Hoop Threads
By Aaron Proia
You see where they're at now, tap in to learn about their journey to the top.
Hoop ThreadsAug 15, 2020
Prospect Spotlight: Adrien Stevens '25 G Bullis/WeR1
Best sports drink
PS5, Xbox or PC
Best basketball and non-hooping shoe
Favorite meal: entree, app, dessert, drink/best meal they can make
Favorite basketball environment (other than home court)
What’s the lore behind your fake game winning shots?
Tell me about your first dunk
5:00 Who do you model your game after?
6:00 Strengths/Weaknesses
6:45 Game day
8:30 Choosing Bullis
10:00 Facing adversity
11:30 Gym schedule
13:00 Contributing to winning
13:45 Underrated abilities
14:15 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
15:45 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
16:45 What do you value?
17:45 College criteria
20:30 Off-court plans and hobbies
21:30 Give me your goals for this season
22:15 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
23:15 What sets the DMV apart
24:30 What is your why?
Prospect Spotlight: Jayden Hodge
’26 6’6 G St. Rose/ PSA
:30 Moving to America
1:00 Who do you model your game after?
1:30 First dunk
2:00 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:45 Differences in the game
4:00 Facing adversity
4:45 Habits
5:45 What parts of your game have you been working on the most?
6:15 What do you do that makes you stand out from the competition?
7:00 Undervalued parts of your game
7:45 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
8:45 Go-to move with the game on the line
9:15 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
10:00 What do you value?
11:00 College criteria
11:45 Interests and hobbies off the court
12:45 Give me your goals for this season
14:00 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
14:15 1v1 with Matt
15:00 What is your why?
Prospect Spotlight: David Lunn ’27 6’4 Volcano Vista/Thrill
David Lunn ’27 6’4 Volcano Vista/Thrill 0:30 Warm Up 3:30 Who do you model your game after? 4:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 5:30 How do you prepare for each game day-of? 6:30 Differences between High School/Middle School level 7:00 Facing adversity 7:45 Gym schedule 8:30 What do you do that makes you stand out from the competition? 9:00 Tell me a part of your game that flies under the radar or is undervalued 9:45 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable? 10:30 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop? 11:30 What do you value? 13:00 College criteria 13:45 Outside interests/career goal 14:15 Goals 15:15 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court? 15:45 What sets the DMV apart 17:00 What you wish people knew about you? 18:00 What is your why?
Episode 102: Bruce Kelley of Bullis School
Spoke with Coach Kelley about growing up in Miami, playing at Catholic U, his first few coaching jobs, Bullis, thoughts on development and standards, and so much more!
0:40 Growing up in Miami
3:30 Gonzaga
5:30 American
6:30 Prospect Hall
8:45 Bullis
14:15 Bullis Recruiting
17:00 Transfers
21:15 Development
23:30 Depth
25:15 Adrien Stevens
27:15 Erik Reynolds
30:30 Pregame talks
34:00 MAC+IAC?
35:30 What sets the DMV apart
37:30 Players that made you lose the most sleep
40:00 24-25 Team
45:00 Quick Hitters
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @brucekelley1
Prospect Spotlight: '27 Brandon Woodard of Lanham Christian
0:30 First dunk
1:00 Who do you model your game after?
1:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:15 Playing at the HS level
3:15 Facing adversity
3:30 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
4:15 Habits
4:45 What do you do that makes you stand out from the competition?
5:45 Under-valued parts of game
6:30 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
7:30 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
8:00 What do you value?
8:45 Tell me about your Interests and hobbies off the court
9:30 Goals
10:00 Happiest moment on a basketball court
10:45 What sets the DMV apart
11:30 What is your why?
Prospect Spotlight: Tristen Wilson of OLMC/Team Thrill
0:30 Who put the basketball in your hands?
1:00 Who do you model your game after?
1:15 Biggest improvements
2:15 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:30 Undervalued part of your game
3:00 Differences in the game at the HS level
3:30 HS vs Aau
4:15 Facing adversity
5:00 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
6:00 What matchup do you look forward to the most?
6:30 What do you do that makes you stand out from the competition?
7:00 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
7:30 What do you value?
8:00 What has your coach been challenging you to do this year?
9:00 Interests and hobbies
9:45 College criteria
10:15 Give me your goals for this season
10:45 College interest
11:00 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
11:45 What sets this area apart?
12:15 What is your why?
Prospect Spotlight: Anthony Thompson
’26 6’7 Lebanon/Indy Elite (OH)
0:30 First dunk
1:30 Who do you model your game after?
2:00 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:45 AAU vs HS basketball
3:00 Facing adversity
4:00 Difference in role with Lebanon vs Indy Elite
5:00 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
5:45 Habits
7:15 What do you do that makes you stand out from the competition?
