PREP Athletics Basketball Podcast: Recent Episodes
Cory Heitz
PREP Athletics is a company that helps basketball players find the right fitting prep schools to help them meet their goals. This podcast features PREP Athletics founder Cory Heitz's valuable expertise and vast connections to share insights and stories about the past, present, and future of prep school basketball. It also features in depth interviews with prep school basketball coaches from all competitive levels. Cory is a prep school alum, former D1 player, and Air Force veteran. Learn more about how PREP Athletics can help you by visiting www.prepathletics.com, and be sure to sign up for the newsletter.
Joe O’Shea, Head Coach of The Kiski School, joins us to discuss prep school basketball, reclassing, college recruiting, player development, playing time, and college placement.
Joe shares his journey from Vermont Mr. Basketball to Division I basketball at Holy Cross and Bryant, professional basketball in Europe, college coaching, and ultimately leading the program at Kiski.
We also discuss how Kiski develops its players, why Joe strongly supports reclassing in most situations, what families should understand about playing time, and how the transfer portal has changed recruiting for high school basketball players.
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:46 – Joe O’Shea’s Basketball Background
03:16 – Transferring From Holy Cross to Bryant
06:25 – The Reality of Division I Basketball
09:01 – Lessons From College Coaching
12:24 – Inside The Kiski School
17:24 – How Kiski Develops Players
19:47 – Playing Time and Finding the Right Fit
22:10 – Should Basketball Players Reclassify?
25:00 – College Placement and the Transfer Portal
27:18 – What College Coaches Really Value
31:10 – The Future of Prep School Basketball
33:36 – Why the Prep School Path Matters
📌 Key Topics:
• Prep school basketball
• Reclassing and the extra year
• College basketball recruiting
• Player development
• Playing time and roster fit
• College placement
• The transfer portal
• Preparing players for college basketball
👤 About Joe O’Shea:
Joe O’Shea is the Head Basketball Coach at The Kiski School in Pennsylvania. He was a two-time state champion and Vermont Mr. Basketball before playing Division I basketball at Holy Cross and Bryant. He later played professionally in Europe and coached at Mercyhurst and Saint Anselm.
🔗 Connect with Joe:
Email | joseph.oshea@kiski.org
X | https://x.com/_joshea1_
Hoops IG | https://www.instagram.com/kiski.mbb/
🎙️ About PREP Athletics:
At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and throughout the college recruiting process.
We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path. Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement.
PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruiting #Reclassing #BasketballRecruiting #PlayerDevelopment #KiskiSchool
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Mike Foustoukos, head coach of Lawrence Academy Basketball, joins Cory Heitz to discuss reclassing, what D1 guards need, player development, college placement, and how possible NCAA eligibility changes could affect recruits.
Across the conversation, Mike explains why Lawrence Academy aims to prepare students for more than the next game. He covers the school’s community and RISE mission, multi-sport participation, honest playing-time expectations, strength and skill development, film study, and finding a college where each student-athlete can thrive.
Mike also breaks down what college coaches want in a point guard, including versatile defense, reliable shooting, off-ball impact, passing, maturity, and leadership. For families considering reclassification or a post-grad path, this episode highlights the physical, mental, academic, and long-term factors that should shape the decision.
Subscribe to PREP Athletics and visit prepathletics.com to sign up for the newsletter and find more guidance about prep school basketball and college recruiting.
⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Episode Introduction
01:19 - Mike’s Basketball Journey
03:34 - Why Lawrence Academy Stands Out
07:19 - Kevin’s Coaching Legacy
09:50 - How Lawrence Academy Develops Players
12:19 - Multi-Sport Expectations and Earning Minutes
15:13 - College Placement and Reclassing
18:19 - What D1 Guards Need
19:59 - The Future of Prep School Basketball
21:21 - Should March Madness Expand?
23:13 - How NCAA Eligibility Changes Could Affect Recruits
26:22 - Basketball Quick Hitters
28:48 - College Ready. Life Ready.
📌 Key Topics:• Lawrence Academy Basketball and the RISE mission
• Prep school basketball player development
• Multi-sport participation and playing time
• Finding the right academic and basketball fit
• Whether basketball players should reclass
• What college coaches want in a point guard
• Possible NCAA eligibility changes
• Preparing student-athletes for college and life
🏀 About Mike:Mike Foustoukos is the head basketball coach at Lawrence Academy and also teaches history. He grew up in Southern Maine, took a preferred walk-on spot at Merrimack, and later played briefly at Southern Maine before beginning his work at Lawrence Academy.
🔗 Connect with Mike:
X | https://x.com/CoachStouks?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachstouks/?hl=en
Email | mfoustoukos@lacademy.edu
Hoops IG | https://www.instagram.com/laspartansbb/
Hoops X | https://x.com/lacademyhoops
🎙️ About PREP Athletics:At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path.
Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families trying to navigate prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals.
LawrenceAcademyBasketball #PrepSchoolBasketball #BasketballRecruiting #Reclassing #CollegeBasketball #PREPAthletics
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Bryce Daley, coach at Salisbury School, shares how to get recruited for basketball, what families should know about a post grad year for basketball, and how prep school can help players prepare for college.
In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we talk with Bryce about his own path from Salisbury School to Division I basketball at UMass Lowell, what surprised him about the D1 level, and how he now helps players develop at Salisbury.
We also cover campus visits, all-boys school advantages, player development, playing time expectations, college placement, NEPSAC exposure, reclassification, post-grad eligibility questions, and what it takes to become a scholarship-level guard.
⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Episode Intro
01:57 - Bryce Daley Joins the Podcast
02:09 - Bryce’s Basketball Background and Prep School Path
08:10 - From Salisbury School to UMass Lowell
10:41 - What Playing D1 Basketball Really Takes
13:18 - Why Salisbury School Works
16:45 - All-Boys School and Player Development
21:43 - Sports Requirements, Strength Training, and Post-Grad Academics
27:38 - College Placement and Playing Time Expectations
32:18 - NEPSAC Exposure, Reclassing, and Post-Grad Decisions
41:02 - NEPSAC Class A and What It Takes to Be a D1 Guard
45:33 - The Future of Prep School Basketball and Quick Hitters
52:24 - How Prep School Changed Bryce’s Life
53:52 - Bryce’s Contact Info and Final PREP Athletics CTA
📌 Key Topics:• How to get recruited for basketball
• Post grad year for basketball
• Salisbury School basketball
• Prep school basketball recruiting
• NEPSAC basketball exposure
• Reclassifying for basketball
• Prep school vs JUCO basketball
• What it takes to be a D1 guard
🏀 About Bryce:
Bryce Daley is a coach at Salisbury School. He attended Salisbury as a repeat junior and senior before playing Division I basketball at UMass Lowell. In this conversation, he shares both his personal prep school experience and his current perspective helping young men develop as students, athletes, and recruits.
🔗 How to Connect with Bryce:
Email | bdaley@salisburyschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brycedaley11/
X | https://x.com/Bryce_daley11
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-daley-740042284
BB Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sarumbasketball/
🎙️ About PREP Athletics:
At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path.
Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families trying to navigate prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals.
Visit prepathletics.com to fill out the free assessment and learn whether the prep school path may make sense for your family.
PrepAthletics #PrepSchoolBasketball #BasketballRecruiting #PostGradYear #SalisburySchool #NEPSACBasketball
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
What NBA teams look for goes beyond talent. Former Denver Nugget Bill Hanzlik joins PREP Athletics to talk about player potential, work ethic, character, and why he chose a prep school post-grad year for his son.
Bill shares how defense helped him become a first-round NBA Draft pick, what young players need to understand about making it to the next level, and how NBA teams evaluate more than just scoring. He also explains how he researched prep schools, why New Hampton became the right fit for his son Rob, and what families should consider when looking at the prep school path.
We also talk about Nikola Jokic, what makes him special, Bill’s Denver Nuggets perspective, and Stomp’s basketball traction product after appearing on Shark Tank.
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Bill Hanzlik, Denver Nuggets, Prep School, and Stomp
03:07 - Bill’s NBA Career and Defensive Identity
05:50 - What NBA Teams Look For in Young Players
09:12 - Why Bill Sent His Son to Prep School
12:43 - What Makes Nikola Jokic Special
15:31 - Stomp, Shark Tank, and Basketball Traction
18:22 - Final Advice for Families
📌 Key Topics:
• What NBA teams look for in young basketball players
• Bill Hanzlik’s NBA and Denver Nuggets experience
• Why defense helped Bill become a first-round draft pick
• Work ethic, character, shooting, and being a good teammate
• Why Bill chose prep school for his son Rob
• New Hampton and the post-grad basketball path
• Nikola Jokic’s development and competitiveness
• Stomp basketball traction mats and Shark Tank
👤 About the Guest:
Bill Hanzlik is a former NBA player, former Denver Nuggets head coach, and longtime Nuggets broadcaster. He played college basketball at Notre Dame, was selected in the first round of the 1980 NBA Draft, and later sent his son Rob to New Hampton for a post-grad prep school year before Rob went on to play Division I basketball.
🎙️ About PREP Athletics:
At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path.
Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families trying to navigate prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals.
PREPAthletics #BillHanzlik #DenverNuggets #BasketballRecruiting #PrepSchoolBasketball #PostGradBasketball #NBADraft #NikolaJokic
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Discover how multi-sport athlete prep can transform your development with Garvin McAlister, head basketball coach at Millbrook School. In this episode of PREP Athletics, Garvin shares his insights on student-athlete development tips, multi-sport training, and preparing high school athletes for success both on and off the court.
We cover:
- Developing skills across multiple sports
- Lessons from college and prep school coaching
- Millbrook School’s community and athletic philosophy
- Balancing academics and athletics
- Preparing for post-grad opportunities
⏰ Timestamps:
01:29 - Early Life & Basketball Beginnings
02:07 - Coaching Experience Across Levels
03:17 - Key Mentorship Lessons
04:30 - Lessons from College Women’s Basketball
05:07 - Millbrook School Overview
06:40 - Athletics & Campus Resources
10:36 - Multi-Sport Requirement & Athletic Philosophy
15:36 - Practice & Development Philosophy
22:35 - Playing Time & Family Communication
30:33 - D1 Guard Skills & IQ in Basketball
34:50 - Rapid-Fire / Fun Segment
37:17 - Closing Thoughts & Appreciation
📌 Key Topics:
• Multi-sport athlete prep
• Student-athlete development tips
• High school athlete development
• Basketball coaching philosophy
• Millbrook School athletic program
• Prep school recruiting strategies
👤 About the Guest:
Garvin McAlister is the head basketball coach at Millbrook School, with experience coaching high school and college athletes, emphasizing holistic athletic development, multi-sport training, and player growth on and off the court.
🎙️ About PREP Athletics:
At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it creates better academic, athletic, and college recruiting opportunities. We provide honest, experience-based guidance on prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, and NCAA updates to help players find the right fit.
multi-sportathleteprep #PrepAthletics #HighSchoolBasketball #StudentAthleteDevelopment #BasketballCoaching #GarvinMcAlister #PrepSchoolBasketball
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join Cory Heitz and Paul Biancardi—ESPN’s National Director of Recruiting, former D1 head coach, and a walk-on turned basketball insider—as they pull back the curtain on college basketball recruiting, player evaluation, and the intangibles that separate good players from great ones. Paul shares hard truths about rankings, the myth of "exposure", and why character, efficiency, and coachability matter more than points per game. Discover why 94% of high school players won’t play college ball, how to avoid the "D1 Herpes" trap, and the one game every athlete should never play (hint: it’s the comparison game). This episode is packed with actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Recruiting realities: How college coaches really evaluate players (and why scoring isn’t everything)
📌 The exposure myth: Why showcases ≠ development and what to do instead
📌 Prep school pros/cons: When a fifth year helps—and when it doesn’t
📌 Parenting pitfalls: How well-meaning parents sabotage their kids’ recruitment
📌 D1 guard blueprint: The non-negotiable skills for modern college guards
📌 Rankings decoded: What they mean, what they don’t, and how to use them wisely
🏀 About Paul Biancardi:
Paul Biancardi is a basketball lifer—from walking on at Salem State under Tom Thibodeau to coaching at Boston College, Ohio State, and Wright State, to his current role as ESPN’s National Director of Recruiting. As a McDonald’s All-American Game selector and rankings architect, Paul has spent decades evaluating, coaching, and mentoring the next generation of basketball talent. His no-nonsense approach to player development and recruiting makes him one of the most trusted voices in the game.
🔗 Connect with Paul Biancardi:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/paulbiancardi/
Twitter | https://x.com/PaulBiancardi
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-biancardi-331113a9/
Website | https://www.coachbiancardi.com/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join Cory Heitz and George White—former Harvard basketball player, D1 coach, and founder of RecruitU—as they dissect the NCAA’s proposed "5-and-5 rule", a game-changer for prep school basketball and college recruitment. George breaks down how this rule will limit eligibility to five years (starting at high school graduation or age 19), restrict transfers to one immediate move, and impact NIL deals, post-grad years, and injury waivers. Discover why post-grad years still hold value for late bloomers, how mid-major programs may benefit, and the hidden risks for injured athletes and reclassified players. This is must-listen intel for parents, players, and coaches navigating the evolving prep-to-college pipeline.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 NCAA 5-and-5 Rule Explained: 5 years of eligibility, transfer restrictions, and clock start triggers
📌 Post-Grad Year Impact: Does a PG year still make sense under the new rules?
📌 NIL & Transfer Market Shifts: How the rule could reduce NIL leverage for transfers
📌 Coach & Program Reactions: Mid-majors vs. power conferences—who wins and who loses?
📌 Injury & Waiver Risks: The unintended consequences for injured athletes
📌 Reclassing Strategies: Why early reclassing in grade school could backfire
🏀 About George White:
George White is a former Harvard basketball player, D1 coach, and the founder of RecruitU, a consulting firm specializing in college recruitment strategies. With decades of experience at every level of basketball—from playing in the Ivy League to coaching in D1 programs—George provides unfiltered insights into the NCAA’s rule changes and their real-world impact on athletes, families, and programs. His expertise in player development, recruitment trends, and NIL dynamics makes him a trusted voice for navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.
🔗 Connect with George White:
Website | www.recruituapp.com
Email | marketing@recruituapp.com
Twitter | x.com/RecruitUapp1
Instagram | www.instagram.com/ugetrecruited/
LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/recruiting-sports-network/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join Cory Heitz as he welcomes Jason Smith and John Carroll, the heads of the basketball program at MAI (Masters Athletic International), a groundbreaking prep school basketball program in Stow, Massachusetts. In this episode, Jason and John dive deep into the future of prep basketball, sharing their mission to create a program that prioritizes year-round player development, elite competition, and academic excellence without compromise.
Jason and John also reveal their strategy for college placement, the ideal player profile for MAI, and how they’re reshaping New England basketball by keeping top talent home. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Year-round basketball development without academic sacrifice
📌 MAI’s competitive edge: Location, facilities, and elite coaching staff
📌 Injury prevention & recovery: Prehab, load management, and nutrition
📌 Academic tailoring: College-prep courses, online learning, and flexibility
📌 College placement strategy: Early recruitment and fall workouts
📌 The future of prep basketball: Transformational vs. transactional programs
🏀 About Jason Smith & John Carroll:
Jason Smith is a legendary prep school coach with a track record of developing 26 NBA players, including current pros. His expertise in player development, recruiting, and elite competition has made him a sought-after leader in basketball circles. At MAI, he oversees the on-court development and team strategy, ensuring players receive NBA-level training daily.
John Carroll combines Wall Street acumen with decades of coaching experience, including sending 55 players to the Ivy League. His vision for MAI merges academic rigor, athletic excellence, and character development, creating a holistic prep experience. John’s focus on innovation and adaptability positions MAI as a pioneer in modern prep school education.
🔗 Connect with Jason Smith & John Carroll:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/john.carroll32/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachjasonsmith_/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mastersacademyinternational/
Website | https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Unlock the Secrets of Prep School Basketball with Avon Old Farms Head Coach Matt Mihalich
Join Cory Heitz and Matt Mihalich, Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, as they dive deep into the world of prep school basketball, player development, and the path to college success. Matt, a veteran coach with D1 experience and a basketball legacy (his father was a D1 head coach), shares honest, no-nonsense advice on what it takes to thrive in prep school, the importance of multi-sport athleticism, and how families can navigate the complex recruitment process.
Matt also reflects on his journey—from growing up in a basketball family to coaching in the WCAC (the toughest homegrown league in the country) and now leading one of the most respected prep programs in NEPSAC Class A.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Prep school basketball development and the Avon Old Farms difference
📌 Playing time in prep school: Setting expectations for players and families
📌 Reclassifying vs. post-grad years: Academic and athletic considerations
📌 Multi-sport athleticism: Why Avon Old Farms encourages it
📌 College recruitment strategies in the transfer portal era
📌 D1 guard requirements: Skills, basketball IQ, and intangibles
📌 The future of prep school basketball: Rivalries, traditions, and player development
🏀 About Matt Mihalich:
Matt Mihalich is the Head Coach at Avon Old Farms, a prestigious all-boys prep school in Connecticut known for its elite basketball program and commitment to academic and athletic excellence. With a background that includes coaching at Bishop O’Connell (WCAC), George Mason University, and the University of Hartford, Matt brings a wealth of experience to player development. As the son of a D1 head coach, he grew up immersed in the game and now leads one of the most respected programs in NEPSAC Class A. Matt’s philosophy centers on teaching, culture, and preparing players for success beyond basketball.
🔗 Connect with Matt Mihalich:
Twitter | https://x.com/CoachM_AOFhoops
Twitter | https://x.com/AOF_Basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aof_basketball/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mihalich-78294336a/
Website | https://www.avonoldfarms.com/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join Cory Heitz, founder of PREP Athletics, as he breaks down the latest updates in prep school basketball, NCAA rule changes, and the importance of finding the right fit for young athletes. In this episode, Cory shares insights from the Final Four showcase, discusses the new NCAA transfer rule, and introduces the upcoming Masters Athlete Institute. He also pays tribute to the late Whit Lesure and welcomes Paris Horne as the new head coach at Bridgton Academy. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the prep school journey and maximize college basketball opportunities.
💡 Key Topics:
📌Prep school team structures: Main vs. second teams and what it means for players
📌NCAA transfer rule changes and eligibility concerns for post-grad athletes
📌The role of prep schools in navigating NIL and transfer portal chaos
📌Introducing the Masters Athlete Institute and its coaching staff
📌Honoring Whit Lesure’s legacy and welcoming Paris Horne to Bridgton Academy
📌How to evaluate prep school options for academic and athletic development
🏀 About Cory Heitz:
Cory Heitz is the founder of PREP Athletics, a leading resource for families navigating the prep school basketball journey. With years of experience in player development and recruitment, Cory provides honest, practical advice to help athletes and families find the right fit for their academic and athletic goals.
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Unlock the Blueprint for Basketball Success with Coach Robert Icart
Join Cory Heitz and Coach Robert Icart, founder of BTI AAU—a powerhouse program in Southern California that has produced 11 NBA players, 40 international pros, and countless D1 athletes. In this no-nonsense episode, Coach Icart pulls back the curtain on what it takes to develop elite guards, the realities of AAU basketball, and how to choose the right prep school for your athlete’s future.
Discover the intangibles that separate NBA players from the rest, the culture that builds champions, and why life skills learned on the court translate to success off it. Coach Icart also shares his personal journey—from turning down college jobs to building one of the most respected AAU programs in the country—and how he helped his own son, Justyce, navigate the prep school process.
💡 Key Topics
📌 NBA vs. D1: The intangibles that set players apart
📌 How to evaluate and choose the right AAU program
📌 Prep school recruitment: A parent and coach’s perspective
📌 Developing elite guards for the modern game
📌 Life after basketball: Skills that translate to success
📌 Building a winning culture in youth basketball
🏀 About Coach Robert Icart
Robert Icart is the founder of BTI AAU, a premier basketball development program based in Southern California. With over 25 years of experience, Coach Icart has mentored 11 NBA players, 40 international professionals, and hundreds of D1 athletes. His philosophy centers on holistic player development, blending athletic excellence with life skills to prepare athletes for success on and off the court. Coach Icart is also a trusted advisor for families navigating the prep school and college recruitment process.
🔗 Connect with Coach Robert Icart
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/roberticart.btihoops/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/btihoops/
Twitter | https://x.com/roberticart
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join Cory Heitz as he sits down with Jim Driggs, Head Coach at Albany Academy and former Division III standout, for a no-nonsense conversation about the prep school basketball journey. Coach Driggs shares his unique perspective on player development, reclassifying, and college placement strategies—drawing from his experience as a player, college coach, and now a leader in the NEPSAC AA.
In this episode, Coach Driggs dives deep into:
- The realities of prep school basketball and why competition in the NEPSAC is unmatched.
- How he develops players with individualized training, morning workouts, and a focus on toughness and basketball IQ.
- The honest truth about playing time and why he avoids over-recruiting positions.
- Why reclassifying might be the best move for young players—and how Albany Academy supports academic and athletic growth.
- His college placement strategy and why relationships with college coaches matter more than ever.
If you’re a parent, player, or coach navigating the prep school route, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world insights to help you make the best decisions.
💡 Key Topics
📌 Prep school basketball recruitment and the NEPSAC advantage
📌 Player development secrets: Morning workouts, skill diversification, and toughness
📌 Playing time promises—what coaches really mean
📌 Reclassifying vs. post-grad year: Which path is right for your athlete?
📌 College placement strategy—how Albany Academy prepares players for the next level
📌 Balancing academics and athletics in prep school
🏀 About Jim Driggs
Jim Driggs is the Head Coach at Albany Academy, a historic prep school in New York and a member of the NEPSAC AA. A former Division III All-American and national assist leader at Hamilton College, Coach Driggs has spent his career developing players at the high school and college levels. His coaching stops include Eastern Connecticut State, Union College, University of Rochester, and Allegheny College, where he honed his expertise in program building, player development, and college recruitment. At Albany Academy, he emphasizes individualized training, academic excellence, and honest communication with families.
🔗 Connect with Jim Driggs
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/aa_boys_basketball/reels/
Website| https://www.albanyacademy.org/
Email | jdriggs1010@gmail.com
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join Cory Heitz as he sits down with Kenyon Murray, a former McDonald’s All-American, overseas pro, and father of NBA first-round twins Keegan and Kris Murray. Kenyon shares his unique journey—from a late start in basketball to becoming a standout at Iowa, playing professionally in Sweden, and coaching at the junior college level. He dives deep into the pivotal decision to send his sons to DME Academy for a post-grad year, a move that transformed their careers and led them to the NBA.
Kenyon’s story is a masterclass in finding the right fit, making tough decisions, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—both on and off the court. Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the prep-to-college pipeline.
If you’re serious about basketball development, this is a must-listen.
💡 Key Topics:
📌Prep school basketball vs. JuCo: Pros, cons, and who should consider each
📌The role of prep school in NBA development: Keegan and Kris Murray’s story
📌Balancing academics and athletics: Lessons from the Big Ten and beyond
📌International basketball: Cultural adaptation and career growth
📌NBA transition: The unseen challenges for rookies
📌Building a holistic athlete: Kenyon’s vision for the next generation
🏀 About Kenyon Murray:
Kenyon Murray is a former McDonald’s All-American, University of Iowa standout, and professional basketball player in Sweden. After his playing career, he coached at Indian Hills Community College and is now a mentor, life coach, and keynote speaker. Kenyon is also the father of NBA first-round picks Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings) and Kris Murray (Portland Trail Blazers), both of whom attended DME Academy for a post-grad year before starring at Iowa. Kenyon is passionate about helping young athletes and families navigate the complex world of basketball development, emphasizing the right fit, academic-athletic balance, and long-term success.
🔗 Connect with Kenyon Murray:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/murrayelitebasketball/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kenyonmurray_/
Twitter | https://x.com/KenyonMurray_
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/michelle.murray.5070276
Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyonmurray/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Coach Antonio Anderson, head coach at The Darrow School, has one of those basketball resumes that instantly earns your attention. He won a state title in Lynn, re did his junior year at Maine Central Institute, then transferred to Laurinburg Prep after committing to Memphis. At Memphis, he scored over 1,000 points and is one of only two Tigers to record a triple double, alongside Penny Hardaway. He also played professionally, including time around Kevin Durant and James Harden, and now he is building Darrow from the ground up. In this episode, Antonio gets real about what “development” actually means at a boarding school, what he looks for when recruiting, how playing time is earned, and how he attacks college placement by emailing coaches across every level. If you are a parent trying to find the right prep fit, or a guard who wants to play college basketball, this conversation gives you clear standards, not hype.
💡Key Topics:
📌 Darrow School basketball and moving up to NEPSAC AAA
📌 Prep school player development: discipline, lifting, open gym culture
📌 Post-grad academics and college credit pathway
📌 Recruiting traits: mental toughness, competitiveness, work ethic
📌 Playing time expectations: earned, equal opportunity, standards off court
📌 College placement strategy: film, schedules, livestream links, coach outreach
🏀 About Antonio Anderson:
Antonio Anderson is the head coach at The Darrow School and a former Memphis Tigers guard who scored over 1,000 career points. He played professionally, including G League experience and time around NBA stars, and now focuses on building college ready players through discipline, toughness, and real placement work.
🔗 Connect with Antonio Anderson:
Twitter | https://x.com/ToneAnderson5
Twitter | https://x.com/darrowhoops
Twitter | https://x.com/DarrowSchool
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/darrowhoops/
Email | andersona@darrowschool.org
Website | https://www.darrowschool.org/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Coach Whit Lesure was the very first guest Cory ever welcomed to the PREP Athletics Podcast — and long before that, he was one of the most influential voices in the prep school basketball world. This re-release is not about trends or tactics. It’s about remembering the coach, mentor, and standard-setter that Whit was.
Whit spent decades shaping young men at places like Bridgton Academy and New Hampton, not by selling dreams, but by demanding accountability, toughness, and honesty. He believed the post-graduate year was not a shortcut, but a proving ground — a place where maturity, discipline, and love for the game mattered more than hype or rankings. In this conversation, Whit speaks openly about recruiting families, recognizing red flags, teaching resilience, and why “fit” always beats flash.
For parents, players, and coaches navigating the prep-to-college pathway, this episode captures the values that still matter — even as the game changes. Whit Lesure’s impact lives on in the players he shaped, the coaches he influenced, and the standard he set for what prep school basketball should be.
💡 Key Topics
📌 Post-graduate year philosophy and long-term development
📌 Recruiting the family, not just the player
📌 Toughness, accountability, and love for the game
📌 Prep school basketball before rankings and hype
📌 College placement reality across all levels
📌 Coaching standards that transcend eras
🏀 About Whit Lesure
Whit Lesure was a respected prep school basketball coach whose influence extended far beyond wins and losses. Known for his honesty, discipline, and commitment to player development, Whit helped generations of young men grow through the post-graduate year and into college basketball and life beyond the game.
🔗 Connect with Bridgton Academy:
Instagram | www.instagram.com/bridgtonacademybasketball/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
When: April 4th, 9AM-12PM
Where: UNRNKD Hoops (6331 Crawfordsville Road Indianapolis, IN 46224)
Who: HS athletes from 9-12 grade, INCLUDING unsigned Seniors
What: D1 College Workout HOSTED BY D1 Coaches D2/D3 Coaches in Attendance
Dan McHale is back for a short, straight-to-the-point bonus episode, and we’re talking about what families actually care about right now: exposure, timing, and how recruiting really works in 2026. Dan is a former Division I head coach and longtime D1 assistant, and he breaks down why the old “just wait, it’ll come” advice is getting kids left behind. We also get into the CRC Final Four Showcase in Indianapolis, built to put players directly in front of college coaches during Final Four weekend, plus give parents a real education on what rosters look like in the transfer portal era. Dan explains draft boards, why coaches share information, and why being proactive matters more than ever for 2026, 2027, and 2028 prospects. If you’re a parent hoping a state title run will magically create offers, or a player trying to figure out the right next step, this is your reset. No hype, just the current market and what to do about it.
