The Coaching Tree

The coaches spend some time talking with the top assistant at THE Ohio State University, Coach Ryan Pedon. We discuss his recruiting process, his journey both coaching and playing, what to do during a losing streak, where the hardest place to play in the Big 10 is, who are the best opponents he has faced in his 17 years, and what his offensive and defensive philosophies are. 

The coaches spend some time discussing our interview with Mark Schmidt on our previous cast, what we liked and what we found to be inspiring/shocking about the work ethic of Coach Schmidt. We also dive into the the final episodes of the "Last Dance" and what we thought about the JORDAN DOCUMENTARY. Part B will be out later this weekend where we debate who we think the GOAT really is...

In this episode the coaches welcome in the 2016 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, and the all time wins leader of St. Bonaventure University, Mark Schmidt. Coach Schmidt breaks down his playing days under Gary Williams and Boston Colleges tournament runs (playing against Phi Slama Jama), why he took the St. Bonaventure job, what it takes to build a program from the ground up, his offensive and defensive philosophies, what he looks for in a recruit, game day prep, and why he is viewed as a sandbagger on the golf course. To put it simply... this is a MUST LISTEN! 

Episode #5 features the coaches going in on high school basketball allowing only 8 states to have a shot clock, what our favorite coaching memory is, non negotiable's on defense, the hardest gym we have ever played or coached in, and the budding rivalry between two of the hosts!

In this very special episode I bring on Summit NJ native Wellington Smith. We discuss his high school career (destroying my dream of winning a state title) his transition into a one year stop at Blair Academy and the success that came after. Playing under legendary HOF coaches John Beilein and Bob Huggins at West Virginia University, Wellington and I breakdown the wild ride that was his senior year. Big East champions, playing in a final four, matching up against DeMarcus Cousins, the legendary three hour Huggins practices, and the details that separate good from great teams. Simply put this is a MUST LISTEN!!

The coaches discuss the Wooden Award winner Obi Toppin, if players can drastically improve their draft stock with a light out tournament run, and pick our top 5 players in the last 20 years of college hoops. If that wasn't enough we pick a coach to lead our all star squads. Enjoy the debate!