8:00 Impacting the game
8:30 Undervalued parts of your game
9:00 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
11:00 Values
11:30 Recruiting
13:15 College criteria
14:00 Interests and hobbies off the court
15:30 Goals
16:00 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
16:30 What sets Ohio apart
17:30 What is your why?
Episode 98: Mid-Year Prep Hoops MD Round-Up with Adam Ayalew
0:30 '25 Prospects that could end up T-100
3:00 Impact freshmen
7:00 Breakout teams
11:00 Surprising teams
12:00 Teams we are not giving up on
14:00 Slept-on prospects
15:30 COY Early Favorites
17:45 Available '24 Prospects
19:00 High Academic Prospects
23:30 Best Shooters
25:30 Top role players
29:30 Breakout candidates in the '26 + '27 class
35:00 Best long-term prospects
40:00 Clutch time bucket getters
Host: @ Proia
Guest: @ayalewadam
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Prospect Spotlight: Miles Franklin '25 6'5 St. Andrew's/VA Elite
0:30 Basketball beginnings
1:15 Who do you model your game after?
2:00 Biggest improvements
3:15 Differences in the game at the HS level for
5:30 Roles
6:15 Adversity
8:30 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
10:00 Daily habits
13:00 Undervalued parts of your game
14:15 What do you value?
15:30 Interests and hobbies
17:00 College criteria
19:30 Goals
21:00 What sets the DMV apart
22:15 What is your why?
Prospect Spotlight: Darius Bivins of Alexandria City/Washington Warriors
Darius Bivins Episode 96
’26 5’10 PG Alexandria City/Washington Warriors
1:30 Who put the basketball in your hands?
2:15 Who do you model your game after?
3:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
4:30 Levels
5:30 3SSB circuit bump
6:30 Facing adversity
7:15 Talk about the difference in your role with Alexandria city and Washington Warriors
7:45 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
8:30 Habits
9:15 Gym schedule
10:00 What matchup do you look forward to the most?
10:30 What do you do that makes you stand out from the competition?
11:15 Undervalued aspect of your game
11:45 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
13:30 What do you value?
14:30 College criteria
15:15 Interests and hobbies
16:00 Give me your goals for this season
16:30 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
17:00 what sets the DMV apart
17:30 What is your why?
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @dariusbivens26
Prospect Spotlight: Josh Leonard of Upward Stars SC/Wilson HS
Joshua Leonard Episode 95
’27 6’6 Wilson HS (SC) Upward Stars 15s
0:30 First dunk
1:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:15 Differences in the game at the HS level for
3:00 Facing adversity
3:30 Difference in role with Wilson vs Upward Stars
4:30 Habits
5:00 Gym schedule
8:30 Values
9:00 Hobbies
9:45 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
10:15 Camp invites
12:30 College checklists
14:00 What is your why?
Episode 94: Marshall Cho
1:00 Basketball beginnings
3:00 Harlem+ South Bronx
5:15 Mozambique basketball camps
9:00 DeMatha
13:00 Trusting your coaching voice
18:00 Hoop Summit
23:00 Working with NBA guys
29:00 Staples of your program
34:00 Building habits
36:00 Prioritizing mental health
39:00 Trusting your players
42:30 “See it say it”
49:30 Quick hitters
1:03:30 What do you want your legacy to be?
Prospect Spotlight: Jalen Rougier-Roane '26 6'5 G Sidwell/ Team Takeover
:30 First dunk
1:00 Selecting Sidwell
3:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
4:30 Who do you model your game after?
5:00 Lacrosse
6:00 Differences in the game at the HS level for AAU+school ball vs middle school
7:00 Facing adversity
8:00 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
9:00 Difference in your role with Sidwell vs TTO
9:45 Best habit you have in your daily routine
10:45 Gym schedule
11:45 What matchup do you look forward to the most?
12:30 Contributing to winning
13:00 Impacting the game
14:00 Tell me a part of your game that flies under the radar or is undervalued
15:00 What position do you see yourself playing/guarding at the next level?
15:30 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
16:00 Go-to move with the game on the line
16:45 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
17:15 What do you value?
18:15 Interests and hobbies off the court
19:00 College criteria
21:00 Give me your goals for this season
21:45 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
23:00 what sets the DMV apart
23:45 What is your why?
