The Rising Coaches Podcast

Recent episodes

1. Episode 286: Austin Kidd, Former Coach, Synergy Sports from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 30, 202645 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Austin Kidd, former college assistant coach and current Account Executive with Synergy Sports. Kidd built his coaching career with stops at Transylvania, Kentucky, Florida Gulf Coast, and The Citadel, gaining experience at multiple levels of the game before making the transition out of coaching. Today, he continues to impact the basketball world through his work with Synergy Sports. In this episode we discuss the story behind his first college coaching opportunity in division 3 and how it eventually led him to Kentucky, what drew him to leave the coaching profession after years on the sidelines, and some exciting projects and opportunities Synergy Sports has on the horizon.

2. Episode 285: Deividas Dulkys, Assistant Coach, Brooklyn Nets from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 27, 202641 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Deividas Dulkys, Assistant Coach with the Brooklyn Nets. Dulkys played collegiately at Florida State before building a lengthy professional career across Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Italy, and Spain, giving him a unique perspective on the game from both the American and European sides of basketball. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching with stops at the Memphis Hustle, Sacramento Kings, and now the Brooklyn Nets. In this episode we discuss how his years playing professionally in Spain helped shape his coaching philosophy, the biggest differences he noticed between basketball cultures across Europe and the United States, and the adjustments he had to make when transitioning from professional player to NBA coach

3. Episode 284: Preston Murphy, Assistant Coach, Unviersity of Alabama from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 23, 202642 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Preston Murphy, Assistant Coach at the University of Alabama. Coach Murphy’s journey began as a player at Rhode Island before playing professionally in Belgium and Holland, and then transitioning into coaching at the high school level as the head coach at Woonsocket High School. He has since built an extensive Division I résumé with stops at Boston College, Rhode Island, Creighton, Elite EYBL, and now Alabama, where he continues to make an impact at the highest level of college basketball. In this episode we discuss what he learned starting his coaching career in the high school ranks, how he evaluates whether a player truly fits a program during the recruiting process, and an overlooked recruiting mistake young coaches make early in their careers.

4. Episode 283: Brandon Bailey, Assistant Coach, Depaul University from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 20, 202642 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Brandon Bailey, Assistant Coach at DePaul University. Coach Bailey has built an impressive career with coaching stops at DePaul, the Boston Celtics organization, Ohio State, and now back at DePaul, while also serving as the head coach of the Maine Red Claws in the NBA G League. His experience across both the professional and college levels gives him a unique perspective on leadership, player development, and staff dynamics. In this episode we discuss what it was like transitioning from a G League head coach back into an assistant role at the college level, what lessons he would take back if he had the chance to do his time as a head coach over again, and how assistants can effectively contribute their ideas and have their voice heard while still supporting the vision of the head coach.

5. Episode 282: Lance Burbank, Owner of Universal Retirement from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 16, 202638 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Lance Burbank, Owner of Universal Retirement and a valued partner of Rising Coaches. Lance has spent his career helping individuals and families build strong financial foundations, and he has become a trusted resource for families and coaches looking to navigate the unique financial challenges that come with the profession. In this episode we discuss the financial habits young coaches should begin developing early in their careers, how much emergency savings coaches should realistically have in place and the key financial safeguards every coach should establish to protect themselves and their families in the event of a job change.

6. Episode 281: Doug and Alan, What Matters More: Championships or Changing Lives? from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 13, 202638 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, Doug and Alan dive into a conversation around a question every coach eventually has to answer: What matters more, winning championships or changing lives? We answer questions submitted by our listeners and Rising Coaches members, making this one a thoughtful and interactive discussion. In this episode we discuss whether coaches would rather be remembered for the banners they hung or the people they impacted, how our views on winning have evolved throughout our careers, what a true player-first culture actually looks like, and whether we've ever made decisions that benefited a player even when it may have hurt our chances of winning. This is a conversation centered around leadership, perspective, and the lasting impact coaches can have long after the final buzzer.

7. Episode 280: Brett MacConnell, Head Coach, Dartmouth College from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 9, 202644 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Brett MacConnell, Head Coach at Dartmouth College. Coach MacConnell has built an impressive career through assistant coaching stops at Rutgers, Delaware Valley, Holy Family, St. Peter’s, Princeton, and Stanford before earning the opportunity to lead the Dartmouth program. His experience at both the mid-major and high-major levels have given him a unique perspective on leadership, recruiting, and building successful programs. In this episode we discuss the biggest lessons he learned as an assistant that now shape his approach as a head coach, the challenge of identifying players who truly fit both the program’s culture and academic standards, and the key priorities he focused on during his first 60 days leading an Ivy League program.

