Coach D Podcast

Are You Thinking Like a Pro Guard? | Amaris Baker (London Lions)

What does it REALLY take to become a professional basketball player, and what separates a good guard from a great one?

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, we're joined by Amaris Baker, former Drexel University standout and newly signed London Lions guard, as she begins an exciting new chapter after signing her first professional contract.

From navigating the challenges of college basketball to establishing herself as a standout performer at Drexel, Amaris shares the experiences, lessons and mindset that helped shape her journey to the professional level.

We dive into the mind of a high-level guard, exploring decision-making, creating scoring opportunities, reading defenders and understanding when to attack, pass or make the right play.

Amaris also shares valuable advice for aspiring players looking to elevate their game, the importance of developing skills that translate to higher levels, and what it takes to earn a coach's trust.

Plus, we discuss her move to London, what excites her about joining the London Lions, and what fans can expect from her and the new squad this season!

Episode Highlights

- The journey from college basketball to signing a first professional contract.

- What separates good guards from great guards.

- How to improve basketball IQ and make better decisions under pressure.

- Creating advantages against bigger, stronger defenders.

- Essential skills aspiring guards should develop NOW.

- Building confidence, overcoming setbacks and earning a coach's trust.

- Why Amaris chose London and what excites her about the Lions.

🎟️ Support the London Lions!

Come down to the New City College (NCC) and experience the London Lions women's team in action!

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://www.universe.com/users/london-lions-basketball-D938MP?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAU9kr9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAnNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzU2NzA2NzM0MzM1MjQyNwABp2_kXeELKJy3kK2_PlsCjIfaAxeCcni6o6zYS-WZz4aDr8V0RD7UPctyI940_aem_t8M_jMCQWMPWH1tidAIstw&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3

Whether you're an aspiring player, coach or basketball fan, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you Think The Game and take your understanding of basketball to another level.

🎧 Listen, learn and share with someone looking to improve their game!

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_dee7?obrf=MTNvcWhqdnRqaWZ6Ng==

📧 [email protected]

Amaris Baker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.baker12?mdxt=MXI4bHAzcHE3cnlyOQ==

London Lions Womens: https://www.instagram.com/londonlionswomen?srtk=YmdjNzViYjNpcXFh

Spotify Episode Summary

What does effective basketball training actually look like — and are we doing enough to prepare players for the decisions they'll face in a real game?

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast , we dive into player development, purposeful practice and the difference between simply completing drills and developing skills that genuinely transfer to competition.

We explore why intensity and intent matter, the value of putting players into realistic situations, and why coaches should encourage athletes to understand the “why” behind what they're doing. From decision-making and adaptability to consistency and allowing players the freedom to solve problems, this conversation challenges some of the traditional ways we think about basketball training.

Whether you're a player, coach or skills trainer , this episode will make you question: Does your training actually prepare you for the game?

🏀 Episode Highlights

• Why real situations create better players
• Are players training with genuine intensity and intent?
• The difference between doing drills and developing game-ready skills
• Why players need to understand the WHY behind training
• How to develop better decision-makers , not just better drill performers
• Why coaches sometimes need to “just let them play”
• Developing players who can make the right read
• Why adaptability is essential when the game doesn't go to plan
• The role of consistency in long-term player development
• What could be missing from traditional basketball training
• Creating training environments where players learn to think, react and solve problems

🎙️ Coach D Podcast — Think The Game.

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, we sit down with Coach Seda — former Turkish National Team player and 2011 European silver medalist, now an elite skill development coach known for her attention to detail and high standards.

We dive into the real differences between 3v3 and 5v5 basketball, and why Coach Seda believes 3-on-3 builds the fundamentals, decision-making, and creativity that many players are missing today.

She shares powerful lessons from earning her place on the 2011 Turkey national team — and how that competitive fight now shapes the way she coaches effort, discipline, and accountability.