💡Key Topics:
📌 Final Four basketball exposure event for recruiting and college placement
📌 Transfer portal era recruiting: why offers are slower for high school players
📌 Draft boards, roster fluidity, and how coaches evaluate prospects
📌 Parent education: realistic pathways D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and development steps
📌 Proactive outreach: email, social media, advocates, and credibility signals
📌 Coach-to-coach networks and why relationships drive opportunities
🏀 About Dan McHale:
Dan McHale is a former Division I head coach and longtime D1 assistant coach who now helps families navigate college basketball placement and the modern recruiting landscape. He brings a coach’s view of roster needs, evaluation, and how offers actually happen in today’s transfer portal environment.
🔗 Connect with Dan McHale:
Twitter | https://x.com/CoachMcHale
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dmchale01/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mchale_basketball_academy
Website | https://www.crcathlete.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/collegiate_recruiting/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550510950704
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Coach Kurt Steiner is the head coach at The MacDuffie School, where he is building a legitimate NEPSAC AA program the right way. In this episode, Kurt breaks down how The MacDuffie School develops players day to day, why the 5:30 AM gym slot reveals everything about work habits, and how measurable testing drives accountability. He explains how The MacDuffie School’s open gyms, structure, and culture help college coaches evaluate players honestly, and why placement today is about fit, timing, and trust rather than labels.
💡Key Topics:
📌 NEPSAC AA basketball development model and daily gym culture
📌 5:30 AM skill work, strength training, and measurable progress testing
📌 Open gyms for college coach evaluation plus film that carries weight
📌 College placement strategy in the transfer portal era and spring recruiting
📌 D1 vs D2 vs D3 fit, where you are wanted, and long term outcomes
📌 What coaches look for: work habits, defense communication, academics, character
🏀 About Coach Kurt Steiner
Coach Kurt Steiner is the head basketball coach at The MacDuffie School, where he has built a NEPSAC AA program centered on daily habits, measurable development, and honest college placement. His background in grassroots and AAU basketball shapes The MacDuffie School’s player-first approach.
🔗 Connect with Coach Kurt Steiner
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_coachkurt_/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/macduffiehoops/
Twitter | https://x.com/MacduffieHoops
Website | https://macduffie.org/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-steiner-a777b1b2/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This episode is Cory Heitz’s 2025 Prep School Basketball State of the Union, recorded after a December New England trip packed with campus visits, coach meetings, and real conversations about what’s changing right now in prep school basketball. Cory also opens with a heartfelt tribute to Whit Lesure, a true prep school legend whose impact on Bridgton Academy and college placement can’t be overstated. From there, Cory gets practical. Why college placement is taking longer, what the transfer portal changed, and why families need to stop expecting old timelines. He talks NIL resources some prep programs are offering, the real truth about playing time, and how to communicate when things aren’t clear. He also shares key updates on girls prep opportunities, visa pressure for international families, rolling admissions advantages, and why NEPSAC rules feel outdated in today’s prep basketball landscape. If you’re a parent trying to choose the right prep fit, a player navigating exposure and development, or a coach advising a family, this is a straight, useful listen.
💡Key Topics:
📌 Prep school basketball state of the union 2025 and what changed since last year
📌 College basketball recruiting timeline shifts, transfer portal impact, patience in placement
📌 NIL at the prep school level: financial advisors, lawyers, and what families should know
📌 Playing time expectations, communication with coaches, and realistic development pathways
📌 Prep school fit vs location, girls prep opportunities, and student visa constraints
📌 Rolling admissions, March decision timelines, and NEPSAC rule limitations
🏀 About Cory Heitz:
Cory Heitz is the founder of PREP Athletics and has helped basketball families worldwide find the right prep school fit for both development and college placement. He brings a coach’s perspective, a placement-first mindset, and a no-hype approach to navigating the prep-to-college basketball pipeline.
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Dr. Jeff Quebec has lived this world from the inside. He has worked in prep school admissions and leadership for decades, spent years at Eaglebrook, and now advises families as an educational consultant. In this episode, Jeff breaks down the stuff parents usually learn too late.
💡Key Topics:
📌 Prep school admissions process, decision timelines, yield strategy
📌 Interview prep, campus visits, first impressions, student driven narrative
📌 Junior boarding school pathway, secondary school counseling, reclass timing
📌 Financial aid strategy, net tuition revenue, committee decision factors
📌 Academics vs brand names, hidden gem schools, right fit selection
📌 Athlete recruiting context, coach turnover, program stability, long term fit
🏀 About Dr. Jeff Quebec:
Dr. Jeff Quebec is a longtime prep school admissions leader and educational consultant with decades in independent schools. He also runs the Pre-Prep Showcase and hosts the Why Boarding School podcast focused on school fit and the boarding school experience.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Jeff Quebec:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/whyboardingschool
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/PrePrepShowcase
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WhyBoardingSchool
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/preprepshowcase/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-boarding-school
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyrquebec/
Twitter | https://x.com/whyboarding
Twitter | https://x.com/PrePrepShowcase
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@whyboardingschool
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@whyboardingschool
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/PrePrepShowcase
Email | info@WhyBoardingSchool.com
Website | https://quebec-consulting.com/
Website | https://preprepshowcase.com/
Website | https://preprepshowcase.com/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
St. George’s head coach and admissions officer Dwayne Pina joins Cory to walk through one of the most complete prep school basketball journeys you will ever hear.
Coach Pina shares exactly what he looks for in recruits, how he developed Tyler Kolek into an NBA guard, what changed when St. George’s moved from Class B to NEPSAC AA, and why physical tools now separate many Division I guards from the pack. If you are weighing AA vs single-A vs public school and care about both college placement and life after hoops, this conversation is a must-listen.
💡Key Topics:
📌 Boston College walk-on to scholarship guard and how that shapes his advice to under-recruited players
📌 Coaching under Max Good, learning accountability, and five-second decision making
📌 Ivy League basketball reality vs perception and aligning recruiting expectations with the market
📌 St. George’s School identity: small ISL boarding school, ocean-side campus, elite signature programs, and wellness resources
📌 Player development system: strength and conditioning, pool work, skill trainers, captain’s runs, and mandated shooting volume
📌 Recruiting profile at St. George’s: high-character underclassmen, impact juniors like Tyler Kolek, and no post-grads
📌 NEPSAC AA transition, schedule difficulty, and what it takes to be a Division I guard in today’s game
📌 Admissions process, inquiry importance, and how families should approach prep applications
🏀 About Dwayne Pina:
Dwayne Pina is the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach and an Admissions Officer at St. George’s School in Rhode Island. A New Bedford native, he played at Boston College, starting as a walk-on before earning a scholarship, then coached at Rhode Island College, Bryant under Max Good, and Brown University. He now leads St. George’s in the NEPSAC AA ranks, developing high-academic, college-bound players and guiding families through the prep school and recruiting process.
🔗 Connect with Dwayne Pina:
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-pina-38a13147/
Website | https://www.stgeorges.edu/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dpina5/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sgboyshoops/
Twitter | https://x.com/dpina5
Twitter | https://x.com/sgboyshoops
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Nemo (Nemanja) Maric, head coach at Hoosac School / ISA (AAA), joins Cory to unpack a true Euro–U.S. hybrid approach to prep school basketball development. Maric shares his journey from Serbia and a 13-year pro career to building a multinational roster under one roof—where 20+ countries train, lift, and study within a system that blends European team concepts (spacing, reads, ball movement) with American individual creativity (one-on-one scoring, athletic standards). He explains why multi-sport participation helps athletes’ decision-making and body awareness, how ISA–Hoosac runs open gyms that draw 100+ college programs, and why honest, low-turnover guards who kick out on paint touches translate fastest to college.
You’ll also hear candid guidance on playing time (earn it), parent communication (player-led first), college placement across D1/D2/D3/JUCO, and the real benefits of NEPSAC AAA competition for exposure and growth. Maric closes with a forward look at NIL-era pipelines, where schools may formalize multi-level systems from prep to college.
Families mapping the prep-to-college pathway: this episode delivers clear, practical next steps—no hype, just what actually works.
💡 Key Topics
- 📌 Euro–U.S. blend for player development (spacing, reads + individual creativity)
- 📌 Global roster model at ISA–Hoosac and daily training environment
- 📌 College placement: open gyms, showcases, relationships, agencies
- 📌 NEPSAC AAA benefits: elite coaching, exposure, consistency
- 📌 D1 guard standards: low turnovers, decision-making, defense, kick-outs
- 📌 Multi-sport advantage: movement literacy, mental health, long-term upside
🏀 About Nemo (Nemanja) Maric
Head Coach, Hoosac School / ISA (AAA). Serbian-born, 13-year European pro, and architect of a Euro-style development system inside a U.S. prep framework. Maric’s teams emphasize spacing, reads, discipline, and skill—while preparing international and domestic athletes for college basketball.
🔗 Connect with Nemo Maric
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hoosac.bb/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nemanja_maric_coach/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/isa.hoosac/
Twitter | https://x.com/ISAHoosac
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/isa.hoosac/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Kenya Jones, Head Coach and Associate Director of Admissions at Brooks School (MA), joins Cory for a straight, practical talk about prep school basketball, player development, and college placement in today’s NIL/transfer-portal era. Jones explains why Brooks is “a school that happens to be good at basketball,” and how a culture of multi-sport participation, arts, and academics creates tougher, smarter, more coachable athletes. He details what he really recruits—character, independence, and fit—and how self-driven development (open runs, morning gym, weight room cadence) prepares players for NEPSAC competition and college standards.
You’ll hear an honest breakdown of Class B vs AA/AAA schedules, why relationships + summer showcases move the needle more than hype, and exactly what it takes to be a Division I guard (athleticism, vocal leadership, 94-feet defense, rebounding from your position, and credible shooting). If you’re a parent, player, or coach seeking the right pathway—not promises—this episode gives you a clear lens on admissions, placement timing, and building a life-ready student-athlete.
Families starting the prep journey: listen in, take notes, and focus on fit over flash.
💡 Key Topics
- 📌 Holistic development at Brooks (multi-sport, arts, academics → coachability & maturity)
- 📌 Recruiting priorities (character, independence, fit over mixtape hype)
- 📌 Placement in the portal era (relationships, summer showcases, demanding schedule)
- 📌 Class B vs AA/AAA (ISL competition, scheduling up for exposure)
- 📌 D1 guard checklist (athleticism, 94-ft defense, vocal leadership, rebounding, shooting)
- 📌 Admissions & school fit (well-rounded students, balanced academic pressure)
🏀 About Kenya Jones
Kenya Jones is the Head Basketball Coach and Associate Director of Admissions at Brooks School (MA). A Bronx native and longtime Brooks faculty member, he led the program to a NEPSAC Class B title and earned Coach of the Year honors. His philosophy centers on character, independence, and a balanced school experience that turns high school athletes into college-ready student-leaders.
🔗 Connect with Kenya Jones
Twitter | https://x.com/BrooksBasketbal
Twitter | https://x.com/CoachKJones52
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brooksboysbasketball/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Hargrave Military Academy head coach Ben Veshi joins Cory to give a straight, inside look at prep school basketball, player development, and college placement in 2025. Veshi explains Hargrave’s structured, military-style environment, why it accelerates maturity and on-court performance, and how the program’s two-a-days, weight room cadence, and ~50-game schedule prepare athletes for college intensity. He breaks down today’s recruiting reality—why the summer evaluation period and a program’s reputation/relationships now drive offers more than fall open gyms, how the transfer portal and NIL changed timelines, and when a D2 full ride can be the smartest path to a future D1. Finally, Veshi details what it actually takes to be a Division I guard right now: tight handle, credible shooting, physical defense, and floor leadership. If you’re a parent, player, or coach weighing NEPSAC vs Elite Prep League, post-grad options, or the best route to college basketball, this conversation cuts through the noise and gives you a clear plan to follow.
💡Key Topics
- 📌 Military-style structure → on-court gains (prep school basketball, player maturity, accountability)
- 📌 Summer recruiting > fall open gyms (transfer portal era, NIL, coach relationships)
- 📌 Hargrave development model (two-a-days, weight room, ~50 games, elite skill work)
- 📌 Placement strategy (right-fit D1/D2, scholarship math, reputation & events)
- 📌 D1 guard requirements (tight handle, shooting credibility, defensive physicality, leadership)
🏀 About Ben Veshi
Head Coach, Hargrave Military Academy (Post-Grad). A Marianapolis Prep alum and former Catawba player/coach, Veshi has a decade at Hargrave and leads one of the country’s most demanding prep environments, producing college-ready athletes through structure, skill development, and high-level competition.
🔗 Connect with Ben Veshi
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hargravebasketball/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ben.veshi/
Twitter | https://x.com/HMAVBB
Twitter | https://x.com/HargraveHoops
Emai | veshib@hargrave.edu
Website | https://hargrave.edu/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Mercersburg Academy head coach Sean Crocker brings two decades across college hoops, Hoop Group, and the MAPL to this no-fluff episode. Sean breaks down exactly what college coaches need from a Division I guard—defend multiple positions, handle pressure, and make open threes—then shows how he develops those habits: 1,000–1,500 made shots per week, “500 threes on Saturdays,” fall strength and conditioning three to four days a week, and film-driven footwork (“the eye in the sky doesn’t lie”). He’s candid on MAPL vs NEPSAC exposure—why relationships still get phones picked up—and how Mercersburg’s location opens doors beyond New England. Families get real recruiting strategy: honest evaluations, stubborn advocacy, and proof points (a Ghanaian PG to a D2 full ride; Eric Oliver-Bush from NE10 Rookie of the Year to Manhattan). We also unpack the two-postgrad rule, when a two-year reclass beats a PG year, and why transfer-era decisions can cost kids the college experience. If you want straight talk on development, exposure, and fit, this is it.
💡 Key Topics
📌 D1 guard traits: defense, shot-making, pressure handling
📌 MAPL vs NEPSAC exposure: relationships, geography, visibility
📌 Player development plan: high-volume makes, S&C, film-based footwork
📌 PG year vs two-year reclass strategy and the MAPL two-PG rule
📌 Honest recruiting/placement: evaluation, advocacy, real outcomes
📌 Transfer-era realities: risk to “middle” players and college experience
🏀 About Sean Crocker
Sean Crocker is the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Mercersburg Academy (MAPL). With prior stops at Hoop Group and multiple college programs, he blends college-style development with prep-level placement, emphasizing honest evaluations, high-volume skill work, and strong college relationships.
🔗 Connect with Sean Crocker
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachcrocker/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mburg_boysbasketball/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mburgathletics/
Website | https://www.mercersburg.edu/athletics/winter-sports/boys-basketball
Twitter | https://x.com/CoachCrocker
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/seandukecrocker/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Stanford Final Four guard, pro vet, and USA Basketball 3x3 U23 coach Christina Batastini joins Cory to deliver clear, no-nonsense guidance for families navigating prep school basketball. Now the head coach at St. Andrew’s School (NEPSAC AAA), Christina breaks down what truly translates to college—defending your position, decision-making, and making teammates better—and why the Ivy League is real Division I basketball. She explains the prep vs AAU recruiting dynamic, the difference between offers and interest, and how the transfer portal has shifted commitment timelines (and why late spring/summer decisions are increasingly normal). You’ll also hear how reclassing or a post-grad year can be used strategically—without forcing a path that doesn’t fit the student-athlete. If you want practical answers on exposure, academic fit, and the right level (AAA/AA vs A), this conversation keeps the hype out and the player development in.
💡 Key Topics
📌 Ivy League basketball level & academic balance (Ivy League recruiting, high-academic D1)
📌 Reclass vs Post-Grad strategy (reclassing timing, post-grad year structure)
📌 Offers vs Interest & portal era timing (scholarship strategy, commitment windows)
📌 NEPSAC AAA exposure and scheduling (college visibility, national showcases)
📌 D1 guard essentials (defense, decision-making, basketball IQ, shooting)
📌 Prep vs AAU roles in recruiting (placement strategy, coach communication)
🏀 About Christina Batastini:
A Parade/Nike All-American and Stanford guard who reached the Final Four, Christina played professionally across Europe before coaching at Brown and leading USA Basketball 3x3 U23 Women. She is the Head Girls’ Coach at St. Andrew’s School (NEPSAC AAA), where her teams compete nationally and place student-athletes at collegiate programs.
🔗 Connect with Christina Batastini:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sasrigirlsprephoops/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sasriathletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/christinabatastini
Twitter | https://x.com/SASRIAthletics
Twitter | https://x.com/SASRIGirlsHoops
Email | CBatastini@standrews-ri.org
Website | https://www.standrews-ri.org/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Steve Turner—now Head of Basketball Operations and National Team Head Coach at Montverde Academy—breaks down the modern prep-to-college pathway with zero fluff. After 26 years at Gonzaga College High School, Turner explains why he chose Montverde, how he builds a “we over me” roster for EYBL Scholastic, and why academics still matter for top-50 talents. He gives families straight talk on NIL (what to learn before signing anything), whether high school stars really need agents, and how the transfer portal reshaped recruiting. Turner also shares his parent perspective from his son’s transfer (Northeastern → Old Dominion) and the mindset/mental health guardrails families should prioritize. Plus, a blueprint case study: Blake Harper’s rise from Gonzaga to Howard to Creighton. If you want practical, current guidance on prep school selection, player development, and realistic college placement in 2025–26, this one’s for you. Ready to find the right fit—not the loudest offer? Let’s dig in.
💡Key Topics:
📌 EYBL Scholastic & Montverde’s development pathway (prep school basketball, player development)
📌 NIL, agents, and family education (NIL rules, state differences, risk management)
📌 Transfer portal realities and protecting the college degree (college placement, recruiting strategy)
📌 Mental health as a decision driver (parent perspective, athlete well-being)
📌 Building a “we over me” roster for elite competition (team culture, coachability)
🏀 About Steve Turner:
Steve Turner is Head of Basketball Operations and Head Coach of the National Team at Montverde Academy. A former National Coach of the Year, he spent 26 years at Gonzaga College High School (DC), sending dozens of players to all levels of Division I and professional basketball. At Montverde, Turner leads in EYBL Scholastic while emphasizing academics, culture, and long-term development.
🔗 Connect with Steve Turner:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mvabasketball/
Website | https://www.coachsteveturner.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachsteveturner
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-turner-86629748/
Twitter | https://x.com/MVABasketball
Email | steve.turner@montverde.org
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory Heitz sits down with George White, former Division I player at Harvard, longtime college coach across D3, D2, D1, and the NBA/G-League, and founder of RecruitU. George brings unmatched perspective from both coaching and recruiting sides of the game, helping families cut through the noise and focus on finding the right fit for their student-athletes.
He shares why hope is not a strategy in recruiting, how families should approach early commitments in today’s transfer portal era, and what really separates G-League players from NBA players. George also breaks down the House lawsuit, NIL, and revenue sharing, and explains how these changes affect today’s recruits. Families will especially value his advice on crafting emails to coaches, using social media effectively, and even evaluating the financial stability of colleges — an overlooked but crucial factor.
If you’re a parent or player trying to navigate the recruiting maze, this conversation offers honest, practical guidance from someone who has seen it all at every level of basketball.
💡 Key Topics
📌 College recruiting truths: why “hope is not a strategy”
📌 Early commitments vs. waiting: navigating the new recruiting landscape
📌 NIL, revenue sharing, and their real impact on basketball recruits
📌 How to email college coaches effectively + social media strategies
📌 The importance of evaluating financial stability of schools
📌 The “parallel path” approach for academics and athletics
🏀 About George White
George White is a former Harvard basketball player and longtime coach at the D3, D2, D1, and NBA/G-League levels. He is the founder of RecruitU, a service that helps families navigate the recruiting process by matching athletes with schools that fit their athletic, academic, and personal goals. George brings decades of experience and a holistic, realistic approach to college recruiting.
🔗 Connect with George White
Website | www.recruituapp.com
Email | marketing@recruituapp.com
Twitter | x.com/RecruitUapp1
Instagram | www.instagram.com/ugetrecruited/
LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/recruiting-sports-network/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Coach Marcus O’Neil of Tilton School is back—and he’s got wisdom to share. With 15+ years at Tilton, a national prep championship, and a resume that includes NBA alumni like Wayne Selden, Nerlens Noel, Terance Mann, and Georges Niang, Marcus breaks down what really matters when it comes to prep school basketball and college placement.
In this conversation, we cover the real traits coaches look for in Division 1 guards, how Tilton balances academic rigor with elite development, and why player identity and off-court character matter more than ever. Coach O’Neil also discusses his return to Tilton, how he develops talent the right way, and what parents need to understand before making the prep school leap.
If you're a player or parent navigating this journey, you’ll find practical, honest advice here that cuts through the recruiting hype.
💡 KEY TOPICS
📌 Coaching NBA talent and what separates future pros
📌 Academic standards and expectations for post-grads
📌 How Tilton develops players on and off the court
📌 Understanding playing time + how it’s earned
📌 The evolving D1 recruiting timeline in 2025
📌 Tilton vs. AAA and other prep school levels
🏀 ABOUT COACH MARCUS O’NEIL
Marcus O’Neil is the head boys’ basketball coach at Tilton School in New Hampshire. A prep school veteran with over 15 years at Tilton, O’Neil led the program to a national championship and coached several future NBA players. His unique background in social work and philosophy shapes a thoughtful, holistic approach to player development and mentorship.
🔗 CONNECT WITH COACH MARCUS O’NEIL:
Facebook | www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057439360417#
Instagram | www.instagram.com/tiltonboysbasketball/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Dan McHale—former D1 head coach at Eastern Kentucky and long-time assistant under Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith, and Kevin Willard—joins Cory Heitz to pull back the curtain on what college coaches actually look for in recruits. From his start as a student manager at Kentucky during their 1998 national title run, to coaching in the Big East, Big Ten, and Mountain West, Dan’s career is packed with insider knowledge.
In this episode, Dan shares what really matters when trying to land a D1 scholarship, why relationships are everything, and how families should think about prep school, JUCO, and international players in today’s landscape. You’ll hear how recruiting boards work behind closed doors, what qualities walk-ons need to succeed, and why some D2 or D3 paths might be better in the long run.
For families navigating the college basketball journey, this episode delivers blunt, practical advice from someone who has lived it at every level.
💡 KEY TOPICS
📌 How college coaches evaluate recruits behind the scenes
📌 Building and leveraging relationships in basketball recruitment
📌 Truth about walk-ons, transfers, and D1 expectations
📌 Starting a placement company to help kids navigate recruiting
📌 Importance of prep school, JUCO, and academic fit
📌 The role of exposure events in 2025 and beyond
🏀 About Dan McHale:
Dan McHale is a former Division I head coach at Eastern Kentucky University and has served as an assistant at Kentucky, Louisville, Seton Hall, Minnesota, and New Mexico. With over two decades of experience at every level of college basketball, Dan now co-runs Collegiate Recruitment Consultants (CRC), helping student-athletes get placed at D1, D2, D3, and JUCO programs.
🔗 Connect with Dan McHale:
X | https://x.com/CoachMcHale
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dmchale01/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mchale_basketball_academy
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode, Cory welcomes Alex Gallagher, head girls basketball coach and longtime faculty member at Nobles and Greenough School, a top-tier prep school in Boston. With 25 years of coaching and mentoring under his belt, Coach Gallagher shares real-world insights for parents, players, and coaches navigating the prep school basketball journey.
You’ll hear his direct take on how youth sports culture has shifted, why love and accountability are cornerstones of his program, and what families need to prioritize when selecting a prep school. He also reveals the hard truths about college placement—including the “D1 or bust” mindset—and explains why culture trumps hype in building lasting success.
Plus, you’ll learn about Shooting Touch, an inspiring nonprofit transforming lives through basketball in both Rwanda and Boston.
This is a must-listen for anyone serious about basketball development, education, and making the right long-term choices.
🎧 Subscribe and hear what really matters in theprep-to-college basketball pipeline.
💡 KEY TOPICS
📌 Coaching with purpose and building a culture of love, care, and service
📌 How prep schools like Nobles handle D1-or-bust mentalities
📌 The impact of the transfer portal and NIL on high school recruitment
📌 Why fit and happiness matter more than basketball hype
📌 A closer look at the 5-day boarding model at Nobles
📌 How Shooting Touch transforms lives through global basketball outreach
🏀 ABOUT COACH ALEX GALLAGHER
Alex Gallagher is the head girls basketball coach at Nobles and GreenoughSchool in Boston, where he’s served for over 25 years as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Known for his integrity, culture-driven leadership, and success on and off the court, Gallagher has developed multiple Gatorade Players of the Year and helped countless athletes find the right collegiate fit. He also serves as a board member for Shooting Touch, a global nonprofit using basketball to impact lives in Rwanda and Boston.
🔗 CONNECT WITH ALEX GALLAGHER
X | https://x.com/NoblesVGBball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/noblesgvb
X | https://x.com/ShootingTouch
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/noblesrwanda_24/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This week, Cory sits down with Hanno Möttölä—Finland’s first NBA player, University of Utah Hall of Famer, and current assistant coach for the Finnish national team. Hanno’s journey spans from dominating youth basketball in Europe to starring for Utah in the NCAA championship game, breaking into the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, and later shaping European and Finnish basketball as a coach. In this episode, Hanno delivers practical, no-nonsense advice for families navigating the prep school and college basketball pipeline. He breaks down what truly separates future pros: the will and skill to practice, finding the right fit (not just the biggest name), and the importance of honest coaching over empty promises. Hanno also tackles the impact of NIL and transfer rules, why immediate playing time matters more than program prestige, and how European development models differ from the U.S. system.
💡Key Topics:
📌 What separates future NBA players: skill, will, and the right environment (basketball development, player mentality)
📌 Honest recruiting and finding the right college fit (prep school basketball, recruitment, player placement)
📌 NIL and transfer portal realities for international and U.S. athletes (college basketball, NIL, transfer rules)
📌 European vs. U.S. player development models (EuroLeague, NCAA, player pathways)
📌 Coaching Lauri Markkanen and the importance of self-driven improvement (NBA development, coaching insights)
📌 Balancing national team commitments with U.S. college basketball (academic-athletic balance, international players)
🏀 About Hanno Möttölä:
Hanno Möttölä is a trailblazer in Finnish basketball, the first player from Finland to reach the NBA, and a University of Utah Hall of Famer. After starring for Utah and playing in the 1998 NCAA championship game, he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, later enjoying a standout career in Europe’s top leagues. As a coach, Hanno has developed elite talent at Helsinki Basketball Academy and serves as assistant coach for the Finnish national team, shaping the next generation of international players.
🔗 Connect with Hanno Möttölä:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hannomottola/?hl=en
Twitter | https://x.com/hannomottola
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanno-m%C3%B6tt%C3%B6l%C3%A4-aa336077/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Daniel Poneman, one of the most influential agents in college and professional basketball, joins this podcast. Daniel, a Chicago basketball mainstay, got his start as a teenage scout and has since built a reputation as a top NIL and NBA agent, helping hundreds of players navigate the complex journey from high school to college and beyond. In this episode, Daniel shares his unique perspective on player development, the shifting landscape of prep school basketball, and the realities of college recruitment in the NIL era. He offers practical advice for families and players, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit, focusing on real improvement over hype, and understanding the true value of NIL deals. If you’re looking for direct, actionable insights on how to maximize your prep school basketball experience and make smart decisions about your future, this episode is a must-listen.
DanielPoneman #NILAgent #PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruitment #PlayerDevelopment #PREPAthletics #BasketballPathway
💡 Key Topics:
📌 The evolution of prep school basketball and its impact on local talent
📌 The reality of player rankings and exposure in college recruitment
📌 How to find the right college or prep school fit for players
📌 NIL negotiations and understanding player value in today’s market
📌 The Undiscovered Showcase: Helping players find scholarships
📌 The future of college basketball and the role of agents
🏀 About Daniel Poneman:
Daniel Poneman is a top NIL and NBA agent, widely recognized for his deep roots in Chicago basketball and his innovative approach to player representation. He began as a teenage scout and has since helped hundreds of players secure college scholarships through his Undiscovered Showcase. Daniel is known for his direct, honest advice and his commitment to helping players and families navigate the complex world of basketball recruitment and development.
🔗 Connect with Daniel Poneman:
X | https://x.com/danielponeman?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/danielponeman/?hl=en
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-poneman-a1237920/
X | https://x.com/WEAVE
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/weave.agency/?hl=en
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Cory welcomes back Coach Alex Popp, one of prep basketball’s most respected voices, now the new head coach at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts. With a background that includes leading Vermont Academy, five years at powerhouse IMG Academy, and a post-grad playing year at Northfield Mount Hermon, Coach Popp brings unmatched perspective on what it takes for players to thrive in the NEPSAC and beyond. In this candid conversation, Alex breaks down the real factors families must weigh: Should your child chase playing time on a less talented team, or compete for minutes on a stacked roster? How do you find the right academic and athletic fit? And what does true college placement strategy look like in today’s transfer portal and NIL era? Coach Popp shares actionable advice on maximizing summer exposure events, the importance of honest self-assessment, and why relationships—not hype—drive recruitment.
