The Transforming Basketball Podcast

The Transforming Basketball Podcast

Hosted by: Transforming Basketball

Transforming Basketball is all about breaking away from the status quo by helping the basketball world make sense of evidence-based ideas. Within the podcast, contemporary skill acquisition ideas are introduced to...

All Episodes

Episodes

EP130: The Secrets Behind ALBA Berlin's Coaching Philosophy with Norbert Opitz

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Norbert Opitz, a cornerstone of Alba Berlin’s youth development program. With over 20 years of experience, Norbert shares how Alba fosters player growth through representative...
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EP129: Inside the Hawks: Zay West on Tag Games, Variability, and Performance Coaching

 In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Zay West, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Atlanta Hawks and former NBA Academy Africa performance lead. Zay shares how evidence-based training, creativity,...
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EP128: Constraints, Curiosity, and Coaching: Ashley Cookson on Leading the Essex Rebels

In this episode, George Vaz sits down with Ashley Cookson, Head of Basketball Performance and Head Coach of the Essex Rebels women’s team. Ashley shares his journey through coaching in the UK, Sweden, Canada, and...
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EP127: Building a Championship Culture with Cameron Mitchell

In this episode, George is joined by Cameron Mitchell—two-time NWAC South Coach of the Year and head coach of Portland Community College’s Panther Basketball Program. He shares how he’s led his team to back-to-back...
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EP126: Q&A with Alex Sarama and Kerri Kuzbyt

In this episode, Alex and Kerri dives deep into the balance between player development and winning, how to teach functional skills without over-prescribing, and practical ways to apply the Constraints-Led Approach...
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EP125: Why Your Warm-Up Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It) with Martina Navarro

In this episode, George sits down with Martina Navarro to explore how coaches can use the Athletic Skills Model (ASM) to transform fundamental skills into functional movements, build movement versatility, and add...
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EP124: How Missouri Built One of the Nation’s Most Efficient Offenses with Matt Cline

In this episode, George is joined by Matt Cline to talk about building an elite offensive system at Missouri, creating a culture of connection, and coaching through creativity, freedom, and trust. They also explore...
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EP123: Designing with Intention

In this solo episode, we dive deep into one of the most underrated tools in a coach’s toolbox: intention. George breaks down how clear, purposeful intention can transform everything from season planning to small-sided...
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EP122: Transforming Basketball Clinic in Piegros

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Kerry Kuzbyt and Francois Lubino, discussing their experiences in coaching and player development. They explore the importance of non-negotiables in coaching, adapting movement...
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EP121: Athlete-Centered Coaching - Building Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose with Loren Anderson

In this episode, George Vaz and Loren Anderson discussed his journey into coaching through an ecological dynamics lens, emphasizing the importance of athlete-centered approaches, motivational interviewing, and...
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EP120: Coaching Lessons from the London Lions Academy: Different Styles, Same Mission

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Liam Jefferson and Will Twigg to discuss their experiences in creating a competitive environment for youth basketball players. They share insights on instilling values,...
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EP119: How to Add Transforming Basketball Principles to YOUR Practices

In this episode, George Vaz discusses how to implement Transforming Basketball Principles into basketball practice. He emphasizes the importance of designing practice environments that mimic game situations,...
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