On this episode Mike & Jason discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive start to the season, the resurgence of Darius Garland, and the overall landscape of the Eastern Conference. They also touch on the impact of injuries and load management on player performance and team dynamics, while engaging in a fun trivia game inspired by the election night. Mike & Jason hit on the current state of various NBA teams, focusing on the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, the potential of the Phoenix Suns, and the impressive defensive performance of the Oklahoma City Thunder. They also analyze the struggles of the Denver Nuggets, the Utah Jazz's injury woes, and the promising young talent of the Houston Rockets.

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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.

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Jordon Klein is in his first season as a Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Klein spent the previously served as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Cornell College in Iowa under Dave Schlabaugh.

Klein began his coaching career at the high school level while still working as a CFO in the business world. Jordon has also worked as a camp clinician at Snow Valley Basketball School and USA Basketball Gold Camps.

On this episode Klein shares his unique journey from the corporate world to coaching, highlighting the importance of building genuine relationships in the sport. With a background in finance and experience coaching at various levels, Klein emphasizes that coaching transcends merely teaching skills; it involves fostering an environment where players feel valued and empowered. He discusses the significant influences in his life, including his friendships with notable coaches and the impact of programs like Snow Valley, which have shaped his coaching philosophy. The conversation touches on the challenges and joys of transitioning to women's basketball, including the nuances of recruiting and developing players. As Klein embarks on this new chapter, he reflects on the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and the support from his family that enables him to pursue his passion for coaching.

Follow us on social media @hoopheadspod on Twitter and Instagram and be sure to check out the Hoop Heads Podcast Network for more great basketball content.

Grab your notebook before you listen to this episode with Jordon Klein, Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

Website - https://uafortsmithlions.com/sports/womens-basketball

Email - jmklein12@gmail.com

Twitter - @coachjklein

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....

Heidi Messer is in her third season as the Women’s Basketball Head Coach at NAIA Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

From 2017 until joining the Oklahoma Wesleyan staff, Messer was an assistant coach and the women’s basketball strength and conditioning coach at Northeastern State in Oklahoma. She spent two seasons at the University of Montevallo from 2015 – 2017 and was an assistant coach and the Senior Woman Administrator at Manchester University from 2012 -2014. Heidi also served as a graduate assistant coach at Georgetown College (Ky.) for two seasons.

Messer played four years of college basketball. She attended Sinclair Community College for two years before attending Grace College, where she played two years and served as team captain during her senior season. She recorded the eighth-most assists in program history while at Grace.

On this episode Mike and Heidi discuss Heidi’s journey from a young basketball player in Ohio to a college coach, exploring her early influences, the transition from player to coach, and the importance of building relationships with players. Heidi shares insights on leadership, the challenges of coaching, and her preparation for head coaching opportunities, emphasizing the significance of finding her voice in the coaching world. In this conversation, Heidi shares her journey in coaching, emphasizing the importance of being challenged, transformative leadership, and building strong relationships with players. She discusses the surprises of stepping into a head coaching role, her approach to practice planning, and the balance of maintaining high standards while fostering a supportive environment. Ultimately, she highlights the joy she finds in her team and the impact of coaching young athletes.

Follow us on social media @hoopheadspod on Twitter and Instagram and be sure to check out the Hoop Heads Podcast Network for more great basketball content.

Have pen and paper handy before you listen to this episode with Heidi Messer, Women’s Basketball Head Coach at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Website – https://okwueagles.com/sports/womens-basketball

Email – hmesser@okwu.edu

Twitter/X - @hmesser1323

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....