform a basketball program. James shares how embracing chaos, empowering players, and focusing on relationships helped elevate both performance and team identity.   Chapters: : 01:00 – Introduction to James Anderso...

In this episode, George is joined by Carson Huelle, head coach of Fort Collins High School Girls Basketball. They talk about implementing constraints led approach (CLA) principles into his practice environment; this has fostered a player-first culture rooted in trust, growth, and creativity that led to a successful turnaround season.   Chapters: 00:01:00 – Returning to coach at his alma mater, For...

In this episode, George is joined by Anthony Goods to explore representative shooting, scouting insights, and how coaches can better prepare players for real game conditions. They dive into contested shooting, decision-making, and the importance of designing practices that truly reflect the chaos and demands of competition.   Chapters:  00:00 – Overview of Anthony's background as a Stanford player...

In this episode, George is joined by returning guest Dr. Matt Bowers to dive deeper into the practical application of Non-Linear Pedagogy (NLP) and the Constraints-Led Approach in basketball coaching.   At its core, NLP focuses on five key principles to drive skill acquisition: Representative Learning Design: Ensuring practice environments contain the same information and "cues" found in a real ga...

In this solo episode, George Vaz addresses the common challenges coaches face when transitioning from traditional pattern-based offenses to a conceptual offense using the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA). He discusses how to handle the "messy phase" of implementation, strategies for gaining stakeholder buy-in through transparency, and practical ways to use constraints and small-sided games to build...

In this episode, George is joined by Coaches Jared, Tom, and Henry to reflect on their experiences at the Transforming Basketball Summer Camp. They share key takeaways around creativity in practice design, the use of constraints and small-sided games, and the importance of curiosity and collaboration among coaches.    Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the coaches and overview of the Transforming B...

In this episode, George is joined by Dr. Craig Liebenson, a renowned chiropractor, movement specialist, and performance expert, to explore how movement quality, injury prevention, and holistic training approaches can transform basketball performance. Craig shares insights from decades of working with elite athletes, emphasizing why fixing movement patterns—not just treating pain—is key to long-ter...

In this episode, George is joined by performance coach Domenik Theodorou to share innovative warm-up strategies, the importance of movement variability, and how to keep players engaged through creative game design. Discover practical tips for enhancing practice efficiency, reducing injury risk, and fostering a fun, dynamic environment for basketball players.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and se...

In this episode, George is joined by Felix Engel to explore the inner game of basketball and how awareness, mindset, and learning environments shape player development. Felix shares insights from his experience coaching youth players and working with coaches around the world, explaining why the best coaches focus less on control and more on helping players discover solutions themselves.    Chapter...

In this episode, George is joined by legendary coach Don Showalter to explore what truly transforms a basketball program. With over 40 years of high school coaching experience and 20+ years with USA Basketball — including 10 gold medals — Coach Don shares powerful insights on standards, skill development, communication, and building a culture that lasts. He discusses why players never "graduate" f...

In this episode, George is joined by Mfon Udofia, head coach of the Long Island Nets to share insights from his journey as a player and coach. He discusses the importance of building coaching philosophies based on personal experiences, the significance of accountability and communication with players, and effective strategies for teaching decision-making in a conceptual offense. Mfon also delves i...

In this episode, George is joined by Coach Mike Mennenga to share insights into his coaching philosophy, player development strategies, and the importance of physicality in basketball. He discusses his journey from Illinois to Oregon, the influence of Coach Jim Barron, and the significance of recruiting and developing talent. Coach Michael emphasizes the need for players to understand their roles...

In this episode, George is joined by Corey McCrae to discuss the challenges and growth experienced in coaching basketball at FAU. He reflects on specific games that highlight the difficulties of maintaining leads and the lessons learned from defeats. The conversation also delves into the importance of building team dynamics and aspirations for future success.   Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Co...

In this episode, George is joined by Antoine Broxsie to share his extensive coaching journey across various countries and leagues, emphasizing the importance of cultural integration and innovative coaching techniques. He discusses the significance of understanding modern offensive strategies like the Zoom action, as well as defensive tactics to counter them. Antoine  reflects on his evolving coach...

In this episode, George is joined by Luke Bonner, a former Division I and professional basketball player, about his journey in basketball and his current work in youth sports. They discuss the importance of early specialization, the integration of technology in coaching, the challenges of the college basketball system, and the significance of enjoyment in youth sports. Luke shares insights on load...

In this episode, George is joined by Ryan Gensler , Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Akron, to explore how concept-based offense, relationship-driven leadership, and constraint-led learning shape modern team building and player development. Ryan shares lessons from his coaching journey across multiple programs and explains how cutting, spacing, and selflessness can become foundat...