We also break down:

• Why players must be shot-ready before the ball touches their hands
• How defensive ball pressure changes the game
• The importance of knowing the score, time, and foul situation
• What separate players who improve every year from those who stay the same

Whether you're a player looking to raise your basketball IQ or a coach wanting to sharpen your teaching approach, this episode is packed with practical insight you can apply immediately.

🎧 Available on Spotify & YouTubeStay connected

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_dee7?stkn=MTNvcWhqdnRqaWZ6Ng==

🎧 Available on Spotify & YouTube

Stay connected

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_dee7?stkn=MTNvcWhqdnRqaWZ6Ng==

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, we sit down with Coach Seda — former Turkish National Team player and 2011 European silver medalist, now an elite skill development coach known for her attention to detail and high standards.

We dive into the real differences between 3x3 and 5v5 basketball, and why Coach Seda believes 3-on-3 builds the fundamentals, decision-making, and creativity that many players are missing today.

She shares powerful lessons from earning her place on the 2011 Turkey national team — and how that competitive fight now shapes the way she coaches effort, discipline, and accountability.

We also break down:

Why players must be shot-ready before the ball touches their hands

How defensive ball pressure changes the game

The importance of knowing the score, time, and foul situation

What separates players who improve every year from those who stay the same

Whether you're a player looking to raise your basketball IQ or a coach wanting to sharpen your teaching approach, this episode is packed with practical insight you can apply immediately.

🎧 Available on Spotify & YouTube

Stay connected

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_dee7?stkn=MTNvcWhqdnRqaWZ6Ng==

Coach Seda Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/seda9erdogan?stkn=Zm5sMnYzaHV6dm9p

What does it really take to develop confident, creative and intelligent basketball players?

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast , Coach D sits down with Coach Brianna to explore how coaches can create environments that develop more than just skills. From embracing mistakes and struggle to giving players the freedom to experiment, the conversation looks at how practical design can help players become better decision-makers and problem-solvers.

Coach Brianna also shares how her experiences across different basketball environments have shaped her coaching philosophy, why coaches need to adapt to the players in front of them, and why development should be measured by the process — not simply the outcome .

• 🧠 Process Over Outcome — looking beyond makes and misses to evaluate the quality of a player's decisions.
• 🏀 Cultivating Decision-Making — designing practices where players learn to read, react and solve problems.
• 🎨 Embrace Creativity — why players need freedom to experiment rather than always searching for the coach's "correct" answer.
• 💪 Embrace Struggle, Build Confidence — allowing players to work through difficulty instead of immediately solving problems for them.
• 🔓 The Power of Unstructured Basketball — how less structured play can develop instinct, creativity and feel for the game.
• 🗣️ How Coaches Can Adapt — adjusting teaching, language and practice design to the players in front of you.
• 🚀 Fearlessness in Coaching — being willing to try new approaches and evolve your philosophy.
• 🌍 European vs US Basketball — reflections on different basketball environments and approaches to player development.

A valuable conversation for coaches, players and parents interested in long-term development and creating smarter, more confident basketball players.

🎧 Listen now and share the episode with a coach or player who would get value from the conversation.

🎙️ Episode Highlights

Ty Nichols joins the Coach D Podcast to share his journey from overcoming adversity to building a successful professional career overseas and becoming an MVP.

Ty opens up about basketball becoming his safe haven, the reality of his first professional opportunity, the mental challenges that come with playing overseas and the experiences that shaped him both on and off the court.

We also dive into what aspiring players need to understand about professionalism, why character can matter just as much as stats, adapting to different coaches and environments, and how players can continue developing throughout their careers.

A powerful conversation about resilience, opportunity, growth and what it really takes to build a career in professional basketball. 🏀🎙️

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, we dive into Germany’s player development pathway and what it takes to progress from a promising young player to the professional level. We explore the difference between good and great players, the importance of listening, embracing failure, overcoming self-doubt, and understanding the 24/7 commitment required to succeed as a professional athlete.

