Hardwood Hustle

Episode 451 - Leading Parents Well

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to parents, most coaches are frustrated dealing with difficult parents, or handling stressful parent situations, but today the team shar...

Episode 450 - How to Be a Great Transition Team

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To run or not to run? This week, TJ and Sam discuss the pros and cons of being a fast paced transition team. They also share the things you should be ...

Episode 449 - Coaching at Your Best with Cody Royle

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As coaches, our teams need us to be at our best, but we get pulled in a lot of different direction, lack the support, and too often fall short. This w...

Episode 448 - 5 Ways to Become a Better Communicator

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We all know being a great communicator is essential to being a great leader and coach. Our players are always depending on us to give them the what, h...

Episode 447 - The 3 P's of Coaching

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ, Sam, and Lisa dive into the state of coaching and what you can do to combat the challenges you're facing as a coach. We play an imp...

Episode 446 - Becoming a Master Teacher with Bob Starkey

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by a special guest, Coach Bob Starkey. He's coached both men's and women's college basketball for almost 40...

Episode 445 - Improving Basketball IQ

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, TJ and Sam discuss how to go about improving basketball IQ on your team. For some of us, this is one of our biggest headache watching our p...

Episode 444 - Creating a Championship Process with Josh Merkel

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're once again joined by our friend and DIII men's coach of the year, Head Coach Josh Merkel from Randolph-Macon. In the last 3...

Episode 443 - Leading Your Players

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Sam and Lisa discuss how a coach leads their players when it comes to development, role identification and building relationships. Mapping ...

Episode 442 - Dribble Drive Offense with John Leonzo

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by John Leonzo to break down the Dribble Drive Motion Offense. John Leonzo is an assistant coach at Wright State and is kn...

Episode 441 - Greg Sheley, Lane Community College

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're excited to have Greg Sheley join Sam and myself for a conversation about success at the junior college level, the one thing he wi...

Episode 440 - The Leftovers with Matt Sayman

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Coach Matt Sayman to talk about his unique story as a player with Baylor Basketball, how he's learned perspective as a high ...

Episode 439 - Tournament Time & Game Coaching

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam cover what coaches are doing to be successful come tournament time and what they're seeing right now from top teams specific...

Episode 438 - Handshakes, Teammates, & Coach K

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam tackle 3 interesting topics in coaching right now. Starting off with the handshake lines. How should coaches approach this aspect...

Episode 437 - Create Forever Teammates with Patrick Touhey

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're joined by Patrick Touhey, president at Elite Performance Too – E, and author of Create Forever Teammates. Patrick mentors...

Episode 436 - Managing the Shot Clock

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing that the use of the shot clock isn't universal in basketball, TJ and Sam share why it’s beneficial and how coaches can think about thei...

Episode 435 - Coaching Speed, Quickness, and Defense with Lee Taft

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're joined by Lee Taft who shares with us what he's learned in his 30 years of developing athletes.  He's spent much of this t...

Episode 434 - Learning from the Best with George Ellis

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're joined by one of PGC's own and current high school coach, George Ellis. George shares what he learned from coaching with a Livin...

Episode 433 - Running the Right Stuff & Increasing Player Buy In

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we mix an Xs and Os discussion of what coaches choose to run offensively with how we can maximize player buy-in and enroll them in what we&a...

Episode 432 - When you can't get a win, now what? with Adam Bradley

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are times in coaching where you feel like you've done everything you can, and you just can't get a win. If you haven't been there...

Episode 431 - Do You Trust the Process?

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a little cliché, but it's also a real challenge for coaches to keep perspective during the season and to not only trust the process, b...

Episode 430 - Climbing the Coaching Ladder

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week the team discusses Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator for the Atlanta Falcon's sound bite about paying your dues in coaching. It's a...

Episode 429 - 1%ers to Help Your Team

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's typically easier for us as coaches to identify the big ticket items we want our teams to improve in, but we also know it's the little t...

Episode 428 - Hiding Your Team's Deficiencies

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when your team is facing an uphill battle? Whether it's in a single game or the rest of the season, not only do we have to strateg...

Episode 427 - Developing & Managing Your Bench

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

At some point every coach wrestles with how to manage, challenge, and continue to develop their bench players throughout the season. As much as possib...

Episode 426 - Making Midseason Adjustments

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When you reach the mid-season checkpoint, it's important to evaluate where your team is at and where you're headed. In this episode TJ and S...