24:30 Schools recruiting him the hardest
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @jalenrougier
Prospect Spotlight: RJ Smith '26 5'8 PG Imhotep/NJ Scholars
We spoke with sophomore floor general RJ Smith about choosing Imhotep, developing as a PG, playing with other PGs, and much more
0:30 Best crossover
1:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:00 HS basketball
2:45 Selecting Imhotep
3:15 Playing with Ahmad Nowell+ Rahmir Barno
4:15 Facing adversity
5:00 Difference in role with Imhotep+ NJ Scholars
5:30 Hardest worker
6:00 Daily habits
6:30 Gym schedule
7:00 Contributing to winning at the college level
7:30 Impacting the game off the ball
7:45 Tell me a part of your game that flies under the radar or is undervalued
8:30 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
9:30 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
10:00 What do you value?
10:30 Interests and hobbies
10:45 Give me your goals for this season
11:00 Happiest moment on a basketball court
11:45 Philly basketball
13:00 Zair Muhammed
14:00 Munir Greig
15:30 What is your why?
Twitter:
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @rj2smith
Prospect Spotlight: Angelo Dickerson '26 CG Bullis/ DC Premier
0:30 First dunk
1:45 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:30 Who do you model your game after?
3:00 Differences in the game at the HS level for AAU+school ball vs middle school
3:45 Facing adversity
5:30 Difference in role with Bullis vs DC Premier
8:00 Habits
8:45 Gym schedule
9:30 Favorite matchup
10:00 Contributing to winning
10:30 Your greatest value to the team right now is your perimeter shooting, what have you learned about taking the right shot and impacting the game outside of shooting?
10:45 Tell me a part of your game that flies under the radar or is undervalued
11:45 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
12:30 Go-to move with the game on the line
13:00 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
13:30 Values
14:30 College criteria
15:30 Interests and hobbies off the court
16:00 Goals
16:45 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
17:30 Invite-only camps
18:00 What sets the DMV apart?
18:30 What is your why?
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @ad3_2026
Prospect Spotlight: Dean Rueckert of Timpview/Utah Prospects
2:00 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:30 Who do you model your game after?
3:00 High school basketball
3:15 Facing adversity
4:00 Difference in role with Timpview vs Utah Prospects
5:00 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
5:30 Habits
6:00 Gym schedule
6:45 Favorite matchup
7:00 Standing out from the competition
7:30 Impacting the game outside of shooting
8:15 Undervalued aspects of his game
8:30 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
9:00 Go-to move
10:00 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
10:30 What do you value?
11:45 College criteria
12:00 Interests and hobbies off the court
12:30 Happiest moment on a basketball court
13:30 Goals
14:00 What sets Utah basketball apart
15:30 What is your why?
Twitter:
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod
Guest: @dean_rueckert
Prospect Spotlight: Gabe Weis of Washington County/Phenom United
We spoke with Gabe about his development, role on HS team vs AAU, daily habits, recruiting, and much more!
0:30 First dunk
1:00 Who do you model your game after?
1:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:15 Adversity
3:15 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
4:00 Habits
4:30 Gym schedule
5:00 Favorite Matchup
5:30 Playing at a public HS
6:15 Difference in role with Washington County vs Phenom United
7:15 Contributing to winning at the college level
8:15 Undervalued part of your game
9:15 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
9:45 Go-to move with the game on the line
10:15 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
10:45 What do you value?
11:30 College recruiting/selection criteria
12:30 Interests and hobbies
13:00 Happiest moment on a basketball court?
13:30 Goals
15:30 What is your why?
Twitter:
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod
Guest: @weisgabe
Prospect Spotlight: Braylon Mullins of Greenfield Central HS/Indiana Elite
’25 6’5 Greenfield Central HS/Indiana Elite 16u 0:30 First dunk 1:00 Who do you model your game after? 2:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 2:45 Facing adversity 3:30 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around? 4:15 Daily routine and gym schedule 6:00 Favorite matchup 6:45 Difference in role with Greenfield Central vs Indiana Elite 7:45 Impacting the game outside of shooting 8:15 Tell me a part of your game that flies under the radar or is undervalued 9:00 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable? 9:45 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop? 10:30 What do you value? 11:15 Who is recruiting you the hardest? 12:15 College criteria 13:00 Interests and hobbies off the court 13:30 Goals for this season 14:30 What sets Indiana apart? 15:00 What is your why? Host: @pr0ia Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod Guest: @mullins_braylon
Prospect Spotlight: Semetri Carr of The Branson School/Oakland Soldiers
Spoke with Semetri about his career, daily habits, recruitment, interests off the court, and so much more
0:30 Tell me about your first dunk
1:00 Who do you model your game after?
3:00 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
3:30 Father’s influence
4:15 Routine
5:15 Favorite matchup
5:45 Difference in your role with Branson vs Oakland Soldiers
6:15 Contributing to winning at the college level
7:00 Undervalued parts of his game
7:45 Go-to move with the game on the line
8:45 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
9:30 Playing with Jace Butler
10:00 Peach Jam
10:45 Open NCS
11:30 What do you value?
