Derek Sloan is entering his 5th season as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach on previous WVWC head coach Nick Patella's staff and was appointed as the interim head coach on Aug. 10, 2021 before taking over the Bobcats’ program officially on September 15, 2021

In 2018, Sloan served as an assistant basketball coach at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind. The Cleveland, Ohio native was a member of the Cleveland State University men's basketball team from 2013-2018 where he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

On this episode Mike and Derek discuss why every drill and practice session must embody the pace and principles that you want to see during actual games. Throughout our exchange, we explore Sloan's coaching philosophy, which prioritizes efficiency and energy in practices, ensuring that players not only develop their skills but also understand their specific roles within the team framework. Furthermore, Sloan shares insights regarding the challenges of navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly in light of recent rule changes impacting recruitment and player eligibility. Ultimately, this conversation underscores the profound impact of deliberate practice design and the cultivation of a cohesive team culture on the overall success of a basketball program.

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Prepare to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Derek Sloan, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Website - https://wesleyanbobcats.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - sloan.d@wvwc.edu

Twitter/X - @CoachDSloan

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