We are fortunate to have Dave Lepisto returning to the podcast for this episode. Lepisto is the head girls coach at Kimberly High School in Wisconsin where he lead the Papermakers to the 2025 Division 1 State Championship.

If you are like me, you’ve benefitted from one of the many resources Lepisto has shared over the years. Whether it’s teaching movement to youth players or borrowing actions and terminology for my conceptual offense, Dave has been a valued resource for me.

Topics in this episode include:

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We are fortunate to have Eric Fawcett on this edition of the podcast.

Fawcett is an assistant coach for the Edmonton Stingers in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. He is also a consultant for Division 1 basketball programs in the United States and pro teams around the world.

In addition, you can find his writing and breakdowns at different sites, including Slappin’ Glass.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

1:55 - Working as a basketball coach in Edmonton

3:20 - Practical use of analytics in determining team strategy

8:20 - Approaches for coaches without an analytics department

12:20 - Balance between personnel, opponents and familiarity of actions

20:55 - Creating strategies based off your season goals

23:00 - How analytic efficiencies find their way into team strategy

28:00 - Effective ways for coaches to convey efficiency to players

31:20 - Scaling a playbook to be effective while not overloading players

35:45 - Tips for watching film while game planning for an opponent

39:40 - Offensive trends for the upcoming season

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We are fortunate to have Colby Blaine back for this episode.

Blaine is the head men’s coach at the College of Idaho. He collected his second National Championship this past season with the Yotes. 

The title — College of Idaho’s second in the last 3 seasons — capped a 35-2 record that included a 25-game winning streak to end the campaign.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

1:20 - Sustaining success at UofI 

3:20 - Keys to connection in a program

4:50 - Overcoming challenges  during a title run

6:30 - Strengths of 2-3 vs. other defenses

8:00 - Getting players to think conceptually on defense

 9:30 - Placing players in a zone defense

11:30 - How defense factors into playing time

12:20 - Toughness & Communication in a zone

14:40 - Matching up against different formations

16:15 - Mixing zone with man defense

17:10 - Basic principles of the match-up zone

19:05 - More advanced concepts

20:00 - Handling cutters

21:00 - Skip Passes

21:25 - Flare Screens

22:30 - On-Ball Screens

24:40 - Allowing players to make decisions

25:15 - Harder to Guard: Post or Perimeter

26:36 - 1v1 at the high post

28:40 - Rebounding out of the zone

30:25 - Onboarding new players into the system

31:50 - Zone defense resources for coaches

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We are fortunate to have George Vaz on this episode. 

Vaz is a basketball coach based in Brazil. He’s also coached in Portugal and the England.

If his voice sounds familiar, it’s because Vaz is the current host of the Transforming Basketball podcast. He is also a clinician for Transforming Basketball.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

1:20 - What are Principles of Play (POP)?

4:05 - How is the POP presented to players?

6:05 - Identifying micro principles in your POP

8:35 - Building a POP based on Personnel

10:40 - How constraints tie into POP

11:45 - The role of Intent in building Small-Sided Games

15:40 - Keeping the focus the focus in SSGs

17:25 - What to do when things go wrong with a constraint

20:30 - Common constraints that don’t typically have an impact

23:25 - Building SSGs that fit your team’s needs

27:05  - Timeline for adoption in nonlinear learning

32:05 - Narrowing down the focus during practice

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We are fortunate to have Boise State basketball legend Roberto Bergersen on this podcast. 

Bergersen is an assistant coach at BSU, where he starred for the Broncos from 1996-99.

After a 11-year professional career, which included a D-League Championship with the Idaho Stampede, he was a co-founder of an extremely successful AAU program in Boise and was head coach at a prep school in Missouri. 

Before joining the Boise State staff, he started his college coaching career at Eastern Washington University.

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We are fortunate to have Matt Fletcher on this episode.

Fletcher is the head coach at Concordia St. Paul in Minnesota. 