12:00 Interests and hobbies off the court
12:45 Who is recruiting you the hardest?
13:30 Goals
14:30 College selection criteria
15:15 West coast hoopers
15:45 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?
16:15 What is your why?
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod
Guest: @semetri_carr
Prospect Spotlight: Ty'onne Farrell of MSJ/Melo
20p 7r 2a 1.5s .5b 50% FG in 8 games of DMV Live
We spoke with Ty about his development at MSJ, experience with Team Melo, recruiting, his daily habits, his "why" and much more
:30 First dunk
1:45 Strengths/Weaknesses
2:15 Facing adversity
2:30 Who’s the hardest worker you’ve ever been around?
3:00 Routine
4:00 Difference in your role with MSJ vs Melo
4:45 Contributing to winning at the college level
5:00 Underrated part of his game
5:45 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?
6:30 Go-to move with the game on the line
6:45 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?
7:00 Who is recruiting you the hardest?
7:30 What do you value?
8:00 Interests and hobbies off the court/ plans after basketball?
9:00 Individual goals
10:00 Where do you hope this game takes you?
10:15 Happiest moment on a basketball court
10:30 What is your why?
13:00 College interests
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Podcast: @HoopThreads
PodGuest: @tyonnefarrell
Episode 86: Hoop Threads NBA Mock Draft
Completed a full first round mock draft with a panel of experts
0:30 Intros and hottest draft takes 8:30 (1) - Jordan, SAS Victor Wembenyama 9:45 (2) - Sollenne, CHA Scoot Henderson 10:45 (3) - Zach , POR Brandon miller 11:30 (4) - Garrett , HOU Cason Wallace 13:30 (5) - CG, DET Cam Whitmore 16 :30 (6) - Larry, ORL Ausar thompson 18:00 (7) - Zach, IND Jarace Walker 19:30 (8) - Garrett, WAS Anthony Black 21:00 (9) - Jordan, UTA Amen Thompson 22:30(10) - Sollenne, DAL Kobe Bufkin 25:00 (11) - Zach, ORL Taylor hendricks 26:45 (12) - Sollenne , OKC Jordan Hawkins 27:45 (13) - CG, TOR Grady Dick
30:00 (14) - Larry, NOP Dereck lively 31:15 (15) - Garrett, ATL Bilal coubilaly 32:45 (16) - Zach, UTA Dariq whitehead 35:45 (17) - Jordan, LAL Jett Howard 37:30 (18) - Sollenne, MIA Nick Smith 40:00 (19) - CG , GSW Leonard miller 41:15 (20) - Zach , HOU Sidy Sissoko 42:30 (21) - CG, BKN Kris Murray 44:15 (22) - Larry, BKN Brandin Podziemski 45:00 (23) - Garrett, POR Keyonte George 46:00 (24) - Zach, SAC Ben Sheppard 47:45 (25) - Jordan, MEM Jalen Hood-Schifino 49:45 (26) - Sollenne, IND Olivier Maxence-Prosper 50:45 (27) - Garrett, CHA Brice Sensabaugh 53:00 (28) - Jordan, UTA GG Jackson 54:00 (29) - CG, IND Rayan Rupert 56:00 (30) - Larry, LAC Jordan Walsh
56:30 Which prospect’s outcome will depend the heaviest on where he goes?