Episode 425 - The Road to 400 Wins

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 400 wins is more about being willing to learn hard lessons, overcome obstacles, and  stay the course than it is about the satisfaction of winning. ...

Episode 424 - Lead Like a Pro with Dr. Matthew Raidbard

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sam is joined by Dr. Matthew Raidbard, former college basketball coach and now leadership consultant and author of Lead Like a Pro, E...

Episode 423 - Run Better Offense

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What makes the best offense for your team? Today's episode is all about your philosophy behind choosing your offensive system and strategy. TJ an...

Episode 422 - Dre Baldwin, Work On Your Game

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by special guest, Dre Baldwin who shares his story about how he went from getting cut from his high school team 3 times to playing p...

Episode 421 - To Set or Not to Set Goals

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We've all had goals fall flat in our basketball seasons. Today's conversation is a debate on whether or not goal setting is a healthy practi...

Episode 420 - Making Better Shooters with John Carter from Noah Basketball

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One thing we know for sure, making baskets is a must. How you develop your shooters and give them feedback will be critical to your success. Today, we...

Episode 419 - Why Your Job Matters

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the upcoming season around the corner, this week, TJ and Sam highlight the vital role coaches play in the lives of young people. We know it'...

Episode 418 - The Ben Simmons Saga - Lessons Learned

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam discuss the situation with NBA Player, Ben Simmons and the 76ers. From the outside looking in they discuss what coaches can learn...

Episode 417 - Resolving Team Conflict

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam share with coaches how to navigate team conflict. When teammates don't like each other or don't  get a long it can put...

Episode 416 - Executing and Attacking the 1-3-1 Defense

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

TJ and Sam cover the 1-3-1 Defense on both sides of the ball. How to implement it, different ways of running it, where its strengths and weaknesses li...

Episode 415 - Lessons from an Athletic Director with Ryan Dyer

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam interview Ryan Dyer, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at North Pauling High School. They discuss how to build relationsh...

Episode 414 - Tips & Strategies for Special Situations

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

TJ and Sam discuss how to strategize when it comes to your team's special situations. They dive into both the offensive and defensive side of inb...

Episode 413 - Kevin Sutton, Florida Gulf Coast

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam have an in-depth discussion with Kevin Sutton from Florida Gulf Coast. Coach Sutton has 36 years experience of coaching at the hi...

Episode 412 - The Do's & Don'ts of Games Approach Coaching

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ, Sam and Lisa discuss the hot topic of games approached coaching and dive into the benefits and hurdles of this teaching method. What mak...

Episode 411 - Ideas & Tips to Improve Your Defense - Part 2

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have part 2 of Ideas and tips to improve your defense. In this episode TJ and Sam discuss the pros and cons of switching screens, the ben...

Episode 410 - Ideas & Tips to Improve Your Defense - Part 1

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam discuss how you can take your team's defense to the next level for the upcoming season. Listening to this episode you'l...

Episode 409 - How to Judge a True Competitor

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Sam and Lisa dive into the topic of what makes a true competitor on the court. There's a lot of different opinions and maybe even myth...

Episode 408 - Do Your Players Need to Like You?

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ, Sam, and PGC Basketball Director Kyle Koszuta discuss  whether or not it's important for your players to like you as a coach and t...

Episode 407 - Molly Miller, Grand Canyon University

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Special guest, Head Coach Molly Miller from Grand Canyon University joins the podcast this week. Molly spent six years as the head coach for her alma ...

Episode 406 - Eric Duft, Weber State

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Sam are joined by Eric Duft, Associate Head Coach at Weber State University and they talk all things offense - how to implement a rea...

Episode 405 - Identifying & Preparing for Distractions in Coaching

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Distractions are everywhere. This week TJ and Lisa discuss how distractions in coaching can derail us from keeping our focus on what's most impor...

Episode 404 - When Your Team Lacks Talent, Height, Heart, or Resources

18 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we dive into another 4 quarter episode where we cover how you should approach leading a team that may be lacking in talent, height, heart, o...

Episode 403 - Thriving as a Coaching Staff

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ and Lisa are joined by Graham Maxwell, Associate Head Coach at Emmanuel College to discuss staff dynamics and how to address the gaps tha...

Episode 402 - Kirsten Moore, Westmont College

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by Kirsten Moore, 2021 NAIA National Championship Head Coach at Westmont College. She just completed her 16th season and h...