💡Key Topics:
📌 Choosing the right prep school for basketball and academics (prep school basketball, NEPSAC, player development)
📌 Honest advice on playing time, roster spots, and maximizing college exposure (playing time, college basketball recruitment, exposure events)
📌 How NEPSAC prepares athletes for high-level college basketball (NEPSAC, college readiness, competitive scheduling)
📌 Building relationships and realistic recruiting strategies for families (recruitment, college placement, family guidance)
📌 Innovative player development and balancing academics (player development, strength and conditioning, academic-athletic balance)
🏀 About Alex Popp:
Coach Alex Popp is the head boys’ basketball coach at The Winchendon School, bringing a wealth of experience from his time leading Vermont Academy and five years at IMG Academy, one of the nation’s top basketball programs. A former NEPSAC post-grad player and McDonald’s All-American nominee, Popp is known for his direct, relationship-driven approach to player development and college placement. His track record includes coaching future D1 and NBA athletes and building programs that prioritize both athletic and academic growth.
🔗 Connect with Alex Popp:
Email | apopp@winchendon.org
X | https://x.com/coachalexpopp?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/teamalexpopp/
X | https://x.com/winchhoops?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/winchendon_bvbb/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this revealing episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Curtis Peery, Head Coach of Massanutten Military Academy's post-graduate basketball program. Coach Peery, a former D1 assistant at Maryland Eastern Shore, shares a major program update - Massanutten's basketball players no longer participate in military drills, making it significantly more appealing to recruits. Peery provides an insider's look at what Division I coaches actually discuss in recruiting rooms, emphasizing how small details like hustle and effort often determine scholarship offers. With his team finishing third in the Elite Prep League and reaching the Elite Eight nationally, Peery breaks down his development system that has players in the gym three times daily and gaining up to 23 pounds of muscle in a single season. Perfect for families considering the prep school route as a college basketball pathway.
CurtisPerey #MassanuttenBasketball #PrepSchoolBasketball #ElitePrepLeague #D1Recruiting #BasketballDevelopment #MilitaryAcademy
💡Key Topics:
📌 Massanutten's program shift away from military requirements for basketball players
📌 Behind-the-scenes insights on how D1 coaches evaluate recruits
📌 Daily development schedule: 6AM wake-up, three gym sessions, college courses
📌 College placement strategy in the competitive transfer portal era
📌 The importance of toughness and character in player recruitment
📌 Elite Prep League competition and national tournament experience
🏀 About Curtis Peery:
Curtis Peery is the Head Coach of Massanutten Military Academy's post-graduate basketball program in the Elite Prep League. A former Division I assistant coach at Maryland Eastern Shore under Frankie Allen, Peery brings D1 coaching experience to prep school player development, with his team finishing third in the EPL and reaching the Elite Eight nationally.
🔗 Connect with Curtis Peery:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mmapgbasketball/
X | https://x.com/MMAPGBasketball
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/MMAPGBasketball/mentions/?_rdr
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This week, host Cory Heitz sits down with Cary Herer, Head Coach at CATS Academy Boston and a driving force behind one of NEPSAC AA’s fastest-rising prep basketball programs. Cary brings a unique blend of experience, from playing under John Calipari at UMass to building powerhouse grassroots teams and now leading CATS Academy into the elite NEBL league. In this candid conversation, Cary breaks down what truly sets CATS apart: relentless player development, unmatched college exposure, and a no-nonsense approach to preparing athletes for the next level. He shares how his program guarantees improvement and visibility, but never promises playing time or scholarships-emphasizing competition, accountability, and fit. Families will hear straight talk about the realities of the transfer portal, NIL negotiations, and why the right prep environment matters more than ever. If you’re navigating the prep school basketball journey and want honest, actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen.
Ready to find the right path for your player? Subscribe and get the facts on prep basketball success.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Elite player development at CATS Academy (prep school basketball, skill training, strength & conditioning)
📌 Maximizing college exposure through NEBL and open gyms (college basketball recruitment, college coaches, showcases)
📌 Honest prep school selection: Competition, team structure, and fit (prep school advice, player placement, development guarantees)
📌 Navigating the transfer portal and NIL for families (recruitment strategies, NIL deals, transfer portal impact)
📌 Balancing academics and athletics for prep/post-grad students (academic requirements, NCAA eligibility, post-grad prep)
📌 The evolving landscape of prep basketball leagues and future trends (NEBL, league competition, player pathways)
🏀 About Cary Herer:
Cary Herer is the Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations at CATS Academy Boston, where he’s built the program from the ground up into a NEPSAC AA and NEBL contender. A former point guard at UMass under John Calipari, Cary brings decades of experience in grassroots basketball, elite player development, and high-level coaching. He’s known for his direct, practical approach and has helped numerous athletes reach the collegiate level.
🔗 Connect with Cary Herer:
Email | cherer@catsglobalschools.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cary_herer/
Twitter | https://x.com/caryherer
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this compelling episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, Cory sits down with Shavar Bernier, head basketball coach at the prestigious Taft School. Bernier shares his unique journey from being a first-team all-state player in New Hampshire to taking a gap year, attending Bridgton Academy, and eventually finding his way to Connecticut College before becoming a successful prep school coach. With remarkable candor, Bernier discusses his coaching philosophy centered on hard work, grit, and love for the game, while offering invaluable insights into how Taft prepares student-athletes for college basketball. Parents and players will appreciate his honest perspective on the importance of morning workouts, player development strategies, and how the right prep school environment can transform a young athlete’s future. This episode delivers practical wisdom for families navigating the complex prep-to-college basketball pathway.
💡Key Topics:
📌 Shavar’s personal journey through gap year, prep school, and college basketball
📌 Taft School’s unique community and basketball program philosophy
📌 Morning workouts, player development, and college preparation strategies
📌 Navigating college recruitment and finding the right basketball fit
📌 The importance of genuine love for basketball in player development
📌 College placement strategies for post-graduate students
🏀 About Shavar Bernier:
Shavar Bernier serves as the head basketball coach at Taft School, bringing his experience as a former first-team all-state player in New Hampshire, Bridgton Academy post-graduate, and Connecticut College standout. After coaching at the collegiate level with St. Michael’s in Vermont, Bernier found his calling in prep school basketball, where he’s built a program centered on developing complete student-athletes.
🔗 Connect with Shavar Bernier:Website | SBernier@taftschool.org
X | https://x.com/shavmoney24
X | https://x.com/TaftBasketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/taftbvbasketball/?hl=en
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this week’s episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, I sit down with Craig Carter, the new head coach at South Kent School who took over for Raphael Chalias last August. Coach Carter shares his journey from the playgrounds of Brooklyn to playing at Rutgers and coaching at the D1 level for both men’s and women’s programs. He offers valuable insights on basketball development, the recruiting landscape in today’s environment, and how he’s transforming the South Kent program with his “Trust and Believe” philosophy.
📌 Key Topics:
✅ Coach Carter’s basketball journey from Brooklyn playgrounds to Rutgers University
✅ The importance of playground basketball in player development and basketball IQ
✅ Differences between coaching men’s and women’s basketball at the D1 level
✅ How South Kent prepares student-athletes academically and athletically
✅ The recruiting process in today’s transfer portal and NIL era
✅ Development opportunities at South Kent for both prep and second team players
✅ What it takes to be a D1 guard in modern basketball
🗒️ About Coach Craig Carter:
Craig Carter grew up in Brooklyn where he developed his game on the playgrounds before playing college basketball at Rutgers University in the Atlantic 10 Conference. His coaching career includes D1 experience with both men’s and women’s programs, including stints at Rutgers, University of Wisconsin, and Florida State. Coach Carter brings a wealth of knowledge to South Kent School with his “TAB - Trust and Believe” philosophy, focusing on developing complete student-athletes while helping them reach their collegiate goals. Under his leadership, South Kent continues its tradition of sending players to top programs like Kansas, Pittsburgh, Iowa, Harvard, and many others.
For more information on prep school basketball and recruiting, visit prepathletics.com and subscribe to our newsletter.
🔗 Connect with Coach Craig:
X | https://x.com/coachcrcarter?lang=en
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/southkenthoops/?hl=en
X | https://x.com/southkenthoops?lang=en
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this insightful episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Jared Grasso, head coach at the Knox School on Long Island. Coach Grasso shares his journey from Division I point guard to becoming one of the youngest head coaches at Bryant University, where he tripled their win total in his first year. Now at Knox School, he’s building what promises to be a national powerhouse program, already boasting a 31-5 record in just his first year.
We dive deep into Jared’s innovative recruiting strategies during his college coaching days, his philosophy on player development, and his vision for Knox School. As someone who coached at the Division I level for 21 years, Jared offers invaluable perspective on what it takes to succeed at higher levels and how prep school can be the perfect bridge for developing players.
📌 Key Points:
✅ Jared’s unconventional recruiting approach at Bryant University, where he offered scholarships to top players to get the program’s name out there and position themselves for potential transfers
✅ The comprehensive development program at Knox School, featuring three training sessions daily plus weightlifting
✅ Insights on the current state of college recruiting, including the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and how prep schools fit into this evolving landscape
✅ Why the extra year of development at prep school is crucial for most players transitioning to college basketball
✅ What college coaches really look for in recruits, regardless of what level of prep school they attend
🗒️ About Jared Grasso:
Jared Grasso grew up on Long Island as the son of a coach, developing his love for basketball at an early age. He played Division I basketball as a point guard at Quinnipiac before embarking on a coaching career that included stops at Hofstra, Fordham, and Bryant University. At Bryant, he became known for his innovative recruiting strategies and ability to quickly turn programs around. Now at Knox School, New York’s oldest private boarding school, he’s building a basketball program focused on intense player development and college preparation.
🔗 Connect with Jared Grasso:
Email | jgrasso@knoxschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coach_grasso_11/#
X | https://x.com/JaredGrass11
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/knox_school_basketball/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In our latest episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of documentary filmmaking with John Dorsey, the acclaimed director behind ESPN’s 30 for 30 classics “The Marinovich Project” and “Pony Excess.” From his early days at Propaganda Films alongside legendary directors like David Fincher and Spike Jonze to his work on Johnny Cash’s iconic “Hurt” music video, John shares incredible stories from his remarkable career. We explore the delicate art of documentary storytelling, discussing how he convinced the reclusive Todd Marinovich to participate in his film and navigated challenging interviews with Marv Marinovich. John also offers unique perspective as an SMU alum who witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the football program’s death penalty, providing thoughtful commentary on how college athletics has evolved over the decades. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, sports enthusiast, or simply love great storytelling, this episode offers invaluable insights into the craft of documentary filmmaking and the changing landscape of sports media.
📌 Key Points:✅ John reveals his journey from aspiring law student to acclaimed filmmaker, crediting his film school experience and mentorship under directors like Barry Levinson
✅ We discuss the meticulous preparation and emotional intelligence required to conduct meaningful documentary interviews
✅ John shares behind-the-scenes details of working on Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” video at the historic House of Cash
✅ We explore his current project on esports, where he’s working to challenge preconceptions about competitive gaming
✅ The conversation covers the evolving landscape of college athletics, comparing past scandals to today’s NIL era
🗒️ About John Dorsey:John Dorsey is a veteran filmmaker whose career spans multiple decades in both documentary and music video production. He worked at the legendary Propaganda Films alongside directors like David Fincher and Spike Jonze, contributing to iconic projects like Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” video. His documentary work includes the acclaimed ESPN 30 for 30 films “The Marinovich Project” and “Pony Excess,” as well as “Glory Hounds,” a powerful documentary about military working dogs in Afghanistan.
🔗 Connect with John Dorsey:
Website | https://ten100tv.com/
IMDB | https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1174236/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndorseyten100/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, we dive deep into the world of prep school basketball with Coach Brian Fruscio of Canterbury School. From his early days growing up in a blue-collar town in upstate New York to building Albany Academy into a powerhouse program and his current role at Canterbury, Coach Fruscio shares invaluable insights on player development, college recruitment, and the evolving landscape of prep school basketball. He discusses the importance of competing versus merely playing hard, the role of multiple sports in athlete development, and how to navigate the challenging journey from high school to college basketball.
📌 Key Topics✅ The transition from college to prep school coaching
✅ Canterbury School’s unique approach to student-athlete development
✅ Building a successful basketball program
✅ The importance of multiple sport participation
✅ College recruitment strategies and player placement
✅ The value of competing versus just playing hard
✅ Access to training facilities and development opportunities
✅ The future of prep school basketball
🗒️ About Coach Brian Fruscio:A first-generation college graduate who played at Ithaca College, Brian Fruscio has established himself as a respected figure in prep school basketball. Before joining Canterbury School three years ago, he built Albany Academy into a powerhouse program where he developed numerous Division I players, including NBA player Andre Jackson, who won a national championship with UConn before joining the Milwaukee Bucks.
🔗 Connect with Coach Brian Fruscio:Email | bfruscio@cbury.org
LinkedIn | https://www.instagram.com/coachfrusc/
Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-fruscio-57729214/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/brian.fruscio/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cburyboysbball/
X | https://x.com/cburyboysbball
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join us as we sit down with Billy Thom, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Millbrook School, for an insightful discussion about prep school basketball, college recruitment, and holistic student development. We explore Billy’s journey from being a student manager during Davidson’s historic Elite Eight run with Steph Curry to building a unique basketball program that emphasizes both athletic excellence and personal growth.
📌 Key Topics:
✅ Davidson Experience: Detailed behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 Elite Eight run with Steph Curry
✅ Millbrook Philosophy: Innovative approach combining basketball with holistic education, including their unique campus features like an accredited zoo
✅ College Recruitment: In-depth discussion of how Millbrook helps student-athletes navigate the recruiting process
✅ Mental Health: Integration of social-emotional wellness into coaching practices as a licensed clinical social worker
🗒️ About Billy:
Billy Thom is a multifaceted educator and coach who serves as Millbrook School’s Head Boys Basketball Coach, Director of Affective Education, and Assistant Director of Counseling. After graduating from Davidson College in 2011, he served as Director of Basketball Operations at Davidson from 2011-2013. Since joining Millbrook in 2013, he has developed a comprehensive program that has placed students at prestigious institutions including Dartmouth, Williams College, and Colgate University. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), Thom brings a unique perspective to coaching by integrating mental health and wellness into his basketball program. His coaching philosophy emphasizes character development alongside athletic achievement, reflected in Millbrook’s “Be a Blessing” program objective.
🔗 Connect with Billy:
Email | wthom@millbrook.org
X | https://x.com/billy_thom?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachthom12/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brookhoops/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Coach John Zall shares his wealth of knowledge on navigating the complex landscape of prep school basketball. From college recruitment strategies to player development philosophies, Coach Zall offers invaluable insights for athletes and families considering the prep school path. Drawing from his experience both in prep school and professional basketball, he discusses the importance of academic-athletic balance, the evolving recruitment landscape, and what it truly takes to succeed at the next level. Whether you’re a student-athlete, parent, or coach, this episode provides essential guidance on making informed decisions about prep school basketball and maximizing opportunities for collegiate success.
📌 Key Points
✅ The importance of daily high-level competition in player development
✅ Strategies for physical development and strength training for collegiate readiness
✅ The role of shooting ability in D1 recruitment
✅ Benefits of prep school exposure to college scouts
✅ How prep schools prepare athletes for collegiate success both academically and athletically
✅ The advantage of having experienced coaches as advocates in the recruitment process
🗒️ About John:
A distinguished figure in basketball development, Coach John Zall currently leads Vermont Academy’s basketball program as Head Boys’ Prep Coach and Associate Director of College Counseling. His impressive career includes working with the Dallas Mavericks’ player development staff alongside NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams, and success as an assistant coach at Franklin Pierce University where he helped guide the team to the 2013-14 NCAA Tournament. A graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and holding a Master’s in Public Policy from Trinity College, Zall was recently named Boys’ Basketball Class AAA Coach of the Year, cementing his status as a leading figure in prep school basketball.
🔗 Connect with John:
Email | jzall@vermontacademy.org
X | https://x.com/john_zall
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-zall-2578121b9
X | https://x.com/vermontacadhoop?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/vermontacadhoop/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
We're excited to bring you our latest episode featuring Connor Merrill, Head Basketball Coach at Deerfield Academy, where we dive deep into the world of prep school basketball and player development. From Coach Merrill's own journey as a post-grad at Vermont Academy to his coaching stops at Springfield College and Middlebury, we explore what makes Deerfield's program unique in NEPSAC Class A. Our conversation covers everything aspiring student-athletes need to know - from reclassing benefits to college placement strategies - plus we get some fascinating insights about The Holdovers movie filmed on campus and what it really takes for guards to make it at the D1 level.
📌 Key Topics:✅ Connor Merrill's journey from Vermont Academy post-grad to becoming Deerfield Academy's head coach
✅ Deerfield Academy's prestigious academic standing (12-13% acceptance rate) and competitive Class A basketball program
✅ The differences between NEPSAC divisions (AAA, AA, A) and finding the right fit versus focusing on division classification
✅ College placement process and coach's active role in student recruitment
🗒️ About Connor:Connor Merrill has served as the head boys varsity basketball coach at Deerfield Academy since summer 2022, bringing extensive experience in both prep school and collegiate basketball. His journey began as a post-graduate student at Vermont Academy, where he later returned as an assistant coach, working with future NBA talents like Bruce Brown and Marcus Santos Silva. During his collegiate playing career at Skidmore College, Merrill was part of historically successful teams that made two NCAA tournament appearances and won two Liberty League championships. His coaching career includes six years at the collegiate level, serving as the top assistant men’s basketball coach at Middlebury College for four years and as a graduate assistant at Springfield College for two years. Under his leadership at Deerfield, Merrill has focused on building a championship culture while maintaining the school’s prestigious academic standards.
🔗 Connect with Connor:
Email | comerrill@deerfield.edu
Twitter | https://x.com/connormerrill33
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cmerrill33/?hl=en
Twitter | https://x.com/DeerfieldHoops
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deerfieldbasketball/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In our annual State of the Union episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we take you through our extensive tour of prestigious prep schools across the country, sharing exclusive insights and emerging trends in the prep school basketball landscape. During our journey, which started at IMG Academy in Florida and stretched through New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, we uncovered fascinating developments in program expansions, coaching changes, and the evolving NIL landscape. We're particularly excited to share observations about the growing emphasis on girls' programs, innovative NIL proposals, and the changing dynamics of prep school recruitment. Our travels included meaningful visits to historic institutions and conversations with influential coaches who are reshaping the future of prep school athletics
📌 Key Topics and Highlights
✅ Our fifth visit to IMG Academy revealed their significant expansion into girls' programs, marking a growing trend we're seeing across multiple institutions
✅ Former Bryant head coach Jared Grasso is leading an aggressive program rebuild at Knox School, situated just 200 yards from the beach in Long Island
✅ The Masters School, Manhattan's closest prep school at just 15 miles away, offers unique opportunities under Coach Joey Kuhl, former Pitino assistant at Iona
✅ Kiski's transition to co-education and appointment of new coach Joe O'Shea from St Anselm marks significant institutional changes
✅ We're tracking fascinating NIL developments, including an innovative proposal for live-action player tipping through QR codes during games
✅ The rise of high school players securing agents for NIL deals is becoming more prevalent, with some top-tier players now looking at six-figure opportunities
✅ Our visit to West Virginia University provided unique insights into creative engagement strategies, including their successful elementary school outreach program
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join us for an insightful conversation with Coach Jon Stone, who's been leading the Hun School basketball program for 25 years. We dive deep into the Maple League, one of prep basketball's most competitive conferences, and explore how Hun balances elite academics with high-level basketball. Coach Stone shares his journey from playing hockey in Rochester to professional basketball in Europe, before finding his home at Hun.
Learn why Hun only takes two post-graduates per year and how they maintain their stellar academic-athletic balance. We explore what makes a D1 guard in today's game, the unique aspects of Hun's academic curriculum including their innovative Next Term program, and how the school prepares student-athletes for both college academics and athletics.
📌 Key Topics:✅Maple League competition and two post-graduate system
✅College recruitment strategies
✅Multi-sport athlete development
✅Academic curriculum and Next Term program
✅International student integration
🗒️About Coach Stone:
Coach Stone has transformed Hun School basketball into a powerhouse program while maintaining exceptional academic standards. His international playing experience in Germany, England, and Northern Ireland, combined with his master's degree and coaching experience at the University of Rochester, brings a comprehensive approach to player development
🔗 Connect with Coach Stone:
Website | jonstone@hunschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hunboysbasketball/
Twitter | https://x.com/hunbasketball?lang=en
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this powerful episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Chris Herren, former NBA player and recovery advocate, to discuss the critical issues of substance abuse and addiction among young athletes. Chris shares his personal journey, offers invaluable advice for parents and players, and provides insights into current trends in youth substance use. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports or concerned about addiction prevention.
📌Key Topics:✅Youth substance abuse trends
✅Addiction prevention strategies for parents and athletes
✅The importance of early intervention and wellness education
✅Personal experiences with addiction in professional sports
✅Recovery and maintaining sobriety
✅Resources for those struggling with substance use disorder
🗒️About Chris:
Chris Herren is a former NBA player and high school basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, whose promising career was derailed by substance abuse. After scoring over 2,000 points in high school and being named a McDonald's All-American, Herren played college basketball at Boston College and Fresno State before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999. He later fulfilled his dream of playing for his hometown Boston Celtics, but his struggles with addiction continued throughout his professional career, which included stints in several countries. After achieving sobriety, Chris has dedicated his life to sharing his story and helping others overcome addiction. He founded Herren Talks, Herren Project, and Herren Wellness to provide education, support, and treatment for those affected by substance use disorder
🔗Connect with Chris:
Website | https://herrentalks.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/herrentalks/?hl=en
Twitter | https://twitter.com/herrentalks
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/herrentalks/
Website | https://chrisherren.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/c_herren_
Twitter | https://twitter.com/c_herren
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/chrisherren24
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Cade Lemcke from Blue Ridge School. Cade dives into his journey from Rochester, New York, to Hargrave Military Academy, where he played alongside future NBA stars, and then on to the University of Virginia. With over a decade at Blue Ridge, Coach Lemcke shares his insights into developing high-level basketball talent within a rigorous academic setting. We explore the advantages of a post-grad year, the competitive dynamics of prep school basketball, and the unique aspects of a boarding school environment that goes beyond just athletics. Cade's passion for molding players’ skills, character, and work ethic shines through in this conversation, making it a valuable listen for players, families, and coaches alike.
📌Key Topics:
- Advantages of prep school for basketball exposure
- Importance of competition in player development
- Navigating decisions between various school options
- Emphasis on holistic development at Blue Ridge
- Impact of NIL and transfer trends on prep schools
🗒️About Cade:Coach Cade Lemcke has led Blue Ridge School's basketball program since 2014, creating a culture of high performance and holistic student development. After a standout post-grad year at Hargrave Military Academy, Cade played Division I basketball in the ACC with the University of Virginia. With coaching experience at both the high school and D1 levels, Cade brings an extensive background in player development, having coached numerous players who went on to excel in college and professional basketball. His dedication to fostering a competitive yet balanced environment at Blue Ridge has helped establish the school as a leading prep program in the country.
🔗Connect with Cade:
Email | clemcke@blueridgeschool.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/coachcade
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lemckec/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Harry Morra of Perkiomen School. Coach Morra shares his journey from playing and coaching basketball at various levels, including his extensive experience as an Associate Head Coach at Lehigh University, where he played a key role in recruiting and developing high-level players. We discuss his unique coaching philosophy, his first season at Perkiomen, and what it takes to build a competitive basketball program at the prep school level.
Coach Morra also reflects on his playing days at DeSales University and his experience playing overseas, including a stint with the Belfast Star of the Sea in the Irish Superleague. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development both on and off the court, particularly for student-athletes seeking to succeed at the next level.
📌Key Topics:
✅Coach Morra’s Move to Perkiomen: Transitioning from Lehigh University to lead Perkiomen’s basketball program.
✅Coaching Philosophy: How personal growth and a growth mindset are core to player development.
✅Recruiting Strategy: Coach Morra’s approach to recruiting and building a competitive team.
✅D1 Basketball Insights: What it takes for players, particularly guards, to compete at the Division I level.
✅Balancing Academics and Athletics: How Perkiomen emphasizes both to prepare student-athletes for college.
✅Future of Prep School Basketball: Trends in prep basketball, including reclassing and post-grad opportunities.
🗒️About Coach Morra:
Coach Morra comes to Perkiomen School after serving as the Associate Head Coach at Lehigh University for eight years, during which time the team played in three Patriot League Championship games. He’s worked with players who went on to play professionally, including NBA star CJ McCollum. Coach Morra has extensive experience as both a player and coach, having also played overseas in the Irish Superleague and coached with PeacePlayers International. His dedication to student-athlete development and fostering a strong academic and athletic balance makes him a respected leader in the prep school basketball community.
🔗Connect with Harry:
Email | HMorra@perkiomen.org
Twitter | https://twitter.com/harrymorra
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/harrymorra/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachmorra/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast features an engaging conversation with Coach Max Gordon from St. Paul’s School. We dive into Coach Gordon’s journey through New England prep schools, his insights into coaching, and what sets St. Paul’s apart. Topics covered include the differences between reclassing and post-grad years, finding the right fit for players, and the development of high academic and athletic programs. Coach Gordon also shares his thoughts on recruiting strategies, the balance of academics and athletics, and how to prepare athletes for the next level in college basketball. If you're navigating the world of prep school basketball, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
📌 Key Topics:
✅Revitalizing a Program: Coach Max Gordon's journey transforming St. Paul's Boys Basketball into a competitive New England team.
✅Historic Success: Achievements including St. Paul's first winning season in over a decade, NEPSAC Class A Playoff berth, and victories over Class AAA opponents.
✅Balancing Academics & Athletics: The approach to developing student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom.
✅Recruiting and Player Development: Strategies for developing versatile players and finding the right fit for college-bound athletes.
✅Community & Fundraising Efforts: Contributions to the American Cancer Society through the Coaches vs. Cancer program and fostering a strong team culture.
🗒️About Max:
Since taking over as head coach in 2017-18, Coach Max Gordon has revitalized the St. Paul’s Boys Basketball program, achieving its first winning season in over a decade, three consecutive Top-3 finishes in the Lakes Region League, and a historic 2022-23 season with 15 wins and a berth in the NEPSAC Class A Playoffs. With experience as a camp and AAU coach, a USA Basketball Gold Certification, and a successful playing career at Carnegie Mellon University, Coach Gordon has led St. Paul’s to become one of the most competitive prep teams in New England.
🔗 Connect with Max:
Email | mgordon@sps.edu
Twitter | https://twitter.com/spsmbb
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/spsmbb/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-gordon-846983161/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we welcome back Joe Mantegna, the head coach of Blair Academy and assistant coach for the South Sudan Men's National Basketball Team. Joe takes us on an incredible journey from the team's humble beginnings in the Afro Basket qualifiers to their historic participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. We dive into how South Sudan went from being ranked 83rd in Africa to securing a top 25 spot in the world, almost beating Team USA in a thrilling warm-up game. Joe shares his unique perspective on the dedication, talent, and teamwork that made this journey possible and how these experiences will shape his coaching at Blair Academy.
📌Key Topics:
✅ The remarkable rise of South Sudan Men's Basketball from 83rd in Africa to the top 25 in the world
✅ Joe Mantegna's role and experiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics
✅ Coaching and leadership insights from an international competition
✅ The influence of Blair Academy players in the South Sudan team
✅ The importance of playing for a cause bigger than oneself
✅ How Joe plans to incorporate Olympic experiences into Blair Academy's basketball program
🗒️ About Joe Mantegna:
Joe Mantegna is the head coach of Blair Academy's varsity boys' basketball team, and boasts an impressive record with over 400 wins against a nationally ranked schedule. He also plays a significant role on the international stage as an assistant coach for the South Sudan Men's National Basketball Team, helping guide them to notable successes in AfroBasket and World Cup qualifying tournaments. With a background that includes coaching stints at colleges like Boston University and Lehigh University, Joe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his players.