1:05:30 2nd Rounder/UDFA/Sleeper Pick
Twitter:
Host: @pr0ia
Guests: @tsollenne, @bilo_lc, @cgraham_sports, @_larrohoops, @halfawaketakes, @Z_Dubz26
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Prospect Spotlight: Ty'Ron Bevins
In this newest episode of the Prospect Spotlight in conjunction with OWE Hoops, we spoke with Ty about his progression as a player, goals for the upcoming season, what he's been working on the most, putting on for PG County, and so much more
0:30 First dunk
1:00 Basketball role models
1:30 Being coached by his mother
2:00 Facing adversity
2:30 Gym schedule
4:00 What makes him stand out
5:00 Go-to move with the game on the line
5:45 Undervalued parts of his game
6:15 Interests and plans after basketball
7:00 Values
7:30 Who has been recruiting him the hardest
8:15 Strengths and weaknesses
9:30 Individual and team goals
10:30 What he is looking for in a college program
11:30 Where he hopes his game takes him
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @tybevins_06
Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod
Prospect Spotlight: Christian Gurdak of Gonzaga College HS/TTO
In this newest episode of the Prospect Spotlight in conjunction with OWE Hoops, we spoke with Christian about his AAU and HS success, his transfer, off-court interests, and much more
0:30 First dunk
2:00 Basketball role models
3:30 Important daily habits+ gym schedule
5:00 Peach Jam
5:30 Improvements to game
6:30 Matchup of the year
6:45 What makes him stand out from competition
7:30 Values
8:30 Who is recruiting him the hardest
9:15 Comfortable+least comfortable spots on floor
10:00 Go-to move
11:30 Individual goals
12:00 Fitting in at Gonzaga
12:45 Happiest moment on a basketball court
13:30 Outside interests
14:15 Aspirations
15:00 College decision criteria
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @christiangurdak
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Episode 83: Jasper Williams of D4G Training/O'Connell/TTO15u
0:30 Early playing career
5:30 Evolving as a player
13:00 Transferring from Tennessee Chattanooga to Hampton U
15:30 Professional Basketball Career
18:00 Learning how to be a professional
20:00 Training career beginnings
25:00 Player development
27:00 Learning how to lead
28:30 Training
31:00 Managing expectations
33:00 O'Connell coaching career
35:00 DJO Student-athlete qualities
38:30 '23-24 O'Connell Knights
41:30 Advice for players' goal-setting
45:00 Being "the guy"
49:00 Quincy Wadley
51:30 15U TTO
54:00 What makes the DMV different
56:00 Quick hitters
1:04:00 Fatherhood and legacy
Podcast: @Hoopthreadspod
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @d4g__jaz
Episode 82: Recapping UAA Session II with Reggie Burke of Bay Area Hoops
0:30 Industry beginnings
3:00 Scouting advice
4:50 NBAPA Top 100 Camp
7:30 AAU Portal Advice
11:00 What intangibles are college coaches looking for?
13:30 Parents that stand out
19:30 UAA Top Guys
24:00 New names that popped
36:15 Favorite individual matchup
38:00 Still holding stock
Twitter:
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @bayareahoopsfl
Episode 81: Nike EYBL Session 1 Recap with Colby Giacubeno and David Hendren
Spoke with two high-level scouts about Nike EYBL Session 1 in Atlanta, GA. Favorite prospects to watch in each class, favorite teams to watch, best individual matchups, game of the week, and so much more!
1:30 Nuances that we watch for
4:00 '26 names that impressed
10:00 2025
18:00 2024
24:30 New names that popped
32:00 Favorite teams to watch
41:00 Favorite individual matchups
43:00 Game of the week
47:30 Still holding stock
52:30 Available seniors from our area
56:00 Favorite EYBL moment
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guests: @colbyghoops, @hendrendavid
Prospect Spotlight: Jayden Fort
Spoke with Jayden about his development under Coach Johnson, favorite AAU matchup, college interests, and more
0:15 First dunk 1:00 Best advice 1:30 Facing adversity
2:30 First memories of the game 3:15 Workouts/habits 5:00 Interests and hobbies off the court 6:00 Academic Interests 9:15 HS impact 9:30 College goals 10:30 Important values 11:30 Quick hitters 14:00 Soph year roundup 15:30 Playing for Coach Tee Johnson 16:30 Film
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @jaydenfortt
Episode 79: Pat Behan of St. John's College High
We spoke with Coach Behan about his playing career, transition to coaching, philosophy, a magical 2023 title run, his fight against ALS, legacy, and much more
Please visit https://www.behanstrong.com/ for more information on ALS and consider supporting Coach Behan's fight against ALS
PLAYING CAREER
0:30 Transferring to ND Academy
1:00 College selection process
2:15 College matchups
TRANSITION TO COACHING
4:30 Coaching at St. Mary's College (MD)
7:00 HC at St. Mary's Ryken
8:00 First day as the Cadets' HC
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
9:45 Program staples
12:30 Negative recruiting thoughts
13:15 SJC Pitch
14:30 Transfer Choices
16:00 Managing your own program
17:15 Leading young men
Navigating relationships with:
18:15 AAU coaches
19:15 parents
20:45 Assistant coaches
21:45 players
23:00 UAA
24:00 Admins
25:30 2019 WCAC Title appearance
WCAC CHAMPIONSHIP RUN
27:30 2022-2023 Expectations
30:15 Changing approach
32:00 Winning a WCAC Title
33:15 Turning Point
34:00 What makes the DMV special
35:00 Quick hitters
LEGACY
39:30 Support System
41:30 Self reflection
43:30 Legacy
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @CoachBehanSJC / @behanstrong
Prospect Spotlight: Dante Allen '25 Riviera Prep G
Spoke with Dante Allen about growing up in the game of basketball, winning a state title, playing with the Boozer twins, and so much more!
