On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Connor McCaffery, assistant men’s basketball coach at Butler University. A former standout guard at the University of Iowa, Connor played under his father, Coach Fran McCaffery, while also earning his degree and playing baseball for the Hawkeyes. After his playing career, he joined the Indiana Pacers as a team assistant under head coach Rick Carlisle, gaining valuable NBA experience. In 2023, he was hired by Thad Matta to join the Butler coaching staff, bringing a strong foundation of basketball IQ, leadership, and communication skills. Known for his poise and competitive edge, Connor has quickly earned respect as a rising coach in the college ranks. His experience learning from elite basketball minds has shaped his coaching philosophy early on. On this episode we talk about how to balance listening and learning while also trying to grow your own coaching voice as a young coach, 3 things that would be in Coach McCaffery's "Starter Pack" as a young coach and the skills he has learned working with legendary coaches in Rick Carlisle, Fran McCaffery and Thad Matta.