8. Episode 279: Tevon Saddler, Head Coach, Capitol City Go-Go from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 6, 202643 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Tevon Saddler, Capitol City Go-Go head coach. Coach Saddler’s journey in the game started as a player at UNC Greensboro and South Alabama before moving into coaching roles at South Alabama, Nicholls State, McNeese State, Maryland, and now leading the Nicholls State program. Along the way, he’s gained experience in nearly every role on staff, shaping his approach to leadership and team building. In this episode we discuss the defining humbling moment of his head coaching career, what he learned from stepping into a DOBO role and how it shaped his coaching perspective as a head coach, and the key qualities that separate good assistants from great ones including what he looks for when hiring an assistant coach.

9. Episode 278: Brent Owen, Head Coach, Lenoir-Rhyne University from The Rising Coaches Podcast

   Jul 2, 202645 min

   On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Brent Owen, Head Coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Coach Owen began his career at the University of Southern Indiana before taking a unique path into head coaching with stops at Tell City High School, Eastern New Mexico, and now Lenoir-Rhyne. His journey through different levels of basketball has helped shape his approach to leadership, recruiting, and program building. In this episode we discuss why he chose to leave the college ranks early in his career to become a high school head coach, how he identifies the right personalities and dynamics when building a roster, and creative ways head coaches can grow attendance and build long-term fan support within a program.

10. Episode 277: Dwight Thorne II, Assistant Coach, Texas State University from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 29, 202649 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Dwight Thorne, Assistant Coach at Texas State University. Before getting into coaching, Thorne built an impressive professional playing career with stops in the D-League, Germany, Greece, Croatia, and Reno, Nevada, experiences that helped shape his perspective on leadership, relationships, and player development. He later transitioned into coaching with stops at Georgia Tech, Denver, UT Arlington, and now Texas State. In this episode we discuss the mental adjustment of moving from a professional player to coach, how he learned to build authentic relationships and connections in the industry despite it not coming naturally early on, and the first priorities he focuses on when joining a new program as an assistant coach.

11. Episode 276: Darnell Harris, Assistant Coach, Wake Forest University from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 25, 202647 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Darnell Harris, Assistant Coach at Wake Forest University. Coach Harris brings a unique perspective to the game, having played professionally at Middle Tennessee State and overseas in Belgium, China, Greece, and Lebanon before transitioning into coaching. His coaching journey has included stops at Ole Miss and Wake Forest, where he continues to grow within a high-level program and impact player development and recruiting. In this episode we discuss how his professional playing career shaped his coaching identity, how he approaches the recruiting process while building strong relationships with families, and how he developed his voice as a young coach within a competitive staff environment.

12. Episode 275: Jordan McCabe, Assistant Coach, Grand Canyon University from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 22, 202648 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan McCabe, Assistant Coach at Grand Canyon University. McCabe started his playing career at a young age with early success that carried through his time at West Virginia and UNLV, where he became known for his high-level feel for the game and leadership on the floor. He has since transitioned into coaching, with stops at West Virginia, Green Bay, and now Grand Canyon, where he continues to make a strong impact, particularly in player development. In this episode we discuss how he builds individualized development plans for his players, the key lessons he’s taken from working under different coaching styles throughout his journey, and advice for coaches and players navigating the modern game and social media in today’s basketball landscape.

13. Episode 274: John Carroll, Basketball Architect at Newman School and Director of Basketball at Master's Academy from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 18, 202650 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by John Carroll, Basketball Architect at Newman School and Director of Basketball at Master’s Academy. Coach Carroll has worn many hats throughout his career, including athletic director roles, work as a TV and radio basketball analyst for ESPN, serving as an advanced scout for the LA Sparks, and leading JC Advisors LLC as a “Liberator of Talent.” He also spent time as a head coach at Northfield Mount Hermon, helping build strong programs on and off the court. In this episode we discuss how to build culture as a new head coach while still holding academics to a high standard, ways coaches can help develop leadership within their players, and some offensive and defensive staples he believes every strong program should have.

14. Episode 273: Steven Harbert, Head Coach, North Marion High School from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 15, 202646 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Steven Harbert, Head Coach at North Marion High School. Coach Harbert has spent years coaching and developing athletes at the high school level, including time as an assistant before taking over the program at North Marion. Along the way, he has also coached multiple sports, helping him gain valuable experience working with different athletes, personalities, and team dynamics. His background has shaped a strong approach to leadership, communication, and program building. In this episode we discuss how to coach and connect with different types of players, the best ways to build and sustain a strong program during the offseason, and the pros and cons of multi-sport athletes in today’s high school sports landscape.

