On this episode, Mike and Jason discuss some big picture questions heading into the 2025-26 NBA Season including:

• Who will be the MVP?
• Who is the best player right now?
• Who will be the best player in 2030?
• Who is the best American player right now?
• Who will be the best American player in five years?
• Who will be Rookie of the Year?
• Who will be the best player from the class of 2025 ... in five years?
• Where will LeBron James be at the start of the 2026-27 season?
• Which team had the best offseason?
• Which team had the worst offseason?
• What was the best move of the offseason?
• What was the worst move of the offseason?

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Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

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Podcast - @hoopheadspod

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Jason - @jsunkle

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Facebook

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Ethan Quinn is entering his 5th season as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Denison University in 2025-26. Last season the Big Red recorded a program-record 24 victories, propelling them to their first-ever NCAC regular season championship title. They finished the season ranked #18 in the country. Denison earned an automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championships by winning the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament.

Quinn previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the men’s basketball program at Ohio Dominican University. He has had a unique journey getting into the college basketball world after being a college football player for four years at Ohio Dominican, graduating in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a minor in coaching.

On this episode Mike & Ethan discuss the rise of Denison’s program from a 5-5 COVID season to an impressive 24 wins, culminating in a historic North Coast Athletic Conference title last season. Ethan hits on the importance of recruiting tenacious players who embody both skill and resilience, a strategy that has catalyzed Denison’s success. The conversation also touches on the necessity of instilling a culture that emphasizes hard work and commitment, ensuring players understand the standard of excellence required to become a consistent winner. Furthermore, we explore the nuances of evaluating talent, distinguishing between potential recruits in both high school and AAU settings, while reinforcing the significance of academic criteria in shaping the roster. Ultimately, the episode serves as a testament to the belief that a dedicated coaching staff, complemented by outstanding recruits, lays the foundation for sustained success in collegiate basketball.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Get ready to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Ethan Quinn, Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Denison University.

Website - https://denisonbigred.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - [email protected]

Twitter/X - @quinne76

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

Welcome to the 81st edition of the Coach’s Corner Round Table on the Hoop Heads Podcast. Each episode of the Coach’s Corner Round Table will feature our All-Star lineup of guests answering a single basketball question. A new Coach’s Corner Round Table will drop around the 15th of each month.

September’s Round Table question is: How do you define and communicate roles to players so they buy in and execute effectively?

Our Coaching Lineup this month:

• Jerry Buckley – Bishop Kenny (FL) High School
• Chris DeLisio – Olmsted Falls (OH) High School
• Stephen Halstead – Grace College
• Joe Harris – Lake Chelan (WA) High School
• Bob Krizancic –Mentor (OH) High School
• CooperNeimand – Performance Coach for College Basketball Coaches
• Don Showalter - USA Basketball
• John Shulman – University of Central Arkansas

Please enjoy this Round Table episode of the Hoop Heads Podcast and once you’re finished listening please give the show a five star rating and review after you subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Be sure to follow us on twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

On this episode, Mike and Jason discuss the worst trades in NBA History. Just a few of the players involved include Scottie Pippen, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish, Kevin Garnett, and more. Plus Mike goes on a Ted Stepien rant and why the NBA now has the "Stepien" rule about not being able to trade first round picks in consecutive seasons.

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

The 21st episode of “The Triple Double” with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (IL) High School Boys’ Basketball Head Coach. Rob, Mike, & Jason hit on three basketball topics in each episode of “The Triple Double”.

1. Rob's son Trey's recruitment and signing with D2 Michigan Tech
2. Locker Room design, tech, and comfort
3. Tips for planning an out of state trip for your high school team. Bolingbrook is headed to Hawaii this winter.

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

Michael Rejniak has been the GM and Head Coach of the We are D3 TBT Team since 2018. The team competes annually in the TBT and is comprised of all former Division 3 All-Americans who are currently playing professionally.

On this episode Coach Rej and Mike talk about We Are D3’s run to the semifinals of the 2025 TBT showcasing the exceptional talents of former Division III players. We discuss the impact of this achievement, emphasizing the significance of providing opportunities for underrepresented athletes to shine on a larger stage. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the intricacies of preparing for high-stakes games, the importance of team dynamics, and the mental fortitude required to navigate the pressures of competitive basketball. Rejniak also reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from the tournament experience, both for himself and his players, highlighting the importance of relationships and personal growth within the sport. Ultimately, this episode serves as a testament to the former D3 players and the enduring spirit of teamwork that drives their success.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Take some notes as you listen to this episode with Michale Rejniak, the GM and Head Coach of “We Are D3”.