🔗 Connect with Joe:
Email | mantej@blair.edu
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachmantegna/?hl=en
Twitter | https://x.com/coachmantegna
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mantegna-1aab482b9/
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Lamar Reddicks of Milton Academy to explore his unique journey from player to coach, and the incredible impact he's had on prep school basketball. We dive into Lamar's background, from growing up in Milton, Massachusetts, to playing at Bentley University, and eventually coaching at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Boston University. With 17 years at Milton Academy under his belt, Coach Reddicks shares his insights on what makes Milton special, the challenges and rewards of recruiting and developing players, and his approach to preparing athletes for the next level, especially in today’s ever-changing landscape with the transfer portal and NIL opportunities.
📌Key Topics:
✅ Milton Academy's Competitive Edge: What sets Milton apart in the world of prep school basketball.
✅ Recruitment & Development: How Coach Reddicks identifies and develops talent, focusing on long-term success.
✅ Navigating the College Process: Insight into helping players find the right college fit, from D1 prospects to those at the end of the bench.
✅ Impact of NIL & Transfer Portal: Discussing how these changes are influencing prep school basketball and college recruitment
✅.The Future of Prep School Basketball: Coach Reddicks' thoughts on the evolving landscape and what’s ahead.
📑 About Lamar:Coach Lamar Reddicks is a seasoned basketball coach with an extensive background in both playing and coaching. A Milton, Massachusetts native, Lamar played collegiate basketball at Bentley University, where he earned honorable mention All-Northeast 10. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching with a 7-year tenure at Harvard University, where he helped to recruit and coach NBA player Jeremy Lin, followed by 1 year at Boston University. Since 2007, Coach Reddicks has been at the helm of Milton Academy's basketball program, where he also serves as the Athletic Director. Under his leadership, Milton Academy has consistently competed for Class A championships, winning the title in 2023.
🔗Connect with Lamar:Email | Lamar_Reddicks@milton.edu
Twitter | https://twitter.com/ma_boys_hoops
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/maboyshoops/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067673028161
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode, we connect with Coach Rock Battistoni of Loomis Chaffee to explore his remarkable journey from prep school athlete to head coach at one of the nation's top prep schools. Rock shares his experiences transitioning from D3 basketball at St. Lawrence to D1 at George Washington University, followed by his professional career in Germany. We dive into his coaching philosophy, how he navigates the complexities of today's recruiting landscape, and what makes Loomis Chaffee a premier destination for student-athletes.
📌Key Topics:✅ Rock's transition from D3 to D1
✅ Insights from his time working in the Loomis Chaffee Admissions Office
✅ How Rock approaches coaching at Loomis Chaffee.
✅ Strategies for navigating the Transfer Portal✅ What sets Loomis Chaffee apart in terms of academics and athletics.
PrepSchoolBasketball #D1Basketball #AthleteDevelopment #TransferPortal #LoomisChaffee #CollegeRecruiting #BasketballCoaching #PREPAthletics #SportsEducation #D3toD1Journey
🗒️About Rock:
Rock Battistoni is the head coach at Loomis Chaffee School, where he has led the basketball program to a New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A Championship. A former prep school player at Salisbury, Rock went on to earn All-Conference honors at St. Lawrence University before making the transition to Division 1 basketball at George Washington University. He also played professionally in Germany before taking the helm at Loomis Chaffee.
🔗 Connect with Rock:
Email | Rock_Battistoni@loomis.org
Twitter | https://twitter.com/coachbattistoni
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-battistoni-57224b5/
Website | https://www.loomischaffee.org/athletics/teams/winter/basketball/boys
Twitter | https://twitter.com/LC_BoysBBALL
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This episode, we're joined by Drew Dawson, the Head Coach of Choate Rosemary Hall. Drew shares his journey from central Pennsylvania to playing Division 1 basketball at Lafayette and the University of New Hampshire, and how his experiences as a player shaped his transition into coaching. We dive into the realities of D1 basketball, the complexities of the recruitment process, and the importance of holistic player development.
Drew discusses the evolving landscape of prep school basketball, the significance of education in a student-athlete's journey, and how meditation and yoga play a crucial role in player development. We also explore the unique aspects of Choate Rosemary Hall, its prestigious alumni, and why it's an excellent choice for aspiring student-athletes.
📌 Key Topics:
- Drew Dawson's D1 Basketball Journey
- The Realities and Hype of D1 Basketball
- Transitioning from Player to Coach
- Navigating the D1 Recruitment Process
- Holistic Development: Meditation and Yoga
- Why Choate Rosemary Hall Stands Out
- Notable Alumni and School Legacy
- Balancing Sports and Education
Basketball #PrepSchool #DrewDawson #ChoateRosemaryHall #D1Basketball #StudentAthlete #CollegeRecruitment #AthleteDevelopment #HolisticGrowth #Meditation #Yoga #NotableAlumni #SportsEducation #BasketballCoaching #PREPAthletics
🗒️About Drew Dawson:
Drew Dawson is the Head Coach at Choate Rosemary Hall, known for its prestigious academic and athletic programs. A former standout guard, Drew played Division 1 basketball at Lafayette College and the University of New Hampshire. He has served as a D1 assistant coach at the University of Hartford and Bryant University, contributing to player development and game strategy. At Choate, Drew led the basketball team to multiple NEPSAC tournament appearances, including winning the 2018 New England Prep School Class A championship.
🔗 Connect with Drew:
Email | adawson@choate.edu
Twitter | https://x.com/drewdawson7?lang=en
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewdawsononline/
Website | https://www.choate.edu/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/choatehoops/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/choatehoops
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
▶️Show Notes
In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, director Mike Nicoll discusses his new movie, The Spoils, which peels back the layers of corporate influence to paint an honest, foundational portrait of America’s basketball infrastructure. Nicoll shares his love for basketball and how it has been the focal point of his life. He explains that his filmmaking strategy is to tell stories that he can tell better than anyone else, and he felt that the AAU basketball world was not well understood by most people. Nicoll also discusses his previous film, At All Costs, and how it focused on demonstrating the interconnectivity of the American basketball system. The conversation explores the evolution and growth of the Compton Magic AAU program and the challenges faced by players and their families in the basketball system. It discusses the need for deepening the audience connection with the film 'The Spoils' and the importance of having a North Star in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the role of USA Basketball and the NBA in shaping the future of the game, as well as the changing mindset of parents in the basketball world.
🗒️ About Mike Nicoll:
Recognized as an innovative filmmaker, Mike Nicoll is an award-winning director known for his work on "At All Costs," a documentary about AAU basketball acquired by Netflix in 2017 and described by the LA Times as "a modern-day Hoop Dreams." Following its success, Mike expanded the concept into a docu-series, "Lynchpin: Inside the Business of Basketball," and a feature film, "The Spoils: Selling the Future of American Basketball," set to premiere in June 2024 on Jolt.Film. With a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.F.A from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Mike has produced impactful projects for major clients including Nike, Netflix, and Facebook, and generated over 30 million views across various platforms.
👉 Subscribe for insights, tips, and success stories in prep school athletics.
TheSpoils #AAUBasketball #MikeNicoll #DocumentaryFilmmaking #BasketballDocumentary #NBAandAmateurism #AmericanBasketball #ComptonMagic #USABasketball #BasketballSystem #YouthBasketball #FilmMaking #SportsDocumentary #BasketballCulture
🔗 Connect with Mike:
Website | https://thespoilsmovie.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thespoilsfilm/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-nicoll/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/mikenicollmedi
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Welcome to another episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast! We’re thrilled to have Joe Scott, head coach of Air Force, join us for an insightful conversation. Joe dives into his extensive coaching journey, the evolution of his strategies, and the profound impact of the Princeton offense on modern basketball. We discuss the unique challenges of recruiting at Air Force, the critical role of academics and character, and the invaluable benefits of prep schools for player development.
📌 Key Points:
- Joe’s Coaching Journey: From his early career influences to head coaching at Air Force.
- Recruiting Challenges: Balancing academics and athletics in recruitment.
- Mental Toughness: The importance of character and resilience in athletes.
- Player Development: How prep schools benefit basketball players.
- Coaching Philosophy: Adapting the Princeton offense and modern strategies.
- Future of Air Force Basketball: Insights into the program’s direction and goals.
- Multi-Sport Athletes: The role of diverse athletic backgrounds in development.
- Personal Growth: Joe’s advice on balancing personal and professional life.
🏀 About Joe Scott:
Joe Scott is the head coach of the Air Force men’s basketball team. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Monmouth University and later moved to Princeton, where he eventually became the head coach (2004-2007). Joe had his first stint as head coach at Air Force from 2000 to 2004, where he led the Falcons to their first NCAA tournament appearance in over four decades. He also served as head coach at the University of Denver (2007-2016) and returned to Air Force in 2020. Known for a strong commitment to player development, Joe has consistently fostered success both on and off the court.
BasketballCoaching #JoeScott #AirForceBasketball #BasketballRecruiting #AthleteDevelopment #PrepSchools #CollegeBasketball #SportsLeadership #NCAABasketball #PlayerDevelopment #MultiSportAthletes #BasketballJourney #SportsPodcast #PREPAthletics #CoachInsights #YouthBasketball #HighSchoolBasketball #EliteAthletes #BasketballTraining #CoachingPhilosophy #CollegeRecruiting #NCAARecruiting
🔗 Connect with Joe:
Twitter | https://x.com/coachscott_afa?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/af_mbb/?hl=en
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/AF.MBasketball
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join host Cory Heitz on the PREP Athletics Podcast as he interviews renowned basketball performance coach and motivational speaker, Alan Stein Jr. In this engaging episode, Alan shares his incredible journey from being a college basketball player to becoming a sought-after performance coach for elite athletes. With years of experience working with top talent, Alan offers invaluable insights into the psychology of performance, the importance of preparation, and the secrets to achieving success on and off the court.
📌 Key Points:
- Alan's Journey: From college basketball at Elon University to a career in performance coaching.
- Psychology of Performance: Understanding the mental aspect of sports and how it affects athletes.
- Importance of Preparation: Why thorough preparation is key to success in any field.
- Working with Elite Athletes: Alan’s experiences and lessons from coaching top-tier basketball players.
- Motivation and Resilience: How to stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges.
- Advice for Aspiring Athletes: Tips and strategies for young athletes looking to excel in basketball and beyond.
- Impact of Mentorship: The role of mentors in shaping an athlete's career and personal development.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Essential qualities for becoming an effective leader and team player.
For aspiring athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice. Alan Stein Jr.'s unique perspective on the intersection of sports psychology and physical performance makes this a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their game.
▶️ Tune in to the full episode and gain insights from one of the best in the business!
Basketball #PerformanceCoach #AlanSteinJr #SportsPsychology #AthleteMotivation #PrepAthletics #CollegeBasketball #EliteAthletes #SportsMentorship #Leadership #Teamwork #SuccessMindset #AthleteAdvice #MotivationalSpeaker
🔗 Connect with Alan:
Website | https://alansteinjr.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/alansteinjr/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-stein-jr/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/AlanSteinJr
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/AlanLSteinJr
🔗 Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Welcome to another episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast! This week, we’re thrilled to host Adam Donyes, the visionary founder of Link Year Prep. Adam brings an incredible depth of knowledge and experience in guiding student-athletes not just towards athletic success, but towards becoming well-rounded, resilient individuals ready for the challenges of college and beyond.
In this episode, Adam shares the story behind Link Year Prep, a unique post-graduate program designed to help student-athletes bridge the gap between high school and college. He delves into how the program emphasizes personal development, mentorship, and academic preparation, setting it apart from traditional prep school programs. Adam discusses the importance of developing character and leadership skills alongside athletic prowess, creating a holistic approach to student-athlete development.
📌 Key Takeaways:
🏆 Link Year Prep’s Unique Approach:
Discover how Link Year Prep integrates academic rigor, athletic training, and personal growth to prepare students for college and life.
💪 Importance of Mentorship:
Learn about the pivotal role mentors play in the personal and professional development of student-athletes.
🤝 Personal Development:
Understand the comprehensive programs focused on character-building, leadership, and life skills.
🗒️ Preparing for College Basketball:
Get practical advice and insights on what it takes to excel at the college level from someone who has guided many athletes to success.
🏀 About Link Year Prep:
Link Year Prep is a transformative program dedicated to preparing student-athletes for the next stage of their lives. Located in Branson, Missouri, Link Year offers a post-graduate year focused on personal, academic, and athletic development. The program includes rigorous academic courses, intensive basketball training, and a strong emphasis on character and leadership development. By fostering a supportive and challenging environment, Link Year aims to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in college and beyond.
PrepSchoolBasketball #LinkYearPrep #StudentAthlete #CollegeBasketball #BasketballMentorship #CharacterDevelopment #PREPAthletics #AdamDonyes #BasketballRecruitment #AthleteDevelopment #HighSchoolBasketball #BasketballPodcast
Connect with Adam:Website | linkyear.com
Email | info@linkyear.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Terrell Ivory, the head coach at Phillips Academy Andover. In this episode, Terrell shares his inspiring story, from his post-graduate year at Andover, to playing at Davidson College, to his professional basketball career in England. He also opens up about his coaching experiences at Blair Academy and Colgate University.
Terrell emphasizes the importance of education, hard work, and balancing academics with athletics. He discusses the significance of relationships and truly caring for the well-being of players, both on and off the court. As a coach, Terrell is passionate about helping young athletes reach their goals and improve in all aspects of their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Post-Graduate Year at Andover: How it set the foundation for Terrell's future success.
- College Basketball at Davidson: What it was like playing and learning under Coach McKillop.
- Professional Play and Coaching: Insights from playing in England and coaching at Blair Academy and Colgate.
- Transformative Power of Education: How education can create positive change and personal growth.
- Skills for D1 Level Guards: The importance of selflessness and doing the little things to help the team win.
- Running a Marathon: Lessons in discipline, mental toughness, and overcoming adversity.
- Gratitude and Positive Mindset: Essential elements for personal happiness and success.
Terrell’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the transformative impact of great coaching. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a coach, or a parent, you’ll find valuable insights in this episode.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction and Background
6:08 Transition to Davidson College
9:08 Lessons Learned from Coaching at Blair Academy
14:13 Witnessing the Success of Steph Curry at Davidson
17:56 Gaining a New Perspective at Colgate University
30:44 The Fulfillment of Coaching and Youth Development
34:04 The Transformative Power of Education
36:47 What It Takes for a Guard to Play at the D1 Level
39:33 Lessons Learned from Running a Marathon
46:32 The Importance of Gratitude and a Positive Mindset
PrepSchoolBasketball #CollegeRecruiting #AthleteDevelopment #BasketballCoaching #D1Basketball
Connect with Terrell:Email | tivory@andover.edu
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/teivory1981/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/ivory3383
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Mike Panaggio discusses his experience at prep school, his career in the financial industry, and the founding of DME Academy. He emphasizes the importance of effort, excellence, and sacrifice in achieving success. He also shares his thoughts on the value of college education and the unique aspects of DME Academy, including its focus on character development and social fitness. Panaggio discusses the recruitment process for DME Academy and the success stories of top players who have come through the program. In this conversation, Mike Panaggio discusses the impact of cell phones on students and the importance of limiting overcommunication. He also shares his experience at Deerfield and how it influenced his approach at DME. Mike emphasizes the importance of speaking in absolutes and instilling a mindset of continuous improvement in students. He also talks about his personal interactions with DME students and the value of mentorship. Mike discusses the multiple teams at DME and the placement strategy for college-bound students. He shares his vision for DME, which includes stronger academics and more international showcases.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:27 Discussion on Prep School Experience
08:54 Transition to Financial Industry and Founding DME Academy
11:29 DME Academy: Focus on College Marketing and Assistance
16:13 DME Academy: Unique Approach and Special Sauce
22:19 Finding Top Players and Success Stories
25:43 Discussion on Top Players and Recruitment
29:04 Fostering Social Fitness at DME Academy
29:37 The Impact of Cell Phones on Students
31:24 Speaking in Absolutes and Continuous Improvement
32:50 Mentorship and Personal Interactions at DME
38:28 The Multiple Teams and Placement Strategy at DME
47:56 The Vision for DME: Stronger Academics and International Showcases
Connect with Mike:
Website | https://dmeacademy.com/
Email | mjp@dmedelivers.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dmesportsacademy/?hl=en
Twitter | https://twitter.com/dmesportsacad?lang=en
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this bonus episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, Cory Heitz discusses the lack of a crystal ball in prep school basketball and the importance of making the best decision possible. He emphasizes the role of the coach in choosing a prep school and advises families to do their due diligence and research. He also shares his own experience of attending a military academy's prep school and the positive outcomes that can come from taking a leap of faith. He encourages listeners to make the best choice they can, but reminds them that nothing is permanent and changes can be made if needed.
Takeaways
-There is no crystal ball in prep school basketball, so it's important to make the best decision possible.
-The coach-player relationship is crucial in choosing a prep school, especially for a post-grad year.
-Families should do their due diligence and research to find the best fit for their child.
-Taking a leap of faith can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.
-While it's important to make the best choice the first time, it's also okay to make changes if needed.
Chapters00:00 The Lack of a Crystal Ball in Prep School Basketball
01:27 Choosing a Prep School Based on the Coach-Player Relationship
03:49 Taking a Leap of Faith in the Prep School Experience
05:10 Making the Best Choice the First Time, but Allowing for Changes
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Summary:
Thomas Baudinet discusses his experience playing basketball at Taft School and the benefits of attending a prep school. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of playing multiple sports and the pros and cons of sports-specific schools. Thomas then talks about his college career at St. Anselm and his journey to the professional level, including playing in the G League and overseas in Germany and Japan. He highlights the challenges of playing overseas, such as being away from family and the high level of professionalism required. Thomas Baudinet discusses his experience as a professional basketball player and coach, as well as his role at Perkiomen School. He emphasizes the importance of player development and preparation for college basketball. Baudinet also explains the structure of Perkiomen's basketball program, which includes a national team and a prep team. He shares insights on the recruiting process and the challenges of navigating the transfer portal. Baudinet highlights the qualities that make a successful Division 1 guard, such as basketball IQ and decision-making. He concludes by discussing the benefits of a prep year for student-athletes.
Chapters:00:00 Growing Up and Choosing a Prep School
01:30 The Benefits of Attending a Prep School
06:24 The Importance of Quality Training
23:08 Playing and Practicing in Different Basketball Environments
24:07 The Importance of Detail and Organization in Running a Program
25:03 Learning from Different Coaches and Playing Styles
26:44 Player Development and Being Prepared for College Basketball
29:27 The Structure of Perkiomen's Basketball Program
33:29 Navigating the Recruiting Process and the Transfer Portal
39:14 Qualities That Separate Division 1 Guards
43:00 The Benefits of a Prep Year for Student-Athletes
Connect with Thomas:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PerkBasketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/perkathletics/
Email | tbaudinet@perkiomen.org
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode, Coach Cory is joined by Coach Trey Morin of Phelps School, Coach John Zall of Vermont Academy, and Coach Lamar Reddicks of Milton Academy. They discuss current trends in the prep school world. They highlight the importance of prep school as an option for players, especially with colleges trending older and the need for advocates in the recruiting process. The coaches emphasize the exposure and connections they have to college coaches, which helps their players get placed in college. They also discuss the importance of finding the right fit for players and how prep schools prepare students for college both academically and personally. The coaches share their criteria for potential student-athletes, including a desire to be at the school, a willingness to work hard, and a commitment to improving as a basketball player. They also highlight the benefits of living on campus and having easy access to gym facilities. The coaches emphasize the importance of access to facilities and the opportunity to play with and against talented players. They highlight the benefits of AAU basketball for exposure and the value of the scholastic period in prep schools.
Takeaways
-Prep school is an important option for players, especially with colleges trending older and the need for advocates in the recruiting process.
-Prep school coaches provide exposure and connections to college coaches, helping players get placed in college.
-Finding the right fit is crucial, considering factors like academic reputation, location, and coaching staff.
-Living on campus provides easy access to gym facilities, allowing players to work on their skills and improve.
-Prep schools also prepare students for college life by teaching life skills and providing a supportive community. Quality over quantity is important in basketball training
-AAU basketball provides opportunities for exposure and playing against good competition
-Prep schools offer a unique experience and the chance to play against high-level competition
Connect with Coach Trey Morin:Email | tmorin@thephelpsschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/phelpshoops/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/treymorin
https://twitter.com/phelpshoops
Connect with Coach John Zall:Twitter | https://twitter.com/VermontAcadHoop
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/vermontacadhoop/
Email | jzall@vermont
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode, Coach Cory is joined by Coach Trey Morin of Phelps School, Coach John Zall of Vermont Academy, and Coach Lamar Reddicks of Milton Academy. They discuss current trends in the prep school world. They highlight the importance of prep school as an option for players, especially with colleges trending older and the need for advocates in the recruiting process. The coaches emphasize the exposure and connections they have to college coaches, which helps their players get placed in college. They also discuss the importance of finding the right fit for players and how prep schools prepare students for college both academically and personally. The coaches share their criteria for potential student-athletes, including a desire to be at the school, a willingness to work hard, and a commitment to improving as a basketball player. They also highlight the benefits of living on campus and having easy access to gym facilities. The coaches emphasize the importance of access to facilities and the opportunity to play with and against talented players. They highlight the benefits of AAU basketball for exposure and the value of the scholastic period in prep schools.
Takeaways
-Prep school is an important option for players, especially with colleges trending older and the need for advocates in the recruiting process.
-Prep school coaches provide exposure and connections to college coaches, helping players get placed in college.
-Finding the right fit is crucial, considering factors like academic reputation, location, and coaching staff.
-Living on campus provides easy access to gym facilities, allowing players to work on their skills and improve.
-Prep schools also prepare students for college life by teaching life skills and providing a supportive community. Quality over quantity is important in basketball training
-AAU basketball provides opportunities for exposure and playing against good competition
-Prep schools offer a unique experience and the chance to play against high-level competition
Connect with Coach Trey Morin:Email | tmorin@thephelpsschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/phelpshoops/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/treymorin
https://twitter.com/phelpshoops
Connect with Coach John Zall:Twitter | https://twitter.com/VermontAcadHoop
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/vermontacadhoop/
Email | jzall@vermont
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Summary
In this bonus episode of the Prep Athletics podcast, Coach Cory recaps his experience at the 2024 Final Four. He flew down to Phoenix to support his cousin Brad Miller, who played for Purdue. He describes the mix of fans from each school, with Purdue, NC State, UConn, and Alabama all showing strong support. Cory shares his experience at a packed Purdue bar, where Brad was treated like a celebrity. He also mentions celebrity sightings and the excitement of being in a stadium with a large crowd. Cory concludes by expressing his enjoyment of the event and his willingness to attend again in the future.
Takeaways
- Attending the Final Four is a fun and exciting experience, especially when you have a team to cheer for.
- The mix of fans from different schools adds to the atmosphere of the event.
- Celebrity sightings and being in a packed stadium contribute to the overall enjoyment.
- Despite the outcome, Cory is grateful for the opportunity to attend the Final Four and considers it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Timestamps
00:23 | Intro
01:07 | The Mix of Fans from Each School
01:42 | Going to a Purdue Bar
02:24 | Getting to the Game
03:23 | Celebrity Sightings
03:57 | Prep School Connections
04:34 | The National Championship Game
05:37 | Main Takeaways
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Summary
In this bonus episode of the Prep Athletics podcast, Coach Cory recaps his experience at the 2024 Final Four. He flew down to Phoenix to support his cousin Brad Miller, who played for Purdue. He describes the mix of fans from each school, with Purdue, NC State, UConn, and Alabama all showing strong support. Cory shares his experience at a packed Purdue bar, where Brad was treated like a celebrity. He also mentions celebrity sightings and the excitement of being in a stadium with a large crowd. Cory concludes by expressing his enjoyment of the event and his willingness to attend again in the future.
Takeaways
- Attending the Final Four is a fun and exciting experience, especially when you have a team to cheer for.
- The mix of fans from different schools adds to the atmosphere of the event.
- Celebrity sightings and being in a packed stadium contribute to the overall enjoyment.
- Despite the outcome, Cory is grateful for the opportunity to attend the Final Four and considers it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Timestamps
00:23 | Intro
01:07 | The Mix of Fans from Each School
01:42 | Going to a Purdue Bar
02:24 | Getting to the Game
03:23 | Celebrity Sightings
03:57 | Prep School Connections
04:34 | The National Championship Game
05:37 | Main Takeaways
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
SummaryIn this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, host Cory Heitz interviews Joe Busacca, the head coach of Hotchkiss School. They discuss the unique aspects of Hotchkiss as a high academic prep school, including its location, boarding program, and extensive facilities. Busacca emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with his players and helping them improve their skills. He also talks about the college placement process and the role of essays and interviews in the admissions process. Busacca shares his approach to recruiting and developing players, as well as the benefits of having a smaller team. In this conversation, Joe Busacca discusses his journey as a basketball player and coach. He shares how he transformed himself from a poor shooter to a skilled player through hard work and dedication. He also talks about the challenges he faced as a college coach and the importance of developing a winning culture. Joe emphasizes the qualities of a successful point guard and the level of competition in Division III basketball. He concludes by advising student-athletes to find the right fit in a college program and to ask important questions during the recruiting process.
Chapters00:00 | Introduction and What Makes Hotchkiss Special
02:09 | Recruiting and College Placement
04:43 | College Placement and Differences in Game Length
08:15 | Admissions Tips for Applying to Prep Schools
12:40 | Coaching Career and Transition to Hotchkiss
22:49 | Transition to Amherst College
25:08 | Coaching at Amherst and Differences from Curry College
29:25 | Coaching at the D1 Level and Qualities of a Point Guard
34:07 | Best Player Played Against and Coached Against
35:49 | Favorite Movie and Hobbies
36:20 | Final Thoughts and Advice for Recruits
Connect with Joe
Twitter | https://twitter.com/joebusacca2
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/joebusacca2/
Follow Hotchkiss Hoops
Twitter | https://twitter.com/HotchkissHoops
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hotchkisshoops/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
SummaryIn this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, host Cory Heitz interviews Joe Busacca, the head coach of Hotchkiss School. They discuss the unique aspects of Hotchkiss as a high academic prep school, including its location, boarding program, and extensive facilities. Busacca emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with his players and helping them improve their skills. He also talks about the college placement process and the role of essays and interviews in the admissions process. Busacca shares his approach to recruiting and developing players, as well as the benefits of having a smaller team. In this conversation, Joe Busacca discusses his journey as a basketball player and coach. He shares how he transformed himself from a poor shooter to a skilled player through hard work and dedication. He also talks about the challenges he faced as a college coach and the importance of developing a winning culture. Joe emphasizes the qualities of a successful point guard and the level of competition in Division III basketball. He concludes by advising student-athletes to find the right fit in a college program and to ask important questions during the recruiting process.
Chapters00:00 | Introduction and What Makes Hotchkiss Special
02:09 | Recruiting and College Placement
04:43 | College Placement and Differences in Game Length
08:15 | Admissions Tips for Applying to Prep Schools
12:40 | Coaching Career and Transition to Hotchkiss
22:49 | Transition to Amherst College
25:08 | Coaching at Amherst and Differences from Curry College
29:25 | Coaching at the D1 Level and Qualities of a Point Guard
34:07 | Best Player Played Against and Coached Against
35:49 | Favorite Movie and Hobbies
36:20 | Final Thoughts and Advice for Recruits
Connect with Joe
Twitter | https://twitter.com/joebusacca2
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/joebusacca2/
Follow Hotchkiss Hoops
Twitter | https://twitter.com/HotchkissHoops
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hotchkisshoops/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this conversation with Tom Bower, President of Athlete Advantage, we cover the changes in the NIL landscape, including mistakes and risks, finding an attorney for deals, donor fatigue, the employee model for college athletes, and NIL in the Ivy League. On top of that, we discuss hiring an agent for NIL deals, capitalizing on marketability, creative fundraising for college athletes, discussing NIL during recruitment, and locker room issues involving NIL. We also go into NIL for high school and prep school players, compliance and transparency in NIL deals, setting up an online store for NIL, the percentage of profits for athletes, and the best and worst case scenarios for NIL. This conversation explores the importance of building a brand as a student-athlete and how it can lead to business partnerships. It also discusses the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) as an added tool in sports.
