The Gametime Guru

What's the real state of women's basketball today?

Coach Carson Huelle, former college player turned coach and creator of a fast-growing WNBA fan community, joins The Gametime Guru to break it all down. From the Caitlin Clark effect to the rise of the WNBA and the new Unrivaled league, this conversation covers what makes women's basketball unique, powerful, and misunderstood.

In this episode, we explore:

The differences (and similarities) between men's and women's basketball

Coaching philosophies for female athletes at different levels

Why the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league matters more than you think

How young girls can set themselves apart through IQ, fundamentals, and passion

A behind-the-scenes look at women's hoops from youth to pro

If you're a basketball fan, coach, or parent of a young athlete — this is a powerful deep dive into one of the fastest-growing segments in sports.

🎧 Subscribe and listen each week as we bring you new voices and stories that help you see sports through a different lens.

In this inspiring episode of The Gametime Guru, former University of Houston wide receiver Linell Bonner shares his powerful journey from being overlooked in high school to becoming a standout D1 athlete, a published author, and a transformational mentor and speaker.

Key Topics Covered:

• How Linell didn't make varsity until his senior year — and why that didn't stop him
• What it took to earn a football scholarship at the University of Houston
• The role of film study, mental preparation, and mastering the playbook
• Facing off against future NFL stars like Jalen Ramsey, Derwin James, and Lamar Jackson
• Why faith guided his transition from football to becoming a full-time speaker and author
• The meaning behind his book: It's Your Choice: The Art of Becoming
• Lessons on patience, persistence, and purpose every young athlete and parent should hear

Buy "It's Your Choice: The Art of Becoming" today: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Your-Choice-Art-Becoming/dp/B0D52PMTRX

Follow Linell on his pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linellbonner3/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linell-bonner-iii-4b3225a5/

Life After Football: Linell shares how God led him away from professional sports and into a higher calling — mentoring youth, delivering impactful keynotes, and helping people discover their true purpose.

Why You Should Watch This Interview: If you're a young athlete, a parent, a coach, or someone struggling to find your identity beyond the game — Linell's story will resonate deeply. This isn't just about football. It's about faith, mindset, hard work, and becoming who you're meant to be.

Subscribe for More Interviews: Every week we go behind the scenes with sports figures from all over the world — showing you a panoramic view of the sports world through a different lens.

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe #GametimeGuru #LinellBonner #FaithAndFootball #CollegeFootball #MotivationalInterview #NFLJourney #D1Athlete #UniversityOfHouston #FromWalkOnToStarter #OvercomingAdversity #ChristianAthlete #TheArtOfBecoming #MindsetMatters

In this exclusive interview, former Michigan and Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson joins me to deliver raw insights on playing Division I football in both the SEC and Big Ten, adapting to multiple offensive systems, and his journey into the USFL with the Michigan Panthers.

This is from my interview with Shae back in 2022 on the Nations Best Brotherhood Podcast with Nations Best Football.

🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What it's really like competing in both the SEC and Big Ten as a quarterback

How Shea Patterson prepared mentally and physically for the pros

Behind-the-scenes perspective on college stadiums like Kyle Field, The Big House, and Penn State's White Out

What it's like playing with elite athletes like A.J. Brown and competing against Jeff Okudah and Devin White

The mindset required to succeed at the next level and deal with rejection, setbacks, and constant change

The importance of football IQ, learning 12 different offensive systems, and breaking down real play calls

What brotherhood really means in high-level team sports

Patterson opens up about his faith, mental toughness, and the note he wrote in 4th grade that still drives him: "I will play in the NFL." Whether you're an athlete, coach, or fan, this episode offers golden nuggets on leadership, preparation, and perseverance in sports and life.

What do Jerry Maguire, Patrick Mahomes, Troy Aikman, and Warren Moon all have in common? Their stories intersect with Leigh Steinberg, one of the most iconic sports agents in history.

