Coach 2 Coach is a podcast for anyone coaching youth basketball - whether you’re running your first under-8’s team, or you’ve been on the sidelines for years. Each episode, we sit down with a different coach to hear their stories, lessons, wins and mistakes — from grassroots through to high-performa
As Coach2Coach approaches its first anniversary, Jase takes a step back to reflect on 27 episodes of Fast Break Chats, the people who have contributed, and the lessons that keep coming up in conversations with coaches. What started as a search for advice as a new coach has grown into a project with a bigger purpose: sharing knowledge to help coaches improve, players develop and the basketball community grow. Drawing on the recurring themes from the past year, Jase explores the importance of building player confidence, teaching decision-making rather than simply giving instructions, embracing…
We sat down with Joey Wright, a coach with an extraordinary résumé, to talk about why, despite all the accolades, coaching isn’t actually about the coach. With more than two decades of experience across the NBL, Europe and player development, Joey has seen just about every version of the coaching journey. But his philosophy keeps coming back to one fundamental idea: the coach is there to help players achieve their goals. We talk about creating a vision of success, changing the language around what players believe they can achieve, and holding players to a higher standard while still being…
We sat down with Luke Tadich to unpack what he describes as his “perfect, unperfect” season in junior representative basketball. Stepping into his first head coaching role, Luke admits he didn’t feel completely prepared for what was ahead. With injuries, illness, a son sidelined by a serious knee injury and plenty of uncertainty along the way, there were moments when he genuinely questioned whether he could keep going. Rather than trying to do everything himself, Luke chose to seek help. He brought in experienced coaches and NBL1 players, used film and player feedback to identify areas for…
We sat down with Reece Bray of Melbourne Tigers and Hoop City to explore what it really takes to develop better basketball players. Rhys shares his approach to skills development, from identifying what individual players need to improve, to building training sessions that work on multiple skills at once. But the conversation quickly moves beyond the mechanics of the game and into one of the most important parts of player development: decision-making. We talk about creating training environments where players are constantly making reads, playing out of advantages and learning to respond to…
In this episode of Coach to Coach: Fast Break Chats , we sat down with Daniel from Burn City Basketball to explore one of the biggest challenges in junior player development: the knowledge gap between junior and senior basketball. Daniel shares his own experience of discovering that having strong fundamental skills wasn’t enough to make the jump to higher levels. Concepts like spacing, angles, movement, physicality and basketball IQ often become critical at senior level, yet aren’t always introduced early enough in a player’s development. We unpack why coaches can start teaching these…
In this episode, we sat down with Nunawading Spectres NBL1 point guard Jack Gandolfo to explore basketball from a player's perspective and uncover what great coaching looks like from the other side of the clipboard. Jack shares how point guards process the game in real time, from reading defensive pressure and calling plays to making split-second decisions about shot selection and getting teammates involved. We also unpack practical coaching topics including breaking a full-court press, teaching decision-making through game reads rather than memorising countless plays, and why the best teams…
In this episode, we sat down with Kevin McAllister to explore what it takes to help young female athletes build confidence, resilience and a genuine love for basketball. Drawing on his experience coaching girls in both domestic and representative programs, Kevin shares why creating an environment where mistakes are welcomed—not feared—is one of the most important things a coach can do. We discuss why effort should always outweigh results, how consistent encouragement builds self-belief, and why developing strong people will ultimately create better basketball players. The conversation also…
In this episode of Coach to Coach: Fast Break Chats, we're joined by Amanda Hodgson for the show's first interstate guest — a conversation built around communication, clarity, and the role parents play in junior basketball development. Amanda shares her approach to supporting young athletes, focusing on simple but powerful pre-game conversations that help players narrow their mindset down to just a couple of key focus points. Rather than overloading instructions, she emphasises asking questions that help athletes define how they’ll contribute and what they can control once they step on the…
For this episode, we visited Riley Parkinson at his training facility in South Morang to chat about player development, skills training, and how coaches can help young athletes take the next step in their basketball journey. Drawing on his experience working with players of all ages and skill levels, Riley shares practical insights into identifying player weaknesses, building effective training sessions, and developing the fundamental skills every player needs, including finishing, ball handling, passing, shooting, and handling contact. The conversation explores how coaches can create more…