Chapters
00:00 | Introduction and Overview
00:36 | Changes in the NIL Landscape
04:03 | Mistakes and Risks in NIL Deals
06:07 | Finding an Attorney for NIL Deals
08:24 | Donor Fatigue in NIL Deals
11:19 | Employee Model for College Athletes
13:23 | NIL in the Ivy League
14:04 | Hiring an Agent for NIL Deals
17:00 | Choosing the Right Agent
22:26 | Capitalizing on Marketability
24:46 | Creative Fundraising for College Athletes
29:49 | Discussing NIL during Recruitment
32:49 | Locker Room Issues and NIL
35:05 | NIL for High School and Prep School Players
36:09 | Compliance and Transparency in NIL Deals
38:24 | Setting Up an Online Store for NIL
41:06 | Percentage of Profits for Athletes
44:25 | Best and Worst Case Scenarios for NIL
47:21 | Final Thoughts
48:29 | Building a Brand for Business Partnerships
50:39 | Building a Brand as a Student Athlete
52:35 | NIL as an Added Tool to Sports
Connect with Tom:
Website | https://athleteadvantage.com/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/TomBowerII
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-bower-b5541149/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this conversation with Tom Bower, President of Athlete Advantage, we cover the changes in the NIL landscape, including mistakes and risks, finding an attorney for deals, donor fatigue, the employee model for college athletes, and NIL in the Ivy League. On top of that, we discuss hiring an agent for NIL deals, capitalizing on marketability, creative fundraising for college athletes, discussing NIL during recruitment, and locker room issues involving NIL. We also go into NIL for high school and prep school players, compliance and transparency in NIL deals, setting up an online store for NIL, the percentage of profits for athletes, and the best and worst case scenarios for NIL. This conversation explores the importance of building a brand as a student-athlete and how it can lead to business partnerships. It also discusses the role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) as an added tool in sports.
Chapters
00:00 | Introduction and Overview
00:36 | Changes in the NIL Landscape
04:03 | Mistakes and Risks in NIL Deals
06:07 | Finding an Attorney for NIL Deals
08:24 | Donor Fatigue in NIL Deals
11:19 | Employee Model for College Athletes
13:23 | NIL in the Ivy League
14:04 | Hiring an Agent for NIL Deals
17:00 | Choosing the Right Agent
22:26 | Capitalizing on Marketability
24:46 | Creative Fundraising for College Athletes
29:49 | Discussing NIL during Recruitment
32:49 | Locker Room Issues and NIL
35:05 | NIL for High School and Prep School Players
36:09 | Compliance and Transparency in NIL Deals
38:24 | Setting Up an Online Store for NIL
41:06 | Percentage of Profits for Athletes
44:25 | Best and Worst Case Scenarios for NIL
47:21 | Final Thoughts
48:29 | Building a Brand for Business Partnerships
50:39 | Building a Brand as a Student Athlete
52:35 | NIL as an Added Tool to Sports
Connect with Tom:
Website | https://athleteadvantage.com/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/TomBowerII
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-bower-b5541149/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
SummaryIn this conversation, Tim DiFrancesco, former head strength coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, shares insights and experiences from his time in the NBA. He talks about working with Kobe, Pau, Steve Nash, Metta Sandiford-Artest, and other NBA legends. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and open-mindedness in achieving success. Tim discusses the challenges of building trust with players and managing different training approaches. He also highlights the significance of recovery methods, such as float tanks, and the common training mistakes basketball players make. Tim shares his favorite lifts, his favorite Lakers player to work with, and his hobbies.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
00:25 The Importance of a Growth Mindset
03:22 Building Trust with Players
06:01 Working with Players' Personal Trainers
09:41 Challenges of Managing Different Training Approaches
10:03 Kobe Bryant's Work Ethic and Recovery
14:55 Recovery Methods in the NBA
15:54 The Benefits of Float Tanks
18:32 Players' Work Ethic and Mindset
21:20 Focus on Injury Prevention and Durability
24:26 Best and Worst Parts of Working with the Lakers
27:00 Impressive Non-Star Players
28:24 Changes in Training Basketball Players
30:49 Common Training Mistakes
32:45 Changes in Nutrition Approach
34:05 Recommended Supplements
35:29 Favorite Lifts
36:44 Favorite Lakers Player Worked With
37:27 Coolest Celebrity Interaction
38:59 Favorite Movie of All Time
39:25 Hobbies Outside of Work
40:10 The Basketball Strong Podcast
44:49 Where to Find Tim DiFrancesco
Connect with Tim:Website | https://www.tdathletesedge.com/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/tdathletesedge?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tdathletesedge/?hl=en
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-difrancesco-29502710
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
SummaryIn this conversation, Tim DiFrancesco, former head strength coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, shares insights and experiences from his time in the NBA. He talks about working with Kobe, Pau, Steve Nash, Metta Sandiford-Artest, and other NBA legends. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and open-mindedness in achieving success. Tim discusses the challenges of building trust with players and managing different training approaches. He also highlights the significance of recovery methods, such as float tanks, and the common training mistakes basketball players make. Tim shares his favorite lifts, his favorite Lakers player to work with, and his hobbies.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
00:25 The Importance of a Growth Mindset
03:22 Building Trust with Players
06:01 Working with Players' Personal Trainers
09:41 Challenges of Managing Different Training Approaches
10:03 Kobe Bryant's Work Ethic and Recovery
14:55 Recovery Methods in the NBA
15:54 The Benefits of Float Tanks
18:32 Players' Work Ethic and Mindset
21:20 Focus on Injury Prevention and Durability
24:26 Best and Worst Parts of Working with the Lakers
27:00 Impressive Non-Star Players
28:24 Changes in Training Basketball Players
30:49 Common Training Mistakes
32:45 Changes in Nutrition Approach
34:05 Recommended Supplements
35:29 Favorite Lifts
36:44 Favorite Lakers Player Worked With
37:27 Coolest Celebrity Interaction
38:59 Favorite Movie of All Time
39:25 Hobbies Outside of Work
40:10 The Basketball Strong Podcast
44:49 Where to Find Tim DiFrancesco
Connect with Tim:Website | https://www.tdathletesedge.com/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/tdathletesedge?lang=en
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tdathletesedge/?hl=en
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-difrancesco-29502710
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Description:
In this podcast episode, Cory interviews Hollman, a former prep school basketball player who is now a walk-on at James Madison University. They discuss Hollman's decision to do a post-graduate year, his experience at Tilton School, the benefits and challenges of prep school basketball, dealing with homesickness, and how prep school prepared him for Division I basketball. They also talk about the importance of choosing the right coach, Hollman's decision to attend James Madison, his experience as a walk-on, and the unseen pressures in Division I basketball. Hollman shares advice for kids considering a post-graduate year and offers insights into his career and personal life. The episode concludes with a discussion on Hollman's favorite movie and hobbies, as well as final thoughts and advice for listeners.
Timestamps:
00:00 | Introduction and Post-Grad Year Decision
01:12 | Choosing Tilton School
02:10 | Benefits and Challenges of Prep School Basketball
03:27 | Dealing with Homesickness
04:18 | Surprises and Preparation for Division I Basketball
05:36 | Advice for Kids Considering a Post-Graduate Year
06:28 | Importance of Choosing the Right Coach
07:25 | Choosing James Madison University
08:10 | Experience as a Walk-On
09:34 | Best and Most Challenging Parts of Being a Walk-On
11:38 | Impact of James Madison's Top 25 Ranking
12:37 | Unseen Pressures in Division I Basketball
13:38 | Advice for Hollman's Brother and Others
14:52 | Best Wins and Toughest Opponents
16:57 | Favorite Movie and Hobbies
17:38 | Final Thoughts and Advice
18:31 | Social Media and Conclusion
Connect with Hollman:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_hollman_/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/H_smith25
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Description:
In this podcast episode, Cory interviews Hollman, a former prep school basketball player who is now a walk-on at James Madison University. They discuss Hollman's decision to do a post-graduate year, his experience at Tilton School, the benefits and challenges of prep school basketball, dealing with homesickness, and how prep school prepared him for Division I basketball. They also talk about the importance of choosing the right coach, Hollman's decision to attend James Madison, his experience as a walk-on, and the unseen pressures in Division I basketball. Hollman shares advice for kids considering a post-graduate year and offers insights into his career and personal life. The episode concludes with a discussion on Hollman's favorite movie and hobbies, as well as final thoughts and advice for listeners.
Timestamps:
00:00 | Introduction and Post-Grad Year Decision
01:12 | Choosing Tilton School
02:10 | Benefits and Challenges of Prep School Basketball
03:27 | Dealing with Homesickness
04:18 | Surprises and Preparation for Division I Basketball
05:36 | Advice for Kids Considering a Post-Graduate Year
06:28 | Importance of Choosing the Right Coach
07:25 | Choosing James Madison University
08:10 | Experience as a Walk-On
09:34 | Best and Most Challenging Parts of Being a Walk-On
11:38 | Impact of James Madison's Top 25 Ranking
12:37 | Unseen Pressures in Division I Basketball
13:38 | Advice for Hollman's Brother and Others
14:52 | Best Wins and Toughest Opponents
16:57 | Favorite Movie and Hobbies
17:38 | Final Thoughts and Advice
18:31 | Social Media and Conclusion
Connect with Hollman:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_hollman_/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/H_smith25
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Summary
Former Oak Hill Academy coach, Steve Smith, discusses his experiences coaching NBA players, the importance of work ethic and desire, the impact of specialization in sports, changes in the game, recruiting and placing players, and the opportunities he had as a college coach. He also discusses his career decisions, coaching against LeBron James, his biggest win, his favorite movie, and his connection to Al Pruitt and Henry Clay. Coach Smith reflects on his decision to stay at Oak Hill despite other opportunities, including an assistant job at Louisville, and dives into winning the Geico National Tournament in 2016.
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:16 Coaching NBA Players
02:16 Work Ethic and Desire
03:16 Specialization in Sports
04:41 Injuries and Training
07:33 Changes in the Game
08:32 Strength and Conditioning
10:25 Surprising Players
11:50 Building a National Powerhouse
15:10 Recruiting and Placing Players
19:53 Changes in College Recruiting
23:13 Transfers in High School and College
25:04 Building a Team at Oak Hill
29:27 Recruiting Process at Oak Hill
34:15 Choosing College Programs
39:05 What it Takes to Play at the D1 Level
43:20 Opportunities as a College Coach
44:46 Career Decisions and Staying at Oak Hill
47:08 Coaching Against LeBron James
50:18 Biggest Win of Steve Smith's Career
52:40 Favorite Movie of All Time: Hoosiers
54:58 Connection to Al Pruitt and Henry Clay
58:48 Closing Remarks
Connect with Steve:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ohacoachsmith/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/OHACoachSmith
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Summary
Former Oak Hill Academy coach, Steve Smith, discusses his experiences coaching NBA players, the importance of work ethic and desire, the impact of specialization in sports, changes in the game, recruiting and placing players, and the opportunities he had as a college coach. He also discusses his career decisions, coaching against LeBron James, his biggest win, his favorite movie, and his connection to Al Pruitt and Henry Clay. Coach Smith reflects on his decision to stay at Oak Hill despite other opportunities, including an assistant job at Louisville, and dives into winning the Geico National Tournament in 2016.
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:16 Coaching NBA Players
02:16 Work Ethic and Desire
03:16 Specialization in Sports
04:41 Injuries and Training
07:33 Changes in the Game
08:32 Strength and Conditioning
10:25 Surprising Players
11:50 Building a National Powerhouse
15:10 Recruiting and Placing Players
19:53 Changes in College Recruiting
23:13 Transfers in High School and College
25:04 Building a Team at Oak Hill
29:27 Recruiting Process at Oak Hill
34:15 Choosing College Programs
39:05 What it Takes to Play at the D1 Level
43:20 Opportunities as a College Coach
44:46 Career Decisions and Staying at Oak Hill
47:08 Coaching Against LeBron James
50:18 Biggest Win of Steve Smith's Career
52:40 Favorite Movie of All Time: Hoosiers
54:58 Connection to Al Pruitt and Henry Clay
58:48 Closing Remarks
Connect with Steve:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ohacoachsmith/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/OHACoachSmith
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Summary
In this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, host Cory Heitz interviews Coach Thomas Adams-Wall from Western Reserve Academy. They discuss various topics, including growing up on a prep school campus, the benefits of playing multiple sports, choosing the College of Wooster, coaching at Western Reserve Academy, recruiting and college exposure, admissions for student-athletes, coaching McDonald's All-American Chris Livingston, the challenges of placing girls in prep schools, placing boys and girls in college, admissions criteria for student-athletes, and more. Coach Adams-Wall shares his insights and experiences as both a coach and an admission officer at Western Reserve Academy.
Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Background
02:02 Growing Up on a Prep School Campus
03:24 Playing Multiple Sports vs. Specializing
04:20 Choosing the College of Worcester
07:14 Coaching and Working at Western Reserve Academy
10:01 Recruiting and College Exposure
13:19 Admissions and Student-Athletes
16:33 Coaching Chris Livingston and Girls vs. Boys Basketball
20:22 Challenges of Placing Girls in Prep Schools
21:48 Placing Boys and Girls in College
23:38 Admissions Criteria for Student-Athletes
25:33 Quick Hitters
28:15 Favorite Movie and Hobbies
29:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Connect with Thomas:Email | adamswallt@wra.net
Website | https://www.wra.net/athletics/our-teams/girls-basketball-varsity
Twitter | https://twitter.com/TAdams_Wall
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Summary
In this episode of the Prep Athletics Podcast, host Cory Heitz interviews Coach Thomas Adams-Wall from Western Reserve Academy. They discuss various topics, including growing up on a prep school campus, the benefits of playing multiple sports, choosing the College of Wooster, coaching at Western Reserve Academy, recruiting and college exposure, admissions for student-athletes, coaching McDonald's All-American Chris Livingston, the challenges of placing girls in prep schools, placing boys and girls in college, admissions criteria for student-athletes, and more. Coach Adams-Wall shares his insights and experiences as both a coach and an admission officer at Western Reserve Academy.
Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Background
02:02 Growing Up on a Prep School Campus
03:24 Playing Multiple Sports vs. Specializing
04:20 Choosing the College of Worcester
07:14 Coaching and Working at Western Reserve Academy
10:01 Recruiting and College Exposure
13:19 Admissions and Student-Athletes
16:33 Coaching Chris Livingston and Girls vs. Boys Basketball
20:22 Challenges of Placing Girls in Prep Schools
21:48 Placing Boys and Girls in College
23:38 Admissions Criteria for Student-Athletes
25:33 Quick Hitters
28:15 Favorite Movie and Hobbies
29:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Connect with Thomas:Email | adamswallt@wra.net
Website | https://www.wra.net/athletics/our-teams/girls-basketball-varsity
Twitter | https://twitter.com/TAdams_Wall
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
On this podcast episode we are excited to have former college coach Steve Schafer join us. He currently works for College Athlete Advantage which is a company that helps athletes with college placement. In this conversation Steve breaks down the differences between D2, D3 and NAIA, the challenges in placement in 2023, how his company’s placement process works, recruiting websites, starting a college athletic program from scratch and much more.
Connect w/ Steve:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachSchafer50
Email: schafer@collegeathleteadvantage.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
On this podcast episode we are excited to have former college coach Steve Schafer join us. He currently works for College Athlete Advantage which is a company that helps athletes with college placement. In this conversation Steve breaks down the differences between D2, D3 and NAIA, the challenges in placement in 2023, how his company’s placement process works, recruiting websites, starting a college athletic program from scratch and much more.
Connect w/ Steve:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachSchafer50
Email: schafer@collegeathleteadvantage.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This week we welcome author Níall Ó Murchú. Níall and I connected in Poland in early 2020 at the Wim Hof retreat in Southern Poland. Níall was my group leader and he spent the week teaching us the power of breath and how you incorporate it with the cold. Níall and I are both former hoopers who have wives named Josie! In this conversation we discuss how he got introduced to the cold and Wim Hof, his record setting performance in the European U19 basketball games, tips for young athletes on how to incorporate these modalities and much more.
Hear us talk about climbing a mountain with just shorts and boots on while it was 17 degrees out. I was trying to survive while Níall was profusely sweating. And learn more about spending ten long minutes in a snowmelt creek. I loved talking to Níall again and hope you enjoy it. His books can be purchased in the linktree below. Not too shabby that Oprah suggested a passage from his latest book, "The Power of Cold."
Connect with Niall:
https://linktr.ee/breathewithniall
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This week we welcome author Níall Ó Murchú. Níall and I connected in Poland in early 2020 at the Wim Hof retreat in Southern Poland. Níall was my group leader and he spent the week teaching us the power of breath and how you incorporate it with the cold. Níall and I are both former hoopers who have wives named Josie! In this conversation we discuss how he got introduced to the cold and Wim Hof, his record setting performance in the European U19 basketball games, tips for young athletes on how to incorporate these modalities and much more.
Hear us talk about climbing a mountain with just shorts and boots on while it was 17 degrees out. I was trying to survive while Níall was profusely sweating. And learn more about spending ten long minutes in a snowmelt creek. I loved talking to Níall again and hope you enjoy it. His books can be purchased in the linktree below. Not too shabby that Oprah suggested a passage from his latest book, "The Power of Cold."
Connect with Niall:
https://linktr.ee/breathewithniall
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this mini episode I share my pre-game songs from 8th grade all the way to my senior year at the United States Air Force Academy.
Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1AwdczK0cSXqpdiMNxDMeY?si=917a1d99688249bb
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this mini episode I share my pre-game songs from 8th grade all the way to my senior year at the United States Air Force Academy.
Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1AwdczK0cSXqpdiMNxDMeY?si=917a1d99688249bb
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this podcast I am proud to have my prep school roommate joining us. Colonel Lawrence Yazzie and I met on the first day of basic training at the United States Air Force Academy Prep School back in July of 1995. We stayed up too long that first night w/ me asking Yaz about growing up on a reservation. He was just as enthralled w/ me being a Catholic from Kentucky. We have been tight friends ever since.
Yaz (as he is called by his friends) was one of the first native americans to play Division 1 basketball. In our conversation he tells us how he got good at basketball while growing up in the Arizonan desert. He talks about why he chose Air Force and the challenges of playing there. Yaz was a 3 point sniper and he talks about coming off the bench cold at the end of games to try and bring his team back. We also touch on him playing with his brother in college and the time he infamously made Sportscenter. Yaz works in cybersecurity at a national level and gives tips to all the listeners on how to practice online hygiene.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this podcast I am proud to have my prep school roommate joining us. Colonel Lawrence Yazzie and I met on the first day of basic training at the United States Air Force Academy Prep School back in July of 1995. We stayed up too long that first night w/ me asking Yaz about growing up on a reservation. He was just as enthralled w/ me being a Catholic from Kentucky. We have been tight friends ever since.
Yaz (as he is called by his friends) was one of the first native americans to play Division 1 basketball. In our conversation he tells us how he got good at basketball while growing up in the Arizonan desert. He talks about why he chose Air Force and the challenges of playing there. Yaz was a 3 point sniper and he talks about coming off the bench cold at the end of games to try and bring his team back. We also touch on him playing with his brother in college and the time he infamously made Sportscenter. Yaz works in cybersecurity at a national level and gives tips to all the listeners on how to practice online hygiene.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
On this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we welcome Fork Union Military Academy Boys Basketball Coach, Bob Williams. Bob shares with us his background as a player and starting out as a coach at a New York junior college. From there he had a successful career at both Glenville State and West Virginia Tech. Now in his third season at Fork Union, he talks about recruiting, placement, the military experience, the school's history and much more.
Connect w/ Bob:
Twitter |https://twitter.com/coachbobwill
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachbobwilliams/ Website | https://athletics.forkunion.com/sports/mens-basketball
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
On this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we welcome Fork Union Military Academy Boys Basketball Coach, Bob Williams. Bob shares with us his background as a player and starting out as a coach at a New York junior college. From there he had a successful career at both Glenville State and West Virginia Tech. Now in his third season at Fork Union, he talks about recruiting, placement, the military experience, the school's history and much more.
Connect w/ Bob:
Twitter |https://twitter.com/coachbobwill
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachbobwilliams/ Website | https://athletics.forkunion.com/sports/mens-basketball
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode we welcome La Lumiere School's Head Boys Basketball Coach, Pat Holmes. Pat has been the head coach since 2017 and has continued its national dominance. The previous two coaches are now D1 head coaches. Pat talks about the formula for turning La Lumiere into a national power and how he maintains it. We dig into how he chooses elite players for his roster, how he schedules his team, his gym being featured on ESPN, and much more. Fun fact: La Lumiere alums in the NBA have contracts worth close to $500 Million Dollars!! That is insane! I really enjoyed this interview and hope you all do as well.
Connect w/ Pat:
https://twitter.com/LaLuBasketball
https://www.instagram.com/lalubasketball/?hl=en
pholmes@lalumiere.org
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this episode we welcome La Lumiere School's Head Boys Basketball Coach, Pat Holmes. Pat has been the head coach since 2017 and has continued its national dominance. The previous two coaches are now D1 head coaches. Pat talks about the formula for turning La Lumiere into a national power and how he maintains it. We dig into how he chooses elite players for his roster, how he schedules his team, his gym being featured on ESPN, and much more. Fun fact: La Lumiere alums in the NBA have contracts worth close to $500 Million Dollars!! That is insane! I really enjoyed this interview and hope you all do as well.
Connect w/ Pat:
https://twitter.com/LaLuBasketball
https://www.instagram.com/lalubasketball/?hl=en
pholmes@lalumiere.org
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
On this week's podcast we welcome Northfield Mount Hermon Head Boys Basketball Coach, Michael Shelton. Michael grew up in Indiana and was a top player in the state. He played college basketball at Bellarmine before coaching at D3 Weslyan, D2 Univ of New Haven, and D1 Winthrop. He shares a lot of valuable insight on all three levels. He has also coached at Govenors Academy and Williston Northampton. Michael shares valuable information about different levels and the pros and cons of each.
Connect w/ Michael:
https://twitter.com/CoachShelton25
https://www.instagram.com/mike25259/
msheltonbball@gmail.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
On this week's podcast we welcome Northfield Mount Hermon Head Boys Basketball Coach, Michael Shelton. Michael grew up in Indiana and was a top player in the state. He played college basketball at Bellarmine before coaching at D3 Weslyan, D2 Univ of New Haven, and D1 Winthrop. He shares a lot of valuable insight on all three levels. He has also coached at Govenors Academy and Williston Northampton. Michael shares valuable information about different levels and the pros and cons of each.
Connect w/ Michael:
https://twitter.com/CoachShelton25
https://www.instagram.com/mike25259/
msheltonbball@gmail.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
In this week’s episode we welcome Jason Bradwell. Jason is a former college football player who is now a Division 1 basketball referee. We discuss why he got into this job, the differences in levels and tips for players, coaches, and parents. Jason also has two sons who played basketball at prep schools. He shares how they initially found schools and ultimately their process on choosing each one. Jason's older son went on to play D1 at Penn and his younger son is currently at Winchendon School under Coach Kevin Kehoe.
Jason also runs the Northeast Prep School Showcase where high school basketball players can showcase themselves in front of prep school coaches. This event also has a forum to educate parents and answer their questions. Enjoy the interview!
Connect w/ Jason:
showcase.events.llc@gmail.com
http://www.showcaseeventsllc.com
https://twitter.com/showcaseevents_
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...
In this week's episode we welcome Andrew Osborne Academy Head Basketball Coach, Eli Gore. Eli has been around the game. He started his college career at a JUCO before transferring to D3 Salisbury to play for eventual D3 National Championship Coach Josh Merkel. After being an assistant at Salisbury he then went to Texas A&M - Corpus Christi. From here he went from low major to high major at UCONN. After a stint with the NBA's Portland Trailblazers he joined friend of the podcast Raphael Chillious's team at South Kent School. Eli offers a great perspective on all of the different levels he has coached and played at. Valuable for those trying to figure out the best fitting level to play at in college.
Connect w/ Eli:
https://www.instagram.com/coacheligore/?hl=en
https://www.andrewsosborne.org/athletics/teams/boys-prep-basketball https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-gore-174451100tw
https://twitter.com/CoachEliGore
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helpi...
We took a week 10 state road trip and visited 6 prep schools along the way. (Kiski, Andrews Osborne, Western Reserve, La Lumiere, Link Year, and Sunrise Christian.) We share some quick thoughts about each school.
Then we talk about the following topics:
-Should families promote their child and/or hire a college placement consultant even if you are already going to a prep school?
-Coming soon: What do different offers mean?
-Analytics podcast w/ Jamion Christian. I highly recommend this one for learning more about the future of hacking the game of basketball:
-What is your WHY? Really dig in and ask. I share my experience.
-1st team vs 2nd team debate continues.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
In this podcast we have the pleasure of being joined by former D1 athlete Kirsten Jones. Kirsten played volleyball and transferred colleges before the portal was a thing. She also had both of her sons attend prep schools. She shares the process for finding the right school for each son, and then the steps taken to choose the right college. Her oldest son is currently in the transfer portal and she talks about the challenges with that.
Her biggest piece of advice is to do your due diligence. Kirsten also has a book coming out in August called "Raising Empowered Athletes." I will definitely be buying this. She shared some thoughts on this as well. This was such an informative episode.
Connect w/ Kirsten:
Website: https://www.kirstenjonesinc.com/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/kirstenjonesinc
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/p/CsUdUjQR_4j/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
On this mini podcast we talk about some of the trends/concerns we have seen in the last 6-12 months in the prep school world. In this episode we discuss:
1) Expectations vs Reality
2) A real life prep school vs High Academic vs D1 Walk On decision
3) Being Transparent w/ players and families doing their due diligence
4) Summer programs for International
5) Read the fine print of the contracts and student handbooks before putting down a deposit.
6) The future of prep school basketball and timing
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
In this episode of the PREP Athletics podcast, we welcome Cushing Academy's head boys basketball coach James Cormier. James spent two years at Proctor Academy before playing at Le Moyne College. After his college career he got into coaching and worked at Northfield Mount Hermon under legendary coach, John Carroll. From here he worked as an assistant at Dartmouth where his father was head coach at the time. James has been at Cushing for over six years and has had great success to include coaching current NBA player David Duke Jr of the Brooklyn Nets.
In this conversation we talk about his experience at prep school, choosing a college, what he learned coaching under John Carroll and his father, the Ivy League, Cushing Academy and much more. I really enjoyed this conversation with James.
Connect w/ James:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachJCorms
Twitter | Team Account: https://twitter.com/CushingBBball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cushingbbball/
Website | https://www.cushing.org/athletics/winter-teams/basketball-boys-
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
In this mini episode we discuss my experiences w/ cold water. It started when I went to train w/ Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece at their home in Malibu. From here I was hooked. I bought a chest freezer for my home in DC and now where I live in Colorado I take advantage of the frigid mountain streams.
In February 2020 I went to Poland to train w/ the Iceman himself; Wim Hof. This five day experience changed my life. We also discuss some tips for how to handle the cold, hiking w/ no shirt on in 17degree weather, a 10 minute dip, the benefits of the cold and more. This is a fun episode. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Here are some links that were mentioned in the podcast:
Andrew Huberman https://hubermanlab.com/the-science-and-use-of-cold-exposure-for-health-and-performance/
Wim Hof Vice Episode https://www.wimhofmethod.com/iceman-vice-documentary
XPT https://www.xptlife.com/about
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
In this week’s episode we are joined by former D1 Head Coach Jamion Christian. Jamion was a D1 assistant at Bucknell, William & Mary, and VCU before becoming serving as head coach at Mount St Mary’s, Siena, then George Washington. Jamion played D1 at Mount Saint Marys. In this episode we talk about the transition from an assistant to head coach, his recruiting philosophies, how to choose your assistant coaches, the differences between D1 levels, what it takes for a guard to play at the different D1 levels and so much more. Jamion and I have been friends since 2009 and it was a pleasure to have him on the podcast.
Connect w/ Jamion:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/JamionChristian
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jamion_christian/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
On this week's podcast I am joined by Newman School Head Coach, Jackson Johnson. Jackson played baseball at Tulane for 2 years before switching over to play basketball for the Green Wave. We talk about how he chose Tulane, what he learned playing two sports at the D1 level, coaching at the Newman School and more.