Website - https://tbthoops.com/teams/we-are-d3-2/

Email - [email protected]

Twitter/X - @Coachrej

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

On this episode, Mike and Jason discuss the Kawhi Leonard / Clippers salary cap circumvention scandal, the new all-star game format, and the teams and players that most remind them of the sad sack Cleveland Browns.

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

Keith Hack is entering his third season as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham. The Devils improved their win total by 6 in Hack’s second year.

Prior to FDU-Florham, Hack spent the four seasons as the Head Coach at Medaille College. During his time there, he coached the team to a 2022 AMCC Conference Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The team transitioned to the Empire 8 Conference the next season and he was able to help the team make the Empire 8 Conference Tournament in the team's first year in the conference. Before his time at Medaille College, he spent six years as the Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach at Ursinus College. Hack joined the Ursinus coaching staff after serving three years as an assistant coach at SUNY New Paltz. Keith started his coaching career in 2010 with Niagara County Community College.

During his playing career, he was a four-year starter at Medaille College where he is ranked fourth all-time in career rebounds (544), fourth all-time in games started (93) and sixth all-time in points scored (1211). Hack was the 2010 AMCC Player of the Year, NABC First Team All-Region, three-time All-Conference selection and two-time team captain. He also led his team to two AMCC Tournament Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

On this episode Mike & Keith discuss the significance of accountability within a team culture and the challenges of rebuilding a college basketball program. Hack shares insights on the importance of fostering relationships with players and maintaining their motivation, even during difficult periods. Furthermore, he discusses the strategic aspects of practice planning and the necessity of adaptability in coaching. Ultimately, the episode encapsulates Hack’s dedication to the coaching profession and the profound impact of mentorship in shaping young athletes' lives.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on your favorite podcast app and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

You’ll want to have a notebook handy as you listen to this episode with Keith Hack, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham.

Website - https://fdudevils.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - [email protected]

Twitter/X - @keithhack21

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

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YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

Mike Larkin is the Director of Basketball Operations at Rutgers University. He has been with the Scarlet Knights since 2019. He initially was hired as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach, before earning a promotion to the Director of Basketball Operations role.

Larkin previously served at Saint Michael’s College where he spent seven seasons on staff, including the last four as associate head coach. Before that Larkin served as a graduate intern for two seasons at Rutgers-Newark and was an assistant coach at Bard (NY) College.

Larkin was a Jacob Albright Scholar and a member of the Spanish Honor Society at Albright College, where he helped the Lions to 17-9 records as a junior and senior before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science in math in 2009.

On this episode Mike and Mike discuss the dynamics of collegiate basketball management, the trust and hard work required in today’s college basketball environment. Larkin shares that his foremost duty involves alleviating the burdens of the head coach and the entire coaching staff to facilitate their success. Having transitioned through various roles, Larkin reflects on the invaluable lessons gleaned from his experiences at multiple institutions, culminating in his current position, where he navigates the complexities of a high-profile program. He candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining organizational efficiency amidst the heightened scrutiny that accompanies talented players like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, who have garnered national attention. Ultimately, Larkin's journey underscores the profound impact of mentorship and the collaborative spirit essential to fostering a thriving basketball environment.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on your favorite podcast app and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Jot down some notes as you listen to this episode with Mike Larkin, Director of Basketball Operations at Rutgers University.

Website - https://scarletknights.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - [email protected]

Twitter/X - @Mike__Larkin

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ

On this episode, Mike and Jason discuss the best basketball commercials of all-time including MJ, LeBron, Lil Penny, Converse, Jingle Hoops and many more!

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

When a player becomes unguardable, the game shifts, the defense breaks, the crowd roars, and your team takes control.

Great players don’t just get lucky, they stoke the fire within. They’re built in practice, accelerated with the right reps, the right motivation, and the #1 Selling Shooting Machine in America™ — Dr. Dish. Feed Your Fire. Visit drdishbasketball.com today.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Wealth4Coaches

Empowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