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @dante_allen35
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
EARLY BASKETBALL CAREER
0:30 Tell me about your first dunk
0:45 Wearing #35
1:30 Best advice
HS TEAM
1:45 Dealing with adversity
2:45 Class 3A State Title run
HABITS
5:00 Gym Schedule
5:45 Areas of improvement
6:30 Interests and hobbies off the court
RECRUITING/AAU
7:30 Nightrydas Experience
9:00 Contributing to winning at college level
9:45 Plans outside of basketball
10:30 What are some things you really value?
QUICK HITTERS
11:30 Players that you model your game after
12:30 Best/worst spots on the floor
13:30 Go-to move with the game on the line
14:30 Funniest NBA player you've been around
15:00 Rank these: Game-winning assist, GW defensive stop, GW shot at the buzzer
16:00 Film
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @dante_allen35
Episode 77: Coach Eric Singletary of Sidwell Friends Academy/ Team Durant
We caught up with Coach Singletary to talk about his coaching beginnings, playing career, building a national program at Sidwell, coaching Josh Hart and Saddiq Bey, and so much more!
0:30 Growing up in Southeast DC
1:30 Coaching the Clinton Celtics
5:30 Gonzaga DC Classic
7:30 Coaching Josh Hart
8:45 Sidwell Basketball's 3 Compasses
10:30 Pivotal moment in your coaching career
13:30 Building blocks of the Sidwell program
15:30 Coaching different types of players
17:30 Running offense vs letting players freelance
19:00 "Our Kind of Guy"
21:30 Development plan
24:00 Practice staples
27:00 Hiring assistants
28:30 Coaching poise
30:00 Coaching top guys vs role players
32:30 Managing expectations
34:45 Wilson title game
37:00 Tee Johnson
39:00 PVI game
41:00 Courted by college coaches
43:30 What makes the DMV different
45:00 Quick Hitters
53:00 Expectations for next season
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @sfscoach5, @sidwellMBB
Prospect Spotlight: Azavier Robinson of Lawrence North
Spoke with Azavier about where his love for the game started, learning from CJ Gunn, Lawrence North, AAU, and so much more
0:15 First dunk 1:00 Favorite NBA player 1:15 Facing adversity 2:00 Most important habit in your routine 4:00 Learning from CJ Gunn 4:45 Standing out from the competition 5:00 Individual and team goals 5:30 Contributing to winning at the college level 6:00 Values 6:30 Interests and hobbies off the court 7:00 Recruiting 7:30 Strengths/Weaknesses 9:00 Go-to move with the game on the line
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @azavierthegoat
Prospect Spotlight: Daquan Davis of St. John's College High/Team Takeover
0:30 First dunk
1:00 Transfer from SFA
2:00 Competitive tweet
2:30 Standing out
3:00 Playing in a 3-PG lineup
3:30 Improvements to game
4:00 Individual and team goals
4:30 Adversity
5:00 Gym schedule?
5:15 Interests and hobbies off the court
5:45 Contributing to winning at the college level
6:45 Plans outside basketball
7:30 Values
8:15 Recruiting activity
9:00 Conversations with college coaches
9:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
10:30 Role models
10:45 Go-to move with the game on the line
11:30 IMG Game
13:00 Film
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod
Guest: @thedaquandavis
Prospect Spotlight: Cam Ward of Largo/Team Durant
1:00 First dunk
2:30 Father's impact on his development
3:30 Individual and team accomplishments
5:15 Improvements to his game
5:45 Role
6:45 Adversity
7:45 Gym schedule?
8:30 Standing out from the competition
9:30 Interests and hobbies
10:15 Contributing to winning at the college level
11:00 Factors in college choice
13:45 Plans outside of basketball
14:30 Values
15:30 Recruitment
17:30 Strengths/Weaknesses
19:00 Best/worst spots on the floor
21:00 Film
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Guest: @camabucket
Prospect Spotlight: Kade Sebastian of DeMatha/Slam City
1:00 First dunk
1:30 Father's impact on your development
3:00 Individual/team accomplishments
3:30 Improvements to his game
4:00 Role
4:30 Adversity
5:15 Gym schedule
5:45 What makes him stand out
6:15 Off the court
6:45 Contributing to winning at the college level
7:45 Plans outside of basketball?
8:00 Values
8:30 Recruiting Activity
9:15 Strengths/Weaknesses
12:00 Film
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Guest: @KSebastian43
Episode 71: Hotbed Roundtable- Aneesh Namburi, Joe Esquivel-Murphy, Chad Graham, Alex Brown, Miles Masercola
2:00 25s and 26s
14:00 Stockrising 23s
27:00 24s Breakout Candidates
40:00 Small college prospects
48:00 Public school prospects
1:00:00 Favorite public school teams
1:05:00 Marquee Teams
1:25:00 Favorite Coaches
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Host: @pr0ia
Guests: @AneeshNamburi, @the_JEMurphy, @CGraham_Sports, @MasercolaMiles, @AlexBHoops
Prospect Spotlight: Derek Dixon of Gonzaga/Team Durant
Our goal with the Prospect Spotlight is to highlight players that we think are better than their ranking/recruiting would suggest in order to give them a platform to talk about their game. We discuss how they fell in love with the game, difference in role between HS and AAU teams, their recruitment, work habits, what they bring to the table, etc. First half of the podcast is an interview, second half is reserved for a film breakdown to discuss the strengths and weaknesses in their game. Enjoy, and be sure to follow them!
