On this episode of the Hoop Heads Podcast, Mike and Jason discuss what various teams across the NBA are thankful for as the season progresses. They highlight the Cleveland Cavaliers' gratitude for coach Kenny Atkinson, the Orlando Magic's rising star Franz Wagner, and the trade between the Knicks and the Timberwolves, focusing on the impact Karl Anthony Towns and Julius Randle on their new teams. Mike and Jason also highlight the Charlotte Hornets' promising young talents LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Doncic's lack of urgency. They also touch on the Los Angeles Lakers' favorable schedule, rapid-fire thankfuls for other teams including Giannis and Jokic, and the importance of Inside the NBA in providing entertainment amidst declining viewership numbers across the league.

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GameChanger

Introducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and to deliver memorable moments to your team and its fans. Engage your players, empower your coaching decisions, and give parents the thrill of watching every play unfold in real time this season. Download GameChanger now on iOS or Android. GameChanger equips your team with the tools they need to succeed. Download it today and make this season one for the books. GameChanger. Stream. Score. Connect. Learn more at gc.com/hoopheads.

Get automated highlight clips for all scoring plays as well as rebounds, steals, assists, and more. Plus free live streaming, advanced scorekeeping, and team management.

The Coaching Portfolio

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Ben Betts is the Head Coach of the Boys’ National High School Basketball team at Combine Academy in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Betts has accumulated 34 years of experience as a college coach. After beginning his coaching career at South Carolina State, Betts has been an assistant at College of Charleston, VCU, Oklahoma, Tennessee State, IPFW, Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, and Winthrop. Additionally, he was the head coach of South Carolina State for a three-year stretch from 2003 to 2006 where he directed the Bulldogs to the MEAC regular-season crown in 2004 .

While at Oklahoma from 2006-2011 he mentored 2009 NBA No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin and helped direct the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament in 2008 and 2009.

Betts was a four-year basketball letterwinner at Roanoke College where he helped propel the team to the NCAA Tournament.

On this episode Ben & Mike discuss the unique environment and opportunities available at Combine Academy for aspiring basketball players. Betts emphasizes the importance of personal growth, both academically and athletically, as students prepare for the next step in their basketball careers. Throughout the conversation, Ben shares insights from his extensive coaching experience, including the challenges posed by the current landscape of college basketball, particularly the impact of the transfer portal on high school athletes. He highlights the necessity of team cohesion and individual development, illustrating how players can maximize their potential within a structured program. The episode also touches on the significance of mentorship and support in guiding young athletes through their journeys in sports and education.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Be sure to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Ben Betts, Head Coach of the Boys’ National High School Basketball team at Combine Academy.

Website - https://www.combineacademy.com/

Email – betts@combineacademy.com

Twitter/X - @CoachBetts14

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Dr. Dish Basketball

Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are doing things a little differently this month with $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish Rebel+, $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish All-Stat+, AND $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish CT+ during their first ever Semi-Annual Sales Event. Shop now and have your team more ready for the upcoming season than ever before.

Fast Model Sports

FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank,...

The 14th episode of “The Triple Double” with Rob Brost, Bolingbrook (IL) High School Boys’ Basketball Head Coach. Rob, Mike, & Jason hit on three basketball topics in each episode of “The Triple Double”.

1. BLOBs and SLOBs - Philosophy and how to effectively practice them
2. How to handle player and team rankings
3. Game day routines for coaches

On this episode Mike and Jason welcome back Rob Brost to discuss the importance of inbounds plays, both offensively and defensively, and how to effectively practice them. The conversation shifts to the significance of player and team rankings, exploring how they impact players and coaches alike. Throughout the discussion, Rob emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to coaching, focusing on principles and strategies rather than getting caught up in external perceptions. Brost discusses the impact of team rankings on player motivation and expectations, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the work rather than the accolades. He shares insights on how to manage external pressures from rankings and community expectations while maintaining a humble approach. Additionally, he outlines his game day routine, highlighting the significance of preparation and a calm demeanor to foster a positive environment for his players.

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are doing things a little differently this month with $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish Rebel+, $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish All-Stat+, AND $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish CT+ during their first ever Semi-Annual Sales Event. Shop now and have your team more ready for the upcoming season than ever before.

Fast Model Sports

FastModel Sports has the most compelling and intuitive basketball software out there! In addition to a great product, they also provide basketball coaching content and resources through their blog and playbank, which features over 8,000 free plays and drills from their online coaching community. For access to these plays and more information, visit fastmodelsports.com or follow them on Twitter @FastModel. Use Promo code HHP15 to save 15%

GameChanger

Introducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and to deliver memorable moments to your team and its fans. Engage your players, empower your coaching decisions, and give parents the thrill of watching every play unfold in real time this season. Download GameChanger now on iOS or Android. GameChanger equips your team with the tools they need to succeed. Download it today and make this season one for the books. GameChanger. Stream. Score. Connect. Learn more at gc.com/hoopheads.

Get automated highlight clips for all scoring plays as well as rebounds, steals, assists, and more. Plus free live streaming, advanced scorekeeping, and team management.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is...