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Hoop Heads

Hoop Heads Podcast Networkhoopheadspod.com
The Hoop Heads Podcast is co-hosted by Head Start Basketball Founder Mike Klinzing and Coach Jason Sunkle. The Hoop Heads Podcast covers a wide range of basketball topics relevant to coaches, players, and parents. Listen in for interviews with personalities from across the basketball landscape. Our line-up of podcast guests includes some of the top minds in the game across all levels, from grassroots to the NBA. They’ll share insights to help you grow as a coach, improve as a player, or enhance your experience of the game as a parent. You’ll gain new perspectives on what the best coaches are doing, how they do it, and why they do it. We hope to make you think and challenge you to consider your approach to the game of basketball. We’ll also attempt to entertain and inform as we share our thoughts on the NBA and college hoops. We are passionately committed to the Hoop Heads Podcast and growing the game of basketball. Visit our website www.hoopheadspod.com to check out every episode we've ever recorded and learn more about what drives our show! Thank you for being a part of Hoop Heads Nation!Podcast by Hoop Heads
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Episodes

Annie McDonald - Dual Sport Athlete at Spire (OH) Academy & Her Coaches Krista Phillips & Michael Larkin - Episode 1031

Annie McDonald is a dual sport athlete at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio where she competes in both Track & Field and Basketball. Annie grew up in Santa Barbera, California playing a variety of sports before focusing on basketball and track. McDonald has competed in the Junior Olympics twice, in Javelin, Discus and Shot Put. This past summer, she was selected to play on a basketball team that traveled through Europe. Joining Annie on this episode are two of her coaches at Spire, Krista Philli...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 1031

Hannah Dewater - Union Mine (CA) High School Girls' Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1030

Hannah Dewater is the Girls’ Basketball Head Coach at Union Mine High School in El Dorado. California. Hannah previously served as a student manager and then assistant coach at her alma mater, Simpson University. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star ratin...

Nov 29, 202445 minEp. 1030

Who's Thankful for What Around the NBA? - Episode 1029

On this episode of the Hoop Heads Podcast, Mike and Jason discuss what various teams across the NBA are thankful for as the season progresses. They highlight the Cleveland Cavaliers' gratitude for coach Kenny Atkinson, the Orlando Magic's rising star Franz Wagner, and the trade between the Knicks and the Timberwolves, focusing on the impact Karl Anthony Towns and Julius Randle on their new teams. Mike and Jason also highlight the Charlotte Hornets' promising young talents LaMelo Ball and Brandon...

Nov 27, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 1029

Ben Betts - Combine Academy (NC) Boys’ National High School Basketball Team Head Coach - Episode 1028

Ben Betts is the Head Coach of the Boys’ National High School Basketball team at Combine Academy in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Betts has accumulated 34 years of experience as a college coach. After beginning his coaching career at South Carolina State, Betts has been an assistant at College of Charleston, VCU, Oklahoma, Tennessee State, IPFW, Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, and Winthrop. Additionally, he was the head coach of South Carolina State for a three-year stretch from 2003 to 2006 w...

Nov 25, 20241 hr 26 minEp. 1028

"The Triple Double" #14 with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (IL) High School Boys' Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1027

The 14th episode of “The Triple Double” with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (IL) High School Boys’ Basketball Head Coach . Rob, Mike, & Jason hit on three basketball topics in each episode of “The Triple Double”. BLOBs and SLOBs - Philosophy and how to effectively practice them How to handle player and team rankings Game day routines for coaches On this episode Mike and Jason welcome back Rob Brost to discuss the importance of inbounds plays, both offensively and defensively, and how to effectively ...

Nov 22, 202453 minEp. 1027

Celtics End the Cavs' Streak, Milwaukee's Dilemma, & AD for MVP - Episode 1026

On this episode of the Hoop Heads Podcast, Mike and Jason dive deep into Tuesday night's between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. They analyze the performance of both teams, focusing on key players, strategies, and the implications for the season ahead. The conversation also touches on the struggles of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks, exploring their current standings and future prospects. The hosts conclude by discussing the MVP candidates in the league, highlighti...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 1026

Marty Vosters - University of Akron Women's Basketball Graduate Assistant Coach - Episode 1025

Marty Vosters is in his second season as a Women’s Basketball Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of Akron. During the 2024 WNBA season, Marty served as the Head Video Coordinator for the LA Sparks under Head Coach Curt Miller. Marty began his coaching journey at the University of Minnesota where he worked under Coach Lindsay Whalen as a student manager for the women’s basketball team. On this episode Mike & Marty discuss valuable insights into the world of basketball coaching and pla...

