On this PREP Athletics Podcast we welcome former Nike executive and prep school parent to the podcast. Archie McEachern completed a post grad year himself at Maine Central Institute before playing and becoming a 2 year captain at Ithaca College. He then worked his way up the corporate ladder at Nike to at one point being in charge of Global Basketball. Archie was in charge of footwear for Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Durant and more. He also shares his insight on helping his own son choose the right prep school. This was a great interview! Get behind the scenes on Kobe designing his shoe and more.

What You Will Learn:
[2:18] How Archie found out about post grad and attending Maine Central Institute. 
[5:44] Playing at Ithaca College. 
[6:30] At what point as a parent did you start to discuss prep school options with his son? 
[8:30] Archie's starting point on choosing prep schools for his son. 
[20:30] What advice Archie gives parents and players? 
[33:34] First job in the shoe industry. 
[35:32] Role within Nike and working with Lebron James and Kobe. 
[37:59] Behind the scenes working with Kobe Bryant on the Mamba shoe design. 
[40:54] Professionalism of athletes. 
[43:06] Sacrifices professional athletes make. 
[46:00] Name image and likeness deals for college players 
[53:03] Best player ever played against. 
[53:32] Biggest win of basketball career? 
[54:26] Hobbies 
[55:02] Favorite Movie

Connect w/ Archie
Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/archiemceachern/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/amceac
Website | https://www.play360hoops.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/archie.mceachern/

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166

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/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.

In this short podcast we go over the most popular article from the PREP Athletics website: The Top 5 Most Important Questions to Ask Prep School Basketball Coaches. Here they are: 1) How much is this going to cost?
2) What is your strategy on getting a player exposure to college coaches?
3) How can you meet a player's academic goals?
4) What is the culture of the school?
5) How will you develop a player's skills?

You can read the full article here: https://prepathletics.com/top-5-questions-you-should-ask-prep-school-coaches/

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected] 
Phone | 859-317-1166

 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/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

About Me:
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.

On this week’s episode I had the pleasure to interview former NBA strength and conditioning coach, Blair O’Donovan.  Blair has worked in the NHL, NFL, NBA, as well as for the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonalds All American Game.  Blair and I coached together at Gonzaga College High School in Washington DC under Gatorade National Coach of the Year, Steve Turner.  In this podcast Blair talks about being Kevin Durant’s strength coach in high school, the other future NBA players on the Montrose Christian team, characteristics of an NBA player, the importance of nutrition/sleep, and the exercises he recommends to young athletes.  Blair is one of the best in the business and you will learn a lot of valuable information in this episode.  

What You Will Learn:
[4:00] When Blair decided to get into the strength and conditioning industry.
[9:00] How strength coaches can make an impact.
[10:10] Kevin Durant’s work ethic and how that got him to where he is today.
[15:43 ] What attributes got Kevin Durant to the NBA?
[19:54] What qualities do the NBA players Blair works with possess? 
[24:59] Benefits and challenges working as the head strength coach with the Washington Wizards.
[27:57] Three best lifts for basketball players.
[30:54] Mistakes athletes make in the weight room.
[32:24] Do players need a weight room, trainer and/or specific equipment to get where they need to be?
[35:05] Nutrition and sleep tips
[41:42] Best convenience store options for players on the run.
[46:33] What did Blair do 10 years ago that he no longer does?
[50:03] What do other countries do better in strength and conditioning than the USA, and what do they not do as well? 
[53:01] Favorite/least favorite workout/lift?
[57:04] Best player ever played against?
[58:45] Hobbies
[1:01:13] Favorite Movie

 Connect with Blair
Twitter | https://twitter.com/HealthyBaller
Website | https://www.healthyballer.com/
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_5tYaJKsWZ4UKulTp9GYFw
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/healthy_baller/ 

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166 

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/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a
/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

About Me
 Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals. 

On this episode we welcome Karl Barkley of D3Direct.  Karl played at Swarthmore College and now helps educate athletes on everything D3.  In this episode we discuss the talent at the D3 level, going pro, the benefits, and talk all about financial aid.  This was a very informative episode which is a must listen to those who don’t know much about the D3 option. 

