Alex Popp - Director of Basketball at The Winchendon School (MA) - Episode 1124

Alex Popp is in his first year as the Director of Basketball at The Winchendon School in Winchendon, Massachusetts. Popp most recently served as the Head Coach of the Academic Post-Graduate team at IMG Academy for 5 seasons. Prior to IMG Popp was the Head Coach at Vermont Academy, a perennial NEPSAC power, from 2014 to 2020 where he developed seven top 100 nationally ranked players, two NBA Draft picks, and one McDonald’s All-American. His tenure also saw the team secure the school’s first-ever New England Prep School Championship in 2016. Popp’s collegiate coaching career includes roles as Director of Basketball Operations at Holy Cross (NCAA Div. I), Associate Head Coach at Middlebury College (NCAA Div. III), and as an Assistant Coach at Springfield College. As a player, Alex was a three-year letterwinner at D2 Assumption University, after playing his freshman season at the University of Minnesota as a recruited walk-on.On this episode Mike & Alex discuss the importance of developing players' strengths rather than solely focusing on their weaknesses. Alex shares his insights on cultivating talent and the significance of believing in players’ potential. Throughout the conversation, we explore the nuanced dynamics of coaching at the prep school level, particularly the necessity of fostering an environment that is both competitive and supportive. We also delve into the intricacies of recruiting, highlighting the value of established relationships within the basketball community. Ultimately, this episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the modern coaching landscape, underpinned by a commitment to player development and the pursuit of excellence.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.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 a notebook by your side as you listen to this episode with Alex Popp, Director of Basketball at The Winchendon School.Website - https://winchendon.org/sports/basketball/Email - [email protected]/X - @coachalexpoppVisit our Sponsors!Give With HoopsGive With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game.D3 Direct Recruiting PlaybookHoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off!Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing.The Coaching PortfolioYour first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.Wealth4CoachesEmpowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/supportTwitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspodMike - @hdstarthoopsJason - @jsunkleInstagram@hoopheadspodFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.