Nov 18, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 1025

Round Table 71 - What is something you try to avoid at all costs as a basketball coach? - Episode 1024

Welcome to the 71st edition of the Coach’s Corner Round Table on the Hoop Heads Podcast. Each episode of the Coach’s Corner Round Table will feature our All-Star lineup of guests answering a single basketball question. A new Coach’s Corner Round Table will drop around the 15th of each month. November’s Round Table question is: What is something you try to avoid at all costs as a basketball coach? Our Coaching Lineup this month: Dominic Amorosa – Strake Jesuit (TX) College Prep Jerry Buckley – Bi...

Nov 15, 202427 minEp. 1024

Cavs Undefeated, The NBA Cup, Injuries Galore, & Joker's Hot Start - Episode 1023

On this episode Mike and Jason discuss year two of the NBA Cup and the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive 12-0 start to the season. They analyze the Cavs' roster, coaching changes, and key player performances, particularly focusing on Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. The conversation also touches on the Cavs' upcoming schedule and predictions on whether the Cavs can get to 15-0 or even 20-0. Next, they explore the implications of key injuries across the league before diving into the potential of the...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 1023

Tevin Brown - Texas Legends, NBA G League Affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, Assistant Coach - Episode 1022

Tevin Brown is an assistant coach for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League. He has also served as an assistant for Coach Mike Taylor and the Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League for the past two seasons. Prior to his professional coaching opportunities Tevin worked as a pro skills trainer with Tyler Relph Basketball in Dallas, Texas. He also served as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach and Director of Player Development at the University of Texas at Tyler from 2020-20...

Nov 11, 20241 hr 29 minEp. 1022

Tuck Taylor - Founder of Neuro Beast - Episode 1021

Tuck Taylor is the Founder of Neuro Beast a science-based peak performance company that is designed to give athletes a competitive advantage by optimizing the way they perceive and process information. Taylor helps athletes reach optimal levels through enhancing mind, body, and spirit. Tuck attended Palm Harbor University High School where he went on to earn both an athletic and academic scholarship to the University of West Florida. At UWF, Tuck majored in exercise science and graduated with ho...

Nov 08, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 1021

Cavs & Thunder Still Unbeaten, Bucks & Sixers in Trouble - Episode 1020

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive start to the season, the resurgence of Darius Garland, and the overall landscape of the Eastern Conference. They also touch on the impact of injuries and load management on player performance and team dynamics, while engaging in a fun trivia game inspired by the election night. Mike & Jason hit on the current state of various NBA teams, focusing on the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, the potentia...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 1020

Jordon Klein - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball Assistant Coach - Episode 1019

Jordon Klein is in his first season as a Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Klein spent the previously served as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Cornell College in Iowa under Dave Schlabaugh. Klein began his coaching career at the high school level while still working as a CFO in the business world. Jordon has also worked as a camp clinician at Snow Valley Basketball School and USA Basketball Gold Camps. On this episode Klein shares his unique jo...

Nov 04, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 1019

Heidi Messer - Oklahoma Wesleyan University Women's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1018

Heidi Messer is in her third season as the Women’s Basketball Head Coach at NAIA Oklahoma Wesleyan University. From 2017 until joining the Oklahoma Wesleyan staff, Messer was an assistant coach and the women’s basketball strength and conditioning coach at Northeastern State in Oklahoma. She spent two seasons at the University of Montevallo from 2015 – 2017 and was an assistant coach and the Senior Woman Administrator at Manchester University from 2012 -2014. Heidi also served as a graduate assis...