What You Will Learn:
[0:41] Overview of episode
[2:17] Information about D3Direct and why it started.
[3:05] Karl wishes there was a D3Direct around when he was looking at colleges
[3:40] How Karl helps current D3 athletes.
[4:59] Misconceptions about D3 basketball.
[6:16] Why coaches start recruiting later at D3.
[8:20] Myth Buster: D3 players don’t go pro.
[10:21] What has led to more D3 players going pro?
[16:12] Duncan Robinson and other D3 players who have gone pro.
[17:52] Myth Buster - D3 teams cannot beat D1 teams.
[21:21] Myth Buster - D3 athletes are not athletic.
[22:50] Myth Buster- D3 schools do not have fans.
[25:42] Do D3 schools offer scholarships? 
[27:44] Do basketball teams have merit money they can give out?
[29:15] Why would a school give a player a full ride?
[36:15] Expanding beyond your sport.
[39:19] What is FAFSA?
[44:22] How schools determine the size of the merit pool?
[48:58] What information would you have liked to know as a high school senior before going D3?
[51:09] Biggest win of basketball career?
[51:50] Best player ever played against?
[53:48] Hobbies
[55:36] Favorite Movie

 Connect with Karl
Twitter | https://twitter.com/D3Direct
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AVJh6vAhsnW7OLPVAOlCw
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/d3direct/?hl=en 

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166

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/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

About Me
 Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals. 

On this episode we welcome Coach Alex Popp of IMG Academy to the podcast. Alex has played D1 and D2, coached at the D1, D3, G-League, Nike EYBL and prep school level and is now working at IMG Academy to make their basketball program one of the best in the world. In this episode we talk about Alex completing a post grad year at Northfield Mount Hermon, being a walk on at a Big Ten school, finding the right fit for college, coaching Top 100/future NBA players, what guards need to do to succeed, the NIL situation, and much more. Alex came to IMG Academy from NEPSAC AAA prep school Vermont Academy and shares the his thoughts after being away from the New England game for a year. This is a great episode with a lot of knowledge shared. 

What You Will Learn:
[2:53] How has coaching and/or playing at different levels helped you get to where you are now?
[5:10] Benefits of New England prep school world and its challenges.
[9:30 ] IMG’s pitch to a high major player.  
[14:55] Academic team offerings.
[18:47] What made Alex decide to do a post grad year?
[21:12] Why did you decide to be a walk on at the Univ of Minnesota?
[33:48] What does a guard have to do to get to the next level?
[36:21] What can one do to improve as a guard?
[47:34] What was it like coaching NBA players and what did they posses that got them into
the league?
[50:30] Can a player develop a motor?
[1:09:42] Best player ever coached against?
[1:11:13] Top books

Connect with Alex
Twitter | https://twitter.com/coachalexpopp
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/alex.popp3
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachalexpopp/

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics 
Email | [email protected] 

In this mini episode, PREP Athletics Founder, Cory Heitz explains how the PREP Athletics process of finding a right fitting prep school works. This process includes:
1) Committing to help a player
2) Player has to make their own recruiting website
3) Reaching out to the right fitting prep school's coaches on the player's behalf
4) Have players/family ready to talk to interested coaches by creating a recruiting notebook w/ important questions to ask
5) After players talk to coaches I will talk to them about the characteristics of each school and coach
6) If feasible set up visits with schools a player wants to learn more about 
7) After visiting and finalizing schools, start the application process
8) Choosing a school.

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@prepathletics?lang=en
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166

Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/PREP-ATHLETICS-PODCAST
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
 
About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals. 

Tom Espinoza is the head prep boys basketball coach at Putnam Science Academy.  Tom won National Prep School Championships in 2018 and 2020.  He has coached dozens of D1 players to include NBA player Hamadou Diallo.  In this conversation we talk about starting a prep school program from scratch, what its like to coach a Top 100 player, his second team, the importance of the open gym recruiting period, coaching multiple 7 footers and more.  

What You Will Learn:
[1:17] Information about Putnam Science Academy.
[3:30] Why did you want to start the program from scratch at Putnam?
[7:43] How did Tom get his early recruits?
[9:58] What characteristics do your players need to have?
[11:55] Advantages/ disadvantages of being on the second team?
[15:28] How does Tom place players from the second team?
[16:28] How important is the open gym period for prep school players?
[21:30] Do you have a recruiting plan with players who have committed to your program?
[23:46] Discussing NIL (Name Image and Likeness) options with players where they have the
potential to get more money playing at a certain college.
[28:30] Benefits and challenges of coaching Top 100 players.
[30:58] What did Hamadou Diallo possess that made him a NBA player?
[32:49] How having an NBA player from school has helped.
[34:25] Changes in coaching style due to Covid. 
[38:13] Thoughts on NCAA transfer rule.
[39:45] Biggest surprise as a player?
[44:17] Coaching multiple 7 ft players.
[47:56] Biggest win of career?
[49:17] Best player coached against?
[50:11] Hobbies
[50:26] Favorite Movie

Connect with Tom:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PSAhoops
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PutnamScienceAcademyNews
Website | https://www.putnamscienceacademy.org/mens-basketball38c82d48
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/putnamsciencehoops/ 

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166 

Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/PREP-ATHLETICS-PODCAST
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw 

On this episode we interview Lee Academy’s Head Prep Basketball Coach Dan Haynes.  Dan was a multisport athlete in high school and college before getting into coaching.  He has been at Lee since 2016 and shares his insights on such topics as the remoteness of Lee Academy, playing in the NEPSAC AAA, his largely international roster, and more.  Dan explains his pitch to players on why it’s a good thing to go to a prep school in Northern Maine, plus much more.  Enjoy the interview!