In this episode, we’re joined by coach and basketball educator Zoe Zwerling for a wide-ranging conversation on coaching, mindset, and teaching the game in a way that builds long-term players. Zoe shares her coaching journey, which began in high school and evolved into running her own programs and working across multiple teams and development environments. She reflects on how different coaches across her playing career shaped her approach today, taking lessons from both positive and challenging experiences. A key theme of the episode is mindset and mental toughness. Zoe speaks about the…
In this episode, we sit down with one of Victorian basketball’s most respected coaching figures, Mark Watkins, for a conversation that spans more than four decades in the game. From grassroots domestic basketball through to the AIS, Vic Metro, SEABL/NBL pathways and senior representative programs, Mark reflects on the experiences, mentors and opportunities that shaped his coaching journey. Mark shares stories from growing up around basketball culture at the old Albert Park Stadium, coaching alongside legendary figures like Barry Barnes and Gordie McLeod, and helping develop players who would…
In this episode, we sit down with young coach Austin Hoffman for a conversation about the “1%ers” that help build coaching opportunities — both on and off the court. Recorded inside a busy basketball stadium, there’s a bit of background noise throughout, but the passion for coaching and basketball culture shines through loud and clear. Austin shares his journey from coaching beginner domestic teams to working within the Knox Raiders program, reflecting on how effort, attitude and relationships have helped open doors along the way. The conversation explores the importance of being seen…
Jerome Rama walks through the full journey of building a competitive junior team—from selections right through to a Nationals campaign—and what actually makes it work. He shares why he prioritises roles and defensive mindset over simply picking the most talented players, and how that clarity creates stronger buy-in from both athletes and parents. Practice games are treated as testing grounds, not scoreboards, with a focus on exposing weaknesses early and preparing for real game scenarios. A big part of his approach is putting players in decision-making situations—late-game scenarios,…
In this episode, we explore what it really means when coaches say “sometimes losing is winning” — and how that plays out in a real junior program. Talia shares her approach to being a process-driven coach, focusing less on the scoreboard and more on how her teams play. From ball movement and shot selection to decision-making under pressure, the emphasis is on recognising progress, even in games that don’t result in a win. We also dive into the practical ways she brings this to life, including narrowing the focus to one or two key objectives per game and using reflective journaling to help…
In this episode, we explore a different perspective on coaching — one that goes well beyond drills, plays, and game-day results. Grant shares why he sees coaching as an extension of his role as an educator, with a strong focus on relationships, character, and influence. He challenges the idea that youth coaching is about developing elite players, instead reframing it as an opportunity to guide young people through important life lessons. We unpack how team culture is built through simple, consistent behaviours — encouraging teammates, sharing the ball, and creating an environment where…
In this episode we hear from young coach Hayden Rowell, who shares what he’s learned in his first year and a half of coaching. Hayden reflects on the early challenges of stepping into a leadership role, including building confidence, communicating clearly with players, and learning how different kids absorb information. He explains why visual teaching works better than whiteboard diagrams for younger teams, and how short games and varied activities help keep players engaged during training. We also explore the importance of preparation — from planning structured training sessions to…
In this episode we sit down with young coach Ryan Rowley to unpack the transition from player to coach and what it really means to see the game differently from the sideline. Ryan shares how his playing mindset shaped his coaching philosophy, why he focuses on creativity over control, and what he learned from high-level mentors about watching everything except the ball. From valuing one-percenters over points, to raising standards, coaching the positives, and making effort non-negotiable, this conversation is packed with practical insights for domestic and rep coaches alike. If you’re…
In this episode, we sit down with Seb Lees to talk about what happens when you put yourself in a high-performance environment. From coaching his sisters at 13, to rebounding at Boomers camps, to working inside Melbourne United’s professional setup – this is a conversation about exposure, growth, and earning your place. We explore: What elite coaching environments actually feel like The difference between junior development and professional performance Why standards matter more than speeches The reality of NBA vs NBL culture And how simply getting in the room can change your perspective as a…
In this episode, we sit down with NBL1 veteran Willie Weimer to dig into how high-level playing experience translates to junior coaching — and where it doesn’t. The conversation centres on basketball IQ: teaching kids how to think the game, read situations, move without the ball, and understand how their decisions connect to teammates. Willie shares why ball movement, spacing, screening, and decision-making matter more than running perfect sets — especially at junior level. We talk about the importance of pushing players outside their comfort zones, encouraging mistakes, and valuing “good…