15. Episode 272: Doug and Alan, Best Practices to Networking in the Business from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 11, 202638 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re doing something a little different as my cohost and I sit down to answer questions from our listeners and Rising Coaches members about networking and growing in the coaching industry. We wanted this episode to be a real conversation for young coaches trying to build connections and find their way in the business. In this episode we discuss some of the best ways to connect with coaches, how to network without sounding transactional, and what someone with almost no connections in basketball should start doing right away to build relationships and create opportunities. We also share some personal experiences and lessons we’ve learned throughout our own journeys in coaching. We hope you enjoy this conversation and can take something valuable away from it.

16. Episode 271: Amorrow Morgan, Assistant Coach, University of Tennessee from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 8, 202649 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Amorrow Morgan, Assistant Coach at the University of Tennessee. Morgan’s basketball journey began as a player at Idaho State before continuing professionally in Europe, and he has since built an impressive coaching résumé with stops at Illinois Springfield, Our Lady of the Lake, Henderson State, Nicholls State, South Alabama, Loyola Chicago, Cal, and now Tennessee. His experience across multiple levels has helped shape his perspective on recruiting, player development, and program building. In this episode we discuss how starting at lower levels helped him grow long-term as a coach, what he looks for before taking a position on a new staff, what he now evaluates differently as a recruiter compared to earlier in his career, and why Tennessee has sustained success for so many years under Coach Rick Barnes.

17. Episode 270: Jon Harris, Assistant Video Coordinator, San Antonio Spurs (Episode Rewind) from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 4, 202650 min

    With the NBA Finals tipping off tonight between the Knicks and Spurs, we wanted to take a trip back into the archives and revisit one of our favorite basketball conversations. This episode originally aired before Jon Harris had climbed even higher in the coaching ranks, but the insights, stories, and lessons he shared are just as relevant today as they were then. From player development and leadership to the inner workings of one of the most respected organizations in professional sports, Jon dropped an incredible amount of knowledge throughout this conversation. As the Spurs once again find themselves on basketball’s biggest stage, it felt like the perfect time to rewind and revisit this outstanding episode. Jon Harris is the current Assistant Video Coordinator for the San Antonio Spurs. Jon is a young coach with an impressive resume, having a 7 year professional playing career including the G League and in countries such as Argentina, Germany, China and Canada. Following his playing career, Jon worked with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers to help with summer league and youth camps, and started his first coaching gig at Lakewood High School. Making a quick rise to Florida State University as a Graduate Assistant and then the Assistant Video Coordinator with the Spurs. We look forward to learning more about such a prestigious program such as the Spurs.

18. Episode 269: Jackson Johnson, Head Coach, The Newman School from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    Jun 1, 202646 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Jackson Johnson, Head Coach at the Newman School. Jackson’s basketball journey started as a player at Tulane before moving into coaching with assistant roles at Tulane and Northfield Mount Hermon prior to taking over at Newman. Since becoming head coach, he has helped sustain success at the national prep level while guiding players through the ever-changing recruiting landscape. In this episode we discuss the value of coaching multi-sport athletes and how to navigate that as a coach, what real player development looks like in prep basketball today, how a coach can help players navigate the college recruiting process in the transfer portal era, and how he’s maintained success within a nationally recognized prep program.

19. Episode 268: Matt Ambrose, Director of Player Development, Purdue Fort Wayne from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    May 28, 202644 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Ambrose, Director of Player Development at Purdue University Fort Wayne. After finishing his playing career at Calvin University, Matt worked his way into the coaching profession and has continued to grow within the Purdue Fort Wayne program. His path reflects the importance of bringing value, building relationships, and finding ways to impact players every day. In this episode we discuss what he did to break into the industry as a young coach after his playing career, how he looked to add value as a new coach early within his program, and we take a deep dive into player development, including how to build an effective development plan for each player.

20. Episode 267: Kate Popovec-Goss, Head Coach, Boston College from The Rising Coaches Podcast

    May 25, 20261 hr 0 min

    On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Kate Popovec-Goss, Head Women’s Coach at Boston College. Coach Popovec-Goss has built her career through assistant roles at La Salle, Northwestern, and Colgate before stepping into head coaching positions at Bradley and now Boston College. Her path reflects steady growth through multiple roles within a program and a strong understanding of how to build and lead a team. In this episode we discuss how she grew in the industry from between roles without prior experience and attacked each opportunity, what people often underestimate about rebuilding a program as a head coach, and the first things she is focused on when taking over as a new head coach.