Define Reality Podcast

SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by former DePaul University player Joe Hanel to recap the second week of the Last Dance. Episode 3 gives a view into the mercurial persona of Denis Rodman and we discuss how his plight would be viewed in 2020 (2:54). The unique way in which Phil Jackson handled his personality amongst a team of enigmas (13:10). The Piston's worthy adversarial role in the formation of the Bull's dynasty (21:55). How MJ's shot against the Cavs flipped the switch of the franchise and Scottie Pippen's internal struggle with imposter syndrome (29:24). A masterclass in relationship's by Phil Jackson (36:41). And the show is wrapped up with trending up, trending down, and what we are looking forward to in episodes 5 & 6 (44:30). 

SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Louisville Cardinals assistant coach Mike Pegues. Mike explains how intuition will play a critical role in recruiting the 2020 and 2021 class due to COVID-19 shortening the recruiting window (3:03). The sacrifices his parents made for him growing up in the D.C. area and the lessons he learned from the legendary Morgan Wootten at DeMatha Catholic High School (13:10). We revisit Mike's time playing under current Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey at Delaware, where he became the school's all-time leading scorer (31:08). His time spent as a youth counselor, high school teacher, and AAU coach in northeast D.C. and how he learned the invaluable role that forming relationships play on and off the court (36:07).  Coaching under Shaka Smart at VCU and recruiting the D.C. area (40:36). Finally, Mike talks about the expectations of coaching at a blue blood school like Louisville and lets us in on his secret to becoming one of the premier player development coaches in the country (50:05). 

SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by former DePaul player Joe Hanel to recap week 1 of the Michael Jordan documentary. Rick recalls what it was like to take in the 1997-1998 Bulls season while it was happening (2:27). Joe and Rick then analyze MJ's leadership tactics (11:17) as well as the evolution of his game and athleticism (17:22).  The episode is closed down with some quick categories; poor Jerry Krause (29:17), who won the episode (31:03), who's trending down, and what to look forward to next week (38:22). 

SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by one of his former players from DePaul, Joe Hanel. Joe produces the Define Reality Podcast and will be a co host on future pods. Rick plays the role of guest where he discusses why he wanted to start the pod and what kind of environment he is trying to create (1:57). Who he would select at all of his previous coaching stops to participate in the Hunger Games (15:53).  Connecting the dots of his coaching journey (26:55).  How getting motherfucked by Tom Izzo on his first day as a Michigan State grad assistant gave his voice credibility as a young coach (34:11). And finally founding his own company, SpotterEDU (39:42). 

Spotter CEO and former D1 associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Vanderbilt legend and current overseas guard Riley LaChance. Riley begins discussing by what it felt like to step off a plane in Europe as a pro and face uncertainty and isolation (3:35). Having personal success his first year at Vanderbilt, but dealing with losing for the first time (14:14). Losing his way and dealing with self-doubt in his sophomore campaign (19:30). Bouncing back his junior year with a new staff and rediscovering the player he had always been during his senior year (29:09). 

We then take it all the way back to Riley's high school days where he learned the art of getting motherfucked and what it was like to be coached at a college level from his dad (46:52). The fuel he used when he was under recruited (54:29) and what it was like to finally blow up on the AAU scene (1:07:21).

SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Xavier men's basketball assistant coach Ben Johnson. Ben discusses how Xavier head coach Travis Steele and his staff have worked to stay in contact with its players during the COVID-19 pandemic (2:07). A brief history of his journey from playing professionally in Shanghai, China to where he is today (10:45). Creating a shared sense of purpose within a program and grinding as a young assistant coach at the University of Texas-Pan American (26:40). And learning how to create buzz around a program from Tim Miles at his first high major job in Nebraska (38:58). 

Ben also details the return to his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, as an assistant coach under Richard Pitino and the battle of convincing rising in-state talent that they can have success as a Gopher (43:43). And finally his move to Xavier where he joins a program known nationally for its culture of innovation and success (52:51). 

SpotterEDU CEO and former DI associate head coach Rick Carter is joined by Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery.  Fran details how he is leading his program through the unchartered waters of COVID-19 (1:20). What it's like to raise a family of hoopers and the changing dynamics of being both a father and coach (9:23). How his philosophy of coaching with what you have has led to his early adoption of positionless basketball (22:45).

We then hop on the recruiting trail and Fran gives us insights into what kind of players he looks for in recruiting and how social media has accelerated the process (46:34). Coach talks about  how playing in Philly's famed Sonny Hill League shaped his coaching philosophy and also earned him the nickname White Magic (59:08). 

Finally, coach discusses the future of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award winner Luka Garza, and how the Hawkeyes have positioned themselves for a potential Final Four run in 2020-2021 (1:09:10).

*Producer Note: Since the publication of this podcast, Luka Garza declared for the NBA Draft while still maintaining his eligibility and keeping the door open for a return to the Hawkeyes.