In this episode of The Gametime Guru, Leigh opens up about:

His influence on the movie Jerry Maguire

How elite athletes like Mahomes and Young handle adversity

NIL's impact on the future of college sports

His unique approach to mentoring athletes on and off the field

Why brotherhood and character matter more than talent alone

If you're a sports fan, student-athlete, or business leader, you won't want to miss this conversation.

🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to keep up with weekly episodes that bring sports to life from every angle.

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If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests!

https://youtu.be/ccCfaGi1bzw

What's the current state of club basketball in 2025? In this solo episode of The Gametime Guru, I will dive into the real pros and cons of the modern youth sports scene, particularly club basketball.

Key Questions Answered:

• Is club basketball worth the cost in 2025?
• How do club teams help (or hurt) college basketball opportunities?
• Why are parents spending $10,000+ per season?
• Are youth tournaments becoming a money grab?
• What role do referees and tournament directors play in the athlete experience?

Topics Covered:

• The evolution of club basketball from 2006 to 2025
• The explosion of club teams and watered-down competition
• How unsigned seniors earn college offers through late-season tournaments
• Frustrations with tournament fees, travel costs, and pay-to-play models
• The importance of quality refereeing and professionalism
• The urgent need for youth sports reform focused on development over dollars

Why This Matters: Parents, coaches, and athletes are investing time and money into club sports with the hope of long-term payoffs. But are we losing sight of what matters most? Shane shares personal stories and insight after four years of coaching 16U, 17U, and unsigned seniors, providing a raw and unfiltered look at what's really going on behind the scenes.

If you're searching for:

• "Should my kid play club basketball in 2025?"
• "Is AAU basketball still worth it?"
• "Youth sports problems in 2025"
• "How to get recruited from club basketball"
• "Club basketball vs high school basketball"

"Why are youth sports so expensive?" ...then this episode gives you the perspective you're looking for.

Recorded after the 2025 season and featuring real insights from tournaments across California, Utah, and Idaho—including battles with junior college teams and underfunded tournaments—this episode provides an honest look at what youth sports are becoming… and what they should be.

Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for weekly interviews with sports figures, deep dives into current sports issues, and behind-the-scenes stories that help you see sports through a different lens.

If you would like to see this on VIDEO, feel free to follow me over on YouTube and catch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h40snStgyaQ

Today, I interview Ryan Winterswyk, former walk-on turned star defensive end at Boise State, and former NFL player with the Atlanta Falcons.

Ryan talks candidly about:

• Walking on at Boise State and earning his role
• Life lessons from Coach Petersen's program
• Transitioning to the NFL
• Becoming a coach and redefining purpose

This episode is about more than football—it's about mindset, resilience, and reinvention. Whether you're an athlete or just love a comeback story, this episode will inspire and inform.

Subscribe to hear from athletes and coaches across the globe who've seen success, struggle, and growth on and off the field.

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If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests!

https://youtu.be/yxDLILuN34M

Thinking about playing football at the next level?

In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, we dive deep into the real-life journey of Carl Pickens, from high school standout to Freshman All-American at Tennessee, to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Bengals.

This conversation is essential listening for:

🚨 Aspiring college and pro athletes

🚨 High school football players looking to understand the process

🚨 Parents and coaches helping athletes navigate transitions

🚨 Fans of 1990s NFL football (Boomer Esiason, Jeff Blake, Deion Sanders, and more!)

🎯 Key Questions Answered in this Episode ➤ How can players handle the disappointment of draft day? Carl shares how being passed over by the Denver Broncos fueled his fire and how he embraced the unexpected call from Cincinnati.

➤ What's the hardest part about the transition from high school to college football? It's not just the playbook—Carl talks about culture shock, homesickness, and learning how to re-prove yourself at every level.

➤ Can you make it to the NFL if you're not a 5-star recruit? Carl explains how mindset, consistency, and accountability matter more than rankings.

