PODCAST · sports
Making the Team
by Erik Soderborg
Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team.We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.
Episodes
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5 Final Fours, 3 Title Games: Coach Donny Daniels' Incredible Basketball Journey
Coach Donny Daniels has seen college basketball from the very top. Five Final Fours. Three national championship game appearances. Eleven seasons on Rick Majerus' staff at Utah, seven at UCLA under Ben Howland, and nine at Gonzaga with Mark Few. He recruited Keith Van Horn and Andre Miller to…
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What It REALLY Takes to Play Professional Basketball | Zac Seljaas
What does it really take to go from high school basketball to playing professionally? In this episode of Making the Team, I sit down with professional basketball player Zac Seljaas to talk about his journey from Bountiful High School in Utah to BYU and ultimately professional basketball in…
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Beckam Rees Interview | His Riverton High Basketball Legacy
What does it take to succeed as a high school basketball player? In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Beckam Rees - standout guard for the Riverton Silverwolves. We talk about his basketball journey, Riverton legacy, and what it takes to compete at a high level. Beckam shares...
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The #1 Recruit Who Chose Duke Over BYU — Now He Coaches for the Cougars
Chris Burgess knows what it feels like to have the entire basketball world watching. Coming out of Woodbridge High School in Irvine, California as the nation's #1 recruit and a McDonald's All-American, Burgess had his pick of programs — and chose Duke University over BYU, playing for Coach Mike...
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Real Talk with Orem's New Head Coach DJ Conner | Basketball, Life & Lessons
DJ Conner grew up playing basketball at Orem High School — and now he's back, this time as the head coach of the Golden Tigers. After spending two years as the head coach at Mountain View High School, Coach Conner has returned to his alma mater to build something special in Orem. In this...
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"We Want Utah Kids." Coach Casey Stanley's Vision for Westminster Griffins Basketball
Coach Casey Stanley sits down for an in-depth interview about his journey to becoming the new head men's basketball coach at Westminster University in Salt Lake City. With 18 years of collegiate coaching experience — including 15 seasons at the NCAA Division I level — Stanley has worked alongside...
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Utah's Head Coach Alex Jensen on Recruiting, Culture & Restoring Runnin' Utes Basketball
Alex Jensen sits down to talk about his journey from Viewmont High School standout and Utah's Mr. Basketball to the 17th head coach of the University of Utah Runnin' Utes men's basketball program. Coach Jensen opens up about getting recruited by the legendary Rick Majerus, starring on Utah's 1998...
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From 2 Wins to Mr. Basketball - How Tre Smith Rebuilt Cyprus High Hoops
Cyprus High School head basketball coach Tre Smith sits down to talk about his 12-year journey rebuilding the Pirates basketball program from the ground up. A former Cyprus star and University of Utah basketball player, Coach Smith returned to West Valley to transform a program that had won just…
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Coach Andre Ashton's First Season at Mountain Ridge
Mountain Ridge Sentinel Boys Basketball head coach Andre Ashton sits down to talk all things basketball after completing a historic first season at the helm. Coach Ashton and his players led the Sentinels to the winningest record in school history, capping off the remarkable year with a run to…
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Utah 6A Coach of the Year: Kyle Straatman on Building a Winning Team
What does it take to build a championship-level high school basketball team? In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Kyle Straatman, head coach of the Bingham Miners and Utah 6A Coach of the Year, to talk about Bingham’s incredible season that ended with a state runner-up finish.…
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The Rise of Luke West | Bingham Basketball Standout
What does it take to succeed as a high school basketball player?In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Luke West, standout guard from Bingham Miners, to talk about his basketball journey and what it takes to compete at a high level. Luke shares insights into the work behind the…
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The Mindset of Elite High School Basketball Player - Crew Fotheringham
What does it take to become a great high school basketball player? In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Crew Fotheringham, standout player from Lone Peak Knights, to talk about his basketball journey, development, and what it takes to compete at a high level. Crew shares insights...
