Creative Coaching Podcast

🚨🚨🙏🏽GRATITUDE ALERT!!!🙏🏽🚨🚨

🚨HCTC's 10th Anniversary Celebration is ONLY 12 DAYS AWAY!🎊 🔥Elite level professional development & networking for head coaches, assistant coaches, & athletic administrators🏀 ⏳ Registration is limited - secure your spot now! 📆 May 27–29, 2026 ☀️ Hilton Orlando (Orlando, FL) #HCTC26 #ACTC26 #WBLC26 🔗 Register: headcoachtc.com (Link in bio)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Founder, CEO & President JL

The best athletes I’ve ever coached are not the most talented. There’s a big difference between being talented and being a pro. The athletes I’ve worked with who have won UFC world championships, Cy Young Awards, and batting titles… They weren’t always the most gifted in the

At 18 the goal shouldn’t be to “get a bag.” Nothing wrong with getting compensated for work (I had a job at 13 years old), however developing a work ethic and growth is needed more at this stage. A “bag” with no work ethic/growth will become empty. However a person with a workout and growth will always have a “bag” with something in it. Don’t lose sight as to what helps more in the long run

🚨ICYDK: Debut of “After Practice”🚨 🗣️ 1 on 1 piece with College Coaches, that goes beyond the hardwood. 🎤 Special Guest is @SFA_MBB Associate HC @JimmyBoxSmith 🎥: ONLY on our IG LIVE 🔥Former D3 Head Coach. Over 200 wins, deep ties to the #210 & the #Tri-Regions #AlamoCityHoops #FYP #TapIn

@CoachLRamirez @_RuizJorge1 Great addition.

Congrats ! @_RuizJorge1

Luke!!!!!!!!! The future is bright with this guy.

Long live KEN BURMEISTER. Thank you for EVERYTHING coach. We miss you. We love you. You will never be forgotten. Energy, passion, charisma, and offensive genius is unmatched. 🕊️🏀 Iowa, Arizona, Loyola, UTSA, Incarnate Word.

@trigonis30 I’m extremely saddened to hear this. 🙏🏽 for the family.

One of the most dominant SoCal HS low post players over the past 30 years. Great career at Stanford & solid NBA player. Harvard-Westlake HS grad was also a model citizen & Great guy from a terrific family. Gone way too soon. Condolences to his Family espn.com/nba/story/_/id…

🗣️ When I talk to people about Networking and the correlation to obtaining a new job; I almost always discuss what I call the Hiring Pyramid for staff positions within college basketball. 1️⃣ Top Section (Closest to the Sun/ person making the hire, which would be the Head Coach): • The Head Coach directly Knows and Trusts You… therefore they make the process quick and relatively seamless. Likely never truly opening the position to the public. (This is the highest priority section to be in for obtaining job chances) 2️⃣ Middle Section: • Someone in the Head Coach’s Inner Circle Knows and Trusts You. If the Head Coach doesn’t know exactly who they want, they move on to this layer. They ask their close friends or people in their inner circle who might be good options to fill the position. (Good place to be, likely assistant coaches on their staff or other coaches they’ve worked directly with) 3️⃣ Bottom Section: • Once the Head Coach surpasses the first two layers they move on to the final section, where they officially open the position to the public and start reviewing resumes before choosing the best options to interview for the position. ‼️ Networking should be building strong relationships… and then over time you eventually fall in the top two sections with as many people in your respective region as possible. So when job opportunities come open coaches think of you and are willing to put your name forward! Networking shouldn’t always be about jobs, but it’s essentially just a part of it. ✔️ Not everyone is the right hire for every job, due to experience, skillset etc. but if you are NOT consistently expanding your network you will fall into the bottom section more times then not. The bottom section is the most difficult in landing a new position as a lot of things have to fall in place for you to get to an interview. 🤝 Get out of your comfort zone, connect with new people then work to maintain the connection.

@BDStan @asbglassfloor @ShotTracker @HeadCoachTC Amazing technology.

#HCTC26 will be back at @asbglassfloor's Athlete's Lab for another mixer sponsored by @ShotTracker & @asbglassfloor! Register for @HeadCoachTC 👉 headcoachtc.com

Mark your calendars. Upcoming list releases from Silver Waves Media will be rolling out soon.

Great job by our guy @CoachGabeLazo @UCF_WBB

This is the room so far and we’re just getting started. More speakers will be announced during the NBA Playoffs, with our VIP Experience coming soon. 📍 Las Vegas 📅 July 13–14 🎟 Secure your seat → purebasketballexperience.com

🚨Jobs this week! Check out all of our job postings on Women Leaders Job Board: Executive Associate Athletics Director for Advancement & Executive Directive, Hokies Club (Virginia Tech): bit.ly/4u8RyQT Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Business & Finance (University of Maryland): bit.ly/4cWySOb Athletic Trainer (Waldorf University): bit.ly/4dvTehn Assistant Men's Soccer Coach (Waldolf University): bit.ly/4uziCbK Head ACHA D1 Hockey Coach (Waldolf University): bit.ly/4eAgE6s

Dedrique Taylor, the reigning Big West Coach of the Year, has signed a two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season!🏀 #TusksUp

@LinkHoops @CoachMikePeck Field trip!