🏀 An insightful conversation for players and coaches serious about development and reaching the next level.

What does it really take to succeed overseas, perform under pressure, and become a champion?

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, professional guard Ja'Cori Payne shares his basketball journey from the United States to competing in France's Pro B league and ultimately helping Trepça capture the Kosovan Superleague Championship.

We dive into the mindset behind staying calm in clutch moments, the importance of mastering the fundamentals, embracing failure as part of growth, and what it's really like playing for one of Europe's most passionate basketball clubs. Ja'Cori also shares valuable advice for aspiring players and guards looking to elevate their game through smarter decision-making, consistency, and preparation.

Whether you're chasing a professional career or simply looking to improve your basketball IQ, this conversation is packed with lessons you can apply immediately.

🏀 Episode Highlights

Ja'Cori's unique basketball journey and path to the professional game

Life in France's Pro B league and adapting to European basketball

Playing for Trepça and experiencing one of Europe's most passionate fan bases

How to stay calm and make winning decisions under pressure

Why fundamentals are still the foundation of success

Embracing failure as fuel for long-term growth

Efficient scoring habits every guard should develop

Lessons learned from winning a championship overseas

Advice for young players pursuing professional basketball

Jeffrey Brooks Jr. has built an incredible professional career spanning more than 15 years, competing at the highest levels of European basketball. A Penn State alum, Italian National Team representative, EuroCup champion, and multiple-time Italian league and cup winner, Jeffrey shares the mindset, habits, and lessons that have helped him sustain success at the highest level.

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to build a long professional career, from earning respect and embracing pressure to mastering the details that separate good players from great ones. Jeffrey also breaks down key concepts for forwards and centers, including the importance of the short roll, efficient post play, and making an impact beyond scoring.

Whether you're an aspiring athlete, coach, or basketball fan, this conversation is packed with practical insights on player development, leadership, resilience, and becoming the best version of yourself—both on and off the court.

🎧 Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway!

Episode Highlights

🏀 Jeffrey's journey from Penn State to becoming a European champion 🌍 Adjusting to life, culture, and basketball across Europe 🧠 Why becoming the best version of yourself every day is the key to long-term success 💭 The power of daily choices and how they shape your career 🤝 How players truly earn respect from teammates and coaches 🏆 Lessons learned from 15 years of professional basketball 🔥 Performing under pressure in championship games and international competition 📖 The unseen grind and sacrifices behind a professional career 📈 Mastering the short roll and making winning plays 💪 Two essential post moves every forward and center should develop 🎯 Advice for young athletes looking to play professionally ❤️ Basketball lessons that extend far beyond the court

In this episode of the Coach D Podcast, Arielle Mackey Williams shares her basketball journey from being introduced to the game by her family to representing New Zealand on the international stage. Arielle reflects on the lessons her parents taught her about commitment, hard work, and pursuing what you love, while discussing how being coached by her mother helped shape her both as a player and person.

She also dives into her experiences at NBA Basketball Without Borders, competing in FIBA ​​3x3 events around the world, overcoming injury setbacks, and the key skills young guards need to succeed in today's game. This episode is packed with valuable insights for players looking to improve both on and off the court.

🏀 How Arielle was introduced to basketball and fell in love with the game

👨‍👩‍👧 The lessons her parents taught her about commitment, discipline, and hard work

❤️ Being coached by her mother and the life lessons that came with it

🌎 Representing New Zealand on the international stage

⭐ What she learned from attending NBA Basketball Without Borders

⛹️‍♀️ 3x3 vs 5x5 basketball and how 3x3 helped elevate her game

🩹 Overcoming injury and learning to appreciate the little things

🧠 The top 3 skills every guard needs to develop

📈 What separates good guards from great guards

🎯 Advice for young players looking to reach the next level

💡 How passion, purpose, and perspective have shaped her journey

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice, personal stories, and valuable lessons for basketball players, coaches, and parents alike.

🔥 Episode Highlights