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Inside Lone Peak High School Basketball: Coach Izzy Ingle
🏀 Go inside Lone Peak High School Basketball with Head Coach Izzy Ingle as he shares his coaching philosophy, team-building strategies, and what it takes to develop championship-level players. In this interview, Coach Ingle breaks down his approach to creating winning basketball programs,...
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How to Actually Train a High School Basketball Player (Legendary Coach Explains)
What does it actually take to train and develop great basketball players? In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with legendary performance coach Bob Medina to talk about the science and philosophy behind training basketball players — especially at the high school level. Coach Medina...
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Zach Gagon Interview - Skyridge Basketball
We sit down with Zach Gagon - senior guard for the Skyridge Falcons, and we talk about the varsity basketball experience. Zach is a tough, tenacious defender and senior leader. He shares his perspective on the preparation for guarding some of the best players in the state and his reflections on…
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Joel Gardner Interview - Skyridge Senior Point Guard
In this episode of Making the Team, we sit down with Joel Gardner, senior point guard for Skyridge Falcons, to talk about the real experience of being a high school varsity basketball player. Joel shares what people don’t always see—early mornings, pressure to perform, balancing school with...
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Coach Jeff Gardner - Skyridge High School
Jeff Gardner is the head coach of the Skyridge Falcons in Lehi, Utah. He won 2 state championships as a player and has been to the state championship game multiple times as a coach. His teams are known for their aggressive, fast-paced play and disciplined approach. He shares his thoughts on...
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Coach Andrew May is Building a National JUCO Powerhouse & His Advice for High School Players
What does it take to make a Junior College basketball team? In this episode of Making the Team, I sit down with Coach Andrew May, head coach of the powerhouse Snow College Men’s Basketball program. After finishing last season as the #1 ranked JUCO team in the nation and currently sitting at #4,...
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The Realities of Coaching a 1A School – Coach Connor Patten - Tintic High School
In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Connor Patten, head basketball coach at Tintic High School, a small-town program in Eureka, Utah. Tintic is a 1A school - the smallest classification of high schools in the state. Coach Patten opens up about what it’s really like…
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From Local Legend to Pro – Parker Van Dyke’s Full Basketball Journey
In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Parker Van Dyke, former University of Utah basketball standout and current professional player, to break down his incredible journey through the game. From AAU tournaments and Utah high school hoops, to playing for the Utah Utes in...
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Inside the Mind of a High School Coach – Gus Sopeña Gets Real
In this heartfelt interview, Making the Team host Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Gus Sopeña, head coach of the Summit Academy boys basketball team, for an honest conversation about the emotional and mental challenges of coaching — and the deep rewards that come from helping young athletes...
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More Than Basketball – Coach Amico’s Mission at Pine View High
In this inspiring interview, Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Patrick Amico, the head coach of the Pine View High School Boys Basketball Team. Known for his leadership both on and off the court, Coach Amico shares how he's working to give his players more than just a basketball season — he’s...
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What it Takes to Play College Basketball Jon Judkins - Winningest College Coach in Utah History
Coach Jon Judkins share what he and his staff at Utah Tech look for when recruiting high school players to make their D1 Basketball team. Coach Judkins is headed into his 21st season as the head coach of the Utah Tech Trailblazers Mens Basketball Team and is a Six-time Pacific West Conference…
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Basketball Coaching Masterclass - Chris Jones
Chris Jones has been coaching for decades, with most of his time at the college level with the University of Utah, Utah State, and Westminster. He also coached professionally in England and now coaches the Highland Rams high school team in Salt Lake City. Highland made it to the state…
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Utah Basketball Star Rylan Jones Shares His Incredible Journey
We sit down with Rylan Jones — one of the most decorated high school basketball players in Utah history. A two-time Mr. Basketball, state champion, and on the Utah high school basketball record books. Rylan shares the highs and lows of his incredible journey through high school, college, and now...