➤ What's it really like to go from college to the pros? From catching passes from Boomer Esiason to learning the pro playbook—Carl explains what being a professional means beyond just talent.

🧠 Top Takeaways from Carl Pickens Accountability defines professionalism: From showing up on time to running clean routes, accountability is the #1 trait that separates the pros.

Setbacks are setups: From being redshirted at Tennessee to switching positions early in college, Carl used every obstacle as fuel.

You don't have to be open to make a play: Learn how Carl won contested catches vs. elite DBs like Deion Sanders and Aeneas Williams.

Support systems matter: Carl's family and coaches helped him stay grounded during the hardest transitions of his career.

Your "why" drives your success: He didn't want to let his parents down—and that kept him focused during the grind of NFL life.

🏆 Highlights from the Interview

Playing high school basketball as a 6'1" forward and high jumping 7'1"

Being the only freshman receiver at Tennessee and transitioning to free safety

Being passed on by Denver during the NFL Draft and picked by Cincinnati instead

How turf vs. grass impacted his favorite stadiums (Denver, Cleveland)

Stories from the locker room: relationships with Darnay Scott, Boomer Esiason, and Jeff Blake

📍 Follow Carl Pickens on Instagram: 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/thecarlpickens

Want to see what Carl's up to now? From motorcycles to horses to podcast appearances—he's just getting started in his post-NFL journey.

🎙 About The Gametime Guru Podcast Host: Shane Larson Global reach: 182 countries 🔁 Weekly interviews with pro athletes, coaches, and sports visionaries

👉 Subscribe for more powerful conversations that reveal what it really takes to compete and succeed at the highest level of sports.

Are you a shorter basketball player trying to stand out?

This episode is for you. Former Boise State standout and pro guard Montigo Alford (aka Tigo) shares exactly how shorter guards can dominate, impact winning, and build long-term success—on and off the court.

📌 What You'll Learn:

• How to succeed as a 5'9 guard in high school, college, and pro basketball
• Why being a great teammate matters just as much as stats
• The importance of film study, consistency, and controlling your controllables
• What the jump from junior college (CSI) to Division I (Boise State) really looks like
• Montigo's pro basketball journey: from Germany to Colombia to the TBL
• How to train like a pro—including game-day weightlifting routines
• Why branding your name as a high school athlete matters more than ever
• The mindset needed to come back from three shoulder surgeries and keep going
• Answering Key Questions:

Can shorter basketball players still earn D1 offers and pro contracts? → Yes. Montigo breaks down the exact mindset, training, and roles shorter guards must embrace.

What does "impacting winning" really mean? → It's not about dropping 30 points—it's about defense, leadership, and embracing your role.

Is lifting weights during the season a good idea? → Absolutely. Montigo even hits the leg press right before games.

Why is social media so important for athletes today? → Because your first and last name is your brand. Coaches want to see what you're about.

💬 Top Quotes from Montigo Alford:

"Your first and last name is your brand—treat it like one."

"At 5'9, they counted me out. I used the weight room, the film room, and my mentality to prove them wrong."

"Discipline and consistency—that's what basketball gave me."

"It's not about being the guy, it's about impacting winning."

📍 Who Should Watch This:

• Undersized basketball players with D1 or pro dreams
• Coaches helping players find their role
• Athletes navigating the overseas basketball world
• Parents and trainers who want the truth about what it takes
• Anyone who values grit, development, and doing the work

👤 Follow Montigo Alford / TGO Pro Athletics:

Want to train with TGO in the Treasure Valley? Search TGO Pro Athletics on Instagram or reach out directly via his IG: @montigo_alford @tgoproathletics

Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for more raw, real, and insightful interviews with athletes around the world:

🎙 Hosted by Shane Larson 🌍 Streaming globally in 180+ countries

Today, I (Shane Larson) sit down with Bob Smith, founder and CEO of Nation's Best Football—a platform that's become a cornerstone of athlete branding, NIL education, and nationwide football coverage from youth to pro. With 15+ years of spotlighting athletes and connecting them to life-changing opportunities, Bob shares his journey building the Nation's Best ecosystem and his vision for the future of NIL, digital sports marketing, and community-driven athlete development.