Connect w/ Jackson
Twitter | https://twitter.com/JJohnson_49
Website | https://twitter.com/newman_hoops?lang=en
Email | jackson.johnson079@gmail.com
Phone | 904-612-4949
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
In this episode we welcome one of Western Reserve Academy's coaches: Matt Garvey. Matt went to prep school at New Hampton before attending Providence where he was a manager. After this he was a special assistant to Coach Ed Cooley where he worked in the video department. Now at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson Ohio, Matt talks about the program, their competition, placing players and more.
Connect w/ Matt
Twitter | https://twitter.com/WRA_Hoops
Website | https://www.wra.net/athletics/ourteam...
Email | garveym@wra.net
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athlet...
Twitter |
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
For six years I lived on a ten acre farm in Central Kentucky. We did not have animals or crops, but we had grass. My father wanted the ten acres to look like a golf course. It took fourteen hours to mow the ten acres and another 2-3 to weedeat around all of the trees and fences. While this felt like a burden and punishment as a teenage, I reflect in this bonus podcast on how this actually helped me become the man I am today. Teens these days could use this time to not be stimulated, and just think.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
On this week’s episode we welcome Hollywood actor Josh Hopkins. I went to the same school as Josh in Lexington Kentucky in the late 80s. I was in 6th grade while he was a senior. In this episode we talk about the passion among the University of Kentucky basketball fans, getting into acting, hanging out with Leonardo DiCaprio, reading with Tom Cruise for Jerry Maguire, having a father who was elected into the US House of Representatives, hosting a podcast with Rex Chapman and more. Josh is a natural in front of the camera and we had a blast catching up after almost 30 years.
Connect w/ Josh:
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005020/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJoshHopkins
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshhopkins/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
In this week's episode we welcome USA Today's Josh Peter to the podcast. This was our first time having a sports journalist on the show and Josh shared some good advice and stories. In this episode we talk about Josh's path to ending up at USA Today, some of his biggest stories, dream interviews, top sporting events he has seen live, interviewing Magic and Michael Jordan, and how one can get into the sports journalism world.
Connect w/ Josh:
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/staff/2647383001/josh-peter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshlpeter11?lang=en
Email: jpeter@usatoday.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
On this week’s episode we welcome Romone Penny. Romone went to Mercersburg Academy for a post-grad year before playing at Florida State. He then transferred to American University where he last game as a senior was in the NCAA tournament. While living in DC he was invited to play basketball with President Obama and became a regular at those weekly runs. He now runs Pursuit Sports Group where he helps athletes with financial planning and literacy. Romone is an old friend who I was excited to have on the podcast.
Connect w/ Romone
Website: https://www.pursuitsportsgroup.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlwaysnPursuit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuitsportsgroup/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitSportsGroup/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
On this episode we welcome Coach Raphael Chillious of the South Kent School back to the podcast. I wanted to have Coach Chillious back to go over some of the most asked questions in the prep school and college recruiting world. In this episode we answer the following questions and more:
-Is it better for a player to leave high school early to go to a prep school for multiple years, or graduate from their current school and just do a post-grad year?
-What is the difference between a preferred walk-on, recruited walk-on, and walk-on?
-Do college coaches prefer a player from a high school or a prep school?
-Do D1 coaching staffs look at paid recruiting services i.e. NCSA?
-Does it matter to college coaches what class you are playing at in New England?
-Do prep schools like international players?
-Some prep schools have multiple teams. What are the pros and cons of being on a second team?
-Is it a true offer if you didn't get it directly from the head college coach?
-What should a player include in their highlight tape?
Connect with Raphael:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachChills
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SouthKentSchool
Website | https://southkentschool.org/athletics/teams/prep-basketball/overview Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/southkenthoops/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0v
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
On this week’s episode we welcome agent Kevin Tarca. Kevin is the founder of Kreation Talent Agency and a former D1 basketball walk-on at Quinnipiac University. In this episode we talk about the pros and cons of being a D1 walk on, why Kevin became an agent, traveling the globe, making in person connections, the confusion about “playing overseas” and much more.
Connect w/ Kevin
Website: https://www.kevintarca.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevin_tarca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevintarca/
Email: kevin@kreationtalent.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
This week we welcome Dr. Brian Konik to the podcast. Brian is a psychologist and also the head boys basketball coach at The Frederick Gunn School. Brian has a unique background that most basketball coaches don’t. In this episode we talk about:
-the benefits of Brian being a psychologist and a coach
-mental health trends he is seeing with today’s teenagers
-suggestions he gives to improve mental health in our teens
-playing in NEPSAC Class B
-his time with the Naval Academy basketball team
-the uniqueness of his school
-playing multiple sports and more.
This was such an informative podcast that I am excited to share it with you all. Enjoy!
Show Notes:
2:00. How does clinical psychology help with coaching?
3:05. Why come to Frederick Gunn School?
5:36 Unique four year program overview
9:00. Specializing in one sport vs multiple sports
11:50 Advantages and disadvantages of the NEPSAC Class B
15:54 Frederick Gunn famous alumni
18:50. Trends with students pre/post covid
21:00. Mental health suggestions for today’s teens
29:35 Thoughts on online therapy
31:16. Smart phones
34:48 Brian’s time in Hawaii
41:27. Thoughts on teens doing a marathon or challenging themselves.
44:10 What made Naval Academy players different than average players.
49:25 NIL and D1
56:15. Sports psychology
58:31 Biggest win of coaching career
59:48 Best player coached against.
1:00:21 Hobbies
1:00:46 Favorite Movie
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitt
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before...
In November 2022 I took my annual New England road trip. During this week I visited 17 prep schools and attending the National Prep School Showcase. In this mini podcast I share my observations which include:
-New prep school coaches
-Schools owned by the Chinese
-What college coaches are saying about recruiting
-Parents concerns about college placement
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this podcast we had the pleasure to speak with Navy Seal Commander, Rorke Denver. Rorke is a neighbor of mine in Colorado and we have gotten to know each other over the past few years. We both love dipping in cold creeks and have done so down the canyon in Cleark Creek. Rorke is a dynamo! An NCAA national champion lacrosse player at Syracuse, and defensive All American. We talk about getting into lacrosse by accident, choosing Syracuse, and nature vs. nurture. We then delve into the Navy Seals selection process and how to make it through. His famous team mates David Goggins and Jocko Willink are discussed as well as playing a Navy Seal in a Hollywood movie. Rorke knows how to tell a good story and has some great insight on playing sports at a high level, and being a part of an elite US special forces unit.
What You Will Learn:
[2:10] Why Rorke chose Syracuse University.
[4:51] Natural athleticism and how he got so good at sports.
[7:30] Nature vs. Nurture
[9:27] Joining the Navy
[11:53] Process for joining the Navy Seals
[13:50] OCS - becoming and officer then a Navy Seal
[15:07] Weeding out candidates during BUDS
[18:21] Can anyone make it in the SEALS program?
[23:00] Trauma – Is it necessary?
[26:06] What kind of job instills GRIT?
[32:31] Serving w/ David Goggins
[34:42] Serving w/ Jocko Willink
[36:04] What makes the US special forces the best in the world?
[38:31] Energy in warzones
[41:09] Challenge of combat
[48:09] Being in a movie.
[51:30] Dipping in the ice.
[54:24] Favorite MRE meal
[54:37] Worst MRE meal.
[55:43] Best concert
[56:03] Hobbies
[56:17] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ Rorke
https://twitter.com/rorkedenver?lang=en
This short podcast is a refresher on the basketball academy world. Each week a family asks me about these options, and I wanted to put out a current video on the present state of this world. As I always say, "Do your due diligence."
Here are some links that are mentioned in this podcast:
Prep Schools VS Basketball Academies: What Are The Difference And Why Does It Matter?
Questions You Need To Ask Before Going to a Basketball Academy
The Difference Between Brick and Mortar Prep Schools and Basketball Academies
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this episode we welcome High School, NCAA, and NBA champion Sasha Kaun. Sasha came from Russia at the age of 16 to Florida Air Academy. He didn’t speak any English. Within three years he learned to speak the language, won a state title and got a scholarship to Kansas. After winning an NCAA title he was the last draft pick in the history of the Seattle Supersonics. He chose instead to play in Europe before coming back to the NBA in 2015 to play for the Cavs. That was the year the Cavs won the title. In this episode we talk about coming to the US, playing at a high major school, the difference between Euroleague and the NBA, LeBron behind the scenes and more.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this week’s episode we welcome Coach Nick Whitmore. Nick is the son of a former D1 head coach and spent his college years as a student assistant at both Rhode Island and Boise State. Nick then went to coach under Rex Walters at the University of San Francisco. Nick went back to his home state to be an assistant at NEPSAC AAA school New Hampton. After a few years he was promoted to the head coach. Since 2018 Nick has been the head coach at the Asheville School in North Carolina. On this episode we talk about recruiting at Asheville, being a college assistant coach/director of basketball ops, working in admissions, the difference between AAA/AA/A in NEPSAC, what a guard needs to play D1, how he determines playing time and much more. I really enjoyed the conversation with Nick and hope you do as well
Connect w/ Nick:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/NickJWhitmore
Website | https://www.ashevilleschool.org/athletics/teams/boys-varsity-basketball
Email | whitmoren@ashevilleschool.org
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this episode we welcome Coach Brad Calipari. I have known Brad since I coached him at the Lexington Christian Academy in Lexington Ky. He went from there to play at MacDuffie which is a New England prep school. From here he played for his father, Hall of Fame coach, John Calipari at the University of Kentucky. He then transferred to play at Detroit Mercy. After graduation he was an assistant coach at UK with his father before taking a job as an assistant under Coach Rod Strickland at LIU Brooklyn. In this episode we talk about Brad’s decision to transfer to a prep school, playing under his father at UK, guarding eventual NBA pros in practice everyday, coaching, and much more. It was good to connect with Brad again and hear his unique journey.
Connect w/ Brad:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brad.calipari/
Website | https://www.liuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/staff/brad-calipari/65
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this week’s podcast we are joined by Holly Smith Abbott. Holly ran track and cross country at Wofford University before working in compliance at the University of Richmond. From here she went to work for the NCAA as the Assistant Director of International Academic Certification in the Eligibility Center at the NCAA National Office. She was responsible for validating and certifying the academic credentials of prospective international student-athletes from around the world. Holly has fifteen years’ experience in evaluating international academic credentials. In 2014 she left the NCAA and started her own consulting company called, International Credential and Sport Advising LLC.
In this episode we talk about so many informative topics to include common eligibility mistakes high school student-athletes make, defining an IEP, appeals to the NCAA, the IB degree, translating international transcripts, and much more. This is a must listen to find out more how NCAA eligibility works.
Connect w/ Holly:
Website | https://www.internationalcredentials4sport.com/
Email | hollysmithabbott@gmail.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this mini podcast Coach Cory talks about the top 5 things you need to include in your basketball highlight video, as well as what to leave out. Your highlight video is a prep school or college coaches first look at you and first impressions are important. In this Coach Cory will talk about: -length, bio page, grouping skills together, having game tape ready and more. If you like this episode feel free to subscribe to my channel on YouTube or to my podcasting sites listed below.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this mini episode Cory talks about the basics of a post-grad year. He mentions the four benefits which include growth in basketball, academics, and emotional maturity. There are also cultural benefits as well. He also talks about what kind of players prep school coaches and admission departments are looking for. Prep school is not for everyone and he lists what type of player should pause before pursuing this option.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this mini-episode we start our series on PREP Athletics success stories. First is highlighting VMI forward Louis Tang. Louis came to the US from Taiwan and didn't speak any English. He sacrificed a year of team basketball to learn the language and the US culture. His last two years of high school he played in the WCAC which is the best high school basketball conference in the US. From here he earned a D1 scholarship to VMI. Find out how he did it and the sacrifices he made in this episode.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this week’s podcast we are joined by Andrew Petcash. Andrew played D1 at Boston University and at the end of 2021 shared his first post on what became The Petcash Post. In this informative conversation we talk about playing D1 versus being in the military, things no one tells you about D1, NIL deals, the NCAA transfer rule, picking an agent, becoming a billionaire and much more.
What You Will Learn:
[1:59] When did Andrew realize he had something important to share?
[2:32] What story got Andrew interested in this topic?
[3:26] Where did you feature these first articles?
[4:19] Most famous person to like or retweet a Twitter post?
[12:12] Picking agent and financial advisor if you are a pro.
[22:00] Military paying the tuition of college athletes.
[26:26] St. Peter’s run to the Elite 8 and the financial windfall that came from it.
[30:07] Is the NIL for college athletes a bubble?
[30:18] Worst case scenario for a NIL bubble?
[33:51] Ivy Leagues taking advantage of NIL deals.
[38:08] What you want others to know about the inside world of a D1 program?
[41:46] Distrust with schools and the players and how to protect oneself.
[44:22] Examples of a bad deal where someone was taken advantage of.
[47:35] Will more players stay in the college game because they can make more money?
[53:54] Pressure on players to perform.
[55:53] Benefits of playing another sport in high school.
[58:38] How growing up in a house of college athletes helped Andrew?
[1:00:14] What is the one thing a player has to possess to make it to the NBA?
[1:09:12] Biggest win of playing career.
[1:10:15] Best player played against.
[1:11:04] Hobbies
[1:11:38] Favorite Movie
[1:12:15] Which Petcash Newsletter should people read first?
Connect w/ Andrew:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/AndrewPetcash
Website | https://www.petcashpost.com/
Email | andrewpetcash05@gmail.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166 S
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this mini episode we talk about the option of international basketball players attending a US prep school. Prep schools love international players and the diversity they bring. Coaches do as well. Find out why prep schools like these players and learn about how financial aid works.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals
On this week’s podcast we welcome David Maurice Smith. David grew up in Vancouver British Columbia and played college basketball at Simon Frazier University. After traveling the world he settled in Australia with his family where he is a professional photographer. David has been featured in cover stories for The New York Times Magazine. In this episode we talk about First Blood being filmed in his neighborhood while he was a kid, playing against Steve Nash, celebrity encounters, living in Australia and more. David is one of my brothers and we have a good time swapping stories. This is an example of a lifelong friendship that can come from a shared love of the game of basketball.
What You Will Learn:
[3:05] Why he chose to play basketball?
[4:45] Playing in British Columbia against Steve Nash in the early days.
[7:27] Attending NAIA school Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.
[11:07] Biggest thing Dave learned playing in college.
[16:17] Filming Rambo: First Blood in Dave’s childhood neighborhood.
[23:09] Fans in college basketball games.
[26:00] Stories from Canada.
[36:20] How Dave got into photography.
[54:26] Best and worst part of living in Australia?
[56:06] Working with the New York Times.
[1:01:44] What Australian basketball players do that’s different than other countries.
[1:04:44] Favorite basketball player of all time?
[1:06:41] Best player played against?
[1:07:03] Biggest win of basketball career?
[1:08:13] Most famous person in phone contacts?
[1:09:27] Hobbies
[1:10:05] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ David
Website | https://www.davidmauricesmith.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/davidmauricesmith/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001857681501
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Mike Byrnes is the head coach at The Tilton School which is located in New Hampshire. This is Mike’s first year at Tilton. Mike grew up in Massachusettes before completing a post grad year at Fork Union. He then played at St Francis (PA) before transferring to UMass. Here he played under first year head coach John Calipari. After this Mike had stints coaching in the prep school world to include Hargrave Military and Winchendon. After being a D1 assistant at Robert Morris and the head coach at D3 Rhode Island College, Mike got back into the prep school world. In this episode we talk about what it takes to be a D1 guard, how to build a prep school powerhouse, and much more.
What You Will Learn:
[1:36] How did Mike know about a post grad year? Why did he choose Fork Union?
[5:23] Playing at UMass after transferring from St Francis (PA)
[8:14] What Mike learned playing for Coach John Calpari.
[10:03] What is his pitch for the Tilton School?
[12:57] Mike’s coaching experience.
[14:29] What does it take for a guard to play at the D1 level?
[18:28] Transition from D1 assistant coach to D3 head coach.
[21:24] Coaching prep school basketball vs the college levels?
[24:22] Pros/Cons of playing and coaching D1.
[23:39] How Mike turned Winchendon School into a prep school powerhouse?
[27:40] Famous Tilton School Alumni
[41:29] Thoughts on current NCAA transfer rule?
[49:04] Player who has had biggest growth and surprised Mike in his prep school year.
[52:27] Biggest win of Mike’s career?
[53:10] Best player coached against?
[53:52] Hobbies
[54:21] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ Mike
Twitter | https://twitter.com/tiltonbvhoops
Website | https://tiltonschool.org/mastery-approach/self-discovery/afternoon-program
/new-england-prep-school-athletics-tilton-school/sports-and-teams/boys-basketball/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tiltonschoolbvb/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TiltonSchool
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Kelly Wells is the former head basketball coach of the University of Pikeville. As a high schooler he was one of the top players in the state of Kentucky and led his team to three straight trips to the Sweet Sixteen. After graduation he played at Tulsa before transferring to Morehead State. He won a state title as head coach at Mason County High School where he coached Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball, eventual NCAA champion and NBA player Darius Miller. From here he coached one year at Hawaii Pacific before taking over at the University of Pikeville. During his time at Pikeville he won the 2011 NAIA national championship and coached 2 NAIA players of the year. Kelly stepped down as head coach last year and is now the Athletic Director at Pikeville. In this episode we discuss how he got to the D1 level as a player, his thought process and decision to transfer, coaching a future NCAA Champion/NBA player, recruiting transfers as a college coach, the NAIA level, what it takes for a guard to play D1 and much more. Enjoy this episode with Coach Kelly Wells.
What You Will Learn:
[4:36] What is NAIA basketball?
[6:33] How did NAIA college basketball programs get so good in Kentucky?
[8:21] Do NAIA schools offer full or partial scholarships?
[10:00] Difference between NAIA Division 1 and 2.
[10:21] How many NAIA colleges offer basketball programs?
[11:12] Philosophy of how many transfers and high school seniors to take each year
[16:42] Cons of NAIA programs?
[18:23] What helped Kelly get a D1 scholarship to Tulsa?
[19:33] Who recruited Kelly in high school?
[21:09] Playing for Morehead State Coach Dick Fick – ESPN Story
[23:39] Kelly’s D1 college transfer experience
[25:01] What makes Kentucky high school basketball so special?
[ 27:10] Why does Mason County Kentucky have such good teams?
[31:54] Coaching at Hawaii Pacific
[35:33] Grit through kidney transplants
[36:51] How Kelly won the NAIA national championship title within 5 years of coaching at UPike
[38:06] Famous Alumni of the University of Pikeville
[40:09] What does a guard need to play at the D1 level?
[42:29] Biggest win of his career?
[43:05] Best player played against?
[43:49] Best player coached against?
[44:21] Favorite Movie
[45:34] Hobbies
Connect w/ Kelly:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachKellyWells
Website | https://www.thehill.org/athletics/team-pages/boys/basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seilberg/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/seth.eilberg
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball
In this short episode we go over the 5 ways to get money off of your prep school tuition. Know that none of these ways are guaranteed, but I have seem them work over the years.
1) Have good grades
2) Be from a geographical area not represented in the school's student body
3) Be a good athlete
4) Qualify for need based financial aid
5) Be an interesting kid
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Seth Eilbert is the head coach at The Hill School which is located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Seth has been at Hill since 2001 and in during that time has placed players at all levels of college basketball. In this podcast we discuss what guards need to make it to the college level, the MAPL league, the transfer portal, the founder of 5 Hour Energy, hosting LaMelo Ball and much more. Enjoy the podcast!
What You Will Learn:
[1:38] What does Seth look for when recruiting guards?
[3:29] What do characteristics do Hill guards that were placed in D1 programs possess?
[6:05] Why should a kid come and then play at The Hill School?
[8:29] MAPL League- what is it and what makes it special?
[10:32] Having only two post grads per team in the MAPL
[14:06] Advantages of being located in Pennsylvania vs. New England
[15:48] 18 minute vs 20 minute halves
[16:55] How has college placement changed since Covid?
[18:30] Players recruited post-Covid and placement expectations.
[22:16] Famous Alumni.
[27:10] Thoughts on NCAA transfer rule?
[34:45] Advice givers, who kids should listen to today?
[38:06] LaMelo Ball and Spire (Not sure spelling on person team)[41:55] Biggest win of career?
[43:06] Best player coached against?
[44:10] Hobbies
[44:30] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ Seth
Twitter | https://twitter.com/seilberg
Website | https://www.thehill.org/athletics/team-pages/boys/basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seilberg/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/seth.eilberg
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Players reach out every day of the year wanting to go to a prep school. A lot of families have asked me if they are too early or too late. There is not wrong answer but there are advantages to starting in the Fall and there are other advantages for exploring options in the Spring and Summer. This short episode gives you a breakdown of the pros and cons of each. If you have a specific question
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athlet...
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXF...
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c3... #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0
Jim McCarthy is the head coach at Cheshire Academy. After playing at Hamilton, Jim coached at Williams where he won a D3 national championship. From there he coached D1 at Yale, Northeastern ,and Towson. In this conversation we discuss the differences between playing D1 vs D3, what it takes to be a D1 player, the pros/cons of being a walk-on, the differences between NEPSAC AAA, AA, and A programs, and more.
What you will learn:
[1:42] What made Jim want to get into college coaching?
[6:01] Difference between high level D3 and the Ivy league?
[8:29] Pros and cons of playing in the Ivy league?
[10:35] Have Ivy leagues used NIL(name image likeness) deals to help offset the tuition?
[12:40] What can players do to become a D1 guard?
[17:54] Is D1 everything it seems to be?
[21:00] Cheshire Academy pitch. Why play here?
[24:50] Famous Cheshire Academy alumni
[28:26] Placement during Covid and players Jim is looking for
[33:05] Thoughts on being a preferred walk on?
[36:24] Politics of being a walk on
[42:17] Differences between the 3 levels of NEPSAC (AAA, AA, A)
[44:58] Does it matter which level a player chooses?
[49:52] Picking a school based on a relationship with a coach.
[55:10] What gets a coach to click an email?
[56:15] Has placement timing changed w/ Covid and the portal?
[1:01:55] Biggest win of career?
[1:02:39] Best player coached against?
[1:03:55] Hobbies
[1:04:09] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ Jim
Twitter | https://twitter.com/JimMcCarthyCA
Website | https://cheshireacademy.org/athletics/team-pages/boys-varsity-basketball
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this week’s episode we welcome author and former NBA player Paul Shirley to the podcast. Paul has written four books to include one that covers his journey from college, to playing international to eventually making it to the NBA. Paul discusses coming from a small town, what was inside him that gave him that drive to make it to the NBA, and the best and worst parts of playing at a high major college, internationally and the NBA. We also talk about some stories from his books to include yelling at Scottie Pippen on the Bulls team plane. His second book, “Stories I Tell on Dates,” is one of the funniest books I have ever read.
What You Will Learn:
[1:56] What did Paul’s small town possess that helped him get to the highest level.
[4:01] Strength coaches and trainers
[8:34] What is the main attribute that players who go to the NBA possess?
[11:23] Would one be successful without that “certain feeling” inside?
[13:00] What did Paul’s professional teammates around the world possess?
[17:46] The best and worst part of playing at a high major college program.
[20:30] The best and worst part of playing in an international professional league?
[23:06] Did Paul want to get back to the US to play in the NBA or did he enjoy playing in Europe?
[24:46] The best and worst parts of playing in the NBA
[26:52] Interesting NBA fact
[30:00] Being an author and a story about yelling at Scottie Pippen on the Bulls chartered plane.
[47:43] Favorite Movie
[47:50] Best player played against?
[51:14] Most points scored in a game?
[52:48] Favorite arena to play?
[55:51] Biggest win of career?
[57:49] Best concert of all time?
Connect w/ Paul
Twitter | https://twitter.com/paulthenshirley
Website | https://www.createyourprocess.com/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheProcess.FB
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theprocess.ig/
Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Shirley/e/B001IGO7ZO%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a
/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this week’s episode we have the honor of talking to Coach Dave Taylor. Dave was Cory’s coach at Air Force and the two have traveled the world for the game of basketball. Dave is one of the top coaches that Cory has ever been around and he wanted to ask Coach Taylor some of the main questions that players and their families ask on a continual basis.
-How do you find a good AAU team?
-Is it better to play on a less talented team or sit the bench on a team w/ more talent?
-What are the skills that a player needs to play D1?
-Does a player need to hire a trainer?
-What traits do players that make it to the NBA possess?
-We also get into nurture vs nature on making it to the league, parental behavior and much more. There is a lot to great information in this podcast!
What You Will Learn:[2:00] How should a player pick an AAU team?
[4:14] Making it to the finals at an AAU event. Does that help get you seen by college coaches?
[6:42] Is it better to be on a team and get more playing time? Or be on a team with more talent and getting challenged in practice?
[10:55] What are the attributes that D1 players possess vs. non D1 players?
[13:52] What is the hardest skill for a player to acquire?
[18:15] What skills can a player work on by themselves?
[21:36] Do players need to have a trainer?
[22:43] Criteria for hiring a trainer?
[26:09] Advice Coach Taylor give to players on which college to choose.
[28:20] Thoughts on transfer portal?
[31:55] Parental behavior
[36:18] What caused the shift in parent’s behaviors?
[45:38] What qualities do players who make it in the NBA possess?
[49:27] How Dave got his basketball passion?
[54:45] Do kids today still have the real passion for basketball or are there too many distractions?
[59:43] Playing multiple sports and then specialize.
[1:02:27] Favorite Movie.
[1:03:03] Best player ever coached against?
[1:04:48] Biggest win of career?
Connect w/ DaveTwitter | https://twitter.com/coachdavetaylor
Website | https://dtxbasketball.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachdavetaylor/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this episode we welcome the founder of Evolution Basketball, Alex Harris. Alex played his high school ball for national ranked Gonzaga College High School in Washington DC. He played D1 at American University and made the all freshman team for the conference. After a coaching change he transferred to D2 Le Moyne College. He shares his thoughts in this conversation about the differences between the D1 and D2 levels, why he started training players, and what makes his system so successful, as well as what a player needs to possess to play at the college level. Alex shares the 50/50 statistic which was surprising to me. He also talks about what it takes for a guard to play at the college level, and the differences between a D3 and D1 guard. We get into a lot more topics as well. I really enjoyed this conversation and will now look at training and the college basketball experience in a different light.
What You Will Learn:
[4:40] Was playing D1 always a goal of Alex’s?
[7:30] Why Alex chose to play at American University?
[9:34] What led Alex to transfer from American?
[15:21] Differences and misconceptions between D1 and D2?
[17:58] Why did Alex start training basketball players?
[21:15] What makes Evolution Basketball different as a training company?
[25:35] Evolution’s method of training
[28:10] Does a basketball trainer need to have played college basketball to be a good trainer?
[31:10] What attributes do the kids who go on to play college basketball possess?
[33:31] What do guards need in order to play at the college level?
[34:30] Difference between a D3 and D1 guard?
[43:24] Difference between D3 Buzz Anthony and D1 Chris Lykes
[47:01] Great experience playing D3 or subpar experience playing D1
[56:15] 50/50 statistic about college basketball players may surprise you.
[1:02:48] What makes a player D1 caliber?
[1:03:35] Do basketball players need a trainer now days or can they train on their own?
[1:05] What a basketball trainer does to help the player.
[1:10:30] Evolution Basketball’s new college prep program.
[1:16:59] Best player Alex ever guarded
[1:17:35] Biggest win of career
[1:17:44] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ Alex
Twitter | https://twitter.com/evobball
Website | https://evobball.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/evobball/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5leb6EsLh86h0StJOW_Eqw
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
In this episode we welcome Tom Bower and Ryan Maxwell of The Virtus Brand. We take the time to discuss the basics of the Name Image and Likeness (NIL) and how it can benefit student athletes. We take the time to talk about what NIL is, what the benefits are, as well as what student athletes need to watch out for. We talk about specific examples to include Top 25 class of 2023 guard Reed Sheppard as well as whether high school and prep school athletes can take advantage of this. They can! This episode highlights a new area of the athletic landscape that both current high school/prep school players and college athletes need to explore. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to The Virtus Brand directly.
What You Will Learn:[1:37] What is Name Image Likeness (NIL)?
[3:04] What sort of NIL deals are there for college athletes?
[4:40] How can the Virtus Brand helps athletes navigate NILs?