Nov 01, 202451 minEp. 1018

The NBA's Scariest Storylines Through Week One - Episode 1017

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss the scariest storylines in the NBA, including the infamous Dwyane Wade statue, the negative impact of Karl-Anthony Towns with the Knicks, the concerning performance of the Denver Nuggets, the promising start of the Los Angeles Lakers under new coach JJ Reddick and the struggles of the Milwaukee Bucks. They also compare the performances of Tyrese Halliburton and Darius Garland, highlighting the implications for their respective teams, the Indiana Pacers an...

Oct 30, 202455 minEp. 1017

Seth Goodlaxson - GameChanger Senior Product Manager - Episode 1016

Seth Goodlaxson is the Senior Product Manager at GameChanger. Seth has extensive experience in product management with a particular passion for sports technology. GameChanger’s Film Room feature enhances the coaching experience, making it easier for coaches to capture and analyze game footage, ultimately leading to better player development and team performance. On this episode Mike and Seth talk about GameChanger’s innovative Film Room feature designed to enhance the coaching experience in yout...

Oct 28, 202450 minEp. 1016

Katie Pate - George Mason University - Senior Associate AD, Director of Development - Episode 1015

Katie Pate is the Senior Associate AD and Director of Development at George Mason University. Throughout her career within intercollegiate athletics, Pate has excelled in many leadership positions as a head basketball coach, a broadcaster, an external relations leader, and a fundraiser. She previously worked in athletic administration for both Appalachian State and Longwood University. In addition to her administrative success, Pate had several coaching stops, including head coaching positions w...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 1015

24-25 Season Preview: Tiers of the NBA - Episode 1014

On this episode Mike & Jason preview the 2024-25 NBA Season by dividing all 30 teams into the following tiers. We can win it We think we can win it Playoffs Play-in Just Plain Bad Capture the Flagg Visit our Sponsors! Dr. Dish Basketball Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training this off-season with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shooting machines. Unsure about budget? Dr. Dish offers schools-only Buy Now, Pa...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 26 minEp. 1014

"The Triple Double" #13 with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (IL) High School Boys' Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1013

The 13th episode of “The Triple Double” with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (IL) High School Boys’ Basketball Head Coach . Rob, Mike, & Jason hit on three basketball topics in each episode of “The Triple Double”. Getting done what you need to get done and how that impacts the length of practice When, where, how, and why to use music in your practices Most overrated and underrated in-game coaching skills and decisions On this episode, Mike and Jason welcome back Rob Brost, head boys basketball coach ...

Oct 21, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 1013

Round Table 70 - What is the biggest challenge you face during preseason practice and how do you overcome it? - Episode 1012

Welcome to the 70th edition of the Coach’s Corner Round Table on the Hoop Heads Podcast. Each episode of the Coach’s Corner Round Table will feature our All-Star lineup of guests answering a single basketball question. A new Coach’s Corner Round Table will drop around the 15th of each month. October’s Round Table question is: What is the biggest challenge you face during preseason practice and how do you overcome it? Our Coaching Lineup this month: Jake Boyd – Luther College Jerry Buckley – Bish...

Oct 18, 202426 minEp. 1012

NBA Wins & Losses Draft - Episode 1011

On this episode Mike & Jason conduct their annual NBA Wins & Losses Draft during which they select all 30 teams choosing either the team's total wins or losses. Those totals are added up at the end of the season to determine the winner with a pizza dinner on the line. Visit our Sponsors! Dr. Dish Basketball Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you transform your team’s training this off-season with exclusive offers of up to $4,000 OFF their Rebel+, All-Star+, and CT+ shoot...

Oct 16, 202437 minEp. 1011

Aisha Foy - NIL Coach & Founder of Major NIL Success - Episode 1010

Aisha Foy is an NIL Coach who support athletes in building their brands, achieving their goals, and positioning them for NIL opportunities through her NIL Consulting Program, Major NIL Success. She is the author of the book, “Success is My Major”. Aisha began her coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State University in 2016, She was also the Director of Recruiting for Kentucky Women's Basketball from 2018 – 2023. Aisha played her college basketball at Radford Unive...