1:30 HS Selection 2:00 Goals 2:30 Development 3:30 Facing adversity 5:00 Contributing to winning 6:30 Gym schedule? 7:00 Interests and hobbies 7:30 Values 9:00 Difference in role between Durant and Gonzaga 10:00 Recruiting Activity 11:00 Go-to move with the game on the line 12:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 12:30 Film
Prospect Spotlight: Akbar Waheed III of Georgetown Prep/Durant
0:30 First dunk
1:30 Father's impact
2:30 Team and individual goals for this season
3:30 Improvements to his game
4:00 Role with HS/AAU team
5:00 Adversity
5:45 What makes him stand out and contributes to winning
7:30 Gym Schedule
8:00 Hobbies and interests
10:00 Recruiting
11:00 Strengths and weaknesses
12:00 Film
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Host: @pr0ia, @owe_hoops
Prospect: @bak1ee
Prospect Spotlight: Jalil Bethea of Archbishop Wood/Team Final
Spoke with rising junior guard Jalil Bethea about his game, his recruitment, AAU, and so much more. Video breakdown at the end!
:30 start in the game
1:00 Individual and team accomplishments
1:30 Season outlook for Archbishop Wood
2:30 Recruiting
3:30 College selection
4:30 Academics
7:00 Differences in role between AAU and HS
8:30 Strengths/weaknesses
10:00 Film breakdown
Episode 67: Kerwin Porter of Spalding/Team Melo
3:30 Transfer to Chesapeake
5:30 AAU experience
7:30 Style of play
8:30 Transition from playing to coaching
13:00 Coaching on the gridiron and court
15:00 Building relationships
17:00 Coaching public vs private
19:00 Spalding
21:30 Role on the coaching staff
23:30 Recruiting insights
25:30 Coaching philosophy
27:00 Stay Me7o
29:30 Misconceptions of AAU coaches
32:00 What makes the DMV different
34:00 Quick Hitters
38:00 Malik
42:30 Two sport athletes
49:30 His why
Episode 66: Nike Peach Jam (Aneesh Namburi+PD Web)
6:15 Names that popped
10:00 U15 Standouts
15:30 U16s Standouts
27:00 Cross-brands matchup
30:00 Best narrative
Episode 65: Chad Graham of Cerebrosports
5:30 New kids that popped
9:30 Stock boosters
18:30 Impressive HS cultures
22:30 Underrated D1 names
31:30 Names to keep an eye on
40:30 Boosting the recruitment of 2023s
43:15 Message to prospects
Episode 64: Nike EYBL Recap with PD Web, Alex Brown, Aneesh Namburi
1:00 New names that popped
5:30 DMV prospects
10:45 22’s
12:30 ’23s
25:30 ’24s
42:00 ’25s
55:00 Peterson/Flagg/Boozer
1:13:00 Names to track
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Host: @pr0ia
Guests: @abovethebreak3 @ahbanalytics @AneeshNamburi
Episode 63: Lamar Butler of Paul VI HS
0:30 Growing up in a great culture at Oxon Hill
3:00 Recruitment process
6:00 Arriving at George Mason
8:00 Rehab process
9:30 Mentality entering tournament
14:30 Facing Florida
16:30 Continuing relationships with George Mason
17:45 Overseas story
19:30 Introduction to coaching
25:30 Distributing mins
27:30 Preparation
29:00 Getting players out of slumps
30:30 Buy-in
31:30 TTO
33:00 Coach English at Mason
36:30 Quick hitters Host: @pr0ia Guest: @Butler2two Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod
Episode 62: Speakeasy for Sports Founder, Sam
1:00 Journey
15:00 SpeakEasy for Sports
22:00 Learning from Dave Adkins
25:00 Video projects for NBA FO/coaches
30:00 NBA playbooks
33:00 DeMatha takeaways
37:00 Learning from Coach Musselman
47:00 Networking without a playing career
49:30 Quick hitters
1:04:00 Legacy
Host: @pr0ia
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Guest: @Speakeasyfor , @SamKrosnick
Episode 61: Tyler McKittrick of Point Guard Eyes
1:00 Playing journey
7:00 Transition to Point Guard Eyes
11:00 Evaluations
14:00 WCAC parity
18:00 Players to watch
24:30 Top storylines in the WCAC next season
29:00 MIAA/IAC
32:00 MAC
34:00 BCLs
43:30 Feel
44:30 Betting on certain coaches/cultures
45:30 What makes the DMV special
46:30 Quick hitters
Podcast: @HoopThreadsPod
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @pointguardeyes
Episode 60: Ryan Girardot of Cerebro Sports
:30 Journey
2:00 Mavs ball boy