Brand New Gym Nearing Completion! What does this mean? Next Fall Link Academy will have 3 Full Gyms with no other activities or groups to share them with. 24/7 Access to a Gym(s) less than 150yds from your dorm! #NoExcuses

I take notes on every introductory press conference I watch. NFL, NBA, MLB, College Sports... Just trying to excavate any bit of value that leader may share. Here are my Notes from new @chicagobulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Bryson Graham: Opening Statement: -"This place impacted my life. I've always chased what this organization represented. Greatness. I wanted that. It carried over into every aspect of my life. My work ethic, my determination, my grit. I wanted that." -Overwhelmed with emotion, because this place means so much to him. Grew up a Bulls fan. Will move with that purpose and responsibility in mind and honor every decision with that same emotion and drive. "There's a kid out there just like me that can be inspired by this organization. And keep climbing. And that's what we're going to do. Pull our sleeves up, get to work, and get it out of the mud. I'm not afraid of the work." -Thanks his wife for her sacrifices. She has a big role in this day. Wants to lead with that level of gratitude and appreciation. -Wants to build this the right way. Bottom line is we want to win championships, and build a culture that can sustain a high level of competitiveness in this league. "We're going to do that with the right people, that can create the right culture, and we're going to put the right team on the floor." On his vision for the Bulls franchise: -Not afraid to disagree with people. That mentality will trickle down into his staff. "Philosophically I believe there is no bad idea, I want to hear from everyone in the room. I've always been someone who's going to share my opinion." -Wants open, collaborative, and communicative organization. Everyone that will be in the room will have something that can add to the decision. -Going to Build It the Right Way, the Hard Way. -Has autonomy to build it his way over time. -“Bamboo effect” 🎋 (slow growth, then rapid payoff) - Rebuild ≠ quick fix, it’s a long-term process. -The word Rebuild also comes with tear down association, which he doesn't like. Wants to be a championship caliber team, and every year will be "building" toward that. Going to take time and patience. -Most failed organizations rush outcomes and skip foundations. -Wants to signal patience with purpose in everything they do as an organization. On What Sold Him On The Job: Didn't have to be sold: “There are only 30 of these jobs… it’s the Chicago Bulls” -Respects the Responsibility. -He understands the weight of the position, and isn’t taking it lightly. Approaches the role with gratitude and respect. -The best leaders don’t act entitled to the role, but instead they feel accountable to it. -When you respect the opportunity, you prepare differently. Urgency increases. Standards collectively rise. On his approach as a leader: -Humility is going to be key “If I’m the smartest person in the room, we’re going to fail” -Intends to hire smart people in key areas “It’s not about me, it’s about the Bulls as a whole.” -He’s building a collective intelligence model, not a top-down ego system. Values his people’s opinions. -Your ceiling as a leader is capped by your willingness to share control. -Surround yourself with people who challenge you, not people who validate you. On What He Learned In New Orleans About Ownership & Accountability: -Learned from David Griffin: “Have skin in the game on decisions” -Decisions must carry responsibility. Naturally you'll make better decisions. -He values people who own outcomes (good or bad), not just contribute ideas. -Accountability isn’t about blame, it’s about alignment between decision and consequence. -Enable people, but make sure they feel the weight of what they decide. What he’s looking for in a Coach and their Players: -Will have a process that is built on Clarity in Standards -Coaches: smart, leaders, high character, well-rounded in their basketball acumen. -Players: size, length, athleticism, physicality (especially defensively) -His job isn’t just evaluate talent, but also define what fits. -If you don’t define your standards, you’ll default to someone else’s. On his journey: -Keeps a photo of himself as an intern unloading boxes -Reminder of his journey, reminder that he has to work everyday. That’s who he is. Doesn’t mind doing the little things that are necessary. -Never Outgrew the work. “Position is just a title, the work is what matters. Had to be able to roll up his sleeves because we’re at the ground floor.” -He’s anchoring himself in humility and effort. -The moment you think you’re above the work is the moment you disconnect from your team. -Stay close to the details. Leaders who understand the grind earn trust from their teams faster. On his confidence as the leader of the Chicago Bulls: -Earned Confidence (Didn’t Skip Steps) -Worked all the way from intern, every role possible, to GM “I believe I’m ready but you never know you’re ready like having a kid until you get there. Feels the same way." -Started as an intern, worked his way up every role all the way up to GM. Gives him confidence he didn’t skip steps and can now step into another new role. -His confidence comes from experience, not entitlement. -True confidence can only come from your work! -Don’t wait to feel ready. Prepare, become the best version of yourself where you’re at, and then you naturally grow into the next role. On what his prerequisites are for hiring a Coach or drafting Players: -Will bet on People, not checklists. “Find the most talented person, and if you believe in them then that’s the person for the role.” -No strict prerequisites for hires or picks. -Find the most talented person and trust your belief. -He values instinct + conviction over rigid systems. -Great organizations don’t just follow criteria—they recognize potential. -Hire and invest in people you believe in, then build systems around them. Overall BG wasn't just talking about building a roster with the #Bulls, he’s talking about building an ecosystem that all Chicago residents can be proud of. Patient, but intentional. Humble, but decisive. Grounded in work, but driven by vision.

I’m very honored and thoroughly thankful for this tremendous opportunity to be the new head boys basketball coach at Higley high school in Gilbert, AZ. I want to thank our Principal Mr. Banach, our Athletic Director Mr. Dillie, hiring committee and the whole Higley HS community.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Alfredo Cardona is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Springfield Technical Community College, known for rapidly rebuilding the program into a competitive force. In just his first three seasons, he has led the Rams to back-to-back playoff appearances, including a nine-game improvement and the program’s highest conference win total since 2019–2020. His impact extends beyond wins, developing all-league players and Academic All-Americans while building a nationally recruited roster and a strong, winning culture. “Be flexible in your approach and realize that each player is his own canvas. You can’t paint them all with the same brush and building strong personal relationships will create incredible buy-in and trust.” “I joined the LABC to be part of the largest network of Latino Basketball Coaches whose purpose is to provide a platform of support, encouragement, and opportunity. The LABC has allowed me to take advantage of networking opportunities to continue my life long learning in the sport. The presentations from other coaches serve as inspiration towards this career and I will utilize all available resources when applicable.”