Head coach of Randolph-Macon College joins this week's episode of ​⁠. Josh Merkel is only the 5th coach in the history of the RMC men's basketball program. Merkel came to Randolph-Macon after previously leading Salisbury. At Salisbury, Merkel led to the first conference championship since the late 90's.

Now at the helm of RMC, Merkel arguably has had the most successful decade of coaching in college basketball. In 10 years Coach Merkel has been awarded ODAC Coach of the Year 7 times with an overall 129-19 record in conference play.

Merkel was the recipient of the 2022 Division 3 Coach of the Year after the Yellow Jackets captured the school's first ever national championship. The 2024-25 season was another successful season as his program was one of the best defensive teams in the country finishing the year with a 24-5 record.

Hear about his favorite memories during the 2022 national championship run, his defensive philosophies, and how it feels leading the historic Randolph-Macon program.

This episode is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel ​⁠ for more sports content.

Enjoy the episode!

Sneak Peak- 00:00-00:23

Reactions to Tom Thibodeau Firing, NBA Finals Predictions- 00:23-14:27

Intro- 14:27-21:19

Staying Sharp during the Offseason, Coaching Influences- 21:19-28:21

RMC Coaching Tree, Expectations at Historic Program, Being only the 5th HC in Program History- 28:21-33:42

Favorite ODAC Coaching Matchups, Preparation for ODAC Games- 33:42-38:26

Using Constraints in his Program, Coaching Buzz Anthony, 2022 National Championship- 38:26-51:22

Defensive/Closeout Philosophies- 51:22-59:04

Coach Merkel asking Not Even D2 Questions (Finding Best Recruits, Advice for HS Kids Coming into New Culture)- 59:04-01:09:01

Coaching Under Coach Beilein, Using Phrases to Impact Program- 01:09:01-01:12:53

Rapid Fire (Favorite ODAC Arena, Funniest Player Coached, One Former Player to Play with Current Roster)- 01:12:53-01:16:45

Starting 5: Highest IQ Players Coached- 01:16:45-01:19:35

Outro- 01:19:35-01:20:11