Join Cory Heitz as he welcomes Jason Smith and John Carroll, the heads of the basketball program at MAI (Masters Athletic International), a groundbreaking prep school basketball program in Stow, Massachusetts. In this episode, Jason and John dive deep into the future of prep basketball, sharing their mission to create a program that prioritizes year-round player development, elite competition, and academic excellence without compromise.
Jason and John also reveal their strategy for college placement, the ideal player profile for MAI, and how they’re reshaping New England basketball by keeping top talent home. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.
💡 Key Topics:
📌 Year-round basketball development without academic sacrifice
📌 MAI’s competitive edge: Location, facilities, and elite coaching staff
📌 Injury prevention & recovery: Prehab, load management, and nutrition
📌 Academic tailoring: College-prep courses, online learning, and flexibility
📌 College placement strategy: Early recruitment and fall workouts
📌 The future of prep basketball: Transformational vs. transactional programs
🏀 About Jason Smith & John Carroll:
Jason Smith is a legendary prep school coach with a track record of developing 26 NBA players, including current pros. His expertise in player development, recruiting, and elite competition has made him a sought-after leader in basketball circles. At MAI, he oversees the on-court development and team strategy, ensuring players receive NBA-level training daily.
John Carroll combines Wall Street acumen with decades of coaching experience, including sending 55 players to the Ivy League. His vision for MAI merges academic rigor, athletic excellence, and character development, creating a holistic prep experience. John’s focus on innovation and adaptability positions MAI as a pioneer in modern prep school education.
🔗 Connect with Jason Smith & John Carroll:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/john.carroll32/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachjasonsmith_/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mastersacademyinternational/
Website | https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/
🏆 About PREP Athletics:
At PREP Athletics, we help young athletes and their families understand the prep school path and how it can create better opportunities in the classroom, on the court, and in the college recruiting process. We talk about prep schools, post-grad years, reclassing, recruiting, academics, AAU, NCAA updates, and the decisions families need to understand before choosing a path.
Our goal is to help players find the right fit, not just any placement. We share honest, experience-based guidance for families navigating prep school basketball, college recruiting, exposure, development, and the steps that can help student-athletes move closer to their goals.
Learn more at PREP Athletics, contact us if your family needs help navigating the prep-school process, and subscribe for more practical prep basketball and recruiting guidance.
🔗 Connect with PREP Athletics:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Email | [email protected]
X | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@prep_athletics
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/prep-athletics
🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbX...