PODCAST · sports
Hardwood Hustle
by HardwoodHustle.com
The Hardwood Hustle podcast brought to you by PGC Basketball seeks to educate, empower and encourage coaches around the world. Your hosts, coaches TJ Rosene and Sam Allen share their experiences and perspectives centered around the game of basketball. Guest interviews from the biggest names in basketball and beyond, provide keen insights into how coaches can achieve a high level of success and be transformational in the lives of their players.The Hardwood Hustle has been equipping and inspiring the basketball community since 2014. Allow our guides TJ and Sam to journey with you and help you enjoy a fulfilling coaching career season after season.
Episodes
-
Episode 675 - Do They Need You, or Do They Own It?
As a coach, when you step away from practice, what happens? Today, Sam and TJ dig into how coaches can build real rather than performative habits, resist over-coaching, and over time develop a mentality of ownership within their team. They discuss how often to stop practice as the season…
more -
Episode 674 - Emotional Intelligence for Coaches with Duane Jourdeans
In Episode 674, Sam and TJ sit down with Duane Jourdeans, a 27-year coaching veteran and emotional intelligence speaker, to talk about how coaches show up for their players. Duane walks through six emotional intelligence skills, from self-awareness to inspiring performance, and explains why…
more -
Episode 673 - Building a Winning Preseason
In this episode, Sam interviews TJ and takes us behind the curtain of his college program's preseason, organized around the Key 5 framework. TJ explains how he reverse engineers the season from the first game, why leadership looks different every year, and how to spread its weight across players...
-
Episode 672 - Choosing Your Style of Play
In this episode, TJ and Sam tackle pace and tempo. They define tempo as possessions per game and use real examples, from Virginia and Iowa's slow, disciplined success to Nova Southeastern's up-tempo pressure, to show there's no single "right" pace. They discuss how your style should fit your...
-
Episode 671 - Permission to Fail
Are your players afraid to make mistakes? In Episode 671, Sam and TJ tackle "the permission problem" and the fine line between playing fearless and playing responsible. They work through real coaching moments — the freshman who over-helps and gives up a layup, the star who turns passive, the…
more -
Episode 670 - Coach Chris Kreider, Georgia Tech
Chris Kreider returns to Georgia Tech 19 years after his first stint there, now an assistant coach under Scott Cross, and joins the show to talk about the craft of being a great assistant coach. Drawing on 20-plus years working for eight head coaches, Chris explains how staffs create alignment...
-
Episode 669 - The Culture Captain with J.P. Nerbun - Part 2
Every culture has problems — what separates the good ones is how they work through discomfort and adversity together. In part 2 with J.P. Nerbun, author of The Culture Captain, we explore how to lead yourself first, how to give and receive feedback, and why responsibility and self-awareness are…
more -
Episode 668 - The Culture Captain with J.P. Nerbun Part 1
In this episode, J.P. Nerbun joins TJ and Sam to talk leadership development from the inside out, built around his new book for athletes, The Culture Captain. J.P. explains why knowing yourself is deeper than a personality assessment, and shares his "peel the onion" exercise for helping a diverse...
-
Episode 667 - The Separators That Win Seasons
Every coach obsesses over their offensive and defensive systems, but TJ and Sam argue the real edges live in the details most teams neglect. Starting from an old Billy Donovan stat — that players hold the ball only 5-8% of the time they're on the court — they break down how to teach, celebrate…
more -
Episode 666 - Blind Spots, Parents & Recruiting
TJ and Sam open the mailbag for a three-part conversation on the issues coaches wrestle with most. First, they explore self-improvement and blind spots — why identifying trusted voices, dropping the ego, and getting out of the weeds are essential to your leadership. Next, they get into parent...
-
Episode 665 - Starting Every Season From Zero
A strong season starts with an intentional preseason, and this week Sam and TJ lay out the framework for getting it right. The most critical areas of coaching aren't mastered in silos — every workout, every meal, every interaction is a chance to sharpen your culture for success. They share how to...
-
Episode 664 - Coaching Staff Leadership
Staff leadership might be the most overlooked skill in coaching, and one of the toughest. TJ, Sam, and Lisa explore what it takes for an assistant coach to bring value and grow, and what head coaches owe their staffs in return. Along the way they tackle why communication sits at the root of…
more -
Episode 663 - Ambition, Impact, and the Next Step for Coaches
Most coaches are wired to compete, and that ambition can either fuel a career or quietly hijack it. In this episode, TJ and Sam explore how to honor your drive without losing sight of the impact you're making today. Using Dusty May's recent press conference as a jumping-off point, they work…
more -
Episode 662 - Practice Design That Transfers to Games
What if your practices could build basketball IQ, sharpen habits, and raise engagement all at once? In this episode, Sam and TJ break down how to use a games-based and constraints-led approach to make sure what your team works on in practice actually transfers to games. They share specific games...
-
Episode 661 - Developing a Mental Edge
Every coach preaches toughness and confidence — but how do we actually define and teach them? In this episode, TJ and Sam dig into the five mental components of a player's mindset: approach, confidence, composure, toughness, and competitive greatness. You'll hear the lion vs. sparrow mentality…
more -
Episode 657 - Basketball Trends in Today's Game
TJ and Sam explore how basketball trends evolve through the influence of iconic players, successful teams, and today's strategies. From Magic and Bird to Jordan, Curry, and today’s NBA contenders, they discuss the return of two-way player, the value of role players, ball movement, spacing, and...
-
Episode 656 - More Than Winning with Mano Watsa
Coaches, players, and parents all share the tendency to get caught up in the doing and grinding through seasons without pausing to define what a meaningful experience actually looks like. TJ, Sam, and special guest, Mano Watsa, President of PGC Basketball walk through how to build a vision for…
more -
Episode 655 - Choosing Your Offensive System
TJ and Sam discuss how coaches should choose the right offensive system for their team, emphasizing that there is no single “best” offense—only the offense that best fits a team’s age, skill level, personnel, developmental goals, and competitive needs. They compare different offensive approaches...
-
Episode 654 - Defensive Non-Negotiables
This week, TJ and Sam dig into one of the most important defensive questions every coach faces: What are your true non-negotiables? Instead of getting lost in schemes, coverages, and endless tactical adjustments, they challenge coaches to narrow their focus and identify the 2–3 defensive habits...
-
Episode 652 - Communication, Culture, and Connection with Betsy Butterick
What if the biggest thing holding your team back isn’t effort, but communication? Betsy Butterick, communication specialist, coaches' coach, and author, joins the Hardwood Hustle to unpack why today’s athletes respond differently and how coaches can evolve without losing authority or standards....
-
Episode 651 - The Athletic Director - Coach Relationship Blueprint
What makes a great coach–athletic director relationship—and why do so many fail? In this episode, Sam and TJ break down the conversations that should happen before a hire is ever made, from defining what “winning” actually means to uncovering a coach’s true vision and identity. They dig into the...
-
Episode 650 - Why Team Cohesion Equals High Performance with Ben Darwin
Why do some talented teams underperform and why do some less talented teams overachieve? In this episode, Ben Darwin, CEO of Gain Line Analytics unpacks years of research to help coaches build more cohesion. From locker rooms to data models, he shares eye-opening insights on how shared…
more -
Episode 649 - Coaching Mindset & Leadership Strategies
What you say and how you say it can build or break your team. In this episode, TJ and Sam unpack coaching soundbites from press conferences about calling players out publicly and what it reveals about leadership, accountability, and team trust. They also dive into practice philosophies – do…
more -
Episode 648 - 3 Practice Essentials with Coach Edward LeBlanc
In this episode, Edward LeBlanc breaks down the three essential ingredients every great practice needs: fun, finding something new, and embracing frustration. He challenges coaches to redefine “fun” as enjoyment of growth and hard work, while emphasizing that real improvement comes from discovery...
-
Episode 647 - Coach Don Meyer's Definite Dozen
What does it really take to build a winning team in today’s ever-changing game? In this episode we revisit Don Meyer's Definite Dozen and apply them to coaching today. Whether it's addressing academics, or building team identity, this conversation uncovers the hidden foundations behind great...
-
Episode 646 - Coaching Effort, Improving Practices, & Parent Dynamics (Mailbag Episode)
What do you do when your best player stops giving effort, or when parents start pulling your team in a different direction? In this listener-driven episode, TJ and Sam dive into the real challenges coaches face, from motivating teammates and bridging skill gaps to creating practices that actually...
-
Episode 645 - TJ's Postseason Evaluation
What separates good coaches from great ones isn’t simply experience—it’s evaluated experience. Using one of PGC Coaching's postseason evaluation tools, TJ evaluates critical aspects of his program this past season giving coaches a framework they can build off of. From building winning habits to...
-
Episode 644 - Breaking Down the Value of the 3-Point Shot
The three-point shot has transformed basketball—but are teams actually using it the right way? In this episode, TJ and Sam dig into the analytics behind the 3, why only a handful of college teams shoot 40% from deep, and how chasing threes the wrong way can hurt your offense. They break down the...
-
Episode 643 - Building Player Buy-In & Connection with Brendan O'Meara
This week TJ and Sam are joined by Brendan O'Meara, national college championship rugby coach and current professional Major League Rugby Attack Coach. They discuss what it really takes to build buy-in with players. They explore how connection, clarity, and courageous conversations shape strong...
-
Episode 642 - 500 Wins: Lessons in Leadership, Coaching, & Culture
This week, TJ reflects on reaching 500 career wins and the lessons learned across more than two decades of coaching. From early experimentation and self-doubt to hard conversations and fighting for team culture, he shares the pivotal experiences that have shaped his philosophy. Show Notes:...
-
Episode 641 - Improving Player Development
This week, TJ and Sam dive into player development and discuss the best approach, why coaches and players may be frustrated, and overlooked areas such as defense, mindset, application, and alignment. Show Notes: The evolving conversation around player development Constraints-led approach (CLA)…
more -
Episode 640 - Coaching Late-Game Situations
As teams prepare for postseason play, Sam and TJ break down what it truly takes to win in late-game situations. The episode covers everything from practice time allocation and free throw scenarios to full-court defense, trapping decisions, and clock management. Drawing from real games and…
more -
Episode 639 - Coach Neighbors Top 3s: Rules for Culture, Leadership, Coaching, & More
This week we’re back again with Coach Mike Neighbors, and this time going through his lists of Top 3’s sparking conversation on culture, leadership, game coaching, and a little life outside of basketball. There's life lessons and practical insights to challenge us as coaches to think differently,...
-
Episode 638 - What Every Coach Needs to Know About Referees
This week, our referee friend Tim McLean with over 35 years of experience joins the show to pull back the curtain on officiating. From managing emotions and reading the game to how coaches, players, and parents can communicate better with refs, this episode offers practical insight to improve...
-
Episode 637 - Coaching Adjustments, Simplicity, and Winning
Coaching is more than X’s and O’s—and in this episode, TJ and Sam break down how coaches can make smart adjustments during tough stretches, balance winning with development, and find or stay true to their team identity. Show Notes: How Much Is Too Much? Winning vs. Development The “Can Count On”...
-
Episode 636 - A Conversation with Coach Mike Neighbors
This week, our old friend, Coach Mike Neighbors joins the show to share his latest reflections, learnings, and experiences in coaching including how to look at your Offensive and Defensive Xs and Os and ensure you're solving the right problems. Show Notes: • Taking Advantage of New Learning...
-
Episode 635 - Managing 2 Days Between Games
This week, Sam and TJ discuss the critical two-day prep period between games especially after coming off a loss, needing to evaluate your team, determining the focus in practice, and addressing both team dynamics and individual needs. Show Notes: Navigating Two-Day Game Prep Assessing Team…
more -
Episode 634 - Navigating the Tension in Coaching
This week TJ and Sam discuss the tension we all feel in coaching when you’re competing at a high level. This week they discuss how to have and handle healthy tension that’s going to benefit your team rather than hurt your team. Show Notes: Natural tension among team members Benefits of healthy...
-
Episode 633 - Mastering In-Game Coaching
In-game coaching is usually a coach's biggest strength or weakness. This week TJ and Sam share 5 aspects of it that are crucial to growing in for your team’s success. Show Notes: Substitutions Timeouts Adjustments Pregame talks Postgame talks Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include...
-
Episode 632 - 4 Quarters: Closeouts, Exploiting Matchups, Scouting, and Developing Point Guards
This week we have a 4 quarters episode on applicable topics for in-season troubleshooting which are closeouts, exploiting matchups, scouting opponents, and developing point guards. Show Notes: Teaching closeouts within your strategy and philosophy Exploiting matchups and offensive tactics How…
more -
Episode 631 - The Power & Importance of Player-Coach Conversations
Having the right conversations at the right time is crucial to your success as a coach. This week, TJ and Sam dive into the importance of player-coach conversations throughout the season and how to ensure they’re productive and helpful for you and your team. Show Notes: The Importance of...
-
Episode 630 - Having More Effective Practices
This week TJ and Sam discuss how to make your practices more effective including setting up drills, reinforcing habits, teaching the game, and building culture. Practice is where coaches spend most of their time Building relationships and having check-ins Drills should supplement live play, not...
-
Episode 629 - Leading Throughout the Season
This week TJ and Sam discuss how to lead well through the ups and downs of a season. Whether it’s coaching style, your team’s identity, or diagnosing your Xs and Os, as they discuss, it all comes down to knowing how to get the best out of your team. Show Notes: Coaching is Teaching and Leading...
-
Episode 628 - Building Confidence & Grit with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff
This week we’re joined by Dr. Cindra Kamphoff. She’s a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, and founder of the Mentally Strong Institute. As an expert in helping teams and athlete reach their goals with mental skills, in this episode Dr. Kamphoff shares how to improve your players'...
-
Episode 627 - The Pros and Cons of Pressure Defense
This week TJ and Sam discuss the pros and cons of implementing pressure defense in your program and how to break it on offense. Show Notes: Offensive and defensive pressure How to decide whether to press or not Development and competition Implications for the youth level Knowing what and why Is...
-
Episode 626 - Scoring More Points
This week we have special guests, John Carter from Noah Basketball and Mano Watsa from PGC Basketball with us to discuss three specific ways you can improve team and individual scoring this upcoming season. Show Notes: • Introduction to scoring more points • Generating good shots • Understanding...
-
Episode 625 - Transforming Your Program with Coach Savannah Bix
This week we’re joined by Savannah Bix, who’s going into her 8th season as a high school head coach. She’s won four region titles and is a 5x Region Coach of the Year. She has experience rebuilding a program and shares how she builds her team culture and lays a foundation for success. Show Notes:...
-
Episode 624 - The Mental Side of Winning
The keys to winning consistently and taking your program to the next level aren’t developed overnight. This week, TJ and Sam share how to cultivate a winning culture and set expectations. Show Notes: • Understanding player mentality and team focus • Sustaining success • The role of psychology in...
-
Episode 623 - Coaching a New Season
Going into the upcoming season, you probably have a list of things you’re looking to change or improve on. In this episode TJ shares 4 things he’s going to be implementing and adjusting with his team to inspire ideas for your coaching. Show Notes: Do you coach the same season every year? Hold…
more -
Episode 622 - Advice to Younger Coaching Self
In order to maximize our coaching experience, this week we discuss the things we wish we had known as a younger coach from both the assistant and head coach perspective. Show Notes: • Only one real shortcut in life - mentorship • Nobody is perfect • Be clear and connected to your Why as a coach •...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Hardwood Hustle podcast brought to you by PGC Basketball seeks to educate, empower and encourage coaches around the world. Your hosts, coaches TJ Rosene and Sam Allen share their experiences and perspectives centered around the game of basketball. Guest interviews from the biggest names in basketball and beyond, provide keen insights into how coaches can achieve a high level of success and be transformational in the lives of their players.The Hardwood Hustle has been equipping and inspiring the basketball community since 2014. Allow our guides TJ and Sam to journey with you and help you enjoy a fulfilling coaching career season after season.
HOSTED BY
HardwoodHustle.com
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Hardwood Hustle have?
Hardwood Hustle currently has 575 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Hardwood Hustle about?
The Hardwood Hustle podcast brought to you by PGC Basketball seeks to educate, empower and encourage coaches around the world. Your hosts, coaches TJ Rosene and Sam Allen share their experiences and perspectives centered around the game of basketball. Guest interviews from the biggest names in...
How often does Hardwood Hustle release new episodes?
Hardwood Hustle releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 575 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Hardwood Hustle?
You can listen to Hardwood Hustle on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Hardwood Hustle?
Hardwood Hustle is created and hosted by HardwoodHustle.com.
URL copied to clipboard!