United Basketball Podcast

In this episode, Coach Jason Tucker shares his journey from high school coaching to becoming the head coach at Harper College. He discusses building a winning culture, adapting practice strategies for college, and his vision for success at the junior college level. Key topics Coaching journey from high school to college Building team culture and buy-in Practice design and adaptation for college le...

In this insightful interview, Luke Gromer, founder of RYG Athletics and host of Better Coaching Podcast, shares his expertise on restoring joy in youth sports, redefining success, and coaching with purpose. Luke dives into practical strategies for coaches and parents to create positive, development-focused sports experiences that foster lifelong love for the game. Key topics include: Restoring joy...

This interview with Coach Ryan Davis (Roanoke-Benson, IL) explores how he turned around a high school basketball program in a year, focusing on relationship-building, community engagement, and innovative practice strategies. After listening, you will gain insights into effective coaching techniques, player recruitment, and fostering a positive team culture. Coaches! Plan some personal time and per...

This is the fifth episode of a series dedicated to helping coaches build their program. This episode focuses on creating practice plans that match your play style or system, flows from drill to drill or segment to segment, keeps players fresh while maintaining competitiveness, and tracks player progress. Coaches! Plan some personal time and personal development this offseason. Plan to attend the 2...

This is the fourth episode of a series dedicated to helping coaches build their program. This episode provides focuses on playing a style that matches your personnel, how to identify components that will build your system of play, combining your culture to match your system, and then living your system every day. No matter what you do, you have to believe in it and it must be simple. Coaches! Plan...

This is the third episode of a series dedicated to helping coaches build their program. This episode provides insight to player development, focusing on identifying player needs and building an individual player development plan. The episode then shifts to designing team workouts that incorporate player development plans as well as developing your entire roster and tracking player development. Coa...

This is the second episode of a series to help coaches build their program. This episode provides insight on how to build and structure an offseason program. The key point is that offseason plans are not cookie cutter, coaches need to build one that works for their program. A good offseason program provides structure and overall player development. Key Topics The importance of having structure Bui...

This is the first episode of a series to help coaches build their program. This episode provides a comprehensive 30-day blueprint for basketball coaches to optimize their off-season. It emphasizes the importance of reflection, evaluation, and strategic planning to build a successful program for the upcoming season. Key Topics Off-season evaluation and reflection Player development and individual p...

In this episode, co-owners Jacob & Jeremy Durdan discuss youth basketball, 3v3, and ideas on how to structure a youth program that will enhance your varsity program. The conversation focuses on player development and increasing positive parent involvement in a program. Coaches, as basketball seasons come to an end & off seasons begin, plan some personal time and personal development. We su...

In this episode, Coach Mike Wolf (Prairie Central, IL) shares his experience in coaching basketball, focusing on the transition from coaching boys to girls basketball. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong youth program to ensure the future success of girls' basketball. The conversation explores community support, the decline in girls' participation in sports, and the significa...

In this episode of the United Basketball+ Coaching and Leadership Podcast, Coach Marty Plum of A Pen and A Napkin talks about his coaching journey, continually educating yourself as a coach, things coaches should prioritize, his book "Hoops 365" and his upcoming coaching clinic. United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches, teachers, players, and leaders. If you want to improve your know...

Jamie Cousins (West Hancock HS, IL / Tri State Select AAU) Ryan Osborn (Carmel High School, IN) Eric Gaff (South Bend Saint Joseph HS, IN) Mark Johnson (retired Indiana basketball coach) Jake Nannen (Elkhorn South HS, NE / Omaha Supreme AAU) All join the podcast to discuss various coaching topics - some hot topics, some just coaching preferences. This is the final part. United Basketball+ is a res...

Jamie Cousins (West Hancock HS, IL / Tri State Select AAU) Ryan Osborn (Carmel High School, IN) Eric Gaff (South Bend Saint Joseph HS, IN) Mark Johnson (retired Indiana basketball coach) Jake Nannen (Elkhorn South HS, NE / Omaha Supreme AAU) All join the podcast to discuss various coaching topics - some hot topics, some just coaching preferences. This is the second of three parts. United Basketbal...