 What You Will Learn:
[1:27] Growing up and why Dan chose basketball.
[3:45] What it was like playing more than one sport in college.
[6:10] About Lee Academy.
[12:02] Challenges of being located in a remote location?
[17:10] How does Dan get his players recruited?
[31:45] What makes the NESPAC AAA league so special?
[35:05] Famous Alumni of Lee Academy
[42:00] Benefits and challenges of international players.
[47:30] Player who was the biggest surprise. 
[52:40] Biggest win of career?
[54:53] Best player coached against?
[57:26] Hobbies

Connect with Dan:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachDanHaynes
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Lee-Academy-Post-Graduate-Basketball
1095695453840266/?ref=page_internal
Website | https://www.leeacademy.org/athletics/prep-basketball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/discodaniel/

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166

Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/PREP-ATHLETICS-PODCAST
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals. 

In this episode we chat with Coach Damien Williams, Head Prep Basketball Coach at The Kiski School. Kiski is located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Coach Williams discusses recruiting against the New England prep schools, college recruiting, the advantage of prep school open gyms, how to email a college basketball coaching staff and much more. 

What You Will Learn:
[2:58] What made Damien want to become a basketball coach?
[5:13] Damien’s pitch for Kiski as a non-New England prep school.
[9:30] Information about The Kiski School.
[13:45] How Damien builds his team and what he looks for in a guard?
[22:06] Benefit of the NCAA approved summer scholastic weekends. 
[25:20] Do players get more exposure during the summer on an AAU team or during the scholastic live weekends?
[29:55] Famous Alumni of The Kiski School.
[33:25] New coaching techniques during Covid. 
[37:19] Benefits of open gym period in the Fall.
[40:26] Recruiting during open gyms vs during the regular season.
[42:50] Recruiting plan for new players.
[47:34] Who should kids email on a college coaching staff?
[51:00] Does The Kiski School offer full scholarships?
[54:16] Biggest win of career?
[55:55] Best player coached against?
[57:19] Hobbies
[58:40] Favorite Movie

Connect with Damien:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachWills2133
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=damien%20williams
Website | https://www.kiski.org/team-detail?fromId=281326&Team=27318&SeasonLabel=2020%20-%202021&siteId=1315
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dkw2133/

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166

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/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.

In this episode we interview Coach Roger Cox who is the head boy’s basketball coach at the Rabun Gap School.  Roger shares why not being in New England is not a disadvantage for his school, the league they play in that has included Zion Williamson and the Curry brothers, the benefits of a multi-cultural school, Rabun Gap’s circus program and more.  

What You Will Learn;
[4:00] Why Roger chose basketball?
[4:50] What got Roger into coaching basketball?
[10:30] Why go to Rabun Gap?
[13:36] Advantage of playing basketball at Rabun Gap vs New England prep schools.
[15:40] How Roger chooses players for his program?
[20:00] Why do you want kids to come for more than one year? 
[23:00] Students around the world and visiting families from other countries.
[26:36] Why is it important for prep school kids to be with other students from around the world?
[30:24] Favorite Country
[32:30] Next country Roger wants to visit.
[35:50] Famous Alumni of Rabun Gap
[44:50] What is it like coaching against high level players?
[48:30] Circus program at Rabun Gap.
[52:00] Coaching changes during Covid.
[54:30] Thoughts on NCAA transfer rule.
[58:20] Biggest win of career
[58:45] Best player coached against?
[58:58] Hobbies
[59:50] Favorite Movie

Connect with Roger:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/CoachRogerCox
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/roger.cox.1232760
Website | https://www.rabungap.org/team-detail?fromId=294092&Team=163971&SeasonLabel=2021%20-%202022&siteId=1394
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coach_rogercox/ 

Connect with Cory:
Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep_athletics/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | [email protected]
Phone | 859-317-1166 

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/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Stitcher | https://www.stitcher.com/show/prep-athletics-podcast
Google Podcasts | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M2YwZTZkMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw

About Me
Cory Heitz is the Founder and President of PREP Athletics. He has been helping place players into the right fitting prep schools since 2008. Cory completed a post grad year himself before playing in a D1 basketball program, so he knows the pressures that players and families face when trying to get to the collegiate level. That’s why he started this podcast, which is to share his wealth of information to those looking to reach their college basketball goals.