[10:10] Do college athletes need approval before making a deal from the schools compliance office?
[11:57] Example of deals the compliance office will or have turned down.
[17:26] Where are the NIL rules coming from NCAA, schools and states?
[19:51] Worst case scenario in terms of the laws.
[20:28] Quid pro quo
[21:55] Advice to high school, prep school, post grad student athletes on how to start thinking about NILs?
[26:45] Are NILs becoming a part of college recruiting?
[32:54] Example- Emoni Bates + Jalen Duren committing to Memphis and their $1M Fed Ex sponsorship.
[34:56] Tensions in locker room over deals and how will it affect team chemistry?
[38:30] Prep school examples
[41:55] Tax implications
[43:45] Who can’t do NIL deals.
[47:41] Unique and interesting deals.
[52:40] Do the smaller sports have marketability in the NIL market?
[55:50] Example- What makes UK basketball commit Reed Sheppard so marketable for NIL purposes?
[58:13] Last words of NIL.
[1:00:13] Advice to young people and families.
Connect w/ The Virtus Brand
Twitter | https://twitter.com/thevirtusbrand
Website | https://www.thevirtusbrand.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thevirtusbrand/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/virtusbrand
Email | info@thevirtusbrand.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a
/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
This is one of the most important topics to clarify in the prep school basketball world. Brick and mortar prep schools are NOT the same as basketball academies. In this episode I discuss the differences between the two options, share my personal experience and horror stories of working with some of these academies, and share what to questions to ask if looking at this option.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this episode we welcome Westtown School Head Coach Seth Berger. Seth has been the coach there for 12 years and built it into a national powerhouse. He has coached NBA players such as Cam Reddish and Mo Bamba. He currently has the number one player in the class of 2022 and Duke signee Dereck Lively. In this episode we discuss why he got into coaching, how he turned Westtown into a national powerhouse, the mindset and skills that his eventual NBA players possess, and placement during covid. Seth also founded the shoe and apparel company And1. We talk about his meeting with Larry Johnson, the And1 Mixtape Tour, and more. This was a fun interview with tons of great insight.
What You Will Learn:
[2:05] Why Seth decided to coach prep school basketball?
[6:21] Which prep school did Seth attend?
[8:07] Steps Seth took to turn his team into a national powerhouse.
[21:00] What do his players who make it to the NBA posses?
[29:36] Famous Westtown school alumni
[31:24] Where and when did you come up with the idea for the And1 brand?
[35:32] Coolest experience while leading the And1 brand.
[39:55] How did the And1 Mixtape Tour start?
[43:55] Did the And1 Mixtape Tour lead to more sales?
[45:00] Advice to someone who wants to start their own company?
[49:20] Covid and college placement challenges
[1:03:10] Biggest win as a coach?
[1:05:03] Best player Seth ever coached against.
[1:06:35] Hobbies
[1:07:15] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ Seth
Twitter | https://twitter.com/Westtownhoops
Website | https://www.westtown.edu/athletics/te...
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bfdm33/
On this episode we welcome Coach Danny Haney to the podcast. Danny is PREP Athletics Founder Cory Heitz’s high school coach. Danny coached at Lexington Catholic High School and during his time won a state title and got up to #3 in the USA Today National High School Rankings. He beat Oak Hill and Whitney Young that year and talks about how he built the program into a national powerhouse. Danny also talks about coaching Tubby Smith and Rick Pitino’s sons, turning down a 2-time NBA All Star from joining his team, the beauty of Kentucky high school basketball, and helping to create the first basketball academy in the US: Findlay Prep. Did you know Findlay Prep never sent a player from its roster to a non D1 school in its existence? This was a very informative podcast with lots of great stories.
What you will learn:
[2:27] What was his drive to become a good player?
[3:10] Why did Danny choose to play at Eastern Kentucky?
[4:48] Why did Danny get into high school coaching?
[8:02] How did being on the road recruiting for a D1 program, help you as a high school coach?
[10:40] What makes Kentucky high school basketball so special?
[17:38] Kentucky’s high school basketball tournaments.
[23:45] Pros/Cons of coaching Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith’s kids.
[31:08] Building a high school program which eventually became nationally ranked.
[34:35] What characteristics did all the great players Danny coached possess?
[37:00] Why did Danny turn down a 2-time NBA All Star from transferring to his team?
[48:25] Thoughts on playing time vs. better competition.
[52:14] Findlay Prep’s formation + how Danny helped create the first basketball academy
[1:03:18] Best player played against?
[1:03:29] Best player Danny ever coached against?
[1:04:12] Biggest win of his basketball career?
[1:04:50] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ DannyLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-haney-3536a730/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/DannyHaney1
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to
On this PREP Athletics Podcast we welcome former Nike executive and prep school parent to the podcast. Archie McEachern completed a post grad year himself at Maine Central Institute before playing and becoming a 2 year captain at Ithaca College. He then worked his way up the corporate ladder at Nike to at one point being in charge of Global Basketball. Archie was in charge of footwear for Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Durant and more. He also shares his insight on helping his own son choose the right prep school. This was a great interview! Get behind the scenes on Kobe designing his shoe and more.
What You Will Learn:
[2:18] How Archie found out about post grad and attending Maine Central Institute.
[5:44] Playing at Ithaca College.
[6:30] At what point as a parent did you start to discuss prep school options with his son?
[8:30] Archie's starting point on choosing prep schools for his son.
[20:30] What advice Archie gives parents and players?
[33:34] First job in the shoe industry.
[35:32] Role within Nike and working with Lebron James and Kobe.
[37:59] Behind the scenes working with Kobe Bryant on the Mamba shoe design.
[40:54] Professionalism of athletes.
[43:06] Sacrifices professional athletes make.
[46:00] Name image and likeness deals for college players
[53:03] Best player ever played against.
[53:32] Biggest win of basketball career?
[54:26] Hobbies
[55:02] Favorite Movie
Connect w/ Archie
Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/archiemceachern/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/amceac
Website | https://www.play360hoops.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/archie.mceachern/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this short podcast we go over the most popular article from the PREP Athletics website: The Top 5 Most Important Questions to Ask Prep School Basketball Coaches. Here they are: 1) How much is this going to cost?
2) What is your strategy on getting a player exposure to college coaches?
3) How can you meet a player's academic goals?
4) What is the culture of the school?
5) How will you develop a player's skills?
You can read the full article here: https://prepathletics.com/top-5-questions-you-should-ask-prep-school-coaches/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me:
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this week’s episode I had the pleasure to interview former NBA strength and conditioning coach, Blair O’Donovan. Blair has worked in the NHL, NFL, NBA, as well as for the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonalds All American Game. Blair and I coached together at Gonzaga College High School in Washington DC under Gatorade National Coach of the Year, Steve Turner. In this podcast Blair talks about being Kevin Durant’s strength coach in high school, the other future NBA players on the Montrose Christian team, characteristics of an NBA player, the importance of nutrition/sleep, and the exercises he recommends to young athletes. Blair is one of the best in the business and you will learn a lot of valuable information in this episode.
What You Will Learn:
[4:00] When Blair decided to get into the strength and conditioning industry.
[9:00] How strength coaches can make an impact.
[10:10] Kevin Durant’s work ethic and how that got him to where he is today.
[15:43 ] What attributes got Kevin Durant to the NBA?
[19:54] What qualities do the NBA players Blair works with possess?
[24:59] Benefits and challenges working as the head strength coach with the Washington Wizards.
[27:57] Three best lifts for basketball players.
[30:54] Mistakes athletes make in the weight room.
[32:24] Do players need a weight room, trainer and/or specific equipment to get where they need to be?
[35:05] Nutrition and sleep tips
[41:42] Best convenience store options for players on the run.
[46:33] What did Blair do 10 years ago that he no longer does?
[50:03] What do other countries do better in strength and conditioning than the USA, and what do they not do as well?
[53:01] Favorite/least favorite workout/lift?
[57:04] Best player ever played against?
[58:45] Hobbies
[1:01:13] Favorite Movie
Connect with Blair
Twitter | https://twitter.com/HealthyBaller
Website | https://www.healthyballer.com/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_5tYaJKsWZ4UKulTp9GYFw
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/healthy_baller/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a
/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this episode we welcome Karl Barkley of D3Direct. Karl played at Swarthmore College and now helps educate athletes on everything D3. In this episode we discuss the talent at the D3 level, going pro, the benefits, and talk all about financial aid. This was a very informative episode which is a must listen to those who don’t know much about the D3 option.
What You Will Learn:
[0:41] Overview of episode
[2:17] Information about D3Direct and why it started.
[3:05] Karl wishes there was a D3Direct around when he was looking at colleges
[3:40] How Karl helps current D3 athletes.
[4:59] Misconceptions about D3 basketball.
[6:16] Why coaches start recruiting later at D3.
[8:20] Myth Buster: D3 players don’t go pro.
[10:21] What has led to more D3 players going pro?
[16:12] Duncan Robinson and other D3 players who have gone pro.
[17:52] Myth Buster - D3 teams cannot beat D1 teams.
[21:21] Myth Buster - D3 athletes are not athletic.
[22:50] Myth Buster- D3 schools do not have fans.
[25:42] Do D3 schools offer scholarships?
[27:44] Do basketball teams have merit money they can give out?
[29:15] Why would a school give a player a full ride?
[36:15] Expanding beyond your sport.
[39:19] What is FAFSA?
[44:22] How schools determine the size of the merit pool?
[48:58] What information would you have liked to know as a high school senior before going D3?
[51:09] Biggest win of basketball career?
[51:50] Best player ever played against?
[53:48] Hobbies
[55:36] Favorite Movie
Connect with Karl
Twitter | https://twitter.com/D3Direct
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AVJh6vAhsnW7OLPVAOlCw
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/d3direct/?hl=en
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
On this episode we welcome Coach Alex Popp of IMG Academy to the podcast. Alex has played D1 and D2, coached at the D1, D3, G-League, Nike EYBL and prep school level and is now working at IMG Academy to make their basketball program one of the best in the world. In this episode we talk about Alex completing a post grad year at Northfield Mount Hermon, being a walk on at a Big Ten school, finding the right fit for college, coaching Top 100/future NBA players, what guards need to do to succeed, the NIL situation, and much more. Alex came to IMG Academy from NEPSAC AAA prep school Vermont Academy and shares the his thoughts after being away from the New England game for a year. This is a great episode with a lot of knowledge shared.
What You Will Learn:
[2:53] How has coaching and/or playing at different levels helped you get to where you are now?
[5:10] Benefits of New England prep school world and its challenges.
[9:30 ] IMG’s pitch to a high major player.
[14:55] Academic team offerings.
[18:47] What made Alex decide to do a post grad year?
[21:12] Why did you decide to be a walk on at the Univ of Minnesota?
[33:48] What does a guard have to do to get to the next level?
[36:21] What can one do to improve as a guard?
[47:34] What was it like coaching NBA players and what did they posses that got them into
the league?
[50:30] Can a player develop a motor?
[1:09:42] Best player ever coached against?
[1:11:13] Top books
Connect with Alex
Twitter | https://twitter.com/coachalexpopp
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/alex.popp3
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachalexpopp/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
In this mini episode, PREP Athletics Founder, Cory Heitz explains how the PREP Athletics process of finding a right fitting prep school works. This process includes:
1) Committing to help a player
2) Player has to make their own recruiting website
3) Reaching out to the right fitting prep school's coaches on the player's behalf
4) Have players/family ready to talk to interested coaches by creating a recruiting notebook w/ important questions to ask
5) After players talk to coaches I will talk to them about the characteristics of each school and coach
6) If feasible set up visits with schools a player wants to learn more about
7) After visiting and finalizing schools, start the application process
8) Choosing a school.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@prepathletics?lang=en
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/PREP-ATHLETICS-PODCAST
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Tom Espinoza is the head prep boys basketball coach at Putnam Science Academy. Tom won National Prep School Championships in 2018 and 2020. He has coached dozens of D1 players to include NBA player Hamadou Diallo. In this conversation we talk about starting a prep school program from scratch, what its like to coach a Top 100 player, his second team, the importance of the open gym recruiting period, coaching multiple 7 footers and more.
What You Will Learn:
[1:17] Information about Putnam Science Academy.
[3:30] Why did you want to start the program from scratch at Putnam?
[7:43] How did Tom get his early recruits?
[9:58] What characteristics do your players need to have?
[11:55] Advantages/ disadvantages of being on the second team?
[15:28] How does Tom place players from the second team?
[16:28] How important is the open gym period for prep school players?
[21:30] Do you have a recruiting plan with players who have committed to your program?
[23:46] Discussing NIL (Name Image and Likeness) options with players where they have the
potential to get more money playing at a certain college.
[28:30] Benefits and challenges of coaching Top 100 players.
[30:58] What did Hamadou Diallo possess that made him a NBA player?
[32:49] How having an NBA player from school has helped.
[34:25] Changes in coaching style due to Covid.
[38:13] Thoughts on NCAA transfer rule.
[39:45] Biggest surprise as a player?
[44:17] Coaching multiple 7 ft players.
[47:56] Biggest win of career?
[49:17] Best player coached against?
[50:11] Hobbies
[50:26] Favorite Movie
Connect with Tom:Twitter | https://twitter.com/PSAhoops
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PutnamScienceAcademyNews
Website | https://www.putnamscienceacademy.org/mens-basketball38c82d48
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/putnamsciencehoops/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/PREP-ATHLETICS-PODCAST
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
On this episode we interview Lee Academy’s Head Prep Basketball Coach Dan Haynes. Dan was a multisport athlete in high school and college before getting into coaching. He has been at Lee since 2016 and shares his insights on such topics as the remoteness of Lee Academy, playing in the NEPSAC AAA, his largely international roster, and more. Dan explains his pitch to players on why it’s a good thing to go to a prep school in Northern Maine, plus much more. Enjoy the interview!
What You Will Learn:[1:27] Growing up and why Dan chose basketball.
[3:45] What it was like playing more than one sport in college.
[6:10] About Lee Academy.
[12:02] Challenges of being located in a remote location?
[17:10] How does Dan get his players recruited?
[31:45] What makes the NESPAC AAA league so special?
[35:05] Famous Alumni of Lee Academy
[42:00] Benefits and challenges of international players.
[47:30] Player who was the biggest surprise.
[52:40] Biggest win of career?
[54:53] Best player coached against?
[57:26] Hobbies
Connect with Dan:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachDanHaynes
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Lee-Academy-Post-Graduate-Basketball
1095695453840266/?ref=page_internal
Website | https://www.leeacademy.org/athletics/prep-basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/discodaniel/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/PREP-ATHLETICS-PODCAST
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this episode we chat with Coach Damien Williams, Head Prep Basketball Coach at The Kiski School. Kiski is located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Coach Williams discusses recruiting against the New England prep schools, college recruiting, the advantage of prep school open gyms, how to email a college basketball coaching staff and much more.
What You Will Learn:
[2:58] What made Damien want to become a basketball coach?
[5:13] Damien’s pitch for Kiski as a non-New England prep school.
[9:30] Information about The Kiski School.
[13:45] How Damien builds his team and what he looks for in a guard?
[22:06] Benefit of the NCAA approved summer scholastic weekends.
[25:20] Do players get more exposure during the summer on an AAU team or during the scholastic live weekends?
[29:55] Famous Alumni of The Kiski School.
[33:25] New coaching techniques during Covid.
[37:19] Benefits of open gym period in the Fall.
[40:26] Recruiting during open gyms vs during the regular season.
[42:50] Recruiting plan for new players.
[47:34] Who should kids email on a college coaching staff?
[51:00] Does The Kiski School offer full scholarships?
[54:16] Biggest win of career?
[55:55] Best player coached against?
[57:19] Hobbies
[58:40] Favorite Movie
Connect with Damien:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachWills2133
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=damien%20williams
Website | https://www.kiski.org/team-detail?fromId=281326&Team=27318&SeasonLabel=2020%20-%202021&siteId=1315
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dkw2133/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this episode we interview Coach Roger Cox who is the head boy’s basketball coach at the Rabun Gap School. Roger shares why not being in New England is not a disadvantage for his school, the league they play in that has included Zion Williamson and the Curry brothers, the benefits of a multi-cultural school, Rabun Gap’s circus program and more.
What You Will Learn;
[4:00] Why Roger chose basketball?
[4:50] What got Roger into coaching basketball?
[10:30] Why go to Rabun Gap?
[13:36] Advantage of playing basketball at Rabun Gap vs New England prep schools.
[15:40] How Roger chooses players for his program?
[20:00] Why do you want kids to come for more than one year?
[23:00] Students around the world and visiting families from other countries.
[26:36] Why is it important for prep school kids to be with other students from around the world?
[30:24] Favorite Country
[32:30] Next country Roger wants to visit.
[35:50] Famous Alumni of Rabun Gap
[44:50] What is it like coaching against high level players?
[48:30] Circus program at Rabun Gap.
[52:00] Coaching changes during Covid.
[54:30] Thoughts on NCAA transfer rule.
[58:20] Biggest win of career
[58:45] Best player coached against?
[58:58] Hobbies
[59:50] Favorite Movie
Connect with Roger:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachRogerCox
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/roger.cox.1232760
Website | https://www.rabungap.org/team-detail?fromId=294092&Team=163971&SeasonLabel=2021%20-%202022&siteId=1394
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coach_rogercox/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
In this episode we interview the Winchendon School’s Head Boys Basketball Coach, Kevin Kehoe. Kevin has won a NEPSAC prep school title and coach of the year award. In our conversation we discuss the benefits of playing at a prep school, how to choose between colleges that are recruiting you, the single statement that if a guard does it will get them a scholarship, and much more. Kevin is a personality who also discusses the NCAA transfers, the new NIL ruling and raising triplets.
What You Will Learn:
[1:10] Why Kevin chose basketball?
[1:52] How Kevin ended up going to a JUCO.
[2:48] Going from a JUCO in CT to school in Kansas.
[3:20] How you teach your players that they are not an athlete, then student.
[4:16] Why should a player come to play for The Winchendon School.
[7:36] Kevin explains his second team.
[11:17] Coaching changes Kevin made duringa Covid?
[13:04] Did Covid change the type of kid you recruit?
[14:40] Famous Alumni of The Winchendon School
[18:26] How was AAU when you coached?
[19:40] Why and when Kevin started a football recruiting program?
[23:15] What Kevin tells guards.
[24:28] Thoughts NCAA transfer rule.
[26:03] What change would you make to the transfer rule?
[31:04] Thoughts on college athletes getting sponsorships via the NIL?
[32:50] Placement for kids at colleges now with sponsorship opportunities.
[34:06] What would Kevin do as a father regarding sponsorship opportunities?
[35:50] How to advise kids on these potential sponsorship opportunies?
[38:54] Discussion of NIL rule.
[40:22] Will scholarships be good enough now days?
[43:13] Surprise player who showed up?
[47:01] What lesson to give kids not to do?
[50:23] Biggest win of career?
[50:50] Best player coached against?
[51:34] Hobbies
[52:00] Favorite Movie
Connect with Kevin:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachKevinKehoe
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kevin.kehoe.370
Website | https://athletics.winchendon.org/sports/boys-prep-basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachkehoe/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
In this mini episode I discuss the three things I would tell my high school self to do if I could go back into a time machine. While this is not realistic, current high school players and coaches might get some insight into the benefits of these suggestions. Here they are:
1) Meditate for 10 minutes a day
2) Incorporate Ice Baths/Sauna (Laird Hamilton + Wim Hof)
3) Be present and enjoy the high school experience versus stressing about college
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Brady Bergeson is the head coach of Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He played at D3 Chapman University before coaching D1 at Sacramento State. He then became head coach at D2 Western Oregon before becoming the head coach at Regis in 2015. In this episode Brady will tell us about the benefits of playing at the D2 level, how scholarships work at all levels, the differences between each, and more.
What You Will Learn:[1:25] Why Brady chose basketball?
[2:47] Coaching high school basketball in Tustin CA?
[5:00] What are the differences between D1, D2 and D3?
[12:50] How D2 schools package scholarships.
[14:33] The scholarship situation at Regis.
[17:30] Benefits of playing at the D2 level.
[24:48] Recruiting timeline for D2.
[28:48] More information regarding playing at the D2 level.
[32:42] Why should a player come to Regis University?
[31:32] Famous alumni of Regis University – Bill Murray went here!
[41:19] Thoughts on NCAA transfer rule?
[45:06] Is D2 getting more players due to the NCAA transfer portal?
[46:43] Biggest win as a coach?
[47:40] Best player coached against?
[48:26] Best player personally played against?
[48:50] Hobbies
[49:44] Favorite Movie
Connect with Brady:Twitter | https://twitter.com/coachbergeson
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/RegisRangers
Website | https://regisrangers.com/sports/mens-basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachbergeson/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Wilbraham and Monson Head Boys Basketball Coach, Mike Mannix has coached at the D2, D3 and NBA levels. He has been at Wilbraham and Monson since 2009. In this episode Mike talks about working for the Indiana Pacers as a video scout, being the director of basketball ops at Drexel, why the NEPSAC AA prep school league is so special, coaching current NBA player Wenyen Gabriel, and much more.
What You Will Learn:[1:15] Why Mike chose basketball?
[4:36] How did he become a video scout for the Indiana Pacers?
[7:30] What did you take away from the experience at the Pacers that you can use with your
team?
[10:35] Time coaching at Western New Mexico University.
[12:40] Coaching at Drexel.
[15:12] Why he chose to work at Wilbraham and Monson?
[19:55] Famous Alumni from Wilbraham and Monson.
[22:00] What makes the NEPSAC AA prep school basketball leagueso special?
[28:00] How does Mike advise a family and player on college recruiting?
[30:56] Coaching University of Kentucky alum and current NBA player Wenyen Gabriel
[31:32] What makes someone an NBA player?
[34:30] New coaching ideas during Covid?
[37:59] Thoughts on NCAA transfer rule?
[43:05] Biggest win of career?
[44:54] Best player coached against?
[47:14] Hobbies
[48:42] Best ESPN 30 for 30?
[49:00] Favorite movie
Connect with Mike:Twitter | https://twitter.com/Coach_Mannix
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/wilbrahammonsonacademybasketball
Website | https://www.wma.us/athletics/teams-page/boysbasketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wma_basketball/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/WilbrahamMonsonAcad
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
John Mahoney is a former D1 assistant coach at programs such as West Virginia University and Michigan. After coaching in college he took over the national post grad team at IMG Academy. Recently John started 212º Sports Academy. In this episode John talks about knowing what college coaches are looking for and how to develop his players so they will be attractive to coaches at the next level. Now as a founder of his own academy, he is taking all he learned and applying it to his program. We dig into the world of basketball academies and their advantages over a traditional brick and mortar prep school. I have been a vocal critic of basketball academies and having John on the podcast was very informative. Not all of these places are equal and John will share why his is different.
What You Will Learn:[1:05] Why John chose basketball?
[1:35] How John got into coaching basketball.
[3:50] What he learned coaching at the D1 level?
[7:45] What made John Beilein from West Virginia University so great?
[9:00] Coaching at Michigan.
[9:40] Coaching at St. Francis (PA).
[11:15] Why he likes players from Indiana.
[12:06] His experience at IMG Academy.
[14:50] Coaching NBA players and what characteristics they possess?
[18:28] 212 Academy- Why did he start it?
[21:27] What do families need to look for/look out for in basketball academies?
[36:09] Advantages of basketball academy vs. a brick and mortar school?
[40:50] What should families ask academies to make sure they are reputable?
[46:50] Do D1 coaches care if players come from a basketball academy?
[47:55] Misconceptions of basketball academies?
[51:12] Biggest win as a coach?
[53:03] Best player ever coached against?
[53:36] Hobbies
[54:37] Favorite movie
Connect with John:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/twotwelvesports?lang=en
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/212SportsAcademy/
Website | https://www.twotwelvesports.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twotwelvesports/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmGNAcOKday4VWa9APsSBw?view_as=subscriber
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Adam Finkelstein is the founder of the New England Recruiting Report as well as a national high school scout for ESPN. Adam has experience coaching at the D3 (Western Connecticut State), D1 (University of Hartford), and prep school (Choate Rosemary Hall) levels. In 2012 I reached out with questions to Adam about the prep school world and he was kind enough to take the time to lead me in the right direction. In this episode Adam talks about scouting, going where the players are, his role with ESPN, and much more.
What You Will Learn:
[2:00] Main takeaways from being a D3 and D1 assistant coach?
[5:35] Biggest difference between a prep school player and a regular high school player?
[9:24] Thoughts on pop up basketball academies as a scout.
[17:00] How did the New England Recruiting Report originate and how does it benefit players?
[21:50] How does Adam pick AAU and showcase events to go scout?
[24:48] Story of seeing a special player not on a big time AAU team.
[27:16] Role at ESPN and the perks that come with it.
{32:20] Adam’s 10-year plan.
[35:00] Best coach, Adam coached against while at University of Hartford?
[36:26] Best player, Adam coached against at Choate?
[37:03] One performance as a scout that stands above the rest.
[38:02] Favorite movie
[38:22] Hobbies
[39:15] Podcast recommendations
Connect with Adam:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/AdamFinkelstein
Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upside-with-adam-finkelstein/id1033618066
Website | https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/index
Website | https://newenglandrecruitingreport.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/adamfinkelstein/
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Coach Raphael Chillious has coached at numerous programs during his tenure. He played collegiately at Lafayette before coaching at West Nottingham, then onto South Kent. After sending multiple players to the NBA and D1, he took his talents to the University of Washington. He has also coached at UCONN, Villanova, and East Carolina before heading back to the helm at the South Kent School. During his career Coach Chillious has coached 19 players who have played in the NBA. In this podcast he talks about how to be a good teammate, his secret to recruiting future pros, how to be a successful student/player both in and out of the gym, and much more.
What You Will Learn:
[1:05] Why come back to the prep school level after years of D1?
[1:40] Type of player he recruits for South Kent.
[2:26] Background and why he chose basketball
[3:09] What drew him to coaching?
[4:00] His recruiting pitch and why it’s different?
[5:50] His role at the grassroots level of Nike
[7:30] Differences of coaching in a college program?
[13:21] How he helped East Carolina land a Top 10 recruiting class?
[14:35] What is he doing different this time around at South Kent?
[16:38] Learn about South Kent
[19:40] Earning college credits at South Kent.
[20:40] Famous South Kent alumni
[22:44] How did Covid affect placement of his players?
[29:50] Tracking winners and the mentality.
[31:08] Changes on the court during Covid.
[32:42] What separates the players you coached who went to the NBA?
[36:23] Thoughts on NCAA transfer portal
[38:40] What type of player are you going to take on?
[45:19] What change would you make to the NCAA?
[47:37] Biggest win of career?
[48:33] Best player coached against at the prep and college level.
[50:06] Hobbies
[56:17] Favorite Movie
Connect with Raphael:Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachChills
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SouthKentSchool
Website | https://southkentschool.org/athletics/teams/prep-basketball/overview
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/southkenthoops/
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Coach Turner has been the head coach at Gonzaga College High School in downtown Washington, DC since 2004. Coach Turner was honored with the 2017 Gatorade National Coach of the Year Award. He has coached players who have played at Duke, UNC, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Harvard, Michigan, Cornell, Brown, Miami, and many more programs at all levels. I was an assistant on Coach Turner’s staff for two years and during those years had the privilege to coach eventual NCAA Tournament Legend, Villanova’s Kris Jenkins. In this episode Coach Turner discusses coaching in the best high school basketball conference in America, sending his son to prep school, the Gonzaga student section, recruiting junior high players, and much more.
What You Will Learn:
[2:02] Why is Gonzaga a family environment?
[9:24] What makes the WCAC the #1 high school conference in America?
[13:15] How do you judge the talent of junior high players?
[17:28] Famous Gonzaga alumni
[20:15] The talent of former basketball player and NCAA Tournament Legend, Kris Jenkins. [23:45] Why Coach Turner’s own son went to prep school and how they chose one.
[29:00] How it is coaching his youngest son at Gonzaga, 6’7’’ Jared Turner
[34:00] Family, working hard and doing what you love.
[41:38] Thinking outside the box as a coach
[44:22] Biggest surprise of a player he’s coached?
[47:30] What changes would you make to the NCAA?
[1:00:00] Would you consider a post grad year for your son?
[1:01:39] Most important characteristic of a college program/school for his son Jared? [1:09:10] Who are the best assistant coaches he has dealt with on the college level?