Jamie Cousins (West Hancock HS, IL / Tri State Select AAU) Ryan Osborn (Carmel High School, IN) Eric Gaff (South Bend Saint Joseph HS, IN) Mark Johnson (retired Indiana basketball coach) Jake Nannen (Elkhorn South HS, NE / Omaha Supreme AAU) All join the podcast to discuss various coaching topics - some hot topics, some just coaching preferences. This is the first of three parts. United Basketball...

Coach Dan Davis of Grace College joins the podcast following his teams 172 scoring record game. The conversation focuses on committing yourself to building a team culture as well as playing within an offensive system. Coach Davis led Grace College to the 2024 NCCAA National Championship in only his eighth season at the helm. He has over 200 career wins. United Basketball+ is a resource for coaches...

Coach Nick Cammarano joins the podcast again to discuss coaching junior high basketball. This conversation focuses on the significant influence that coaching behavior has on player performance and attitudes. It emphasizes the importance of coaches setting a positive example, as players tend to mirror their coaches' reactions and attitudes, particularly in high-pressure situations. Coach Cammar...

In this episode, Coach Nick Cammarano shares his extensive experience in basketball coaching, discussing his journey from player to coach, his teaching philosophy, and practice model. He emphasizes the importance of structured practices, effective teaching techniques, and the significance of player development. Coach Cammarano also reflects on his favorite drills and the impact they have on player...

In this episode, Coach Jeff Moore shares his extensive coaching journey, emphasizing the importance of relationships, family involvement, and adapting to the evolving landscape of basketball. He discusses his coaching philosophy, practice structure, and the significance of preparing young athletes for the next level. Coach Moore reflects on his experiences, favorite drills, and the joy of giving b...

Coach Rex Walters shares his extensive coaching journey, from playing under legendary coaches like Roy Williams to his current role at Regis University. He discusses the challenges and strategies of coaching at different levels, including the NBA and college basketball, and emphasizes the importance of player development, shot selection, and understanding individual player strengths. Coach Walters...

Part Two of Two Former college and NFL coach turned author and leadership speaker, Evan Burk discusses his book, "Finding Intangibles." His book is focused on the intangibles that professional athletes possess. This discussion focuses on the other side of the coin - developing intangibles in youth athletes and being a better coach by developing athletes. Coach Evan Burk can be found on X @CoachEva...

Part One of Two Former college and NFL coach turned author and leadership speaker, Evan Burk discusses his book, "Finding Intangibles." His book is focused on the intangibles that professional athletes possess. This discussion focuses on the other side of the coin - developing intangibles in youth athletes and being a better coach by developing athletes. Coach Evan Burk can be found on X @CoachEva...

Part Three - Coach Kevin Clancy gives his advice for coaches and discusses practices. Basketball coach and statistics guru, Kevin Clancy discusses his coaching experiences, his coaching style, and trends he sees. Most importantly, he discusses how the use of stats can help teams play to their strengths and mask their weaknesses. Kevin has statistical knowledge from every level - from youth to prof...

Part Two - Coach Kevin Clancy discusses in detail the use of statistics in basketball. Basketball coach and statistics guru, Kevin Clancy discusses his coaching experiences, his coaching style, and trends he sees. Most importantly, he discusses how the use of stats can help teams play to their strengths and mask their weaknesses. Kevin has statistical knowledge from every level - from youth to pro...

Part One - Coach Kevin Clancy discusses his experiences and his time with Mississippi State Women's Basketball. Basketball coach and statistics guru, Kevin Clancy discusses his coaching experiences, his coaching style, and trends he sees. Most importantly, he discusses how the use of stats can help teams play to their strengths and mask their weaknesses. Kevin has statistical knowledge from ev...

Lisle Benet Academy (IL) boys' basketball coach, Gene Heidkamp discusses his coaching experience, spanning three decades. Coach Heidkamp discusses maintaining a high level program culture, player development, alumni involvement, and the competitiveness of Chicagoland basketball. Coach Heidkamp has over 400 career victories, 4 super-sectional wins, 6 sectional titles, and 11 regional championships....