Off the Beaten Path Hoops

In this episode, we sit down with Georgia Tech Men's Basketball Assistant Coach Chris Kreider to trace his unique and inspiring journey into college coaching. From growing up in Colombia to working his way up through unpaid volunteer roles, Chris breaks down the pure grit, hustle, and patience required to earn a spot on a Division I bench.The conversation also highlights the vital role of genuine relationships in the coaching profession, from building trust with head coaches and staff to developing strong connections with players. Plus, Chris shares why establishing Atlanta as a home base has been so important for his family amidst the fast-paced grind of college basketball.

Will Martin, assistant coach for Sundance Wicks at the University of Wyoming, joins us for OBP59. Coach Martin takes us through his coaching journey, starting from his formative years as a student manager at the University of Kentucky under Billy Gillispie and John Calipari. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to operate inside a blue-blood program and how those early experiences laid the groundwork for his career in collegiate athletics.The conversation dives deep into the evolution of coaching roles, the impact of key mentors, and the realities of navigating the high-stakes world of modern college basketball. Will candidly discusses the peaks and valleys of life both on and off the court, offering valuable perspective on staying grounded, adapting through change, and building sustainable success within a basketball program.Beyond the tactical and developmental side of the game, Coach Martin shares a powerful message on vulnerability, mental resilience, and the importance of finding "people who will sit with you in the abyss" during life's toughest moments.

They were coached by their dads and then made their way into administration. Hear all the hoops stories from Dr. Curt and Tony Watkins.

Coaches - come sit at the Final Four hotel lobby and listen to Gregg Gottlieb tell stories about life, coaching, people and family. From a restricted earnings coach making $0 to his two stops at San Diego State to a COVID opportunity at Gran Canyon, Gottlieb has done it all. And still gets to surf every morning. Listen to it all.

Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Dan Krikorian as he breaks down the conversation in Berlin that lead to the creation of the Slappin' Glass podcast, the Jeff Van Gundy shoutout on national TV, Dan's evolving thoughts on analytics in basketball and we even talk about the best burgers in Costa Mesa.

In OBP56, we welcome Dan Krikorian, head men's basketball coach at Chapman University and co-host of the Slappin' Glass Podcast, a favorite among basketball coaches across the world. In Part 1 of our conversation, we hear all about Dan's own basketball story, from playing days to his first steps into the coaching ranks. Dan shares his journey from Chapman player to assistant coach and eventually taking over the program following legendary head coach Mike Bokosky. He reflects on the trust his mentor placed in him, the lessons he learned by being given real responsibility early in his coaching career.The conversation also dives into Dan's coaching philosophy—from designing game-like practices and empowering players to think for themselves, to embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for fear. As the host of the Slappin' Glass Podcast, Dan has spent years learning from some of the game's best coaches, and he explains how the greatest basketball minds simplify the game instead of overcomplicating it.

Welcome to the new season of Off the Beaten Path Hoops! In our first episode, we sit down with Tom Quarry, whose basketball journey embodies what it truly means to take the road less traveled. From grinding his way through a stellar NCAA Division III career at Johns Hopkins to taking his talents across the globe as a pro in Portugal, North Macedonia, and Luxembourg, Tom has seen every side of the game.Tom breaks down his lifelong love for hoops, rooted in the intense, basketball-obsessed culture of growing up in Philadelphia. He shares what it really takes to transition from a D3 standout to playing in European pro leagues, pulling back the curtain on the wild realities of international basketball—including electric fan atmospheres and literal flares being set off outside locker rooms in North Macedonia.Whether you’re an aspiring hooper, a fan of overseas basketball culture, or just love a great sports story, this conversation is packed with raw insights, hilarious anecdotes, and pure passion for the game. Tune in now and hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Off the Beaten Path Hoops!

Josh Pastner, the all-time leading rebounder at Arizona, shares his stories and lessons from a coaching journey shaped by legendary mentors and high-pressure jobs. He reflects on learning under Lute Olson ("one of the greatest clinicians and practice coaches in sports history"), what it was like stepping in at Memphis at just 31 years old after John Calipari’s historic run, and the intensity of leading a program where basketball defines the city. Pastner also talks Georgia Tech, including winning an ACC Championship and the iconic face shield that became part of One Shining Moment. From coaching philosophy to adaptability and leadership, this episode offers insight into the experiences that shaped Pastner and led him to UNLV.

Insightful. Honest. Unfiltered. In this episode, we sit down with Donnie Tyndall to trace his remarkable coaching path, from his early days at St. Catherine’s in Kentucky to joining LSU and forming a lasting connection with Kermit Davis. Coach Tyndall shares stories from his unforgettable run at Morehead State, the challenges he faced during NCAA issues at Tennessee and Southern Miss, and the lessons learned from a 10-year show cause penalty that changed his life and career. We also dive into his comeback through his work in the NBA G League.

Few people can say they’ve lived nearly half a century in the game of basketball. Coach Brian James has. With 49 years of coaching experience, James has seen the sport from every angle — from small-town roots in Taylorville, Illinois, to the biggest stages in the NBA and college basketball.In this episode, BJ takes us inside some of the defining moments of his journey: what it was like to go from high school to the NBA, to work alongside Doug Collins, to coach and manage the competitive fire of Michael Jordan, and to help Chris Collins lead Northwestern to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearances. James also reflects on the enduring role basketball plays in Taylorville and the life lessons the game continues to teach.Whether you’re a lifelong hoops fan or just curious about the stories behind the sidelines, this conversation offers a rare window into the relationships, challenges, and triumphs that define a true coaching career.