🎙 Backstage Bucks County | Episode 3: Matt Freedman with Ben Luber, University of Pennsylvania Men’s Basketball Coach
Welcome back to Backstage Bucks County, the show where host Matt Freedman—musician, entrepreneur, and proud Bucks County native—sits down with the fascinating people shaping our community and beyond. In this special episode, Matt reconnects with his longtime friend Ben Luber, former Penn State basketball star, professional player, and now Assistant Coach of Men’s Basketball at the University of Pennsylvania.
This isn’t just a sports story. It’s a story of work ethic, passion, family, community, mentorship, and the drive to succeed against all odds.
Ben opens up about growing up in Bucks County, learning the game against older brothers, being mentored by Kobe Bryant, dominating at Council Rock High School, becoming a four-year starter at Penn State, playing overseas, and eventually finding his true calling as a coach. Along the way, he reflects on his journey from being a fiery, obsessed competitor to becoming a mentor, teacher, and role model for the next generation of players.
Together, Matt and Ben swap memories from their shared roots in Bucks County—middle school days, scrappy pickup games, packed high school gyms, and the way local sports and music scenes have shaped who they are today. It’s raw, real, and packed with lessons for athletes, musicians, parents, and anyone chasing a dream.
🔑 Key Themes in This Episode
1. The Roots of Greatness in Bucks County
Ben talks about growing up in the suburbs, playing against kids much older, and being driven by the challenge of proving himself. With supportive parents—especially his father, who tirelessly drove him into Philadelphia to face tougher competition—Ben’s foundation was built on family sacrifice, relentless practice, and the love of the game.
Matt recalls their shared childhood in Council Rock schools, where scrappiness and hustle defined their friend group. From the first time they played together, Ben’s talent stood out: dominant ball-handling, unselfish play, ability to score anywhere, and unmatched communication on the floor.
2. Mentorship from Kobe Bryant
One of the most unique chapters in Ben’s story is his connection to Kobe Bryant. His older brother played AAU basketball with Kobe, and young Ben had the rare chance to travel with the team, watch Kobe train, and absorb his mindset up close.
Kobe’s influence normalized obsession for Ben—showing that being consumed with greatness wasn’t weird, it was necessary. From Kobe putting his arm around Ben for a Philadelphia Inquirer feature to demonstrating the daily grind of early mornings and countless reps, this mentorship left an indelible mark on Ben’s approach to basketball and life.
3. The Penn State Years and Overseas Career
Ben became a four-year starting point guard for Penn State, cementing his reputation as one of the most competitive and intelligent players to come out of Bucks County. His college career was marked by leadership, grit, and relentless preparation.
He then went on to play two years overseas in Israel and Iceland, experiencing the challenges of professional basketball abroad. Yet even at that level, his passion for playing outweighed any thoughts of coaching—at least initially.
4. The Reluctant Coach Who Found His Calling
Ironically, Ben once swore he’d never coach. But while between overseas stints, he started training young players in Bucks County. His very first client? Ryan Arcidiacono, then a seventh grader who would go on to win a national championship at Villanova, become the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, and play multiple seasons in the NBA.
That experience lit the fire for Ben as a mentor. He discovered joy not just in playing, but in teaching, developing, and shaping the habits of future stars. From private training to high school head coaching at the George School, to college coaching at Binghamton, Rider, and now Penn, his journey reflects a deep commitment to giving back to the game.
5. Coaching Philosophy: Preparation = Peace
Ben breaks down the core values he preaches to players:
Honor: Look teammates in the eye, tell the truth, hold each other accountable.
Work Ethic: Show respect for the game by showing up on time, working relentlessly, and treating every drill seriously.
Preparation: Outwork everyone in practice, so games feel natural, fun, and pressure-free.
As Ben says, “Preparation brings me peace.” He explains how mastering the daily details allows him to sit calmly on the bench during games, confident his players are ready.
6. The Transition to Penn Basketball
Ben shares what it’s like stepping into his new role at Penn, working alongside legendary coach Fran McCaffery, a Wharton grad and proven NCAA tournament leader. With a brand new staff, the focus is on building culture, instilling values, and reigniting the magic of the Palestra—one of the most iconic basketball arenas in the country.