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Coach Landen Cummings - East High School
Coach Landen Cummings just finished his first year at East High School in Salt Lake City and he talks about what he looks for in players, lessons he's learned so far, and what he looks forward to with his team in the upcoming year. Landen lives basketball. Playing in college and coaching through...
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The Realities of 27 Years as A High School Basketball Coach - Steve Galley
Coach Steve Galley is a legendary coach in the state of Utah. He started at Olympus High School, was the head coach at West Jordan and spent most of his career at Riverton High School - the school's first head basketball coach. He was also the coach of the Riverton team that knocked Erik's team…
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Copper Hills Head Coach - Brian Allfrey - Teaching More Than Just Basketball
Coach Brian Allfrey just completed his first year as the Copper Hills High School Boys Varsity Basketball Coach. While this is his first year as the Copper Hills head coach, Coach Allfrey has been coaching for decades, and is one of the most well-connected coaches in Utah. He shares the…
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One of Utah's Premier High School Point Guards - Isaiah Reiser
Isaiah Reiser is entering his senior season as the point guard of the Copper Hills High School basketball team. He is set to become the all-time leading scorer in Copper Hills school history and shares his mindset, work ethic, and goals for his basketball career. Isaiah's IG:...
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Most People Are WRONG About The Rules of Basketball
35-Year Basketball Official reveals the realities of high school officiating. For any athlete, coach, or parent, this information is a must-watch to better understand how to work with referees, even if you disagree with calls. Turns out, most people don't actually know basketball rules, and your...
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The Difference Between High School and College Basketball - Ike Palmer
Ike Palmer is a 6'6" wind currently playing at Utah State Eastern. In his freshman season, he averaged 17 points per game and is a force to be reckoned with. Ike had a stellar high school career at Herriman High School and currently holds several school records, including scoring 39 points in a...
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What Do You Do When You Want to Quit? - Lance Gummersall
It's easy to give in to self-doubt and the urge to quit, especially when facing challenges. But by focusing on mental strength and grit, you can learn to believe in yourself and push through those tough times. Lance Gummersall is entering his 19th season as a coach. It will be his 2nd year as the...
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Davis Darts Senior Captain's Dagger 3 Crushed the Hearts of his State Championship Opponents
Bryker Couser is a vocal senior team captain of the Davis Darts. They are fresh off their 2025 Utah 6A State Championship and Bryker made some crucial plays down the stretch to put the game away for his team. Bryker talks about accepting his role on the team, being ready for big moments, and his...
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Utah's 6A Player of the Year - Coleman Atwater
Coleman Atwater is one of Utah's top basketball players. He is a prolific scorer, and the senior leader of the State Championship Davis Darts. He led the state in 3 pointers and was the 2nd leading scorer in 6A. Coleman is a serious athlete, but he's also brilliant, earning academic all state...
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Bennett Wright's Journey from Soccer Player to Basketball Team Captain and State Champion
Bennett Wright is a Senior Team Captain for the 2025 6A State Champion - Davis Darts. Bennett shares his basketball story and how accepting his role to make the team better meant putting aside some personal glory to achieve success for the entire team. We are grateful to have him on the show and...
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The Life of a Two-Sport High School Athlete (and State Champion)
Croydon Christensen is a 6’6” Senior Team Captain for the 2025 6A State Champion - Davis Darts. He is a foundational piece to this team and their success. Croydon shares his thoughts on the season and how he has managed to successfully navigate the stresses and pressures of high school life, all...
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From Making the Team to Varsity Captain and 2-Time State Champion
Luke Owen is the Varsity Team Captain of the 2-time State Champion Olympus Titans in Salt Lake City, Utah.Luke's character, toughness, and work ethic propelled him into a starring role for his senior season at the basketball powerhouse - Olympus High. Luke is a great basketball player and a solid...