Episode 401 - Matt Lewis, Wisconsin-Oshkosh

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by Matt Lewis, Head Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In his first year as the interim head coach, Matt Lewis ...

Episode 400 - Running Set Plays

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week TJ & Sam discuss the role of set plays within a team's offense. Should your offense be entirely made up of set plays, or should you...

Episode 399 - Steve Gomez, Lubbock Christian

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by Head Coach, Steve Gomez. With over 30 years of experience Coach Gomez is headed into his 19th season as head coach at L...

Episode 398 – Tony Bennett, University of Virginia

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have a special guest, Head Coach Tony Bennett. He’s a 3-time National Coach of the Year and is entering his 16th season as a head coach...

Episode 397 – Bo Hanson, Athlete Assessments

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by Bo Hanson, Founder and Director of Athlete Assessments. He’s a four time Olympian, medaling three times with the Austral...

Episode 396 – Dealing With “Sometimes” Players

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode TJ and Sam talk about the danger of having “sometimes” players or being a “sometimes” coach. How do we strike the right b...

Episode 395 – Kiesha Brown, Galloway School

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Kiesha Brown shares how she’s used her experience as an accomplished player, which includes 10 years of professional basketball overseas ...

Episode 394 – Nick Pasqua, Southern Wesleyan University

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Nick Pasqua, head coach at Southern Wesleyan University openly shares his successes and failures with coaches. In 2020, Nick’s second seas...

Episode 393 – Building a Great Staff

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For a head coach, building a staff may be the most important thing you do for your program. In this episode TJ, Sam, and Lisa discuss how coaches can ...

Episode 392 – Josh Merkel, Randolph-Macon

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Josh Merkel, head coach at Randolph-Macon joins TJ and Sam to discuss what its like to takeover a program, implement systems and strategies...

Episode 391 – What Wins in March

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

TJ & Sam discuss Xs and Os from this year’s NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four matchups. There’s always a lot to learn from watching the sy...

Episode 390 – 4 Roles in Growing the Game – Part 2

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2, TJ and Sam share how parents and players can navigate youth basketball, player development, and finding teachable moments and learning oppo...

Episode 389 – 4 Roles in Growing the Game – Part 1

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re starting a two-part series about how to run better programs and grow the game of basketball. Referees, coaches, players, and parents...

Episode 388 – Navigating Today’s Transfer Culture

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Players today have more choices than ever and it’s becoming all too common for players to transfer to another team for a variety of reasons. In orde...

Episode 387 – Building Confident Players

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do we help our players build their confidence? Too often it feels like trial and error as balancing the right amount of encouragement and challeng...

Episode 386 – Joni Taylor, University of Georgia

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week special guest, Joni Taylor, Head Coach for Georgia Women’s Basketball join us on the podcast. With almost 20 years of coaching experience ...

Episode 385 – Championship Habits

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the spirit of March Madness we dive into how and why championship habits make for special teams and special achievements this time of year. Every c...

Episode 384 – 4 Quarters – Quitting, Winning, Running, and Eating

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take on four quick topics in our “4 Quarters” episode. TJ, Sam, and Lisa discuss how coaches may approach each topic and what could s...

Episode 383 – Breaking the Color Line – The Untold Story of Willie Cooper

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Black History Month, we invited special guest, Ken Friedman on the podcast to share the untold story of how Willie Cooper broke the color ...

Episode 382 – Should You Play Man or Zone Defense?

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Choosing your defensive system and strategy is critical to your success. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the importance of understanding why you w...

Episode 381 – Identifying Player Roles with Tyler Coston

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Identifying and clarifying player roles is critical. In this episode, TJ and Sam are joined by Tyler Coston, Director of Player Development and PGC+ f...

Episode 380 – Is Your Best Player a Poor Leader?

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

TJ and Sam dive into the critical topic of player leadership. They provide tips for mentoring your players into leadership roles that are best for the...

Episode 379 – Debbie Antonelli

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

ESPN Analyst, Debbie Antonelli joins us on the Hardwood Hustle to talk about the coaching “IT” factor, keys to being great at situational basketba...

Episode 378 – Navigating a COVID Season

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Leading and navigating through a season of unknown is challenging. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss practice tips and approaches for coaches to mak...