The Golden Bears are coming off one of the most successful seasons in the school’s season, finishing with a 22-9 record, a first-ever conference title and a trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

1:30 - Enjoying the growth of a program

3:15 - Coaching the program you have

4:50 - Recruiting locally

5:55 - Factors of adopting an uptempo style

7:50 - Playing quickly, but not rushed

9:35 - Shot selection as a team

11:20 - Recruiting decision making

12:10 - When teams try to slow down

13:50 - Creating & maintaining good spacing

15:20 - Perimeter spacing concepts

16:50 - Using SSGs for teaching spacing

18:00 - Developing practice plans & activities

19:50 - Using your best player as a spacer

21:50 - The big in early offense

23:35 - Flow after the initial trigger

25:15 - Replicating neutral situations after actions

27:30 - Communication in a conceptual offense

29:35 - Teaching the pace of actions

31:40 - Adopting NBA concepts

34:15 - Rebounding as a weapon

We are fortunate to have Ryan Lundgren on this episode of the podcast. 

Lundgren was one of the first coaches to appear as a guest back when the podcast started in 2020. 

At the time, he was the associate head coach at the College of Southern Idaho. Lundgren went on to serve as the head coach at Carroll College in Helena, Mont. 

Lundgren is now entering his second year as the associate head coach at Eastern Washington University.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

2:00 - Value of working as a high school coach

3:20 - Core Values of EWU’s offense

4:40 - Building an offense: System or Players?

5:40 - Identifying strengths with changeover

7:10 - The value of stats in offense building

10:20 - Using stats to determine summer workouts

11:25 - Film sessions with players

12:50 - Staff meetings on player development

14:05 - Summer timeline for installing offense

16:00 - The importance of 5v5 in teaching

17:25 - Decision-making against coverage solutions

19:00 - Game plans versus different opponents

21:05 - Process for making a change

22:45 - Coaching an “untraditional” player

24:50 - Playing off an “untraditional” player

25:55 - Quickfire: Attributes of Leon Rice, Jeff Reinert, Jeff Linder, Dan Monson

28:35 - Takeaways as head coach at Carroll College

We are fortunate to have Dan Krikorian on this episode. Krikorian finished his first season as the head coach at Chapman University in California, where he was a longtime assistant.

There’s a reason if Krikorian’s voice sounds familiar. He is part of the duo that makes up popular basketball coaching podcast Slappin’ Glass.

The episode focuses on offseason reflection and preparation. We also ask Krikorian how Slappin' Glass has impacted his coaching.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

1:15 - Evaluating the previous season

5:30 - Evaluating your own coaching

9:10 - Offseason timeline for coaches

11:40 - Utilizing assistant coaches during the offseason

13:25 - Decision-making process for next season

16:05 - Freedom within the structure

19:15 - When more structure is needed in-game

23:00 - Practice plan development in the offseason

25:00 - Decision-making as a fundamental

29:00 - Impact of Slappin’ Glass on coaching

33:40 - Dealing with expectations

We are fortunate to have Alex Sarama returning to the podcast.

Sarama is the author of Transforming Basketball, and the founder of an incredible coaching resource under the same name.

Sarama spent the last season as the Director of Player Development for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before that, he worked in different capacities for the London Lions and the Portland Trailblazers.

In this episode, we focus on the idea of modern concepts for a double-big lineup.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

1:20 - The impact of motor learning on NBA players

2:55 - Principles of Play & half court efficiency

4:45 - Timeline between player development & in-game transfer

 7:05 - Playing with a double-big lineup

12:45 - Cutting as a concept vs. a motion principle

16:10 - Helping bigs develop modern offensive skills

17:45 - Unique spacing opportunities in a double-big lineup

19:40 - The dunker wheel as a concept

20:35 - Being OK with multiple “right” answers

22:10 - Teaching points in a Big-Big on-ball screen

23:35 - Rebounding responsibilities in a Double Big lineup

25:25 - Making rebounding an overriding Principle of Play

27:10 - Don’t end drills on the shot

29:05 - Implementing “sacrificial” cuts as a concept

31:00 - What’s next?

We are fortunate to have Doug Novak on this episode of the podcast.

Novak's contributions to the game are notable. Coaches around the world have benefited from his sharing of the game through various clinics and his website, CoachDougNovak.com.

This episode was recorded in-person after Novak completed a two-day clinic with players from Lake City and Sandpoint high schools.