In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Hall to unpack some simple but powerful coaching principles for junior basketball. With a background in both domestic and representative coaching, Mark shares what he’s learned in a relatively short coaching journey — and why simplicity, patience, and repetition matter so much when working with young athletes. We dive into the idea of keeping it simple , focusing on spacing, clear structure, and using concepts like “first side, second side” to help players understand the game without overloading them. The conversation also explores why basketball doesn’t…
In this episode, we sit down with Bendigo coach Gary Dumaresq to talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of junior basketball: keeping the game fun. With close to 20 years of coaching experience and current involvement with the Bendigo Braves and NBL1 programs, Gary shares why enjoyment, positivity, and relationships matter just as much as skills and results, particularly at the under-12 level. We explore what it really means to coach kids, not just players. From celebrating effort and good decisions (even when shots don’t fall), to managing sideline body…
In this episode, we sit down with a coach who’s seen the game from both sides of the whistle – as a junior coach and as a referee working through the accreditation ranks. We talk about why coaching junior basketball is all about development, excitement, and laying solid foundations, especially in the under 10s and under 12s. From first goals and first steals to building habits that older age-group coaches can work with later on, the focus stays firmly on growth over results. The conversation then shifts to refereeing and what coaches can learn from seeing the game through a ref’s eyes. We…
In this episode of Coach 2 Coach, we sit down with Scott Christiansen, Director of Coaching at Frankston Basketball and a coach with more than 40 years of experience developing athletes from under-8s all the way through to college-bound prospects. Scott shares how he identifies talent at the youngest levels, what traits actually matter in long-term development, and why attitude and competitiveness often outshine raw skill. We dive into pathways for junior players, what families should expect as kids move through age groups, and how coaches can balance development with performance in a…
In this episode, we’re joined by Cara Weimer to explore the art and impact of coaching girls in basketball. Cara shares her 10+ years of coaching experience across age groups from under 8s to under 18s, offering insights into why sport is such a vital outlet for young girls. We dive into creating a safe, fun environment where girls can challenge themselves, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. Cara also talks about balancing skill development with enjoyment, nurturing team cohesion, and the small, creative ways coaches can keep training engaging – like the infamous balloon drill…
In this chat, Leanage “Dee” De Alwis shares his practical approach to shaping strong team culture — starting with parents, reinforced by players, and lived through the little things. Coaching both domestic and rep basketball from under-8s through under-15s, Dee believes that culture doesn’t come from slogans or speeches, but from everyday habits that add up. He explains how clear non-negotiables , like playing defense, passing to the open teammate, and celebrating every substitution with high fives, create accountability and unity. Dee also unpacks how early parent meetings and proactive…
Russell brings a thoughtful take on how coaching evolves as players grow — from teaching fundamentals to managing game-day tactics. Drawing on years of experience as both a player and coach, he shares how his approach has shifted toward reading the game , building team structures, and helping players understand the “why” behind decisions on court. He explains that coaching really has two sides: training and development versus game-day strategy — and every coach naturally leans more toward one. For Russell, it’s about an 80/20 split: less time on drills, more on systems, teamwork, and…
In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Epifano, a seasoned basketball coach with nearly 20 years of experience across various age groups and levels. Adrian shares his coaching journey, currently coaching both an under-9 domestic team and an under-16 representative team, drawing from his rich background in basketball. The conversation delves deep into Adrian’s coaching philosophy, centered on the critical importance of offensive skills and player development. He emphasises that while defense requires effort, offense demands technical precision. Adrian passionately argues that coaches should…
In this episode, Joe Reilly from the Vermont Vultures shares how a simple moment with an under-9 player shaped his whole coaching philosophy — that everything starts with the fundamentals. Drawing on his years of experience coaching junior boys and his own time as a player, Joe talks about why skills like dribbling , footwork , and layups form the real foundation of the game. He explains how confident ball-handling not only helps kids score but also builds their presence and confidence on the court — turning hesitant players into assertive ones and keeping defenders on their toes. Joe also…
Here’s a quick intro to Coach 2 Coach — a podcast for people coaching junior basketball. I’ll share what the show’s about, who it’s for, and what you can expect.
About Coach 2 Coach
Coach 2 Coach is a podcast for anyone coaching youth basketball - whether you’re running your first under-8’s team, or you’ve been on the sidelines for years. Each episode, we sit down with a different coach to hear their stories, lessons, wins and mistakes — from grassroots through to high-performa
Coach 2 Coach is a English sport podcast from Jason Belcourt. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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