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2025 Utah's Mr. Basketball & Back-to-Back State Champion - Gavin Lowe | Olympus High
Gavin Lowe is Utah's Mr. Basketball after his incredible 2024/2025 season. In his junior year, he led the Olympus Titans to back-to-back state championships. Gavin is a tenacious, relentless player who's toughness and aggression cause chaos for other teams. He is backed by some incredible…
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Our Favorite Basketball Shoe of the Past 30 Years
Erik has a problem and called an intervention for himself after he purchased his 7th pair of Book 1s. Other Eric is here to encourage Erik's obsession with these shoes and we discuss what makes these shoes special while comparing with Jordans, Currys, and Way of Wade alternatives. Congratulations...
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State Champion Coach Shares the Keys to a Successful Basketball Program
Coach Chad Sims, head coach of Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah, has won two state championships in the past 4 years in Utah High School Basketball’s highest class designation (6A). His teams are known for their physical defense, aggressive play, and disciplined teamwork. Coach Sims was kind...
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The INCREDIBLE Work Ethic of Carlo Mulford
Carlo Mulford is a 6'0" phenom point guard at Herriman High School. He just finished his Junior year and here are a handful of his accomplishments. • Team Captain• 1st Team All Region• Region 2 Most Outstanding Player• 1st Team All State• Crossed 1,000 Career Points• Herriman High's All Time…
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6'8" SUU Commit - Cale Barclay - Shares His Basketball Story and Sacrifices
Cale Barclay just finished up a stellar season at Herriman High School.• Team Captain• 1st Team All Region• Academic All Region• Region 2 MVP• 1st Team All State• Academic All StateCale shares his thoughts on basketball, life, and moving on after a tough loss in the State Championship Game.Please...
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BYU's Winningest Basketball Coach Jeff Judkins Shares His Story
Jeff "Juddy" Judkins has one of the most impressive basketball resumes on the planet. He was a high school sensation at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. He went on to play at the University of Utah where he is currently the 8th all-time leading scorer in Utes history - doing so…
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2025 Utah 5A/6A Boy’s Basketball State Tournament Recap
We go over the 2025 Utah 5A and 6A State Tournament brackets and our reactions to the games we saw. Remarkable talent, passion, and players on the court this year with exciting storylines. Notable performances by:Coleman Atwater - Davis High6A Tournament MVPState ChampionCale Barclay - Herriman...
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The Basketball You're Using May Be Why Your Shot Sucks
Is the basketball you're using affecting your shot? We measured 8 different basketballs to see whether or not the ball you're using in your pickup games is affecting your performance. If you're used to shooting with a particular basketball, and then play in a game that uses a different ball, your...
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Coach of the Year Explains How to Make a High School Basketball Team and See More Playing Time with Dough Meacham
Coach Doug Meacham is the head basketball coach of the Herriman High Mustangs in Herriman, Utah. They are the #1 ranked team in 6A headed into the 2024-2025 state tournament and have their eyes on a state championship. Coach Meacham shares his perspective around how youth and their parents can…
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THE BEST INDOOR BASKETBALL FOR SHOOTERS - Only Pure Shooters Will Understand
True shooters can feel the subtle differences between basketballs. In this video, we review 3 of the most popular indoor basketballs on the market and compare them with 2 basketballs that used to dominate the market.Let us know which ball is your favorite. Want to send in questions for us to ask...
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The Ugly Truth About the Odds of Making it to the NBA
The odds of a High School VARSITY basketball player of making the NBA is 0.03%. For every 10,000 varsity basketball players, only 2-3 will make it to the NBA. For every kid (and their parents) who dream of making the NBA, the harsh reality is that it is highly unlikely and maybe we should take a...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team.We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.
HOSTED BY
Erik Soderborg
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Making the Team have?
Making the Team currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Making the Team about?
Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team.We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.
How often does Making the Team release new episodes?
Making the Team has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Making the Team?
You can listen to Making the Team 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 Making the Team?
Making the Team is created and hosted by Erik Soderborg.
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