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1:05 - Protection Plans as an Offensive Attack

4:00 - Giving players they need to succeed

6:35 - "Home Base" as a starting point

9:15 - Providing opportunities for less athletic players

10:25 - The importance of the Stride Stop

12:15 - Offensive Concepts out of Protection Plans

14:30 - Building breakdown scenarios

16:15 - Giving up some control as a coach

19:10 - Taking over a new program

"If you ask a good question, you need to give them time to think about it."

We are fortunate to have JP Nerbun return to the podcast on this episode.

NOTE: This episode was an in-person interview conducted after a coaches seminar at Sandpoint High School in Idaho.

Nerbun first appeared on the podcast in June of 2022 to talk about his book, "The Culture System." The book gives readers a glimpse into and a guide for building successful team cultures.

Nerbun consults with athletes, coaches and parents at every level on culture building and leadership coaching through TOC Culture Consulting.

We are fortunate to have Taylor Tucker on this episode. Tucker is the Associate Head Coach at Des Moines Area Community College. 

He’s also the coach behind the incredible resource that is @Tucker_Thorson account on Twitter. I’ve benefitted greatly over the years from the clips and mini-clinics he offers regularly.

This is a fun episode where we dive into triggers and manufacturing and attacking closeouts.

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Episode Breakdown

1:15 - Summer schedule working at a junior college

2:20 - The purpose & actions of re-triggers

4:40 - Pros and Cons of the re-triggers

9:10 - Player recognition on when to re-trigger

13:20 - Advice for coaches adopting triggers

15:05 - Tips for selecting actions for triggers

16:30 - Less is more for triggers

18:10 - Living through the mistakes

20:10 - Developing randomness through structure

21:00 - Off-ball reads during triggers

23:55 - The role of the closeout in today’s game

25:30 - Manufacturing closeouts

26:50 - Key teaching points in attacking closeouts

29:30 - What’s next area of focus for @Tucker_Thorson?

We are fortunate to have Felix Engel on this episode.

Engel is a former player and distinguished youth coach in Germany and recognized worldwide for his contemporary approach to coaching.

In addition, Engel serves with a different organizations to help mentor youth coaches.

We are fortunate to have Brent Keener on this episode. Keener just finished his 18th season at Mountain Home High School. 

He led the Tigers to a 21-5 record and a third-place finish at the Idaho 5A State Girls Tournament. 

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

1:20 - What led you to an uptempo offense?

2:15 - Changes adopted in a more uptempo system

3:00 - Transition offense principles

4:45 - Offensive geography

6:40 - Practicing the 3 layers of offense

7:40 - Game shot feedback

9:00 - Teaching off-ball reads

10:55 - Point guard responsibilities

13:15 - A big’s responsibility in the offense

15:25 - 2-person actions with wings

16:20 - Ball movement in an uptempo offense

18:05 - Teaching spacing principles

19:55 - Practice focuses throughout the year

20:40 - Favorite shooting drills

21:40 - Earring a shooting license

23:25 - Separating position players during practice

24:25 - Developing  meaningful reps in practice

26:05 - Defense that plays into the offense

28:15 - Secrets to coaching longevity

We are fortunate to have Reid Ouse for this episode.

Ouse is a former college basketball coach who is now the owner / director of Catalyst Training, which is based out of Minnesota.

He has worked with some of basketball biggest names, but also offer development and training for coaches & players at all levels.

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EPISODE BREAKDOWN

2:00 - Definition of success in player development

5:00 - The mindset of top players

7:00 - The role of the coach in player development

9:30 - A mix between skill development & game enhancement

12:50 - Manufacturing the right chaotic environment

16:00 - Determining a workout plan for players

18:10 - Best practices for communication

20:10 - Incorporating multiple activities within a drill

22:25 - Approach to shooting

27:00 - What’s available at Catalyst Training

We are fortunate to have Chris Oliver return to the podcast for this episode.

Oliver, of course, is the basketball podfather with his own show, The Basketball Podcast, and website, Basketball Immersion, two of leading resources for coaches around the world.

He also is a consultant with Nike & the NBA involving their youth basketball initiative which we will talk about a little later.

