Hardwood Hustle

This week TJ and Sam are joined by Eric Duft, Associate Head Coach at Weber State University and they talk all things offense - how to implement a read & react system, the importance of prioritizing player development, and helping to grow the leadership of guys like Damian Lillard during their time at Weber State.

Distractions are everywhere. This week TJ and Lisa discuss how distractions in coaching can derail us from keeping our focus on what's most important. Both on and off the court it's easy to get sidetracked. Listen now to better identify things that may be hindering your coaching and start preparing yourself and your players for distractions next season.

This week we dive into another 4 quarter episode where we cover how you should approach leading a team that may be lacking in talent, height, heart, or resources. There's not a one-size-fits-all answer, but TJ, Sam and Lisa share the best strategies to take back to your team in each of the four areas.

This week TJ and Lisa are joined by Graham Maxwell, Associate Head Coach at Emmanuel College to discuss staff dynamics and how to address the gaps that exist between assistant coaches and their head coach. In this episode we share what makes for a great assistant and how to create an environment for everyone to thrive in. Tune in to ensure you max out in your role and better serve your program.

This week we're joined by Kirsten Moore, 2021 NAIA National Championship Head Coach at Westmont College. She just completed her 16th season and has guided the program to two NAIA National Championships and is a two-time NAIA Coach of the Year. In this episode she shares how her team has battled through adversity to achieve their biggest successes, what gives them a 10-point advantage come tournament time, and how they build leaders who set the tone for their program each season.

This week we're joined by Matt Lewis, Head Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In his first year as the interim head coach, Matt Lewis led his team to a DIII National Championship. In this episode he shares how they win on the court with their systems and strategies, how they maintain championship standards, and he utilizes a 'menu' in their player development. There are some great ideas and practical applications you can take back to your team in this episode.

This week TJ & Sam discuss the role of set plays within a team's offense. Should your offense be entirely made up of set plays, or should you put your energy and effort into a continuity offense that focuses on teaching reads and develops decision-making? Whatever your philosophy is, this episode will help you create a well thought out approach to knowing why, when, and how you want to use set plays in your offense.

This week we're joined by Head Coach, Steve Gomez. With over 30 years of experience Coach Gomez is headed into his 19th season as head coach at Lubbock Christian University. They recently transitioned from the NAIA to the NCAA Div. II level and in their 6 seasons of being eligible for postseason, they've won 3 National Championships. They're also the first Division II program to have two undefeated seasons. In this episode we talk about fast paced practices, how they teach and execute over 100 set plays, and the importance of senior leadership in their program.

This week we have a special guest, Head Coach Tony Bennett. He’s a 3-time National Coach of the Year and is entering his 16th season as a head coach. In 2019, Coach Bennett led Virginia to their first Final Four and rebounded from a loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament the year […]

This week we’re joined by Bo Hanson, Founder and Director of Athlete Assessments. He’s a four time Olympian, medaling three times with the Australian National Rowing Team. For the past 20 years he’s worked with countless coaches, athletes, and businesses helping leaders and teams work together and reach peak performance. In this episode, Bo shares […]

In today’s episode TJ and Sam talk about the danger of having “sometimes” players or being a “sometimes” coach. How do we strike the right balance? How do we handle frustration and fatigue? Can we or our players have a bad day or take a day off? After listening to this conversation you’ll have a […]

This week, Kiesha Brown shares how she’s used her experience as an accomplished player, which includes 10 years of professional basketball overseas and in the WNBA to build a successful high school program. She was a standout for Georgia women’s basketball, competing in a Final Four, and after her playing career she’s now a head […]

This week Nick Pasqua, head coach at Southern Wesleyan University openly shares his successes and failures with coaches. In 2020, Nick’s second season at Southern Wesleyan, his team was the most improved in NCAA Division II and went 20-11. In that historic season, they also won the university’s first ever Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship. Hear […]

For a head coach, building a staff may be the most important thing you do for your program. In this episode TJ, Sam, and Lisa discuss how coaches can go about selecting their staff and prioritizing the most important things for them and their program. Everyone needs to decide what their non negotiables are whether […]

This week, Josh Merkel, head coach at Randolph-Macon joins TJ and Sam to discuss what its like to takeover a program, implement systems and strategies, and build and sustain a culture of excellence. Josh shares from his 10 years of head coaching experience and is no stranger to success. His program has gone 67-6 over […]