4:00 Beginning of Cerebrosports
6:00 Background of his team
9:00 Cerebro Advanced Metrics
13:00 Value for every audience
16:00 Applications for the athlete
19:30 C-Ram and Recruiting
22:00 Building out vs building slowly
24:30 Breaking through noise in stats
28:30 Top row series
31:00 HS Czar
35:00 NBA Czar
39:00 Basketball hotbeds
45:00 Quick hitters
56:00 What’s coming next? Podcast: @hoopthreadspod Host: @pr0ia Guest:@rmgbuilds
Episode 59: Marcus Helton of DMVElite
We spoke with Marcus about his journey as a writer and scout, the evolution of DMVElite, creating opportunities for HS prospects, and much more
:30 beginning
2:00 Building region-wide coverage
3:00 Being an OG
4:15 Transitioning from video to writing
5:00 Scout vs writer
6:30 Navigating the politics
8:00 Events during covid
10:00 DMVElite80
12:00 New events
14:30 DMV Basketball Czar
18:30 Advice to players/parents
21:00 Misconceptions about the transfer portal
24:30 Teaming up vs establishing a foundation
26:00 Underrated names in the DMV Class
29:00 Fit vs level
32:00 What makes DMV basketball great/unique?
37:30 Advice to young journalists
39:00 Legacy
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @marcushelton
Episode 58: Don Showalter of Team USA JNT
We spoke with Coach Show about his high school coaching experience, advice to young coaches, USA JNT, leadership skills, building great practices, his favorite Team USA players, best steak spots in the country, and so much more!
:30 Journey
5:00 Advice to young coaches
7:00 Wooden mentorship
10:00 Implementing what you've learned
14:00 Snow Valley
19:30 Practice
25:00 Building a competitive practice
28:00 Building leadership skills
31:00 Communicating with players
34:30 Team USA
40:00 Culture
43:30 You never know who's in the gym
45:00 Learning from Coach K and Pop
48:00 Separators at every level
49:00 Mentoring Coach Jones
52:30 Favorite Team USA players
53:45 What do you hope your players have taken away from you?
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @dshow23
Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Episode 57: Derek Murray of Babcock Hoops/Basketball News
Spoke with Derek about his journey as a scout, basketball philosophy, prospects, and so much more!
0:30 Basketball journey
6:30 Believing in certain coaches or cultures?
8:30 Box score stats
9:30 PD “Feel is teachable”
11:00 Evaluating mental makeup
14:00 Factoring age and situation into evaluating intangibles
17:00 A hit or miss that made you re-evaluate your process
21:00 Studying misses to evaluate shooting
21:30 Landry Shamet story
24:30 Workout warrior lessons
26:30 Consistency vs isolated performances
29:30 Background info scouts ask for
32:00 Longitudinal scouting
34:00 Learning the intricacies of the game from Matt Babcock
36:45 Fundamentals needed to start Day 1 in the NBA
38:30 The trait that is easiest to correct or improve in the league?
39:15 NBA teams manipulating narratives
40:30 Add or subtract 3 inches to an NBA prospects’ height that would most dramatically change their stock
41:00 Thoughts on regional HS hotbeds
43:00 Local OK names
45:00 Quick hitters
Host: @pr0ia Guest: @DMurrayHoops Podcast: @hoopthreadspod
Episode 56: Miles Masercola of Hoop State Network
We spoke with Miles about the Hoop State Network, his journey, building relationships, standouts from the John Wall Invitational, and so much more!
:30 Beginnings
3:00 Big break
5:00 Biggest playcall
6:00 NC Rivalries
8:00 NC Public School Hoops
10:00 What sets the Hoop State apart?
13:00 Developing scouting philosophy
16:00 Attitude notes
20:00 Building relationships
23:00 Hoop State Brand
29:00 John Wall Invitational big name standouts
32:00 John Wall Invitational young standouts
35:00 John Wall Invitational Small college standouts
37:00 John Wall Invitational new names that popped
39:00 John Wall Invitational programs that boosted their stock
41:00 John Wall Invitational standout team cultures
44:00 Important relationships with players
Host: @pr0ia
Guest: @masercolamiles