[1:12:33] Biggest win of his career?
[1:13] Best player you ever coached against?
[1:14:29] Hobbies
[1:14:42] Favorite movie
[1:15:00] Coach Turner tells us about his own podcast.
Connect with Steve:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/GonzagaHoops
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/stephen.m.turner.9
Website | https://www.gonzaga.org/team-detail?Team=194972&SeasonLabel=2019%20-%202020
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/gonzagapurplehoops/?hl=en
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4 Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Joe Mantegna is the head coach at Blair Academy where he has been since 1999. Coach Mantegna has coached five NBA players and works with USA Basketball and the South Sudan National Team. In this podcast we discuss his background, the characteristics that his eventual NBA players shared, changes he would make to the NCAA, and hearing from the actor also named Joe Mantegna.
What You Will Learn:
[1:29] Why Coach Mantegna chose basketball.
[2:25]Was Blair Academy as nationally known back in the day as it is now?
[3:13] How did he get Luol Deng and Charlie Villanueva to come to Blair Academy?
[4:16] His pitch for players to attend Blair Academy?
[6:00] How Coach Mantegna has placed kids into the college level during Covid.
[7:45] What makes the MAPL (Mid Atlantic Prep League) league so special?
[9:30] Famous Alumni of Blair Academy
[13:58] What do the players who went to the NBA possess that got them to this level?
[18:00] Coach Mantegna’s experience working with kids from South Sudan.
[26:00] Going high major straight out of high school.
[27:50] Thoughts on the NCAA Transfer Portal and recruiting.
[31:55] Changes he would make to the NCAA.
[35:33] What coaching and personal changes did you make due to Covid?
[38:16] Biggest surprise as a player
[40:00] Biggest win of career?
[42:11] Best player ever coached against?
Connect with Joe:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachMantegna
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/BABasketball/
Website | https://www.blair.edu/athletics/winter-sports/boys-basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/blairbasketball/
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/blairacademy_nj
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Coach Ben Farmer is the head coach at the Williston Northampton School. Coach Farmer is a former D1 player, as well as an assistant at Wesleyan and the University of Hartford. He completed a post grad year at St Thomas More for Coach Jere Quinn, before playing for Marist. His older brother Jeff also played D1 basketball. In this episode he will discuss his background, how both he and his brother made it to D1, the benefits of working in a prep school’s admission office and more.
What You Will Learn:
[1:13] Discussion of why Hartford is going from D1 to D3.
[5:00] Coach Farmer’s background and why he chose basketball.
[7:30] Characteristics a guard needs to go D1.
[11:50] Why should you come to Williston Northhampton School
[13:30] What he looks for in guards.
[15:20] How he changed his approach to coaching during Covid
[17:30] Famous Alumni of Williston Northampton
[20:44] Benefit of being a NEPSAC Single A school.
[23:31] Placing kids during Covid.
[24:50] Will this year change the type of player you bring on campus knowing it is harder to place?
[26:10] Thoughts on NCAA transfer portal.
[32:40] What advice he gives players entering into the portal?
[36:30] Exposure for the class of 2021.
[38:45] Who in his prep school coaching career was the one player that surprised him the most?
[41:15] Biggest win of career?
[42:54] Best player played against in playing career?
[43:54] Hobbies
[45:00] Benefits of being in the admissions office.
[46:30] Favorite movie
Connect with Ben:Twitter | https://twitter.com/wnsbvbasketball?lang=en
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRB61SOX0pm4veg4PGu-kfw
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/willistonnorthampton
Website | https://www.williston.com/athletics/teams-schedules/boys-varsity-basketball/
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About Me:
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Cory recorded this mini episode based on all the transfers that are happening at the college, prep school, high school and AAU levels. In this mini episode Cory tells his personal story of transferring high schools in the early 1990s. It was not as common at the time but this move changed Cory's basketball trajectory and without it he would not have played in a D1 program. Check out his story and why he doesn't begrudge transferring.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
This episode is a recording of a special Zoom roundtable PREP Athletics held w/ three AAU experts. We discuss how to pick the right team, if tournaments matter, and do you need to play AAU to play in college, plus much more. This was very informative and a must listen for families trying to navigate this sometimes shady part of the youth basketball world.
Dave Taylor is a former D1 player and assistant coach who has run AAU events since the 1980s. He runs his own AAU program in Connecticut called DTX. He is the author of the book, "The AAU Wasteland." https://twitter.com/coachdavetaylor
Tom Bower is the co-founder of the Kentucky Basketball Commission. He has over a decade of experience running travel basketball events and also runs a consulting company for pro athletes. https://twitter.com/TomBowerII
Travis Branham is a national basketball analyst for 24/7 Sports. He spent four years as an assistant to national scout Evan Daniels. https://twitter.com/TravisBranham_
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Coach Sullivan grew up around Worcester Academy and has been with the school since 1998. As head coach since 2011, he has sent players to all levels of college basketball. In this episode Coach Sullivan describes not only his basketball program and his search for international players, but the local community and how his players can make an immediate impact. Each year he looks for players with the same passion he has where he can build a relationship not only on the court but off the court.
What You Will Learn:
[2:05] Overview of tradition and basketball at Worcester Academy.
[4:20] The grit of the Worcester Academy basketball program and the search for players not afraid to work hard.
[7:15] Why Coach Sullivan chose basketball?
[9:25] Why should a good player go to Worcester?
[14:10] Community service in the surrounding neighborhoods..
[16:45] Benefit of Worcester Academy’s location for college recruiting.
[18:40] Example of a PREP Athletics placement to Worcester Academy.
[19:45] College recruitment starts once a kid signs w/ Worcester Academy.
[23:08] College placement during Covid.
[24:12] Has Covid changed the the type of player Coach Sullivan looks for his team?
[25:00] Predictions for prep schools in the future.
[26:18] What Coach Sullivan looks for when recruiting guards.
[27:48] Advice he gives his players on how to pick a college.
[30.10] Coach Sullivan’s thoughts on NCAA transfers
[31:35] Changes he would make to the NCAA.
[33:35] Biggest surprise as a player at Worcester.
[34:56] Biggest win as head coach.
[35:40] Best player he coached against.
[36:40] Personal life outside of coaching.
Connect with Jamie:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wacoach/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/wacoach
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/WorcesterAcademy
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WorcesterAcademy
Website | https://www.worcesteracademy.org/team-pages?Team=13376&SeasonLabel=2017%20-%202018
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
In this episode you will hear from Coach Jay Tilton who is the boy’s varsity basketball coach at Phillips Exeter Academy. Hear exclusive details on:
-the benefits of going to a school like Exeter
-his experience coaching at the D1 level
-his advice for players wanting to play at the collegiate level
-thoughts on how Duncan Robinson went from a post grad player to NBA star
What You Will Learn:
[2:08] Why Coach Tilton chose basketball.
[3:26] Coach Tilton’s own experience moving from a public school setting to New Hampton Prep School
[8:08] Playing at Hobart College.
[10:34] Advice to for students.
[12:24] Students at the college level transferring. Is it happening?
[13:56] Placing students during Covid.
[15:56] Relationships with college coaches.
[19:14] Type of player you recruit.
[22:40] Why should I come to Exeter?
[26:26] Advantages for coaches to also work in the admissions office?
[29:50] Exeter’s financial need based system.
[31:12] What Coach learned as a college coach that prepared him as a Prep School Coach.[35:47] What to tell Prep school students who want to go to the Ivy League and the next level.[39.33] Prep School student vs. Public School student.
{43:11] Mental toughness of Ducan Robinson.
[47:49] Changes to the NCAA.
[51:50] Biggest win as a Coach and best player coached against.
[53:23] Personal favorites and hobbies
Connect with Jay:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/exeterbb/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/ExeterHoop
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/phillipsexeter
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/phillipsexeter/
Website | https://www.exeter.edu/teams/basketball-boys-v/19wi
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Chris Overbye is a senior partner of Hunnewell Education where he is a prep school consultant. Chris has his own experience attending Indian Mountain School and Salisbury School before going to Allegheny College. He has worked in everything in the prep school world from being a teacher, coach, director of admissions, director of development and head of financial aid. He has worked at the Meadowbrook School, Salisbury School, and Lawrence Academy. With over 20 years of experience, Chris knows the ins and outs of the prep school world and in this interview shares valuable information for prospective student athletes.
What You Will Learn:
[3:06] Why hire an educational consultant?
[4:34] Helping families narrow down the prep school choices.
[6:15] How to advocate for a family to a prep school.
[7:59] How PREP Athletics works with a player's athletic, academic, and financial profile.
[8:54] Benefits of an educational consultant.
[9:56] What families need to know now due to Covid, and how things have changed.
[14:36] School visits during Covid.
[16:23] International students and prep schools.
[17:00] How schools have increased multi media presence.
[19:02] Making the final decision: kids or parents?
[23:10] The role of coaches at their school.
[24:09] How consultants assist in the decision making process.
[27.20] Difference between need based versus merit within financial aid
[31:47] Financial aid for middle class families.
[33:08] Merit scholarships
{37.53] Financial aid during Covid.
[38.35] Examples of merit scholarships for basketball players
{43:56] How consultants can help clients navigate the application process. They have conversations with schools regarding money and offers.
[47:00] Why some schools do not have to add more money to their financial aid pot.
[49:30] Tips for prospective students going through the process.
[53.15] The importance of following up with a school.
[57:18] Why prep school students have advantages for college admissions.
[1:00.27] Post grad competition in academics and basketball.
[1:04.14] Chris’ favorites
[1:06] Final thoughts
Connect with Chris:Website | https://www.hunnewelled.com/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hunnewelled
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-overbye-96007235/
Email| chris@hunnewelled.com
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Why should you listen to anything I say about the prep school basketball world? For one, I attended a prep school for a post grad year. This led me to getting an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy where I played on the basketball team. In this episode I share my experience with choosing a prep school, my college recruitment and what I gave up to play in a Division 1 program.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Coach Myers is originally from Roanoke, VA. He grew up in the gym under the watch of his father who was a coach. He is familiar with the post grad year as he went to Hargrave Military Academy before playing at Shepard College. Coach Myers started his coaching career at Hargrave, before becoming a D1 assistant at Radford University. Massanutten Military Academy was his next coaching job before becoming the camp director at Hoop Group Elite. He also was the post grad coach for Elev8 Academy. Coach Myers is currently the head Post Grad Coach at IMG Academy.
In this episode Coach Myers talks about his experience as a post grad player prepared him and eventually his players for the college game. Plus you never know who is in the gym watching.
What You Will Learn:
[1:05] Coach Myer’s background and why he chose basketball.
[2:44] How he learned about the post grad option.
[4:33] Coach Myers own experience with a post grad year at Hargrave.
[6:12] Playing with your team and how to get better.
[9:11] Hoop Group Elite and work ethic
[11:30] Coming to IMG Academy and all the available resources.
[15:20] The professional staff at IMG Academy.
[16:00] What does $85,000 tuition get you?
[17:10] Is it worth the money to come to IMG Academy?
[19:00] Building the IMG Academy basketball team.
[20:10] College placement during Covid.
[22.35] Figuring out during these times if players can do another year at the post grad and/or college level.
[24:51] Biggest judgment on prep schools.
[26.50] Player success story.
[29.08] Best game as a coach and best player Coach Myers ever coached against.
[31.12] Hobbies for Coach Myers when not coaching.
Connect with Chad:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachchad/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/COACHMYERS5
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/imgacademy/featured
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/IMGAcademy/
Website | https://www.imgacademy.com/boarding-school/athletics/basketball
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Meet Coach Thomas “Tom” Messinger, who is the men’s basketball coach at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA. In this episode Tom talks about growing up in an athletic family and his journey to working at Hargrave Military Academy. Tom tells us about their military structured program and the benefits of a post grad year. Hargrave has sent 27 players to the NBA in the last 25 years.
What You Will Learn:
[2.13] Coach Messinger’s background and why he decided to play basketball.
[3.49] Coach talks about his own experience doing a post grad year and how it helped him.
[6.23] Advice for guards, and how to get to the next level.
[8:01] Coach Messinger discusses when he realized he wanted to be a basketball coach.
[8:54] First coaching job.
[10:43] Information about Hargrave Military Academy.
[14:02] The style of Hargrave Military Academy.
[15:50] What does military structure bring to a post grad year program.
[18:13] Placement of players during Covid and how it is working.
[19:30] Who and how we recruit to the program.
[23:00] Social media, how we use it and how it works for the program.
[24.40] Hargrave assistant coaches and what they bring to the program.
[28.30] Favorite Hargrave success story.
[31.30] Coach Messinger’s hobbies and life outside of basketball.
Connect with Thomas
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hargravebasketball/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/HargravePGBB
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/hargravevideo/videos
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HargraveMilitaryAcademy
Website | https://hargravesports.com/index.aspx?path=pgbball
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Meet Brandon Goble, the CEO of JUCO Advocate and junior college basketball scout. JUCO Advocate, helps players gain exposure to junior colleges and their coaches.
Listen in to learn the benefits of playing at a junior college and when it makes sense to go this route over a prep school. You will also learn the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a player.
What You Will Learn:
[1:00] Brandon narrates how he fell in love with the junior college process and wanting to help kids tell their own stories.
[3:06] How he started JUCO Advocate by building relationships with Division 1 basketball coaches and players.
[4:51] The qualities that Brandon looks for in kids that reach out to him.
[13:32] Why junior college is the best place to prepare yourself before heading to Division 1 basketball.
[20:53] How the junior college scene has changed over the years and the kinds of ‘products’ it now targets and produces.
[25:16] The advantages of preparing for a Division 1 basketball career in junior college over prep school.
[29:48] The questions you should be asking and how you should be preparing to get into a junior college.
[34:02] The difference between kids who stay at a junior college for one year versus two.
[39:13] Brandon explains how scholarships and partial-scholarships work in junior college.
[42:52] The benefits of attending junior college when you’re not ‘good enough’ for prep school.
[53:18] The future goals and aspirations of junior college basketball coaches.
[54:29] How to do your research, ask the right questions and talk to the right people to find the right fit for you in junior college basketball.
Connect with Brandon:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/juco_advocate/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/JUCOadvocate
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCizUQPIQ1Gm22kvl4fW-Kgw
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/JUCOadvocate
Website | https://www.jucoadvocate.com/#home
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Meet Coach Mike Hart, the athletic director and basketball coach at St. Andrew's School outside Providence, Rhode Island. He’s been at St. Andrew's since 1994 and has been named New England Prep School Coach of the Year 6 times.
In this episode, he talks about St. Andrews School, the under-the-radar kid they’re focused on, and the diverse environment they provide for basketball players. He explains the importance of trust between college and prep school coaches which enables successful college recruiting.
Listen in to learn the importance of parents allowing coaches to coach their children and other valuable tips.
What You Will Learn:[1:01] Coach Hart describes his background with basketball in Providence spanning over four decades.
[4:56] How his college coach got him into coaching in the late 80s and his arrival at St. Andrew’s.
[11:10] He describes St. Andrews as a blue collar, diverse prep school that ensures students are rightly fitted and evaluated for success.
[17:32] He describes his coaching style as having a lot of fun while working hard.
[24:42] He talks about some of the best kids they’ve worked with at St. Andrew’s.
[32:26] Coach Hart explains the need for trust between college coaches and prep school coaches, which is currently lacking.
[36:51] The lack of trust between college and prep school coaches.
[41:30] He describes the type of kids he enjoys training at St. Andrews- the under-the-radar kids.
[44:44] He tells the story of kids who left after choosing a life away from basketball.
[48:46] The three things that separate spectacular basketball players from the rest.
[55:16] What Coach Hart enjoys doing away from work.
Connect with Coach Mike Hart:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/SASRIAthletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachMikeHart
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqzY-58MW6ukmmvnNgWdFLQ
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007357967461
Website | https://www.standrews-ri.org/team-detail?fromId=219248&Team=183278&SeasonLabel=2020%20-%202021&siteId=1015
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Welcome to the show NBA veteran, Brad Miller. He attended a prep school in Maine for his senior year of high school before playing for 4 years at Purdue University. He later played 14 years in the NBA to include two times in the All-Star game.
In this episode, Brad recalls career moments from the very beginning of high school to the height of his NBA career. He explains why not getting drafted into the NBA worked in his favor and other events that shifted his career to become an NBA player.
Listen in to learn how prep school basketball impacted Brad by giving him a solid foundation for the rest of his career.
What You Will Learn:[1:18] Brad describes his love for basketball since childhood and when he realized he was good.
[4:18] He explains the impact attending a prep school had on his career compared to his former public high school.
[6:15] Brad talks about his prep school coach, Max Good, and the discipline and survival he instilled.
[10:36] Why he chose Purdue over Providence and Oklahoma State.
[14:23] Why not getting drafted into the NBA worked better for him than if he had been drafted.
[19:31] That feeling after meeting and playing against Alonzo Mourning and Karl Malone.
[22:01] He talks about the fight with Shaquille O’Neal and how it shaped the rest of his career.
[24:34] Brad describes his relationship with Ron Artest (Metta World Peace) as a great teammate and an amazing personality.
[27:14] Playing with Michael Jordan at the All Star game in Jordan’s last season before retirement.
[28:23] Brad explains his experience playing for Sacramento Kings and how that utilized his skills.
[30:39] Brad discusses his hunting television show: Country Boy Outdoors
[34:26] Why he believes he wouldn’t have made it to the NBA without attending prep school.
Connect with Brad Miller:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bradmillernba/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/BradMillerCBO
YouTube | https://www.thesportsmanchannel.com/show/country-boys-outdoors/81971
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/CountryBoysOutdoors
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Meet Andrew Gale, the head coach of New Hampton School in New Hampshire. He worked at Vermont as a lead student manager and assistant coach for 4 years, before joining New Hampton in 2016 as an assistant coach and then head coach.
In this episode, he talks about the New Hampton school, which is focused on developing kids into the top 100 players even though they do not always recruit top players. He explains how COVID-19 is impacting NCAA basketball recruiting this year and how they’re navigating it to ensure their players make the right choices.
Listen in to learn how to showcase your basketball skills and differentiate yourself from the rest when presenting to a prep school coach.
What You Will Learn:
[0:49] Coach Gale explains his background in basketball before becoming a coach.
[2:25] The culture of building relationships with kids that Coach Gale learned in Vermont.
[3:37] Why he chose preparing young kids transition in prep school basketball over collegiate basketball after Vermont.
[6:19] He describes the New Hampton School and how they balance academics and sports.
[8:34] The importance of skill and player development for post-grad basketball players.
[10:15] The 3 steps to loving yourself to become a top basketball player.
[13:03] The challenge of COVID-19 on NCAA basketball recruiting.
[16:40] The conversations he’s having with kids and their parents about the consequences of the college choices they make in 2021.
[19:23] Why they’re recruiting 2-year players at New Hampton to have a lasting impact beyond 2021.
[20:34] Coach Gale explains why they’re taking their time before bringing in a second team.
[23:04] How being younger helps Coach Gale connect better with his players.
[25:14] The qualities he looks for in kids, plus the advice on how to apply for post-grad basketball.
[30:49] Coach Gale demystifies the common myths about prep school.
Connect with Coach Gale:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/newhamptonbasketball/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachA_Gale
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/NewHamptonSchool1821
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/New-Hampton-School-Mens-Basketball-154272201358066/
Website | https://www.newhampton.org/basketball--mens-varsity-a?Team=21902
Connect with Cory:Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast: iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Meet Coach John Carroll, the Head Coach for the Boys' Basketball team at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. He was a NMH student-athlete before joining them as the head basketball coach in 2001, making this his 20th year with NMH. In this episode, he describes Northfield Mount Hermon as a prep school where kids achieve highly in basketball and academics, with many making it to Ivy League basketball. He talks about the success of the 2 teams model he adopted in 2020 and why he plans on keeping it going forth. Listen in to learn why he thinks “Go where you are wanted” is not the way to pick a college and other insightful gems.
What You Will Learn:
[1:32] Coach Carroll explains the benefits of a prep school basketball podcast in helping families figure out the process better.
[4:20] He describes growing up playing basketball and other sports in New York before becoming aggressive with basketball in high school.
[10:02] The advantage of younger kids playing multiple sports before specializing in one.
[11:59] He describes Northfield Mount Hermon as more than a high school. It’s among the best academic and basketball schools in the country.
[15:53] Coach Carroll explains how he created terms of their own to chase academic and basketball combinations.
[17:53] The admission requirements they demand from kids to be part of the Northfield Mount Hermon basketball team.
[20:33] Why they decided to create a second team and how that has worked out to their advantage during the pandemic.
[26:01] He explains why he plans on continuing with the second team going forward even after the pandemic.
[27:07] Coach Carroll talks about the placements for this year and how having a network came in handy for collaborations.
[30:57] Why kids should be wary when choosing college teams where they are wanted versus where the facts are.
[35:21] How kids from 20 years ago handled resiliency better than today’s kids.
[38:14] Coach Carroll describes humility as the top quality he looks for in kids beyond academic excellence, plus the ones he avoids.
[42:19] He names the kid that was his biggest surprise (Spike Albrecht) and the entitled kids who lost their opportunities.
Connect with Coach John Carroll
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nmhbasketball/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/NMHbasketball
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/NMHBasketball
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/NMHbasketball/
Website | https://www.nmhschool.org/teams/boys-sports/basketball
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Meet Coach Jere Quinn, the prep school basketball coach for the NEPSAC AAA St Thomas More team in Oakdale ,Connecticut. He’s been coaching for 43 years since he was age 22. He’s coached hundreds of Division I college basketball players, with many of them going pro.
In this episode, he talks about his experience at St Thomas More preparing kids for college basketball recruiting and life in general. He explains the creative ways they’re navigating to help kids place in good teams during the pandemic.
Learn about the qualities of kids who fit in a prep school, plus the benefits of prep schools in preparing players beyond the sport.
What You Will Learn:
[1:34] Coach Quinn explains growing up playing basketball and his experience playing in high school & college.
[4:39] How he transitioned from playing to coaching at 22 and has been doing it for 43 years now.
[5:55] He describes St Thomas More prep school as the place that helps prepare kids to live the life of a college athlete.
[7:13] The activities that basketball kids at St Thomas More prep school are involved with.
[9:11] Understanding the second team model within prep school basketball.
[13:46] Coach Quinn describes the hardworking kid they’re looking to admit into their post-grad basketball program.
[15:49] How they’re navigating games to find success during a pandemic by experimenting with creativity.
[18:34] How prep school basketball has transformed and yet stayed the same over the last 40+ years.
[21:32] How easy it was back in the day to place kids in good teams, plus the frustrations of trying to place kids in good teams during the pandemic.
[28:00] He describes the young men who should & shouldn’t consider joining a post-grad basketball program.
[32:11] He narrates some of the surprises he’s gotten over the years with kids who turned out spectacular.
[34:40] The disappointments he’s gotten from kids who don’t want to deal with challenges & the competition in prep school basketball.
[37:15] He talks about some of the coaching moments & games he’s enjoyed with St Thomas More.
[43:48] The benefits of prep school & the post-grad years in preparing kids for not just the sport, but mostly for life.
Connect with Coach Jere Quinn
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/stmbasketball_ct/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/STMCT_BBALL
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJDVjJQ0W30hIWvcEAA2TjQ
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/stmbasketballcamp
Website | https://stmct.org/joomsport_team/basketball/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Meet Coach Jason Smith, the head coach at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. He’s been a coach for over 20 years and started his coaching career at the young age of 19.
In this episode, he talks about his experience at Brewster Academy, which is a Basketball Prep School that’s more concerned with the potential of kids rather than having a ‘typical’ kid. We discuss what really makes a future NBA star different from the others and whether they are born or made.
Listen in to learn what has changed in Prep School Basketball over the last 20 years that Jason has been in the scene.
What You Will Learn:
[1:30] Coach Jason describes his love for basketball, which he played in high school.
[2:22] The beginning of his basketball coaching career in college, even though he played basketball.
[4:22] The lessons Jason learned coaching an AAU team and coaching kids from basketball families.
[7:22] Having a learning mindset- how Jason went from a head coach to an assistant coach to learn from the best.
[10:13] When he came to Brewster Academy, plus the uniqueness of the school which gives opportunities to all kids with potential.
[13:30] The character pieces he considers when admitting kids in his basketball team.
[17:11] He explains what he tells his post grad kids before the game to motivate them.
[21:22] How prep schools, parents, and players have changed over the last 20 years.
[24:07] How Jason is advising players looking forward to College Basketball Recruiting this year.
[26:36] He describes the information he expects to see and not see on the first email he receives from kids.
[28:16] The discipline that separates kids that make it to the NBA and those who don’t. [30:39] Are NBA stars born or made? Donovan Mitchell + Davonte' Graham
[31:23] The best and the worst experiences Jason has ever had with players.
[37:02] How the Brewster Academy’s sports calendar looks like for 2021 amid the pandemic.
Connect with Coach Jason Smith
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brewsterhoops/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/brewsteracademy?lang=en
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ETUV1nX1-h5w1dJ1tgQWQ
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/BrewsterBasketball
Website | https://www.brewsteracademy.org/athletics/teams/winter-sports/basketball-boys-prep
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
PREP Athletics is proud to have New England Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Whit Lesure on the podcast. Whit is the Bridgton Academy head basketball coach and shares his life experiences and advice on the prep school basketball scene.
[0:00]- Intro
[0:44]- Whit Lesure Intro
[0:56]- Whit Lesure background
[1:40]- Playing days at Hobart
[2:10]- Life after Hobart
[2:52]: Coaching job at New Hampton
[4:09]- Phone call with Coach Knight
[6:44]- University of New Hampshire coaching job
[9:18]- Fired from New Hampshire goes on to CC and then Bridgton
[10:20]- Biggest change between players and parents from when he started to today
[14:38]- What separates Bridgton from other prep schools
[15:48]- Reloading every year at Bridgton
[19:12]- Influence Fork Union had
[20:20]- How to get students to get comfortable when they leave home
[22:18]- Biggest surprise from a recruit
[26:40]- Example of a failed recruit
[29:30]- How can you tell a player loves basketball?
[32:05]- How has 2020 affected player placement
[38:19]- Pete Carrill
[40:34]- Best Bridgton team
[49:40]- Outro
Connect with Coach Lesure:Website | https://bridgtonacademy.org/athletics/basketball/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/WhitLesure
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/whitlesure/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Are there scholarships for basketball players at prep schools? It depends. Listen to this mini podcast to learn more information about merit versus need based aid, and more.
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
PREP Athletics is proud to have former UK Wildcat basketball player Tom Heitz on the podcast. Tom played at UK from 1979-1984. He backed up two lottery picks in Sam Bowie and Melvin Turpin. Tom was on the UK 1984 Final Four team that lost to Patrick Ewing and Georgetown. He was drafted in later rounds by the Indiana Pacers. Tom also happens to be my uncle! On this podcast he discusses being on the same recruiting trip to UK as Ralph Sampson, getting kneed in the groin while taking a charge on Charles Barkley on national tv, and being runner up to Mr Basketball in the state of Indiana.
Connect with Tom:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/TomHeitz https://www.instagram.com/tom_heitz/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/tomheitz
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
PREP Athletics is proud to have the Kentucky Basketball Commission's Marcellus Barksdale on the podcast for our first, ever interview. I was on the KBC Podcast this summer with Marcellus where he gave me the idea and helped in the formation of the PREP Athletics podcast. Marcellus shares insights about his playing high school playing days at Tates Creek High School in Lexington Kentucky, getting recruited, playing D1 at IUPUI, and advice for kids and parents in the youth basketball world today.
How to connect with Marcellus:
Twitter l https://twitter.com/MXBarksdale
Instagram l https://www.instagram.com/mxbarksdale/
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.
Welcome to the first PREP Athletics podcast. My name is Cory Heitz and I am the founder of PREP Athletics. In this intro episode, I give a short overview of me and my family's basketball background. I also include the benefits of attending a prep school for basketball.
What you will learn:
[0:00] My goal of playing Division 1 and the five members of my family who played at this level.
[1:58] I chose the United States Air Force Academy Prep School for my post grad year. My first cousin Brad Miller spent his senior year at a prep school before playing at Purdue, then 14 years in the NBA.
[3:56 ] Definition of a prep school
[5:01] The basketball benefits of attending a prep school.
[12:21] end - Overview
Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166
Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
About UsCory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.