Oct 14, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 1010

Jeff Clark - Indiana Wesleyan University Men's Basketball Associate Head Coach - Episode 1009

Jeff Clark is the Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at NAIA Indiana Wesleyan University. In his 17 seasons the Wildcats have posted a record of 481-116 which includes 3 NAIA National Championships under Head Coach Greg Tonagel. Indiana Wesleyan has also made 4 NAIA Semifinal Appearances and 10 NAIA Quarterfinal Appearances. Clark serves as the Serves as both the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator and is known as a great coach of people who knows how to lead young men to be the ...

Oct 11, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 1009

NBA Western Conference Over/Unders - Episode 1008

On this episode, Mike and Jason discuss the upcoming NBA season, focusing on the Western Conference teams and their over/under win totals. They analyze each team's roster, coaching changes, and potential for success or failure. The conversation highlights the competitive nature of the Western Conference and the challenges each team faces as they battle for regular season wins and playoff seeding. Visit our Sponsors! Dr. Dish Basketball Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are here to help you tran...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 1008

Darin Ford - Nordonia (OH) High School Boys' Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1007

Darin Ford is the Boys’ Basketball Head Coach at Nordonia High School in the state of Ohio. He spent the past two seasons as an assistant at Westlake (OH) High School. As a high school head coach in New York and Florida Ford compiled a 41-29 record over three seasons. Darin has also had several stints as a college coach including stops at Indian River State College, Pratt Community College, and the University of Akron where he served as a graduate assistant. Ford's father Geno is currently the h...

Oct 07, 20241 hr 26 minEp. 1007

Liam Jefferson - Oaklands Wolves English Basketball Club Men's Head Coach - Episode 1006

Liam Jefferson is the Head Coach of the Oaklands Wolves Basketball Club in the U.K. He also serves as a coaching clinician for Transforming Basketball working camps and clinics all over the world teaching a conceptual style of play utilizing the Constraints-Led Approach and underpinned by ecological dynamics. Liam previously served one season as the Head Coach of the London Lions in U.K. Prior to his time with the Lions he spent 11 years working for Loughborough Sport in various coaching positio...

Oct 04, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 1006

NBA Eastern Conference Over/Unders - Episode 1005

On this episode, Mike and Jason discuss the upcoming NBA season, focusing on the Eastern Conference teams and their over/under win totals. They analyze each team's roster, coaching changes, and potential for success or failure. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the Atlanta Hawks' transition, the Boston Celtics' chemistry issues, the Brooklyn Nets' struggles, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' potential as a lock for the over. The hosts also touch on the Miami Heat's health concerns,...

Oct 02, 20241 hr 29 minEp. 1005

Steve Breitenstein - Sports Performance & Leadership Coach from Winning Leader - Episode 1004

Steve Breitenstein from Winning Leader has been coaching in a variety of settings for 20 years, spending the last 12 years as a sports performance coach in the private sector. He also coaches leadership development with Jeremy Boone and co-hosts “The Business of Speed” podcast. Steve previously served as the Director of Coaching at TCBOOST Sports Performance. Beyond coaching speed development at a high level, Steve is an expert at leading and developing a staff and interns, small business develo...

Sep 30, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 1004

Bill Fenlon - Retired DePauw University Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1003

Bill Fenlon, the winningest head coach in DePauw University men's basketball history amassed 585 wins, 6 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 7 conference championships in 37 seasons overall as a collegiate head coach including 30 at DePauw. Fenlon previously coached seven seasons as a head coach at Sewanee, Rose-Hulman, and Southwestern University (Texas). He retired in 2022 as the 4th winningest active coach in Division 3. Fenlon was recognized as the 2021 Jack Bennett Award recipient which is pre...

Sep 27, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 1003

Embiid's Extension, Woj Retires, & What Players Might Change Teams in the Next 12 Months? - Episode 1002

On this episode Mike and Jason discuss Joel Embiid's contract extension and Woj's out of nowhere retirement from ESPN. Next, they look back at their predictions from last September about potential player movement (Jason 6 of 12 correct, Mike 4 of 12 correct) before discussing where the following players might end up a year from today in September of 2025. Brandon Ingram LeBron James Jimmy Butler Trae Young Giannis Antetokounmpo Julius Randle LaMelo Ball Lauri Markkanen Alperen Sengun/Jalen Green...

Sep 25, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 1002
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