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Episode Breakdown

1:45 - Changes in coaching philosophy over time

4:00 - Practice structure when installing a conceptual offense

6:00 - Teaching the game using coaching interventions

7:15 - What coaching interventions should look like

10:00 - Helping players develop their scanning skills

13:25 - Deeper conversations with players around development

14:15 - What teaching scanning looks like in practices

16:50 - The importance of playing 5v5

20:25 - The importance of connecting the different elements of play

21:15 - Ideas for developing a coaching filter for resources

23:05 - The importance of having a Principles of Play

24:30 - Partnership with Nike and the NBA

26:20 - Getting players to love practice

We are fortunate to have the return of Liam Jefferson on this episode. 

The episode focuses on how Jefferson develops his practices using CLA methods to introduce conceptual principles in his new position.

Jefferson was on earlier this year to talk about his role with the London Lions Youth Academy and installing a conceptual offense. It quickly became one of our most popular episodes.

A lot has changed since that time. Jefferson is now the head coach of the Oaklands Wolves and clinician for Transforming Basketball. 

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2:00 - Responsibilities with the Oaklands Wolves

3:50 - Working with inexperience basketball coaches

5:30 - Documenting offensive & defensive philosophies

6:50 - Introducing CLA & Conceptual offense to new coaches

8:30 - Evaluating success when taking over a new program

10:25 - Long haul vs. short haul when implementing a CLA & Conceptual approach

11:25 - Competition levels for basketball in England

12:50 - Structure of youth academy vs. senior team practices

14:00 - Keys to developing a practice plan

16:00 - Organizing practice activities over the season

17:30 - Practice planning for specific opponents

18:45 - Practice structure using the CLA

21:15 - The importance of pace in practices

22:30 - Individual development in practices

25:00 - Players response to this system

27:05 - Planning practice around intensity & workload

We are fortunate to have Ty Keck on this episode to discuss practice planning and structure. 

Keck is the head girls coach at Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He led Skyline to a 4A state runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024 and has been a great resource for coaches like myself who have adopted a conceptual offense and CLA principles.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN

2:00 - General approach to developing a practice plan

3:10 - What’s a practice philosophy that’s changed for you over the years

6:25 - Development w/ younger players vs. older players

8:00 - Practice structure from day to day

9:55 - Adapting focus within a practice

11:55 - Creating the environment for a secondary trigger

15:25 - Ratio between 2v2, 3v3 vs. 5v5

17:20 - Ratio of teaching offense vs. defense

19:45 - Factoring conditioning into practices

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We are fortunate to have John Adams on this episode.

In fact, I was fortunate to spend an evening with Adams in Kenmare, County Kerry during my trip to Ireland. Adams is a co-founder and current chair of the Kenmare Kestrels Basketball Club.

The club was founded in 2006 and boasts close to 350 members, with youth and adult teams competing in the KABB (Kerry Area Basketball Board).

Adams, who is originally from Maine and has degrees from Notre Dame and Harvard, managed to fit in some time between practices for a short interview at his home.

Our discussion focused on the history of the Kenmare Kestrels, how it fits a niche in a country dominated by other sports, and what he has learned as a coach to teams at various age levels.

We are fortunate to have Bill Himmelberg on this episode.

Himmelberg is the head coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. The Argos made their way to this year’s NAIA National Championship game, but fell to No. 1 Dordt University by 4 points.

Himmelberg is entering his 15 season as Providence’s head coach. He also has experience coaching at the high school level.

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1:45 - Was playing for an NAIA title expected at the beginning of the season

2:40 - Determining when your team might be a championship-level team

4:15 - Discussing championship possiblities with your team

7:45 - Where owning restaurant franchises and college basketball meet

12:50 - Developing an offensive identity through early offense and   player freedom

18:15 - Building confidence in younger players in a conceptual system

22:35 - Flowing from 5-out to 4-out seamlessly

31:05 - Packaging actions and naming them for easy communication

35:15 - Introducing concepts throughout the season

37:35 - The benefits for two-way teaching

40:00 - Using a 5-out to attack a zone defense

42:15 - Percentage of time practicing against a zone defense

44:05 - Area of study as a coach for the upcoming season