🏈 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

How Nation's Best went from a niche football page to a multi-platform sports brand

The evolution of youth football, club travel teams, and national tournaments

The truth about NIL in 2025 — challenges, legal shifts, and what's coming next

How athletes can safely monetize their name, image, and likeness with structure

Exclusive insight on Nation's Best NIL Dream Team, spotlight campaigns, and business partnerships

Why authenticity, connection, and brand-building are the new keys to athlete success

🧠 Whether you're a high school athlete, college coach, brand rep, or sports parent — this is your masterclass in modern football marketing and NIL impact.

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EXPLORE NATION'S BEST + NIL RESOURCES Main Website: https://www.nationsbestfootball.com NIL Dream Team Hub: https://www.nildreamteam.com Contact: [email protected]

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🔗 FOLLOW NATION'S BEST ONLINE

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Nationsbestawards TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationsbestnildreamteam Twitter/X: https://x.com/nationsbestNIL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationsBestFootball/ LinkedIn (Bob Smith): https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-smith-0011a2118/

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EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction: How Shane and Bob met 03:00 – What Is Nation's Best? 07:00 – The Growth of Youth Football 11:00 – Athlete Spotlights: From Pop Warner to D1 20:00 – How NIL Is Changing in 2025 31:00 – Building the NIL Dream Team 38:00 – Business Partnerships & Brand Expansion 45:00 – Nation's Best Fantasy, Flag, Natty, and More 50:00 – Lessons From 15 Years in Sports Media

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#NIL #NationBestFootball #YouthFootball #AthleteBranding #NIL2025 #FootballPodcast #NILDreamTeam #GametimeGuru #HighSchoolFootball #NILEducation

In this episode of The Gametime Guru, I interview Anthony Tucker, the founder of Hoop Habits and former professional basketball player who competed overseas and in the Big Ten.

From winning a high school state championship to building a training facility focused on mindset, recovery, and development, Anthony shares powerful insights on how to navigate the transition from athlete to entrepreneur.

TOPICS COVERED:

The mindset required for professional basketball

Overcoming being cut and bouncing back stronger

How AAU basketball has changed (and where it's headed)

Building a youth basketball training business from the ground up

The role of nutrition, recovery, and sports psychology in long-term athletic success

Life after sports: translating athletic skills into the business world

RESOURCES & LINKS:

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✅ Learn more about Anthony's elite training program: https://www.hoophabits.com ✅ Follow Hoop Habits on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoophabitstraining ✅ AAU Info: https://www.hoophabitselite.com 📩 Contact: [email protected]

Whether you're an aspiring college athlete, basketball parent, or someone looking to build mental toughness in life or sport, this interview delivers value-packed takeaways that apply on and off the court.

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CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 – Intro to Anthony Tucker 03:00 – Playing in the Big Ten & Overseas 07:00 – AAU Basketball Evolution 10:00 – Mental Health & Performance Pressure 15:00 – Life Lessons from College Hoops 22:00 – Professional Basketball Realities 30:00 – Starting Hoop Habits 38:00 – Business Challenges in Sports Training 44:00 – Nutrition, Recovery & Mindset for Young Athletes 50:00 – Final Thoughts on Goals & Grit

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Support the Show This podcast is brought to you by Timberline Digital Marketing – helping small businesses grow through smart digital strategies. Head to www.timberlinedigitalmarketing.com

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with a fellow hooper or sports parent!

#BasketballPodcast #AthleteMindset #HoopHabits #AAUBasketball #YouthDevelopment #MentalToughness #BasketballTraining #AnthonyTucker #GametimeGuru