Episode 377 – Doug Lemov, The Coach's Guide to Teaching

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Best-selling author, Doug Lemov has recently released his book for coaches, The Coach’s Guide to Teaching. In this episode TJ, Sam and Lisa intervie...

Episode 376 – Old Friends – New Lessons

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

TJ welcomes Sam as the new co-host in their first official episode together. As former teammates in college, the two of them have a long history and i...

Episode 375 – The Well

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 375 marks the final episode for co-host Adam Bradley. The episode begins with a conversation with Adam, TJ, and our new co-host discussing a t...

Episode 374 – Gains or Loss

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the first half of today’s episode, Adam shares a powerful word shift he was recently introduced to that is sure to give coaches great perspective...

Episode 373 – Shoot-A-Round

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We bring back the shoot-a-round format with a 4 quarter episode. First, the guys cover the James Harden drama in Houston. Quarter two features a discu...

Episode 372 – Announcement

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Adam and TJ share a big announcement about upcoming changes for the Hardwood Hustle podcast.Send us a Message. If you'd like...

Episode 371 – Underdog Mindset

06 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features a Q&A between our co-hosts centered around TJ’s recent game with his Division 2 team taking on a Division 1 opponent. TJ s...

Episode 370 – Randi Henderson

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are joined for a special episode by former Hardwood Hustle guest, Coach Randi Henderson. Randi is a former PGC Basketball Director and curren...

Episode 369 – First Thought, After Thought

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Adam and TJ have an important discussion for coaches centering around self awareness, thoughts, and priorities. The episode features several exercises...

Episode 368 – Developing Confident Female Athletes (with guest Paige Tonz)

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are joined by Paige Tonz, former Division 1 athlete who is now an athlete mindset mentor in Phoenix, Arizona. Since Paige finished her colleg...

Episode 367 – Leading Through Uncertainty

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Adam and TJ tackle the tough question facing coaches across the country. How do you lead a team knowing there may not even be a seaso...

Episode 366 – Can collaborative coaching truly work?

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Shortly after Steve Nash took the Brooklyn Nets job, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant made headlines during a podcast episode where they discussed the co...

Episode 365 – Open and Honest

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take from an environment standpoint to allow players to be open and honest with each other? This conversation stems from the many comment...

Episode 364 – Team Ball

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Superteams have defined the last decade of the NBA finals. This year we see two LA superstars facing off with an incredibly balanced Heat team that ha...

Episode 363 – Celebration Trap

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode we introduce a new concept you may not have considered before. We know the positive impact coaches can have on their players when...

Episode 362 – Steve Nash to the Nets

19 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A surprise to most in the basketball community was the recent hiring of Steve Nash to the Brooklyn Nets, one of the most talented teams in the NBA whe...

Episode 361 – 10 toes toward the rim?

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our friends at PGC Basketball recently released their new online shooting course led by their Director of Player Development, Tyler Coston. Tyler is a...

Episode 360 – Balancing Empathy & Standards

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Adam, TJ, and Sam Allen bring you their numerous years of experience and perspective on balancing empathy and standards. In addition t...

Episode 359 – The Coach Didn’t Clap

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode Adam, TJ, and Sam Allen discuss the importance of every staff member and player being on the same page when it comes to building ...

Episode 358 – 5 Defensive Hacks to Help You Win More Close Games

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, TJ Rosene and Sam Allen give your team five defensive hacks to help you win more games this upcoming season. Through Key5 Coaching, T...

Episode 357 – Essential

25 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After the recent news of fall and winter sport seasons already being canceled in some counties, this episode poses the question, “Are high school sp...

Episode 356 – Ego

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode we tackle the relationship between ego and humility. Your team success depends on the ability to balance this relationship. Durin...

Episode 355 – NBA Bubble

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Adam and TJ talk all things NBA bubble, along with their predictions on this new style of basketball and playoffs. Tweet us @hardwood_hustle with your...

Episode 354 – Jake Rosen

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we welcome Jake Rosen to the show. Jake is a former Maryland high school basketball player that Adam worked with though Lead ‘Em Up, and also ...

Episode 353 – Read the Room

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode we jump into a discussion about a skill that is critical for coaches to have, with that skill being the ability to read the room ...

Episode 352 – Micah Hayes

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are joined by Micah Hayes for an incredibly important conversation. A former player on TJ’s team and PGC Basketball Director, Micah is a pa...